The Little Songbook from 1914
In the March issue of “Skjulte Skatter” in 1914, a small notice was included at the end of the paper: “We will soon be publishing a songbook which will include approximately 50 new songs. The price will be 20 øre + 5 øre for postage. Orders can be placed with Elias Aslaksen, Hønefoss.”
This little song booklet of 50 songs was the first version of what would become the songbook “Herrens Veier.” In a private letter to Aslaksen in January 1914, Johan Oscar Smith also wrote that it was a joy to hear that 50 songs were ready to be printed.
“Sange om Herrens Veie” (Songs About the Ways of the Lord)
The booklet was published by Elias Aslaksen, but none of his own songs were included in this first edition, nor in the next one in 1916, when the songbook was expanded to 96 songs and bore the name “Sange om Herrens Veie.” In later editions the songbook bore the name “Herrens Veie,” [old Dano-Norwegian spelling meaning Ways of the Lord] and was later modernized to “Herrens Veier.”
Aslaksen’s first song, “Come, lift your voices; O let us sing,” was not published until 1920. In 1929, however, another edition came out in which nine songs by Aslaksen were included. One of the songs that was published at this time was “Zion I treasure”.
Rejections and Exhortations from Johan Oscar Smith
In the work of collecting songs, much of what had been written was likely either rejected or had to be rewritten. Johan Oscar Smith was concerned that the songs should be enduring and convey the message well. In a private letter in 1935, in connection with the preparation of a new songbook, Smith wrote:
“Thank you very much for the letter which I received today and the songs I received yesterday. I’m afraid I’ve marked ‘not suitable for printing’ on practically every single one. We can’t sing doctrines, exhortations, etc. Songs which are too long and have a chorus as well should be shortened. Battle songs and songs of praise are what we need. We can learn much from David’s psalms.”
Although going through this process likely would have felt tedious for someone who was so passionate about conveying the message, rejections and setbacks do not seem to have dampened Aslaksen’s motivation to continue working. Besides, he had enormous respect for Johan Oscar Smith and was very fond of him. This close and trusting relationship between them contributed greatly to making their collaboration work so well.
He also continued to write new songs himself. Two new songs were included in the edition of the songbook published in 1935, and in 1937 five of his songs were also included in a new edition of “Herrens Veier,” among them were the songs “Our all-wise God sent His decree” and “We’ve received living faith in our Savior”.
A Broad Range of Themes
The themes addressed in Elias Aslaksen’s songs are about as broad and comprehensive as those addressed in his messages and articles. Many of his songs have a long list of Bible references beneath the verses. For example, the song “Think of this: our old man was so firmly nailed . . .”, number 163 in “Ways of the Lord,” has no fewer than 26 different Bible references.
Here we clearly see Aslaksen’s enormous love for, and enthusiasm for, the Bible. He was known for reading the same Bible verses again and again, and he constantly found something new to be enthusiastic about in the words he read. Aslaksen was also gifted with languages and could therefore read several translations of the Bible in different languages. In addition, he very often used the concordance to examine various concepts from several angles.
Several of his songs also reflected his burning commitment to evangelism and outreach. After a missionary trip to England in 1953, he wrote the song “O where are they, dear Lord.” This was not included in “Herrens Veier” until 1994, 18 years after his death.
Elias Aslaksen wrote his songs based on the way he himself lived and practiced his Christian life. He demonstrated a burning love for his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, and a total contempt for everything else the world could offer. Like Paul, he counted all things loss, as rubbish, because of the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. Phil. 3:8-9.
Today new generations continue to find help, comfort, and inspiration for living a true and sincere Christian life in the songs of Elias Aslaksen.
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References
Kjell Arne Bratlie – En Herrens kriger – Elias Aslaksen 1888–1976 [A Warrior of the Lord—Elias Aslaksen 1888–1976]. Link to the National Library here:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elias Aslaksen:
Who Was Elias Aslaksen?
Elias Aslaksen was a well-known Norwegian preacher, author, and songwriter who was active from 1911 to 1976. He was an important and trusted coworker of Johan Oscar Smith in the establishment of, what is today, Brunstad Christian Church. He also took over the leadership of the church after Johan Oscar Smith died.
What Was Elias Aslaksen Best Known for in His Day?
Elias Aslaksen was known for his writings and his songs, but was probably best known for his messages. He often held public meetings where he preached a very radical Christian message, which often attracted great attention.
How Many Songs in “Ways of the Lord” Were Written by Elias Aslaksen?
A total of 25 songs in “Ways of the Lord” were written by Elias Aslaksen, including “Zion I treasure” and “Our all-wise God sent His decree.”
What Was Elias Aslaksen’s Relationship with Johan Oscar Smith?
Elias Aslaksen got to know Johan Oscar Smith in 1908, and they had a close friendship and they worked together for the rest of their lives. Aslaksen became one of Smith’s closest coworkers.
