An imagined interview with Benjamin Wallin
(London, 1780)
Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Reverend Wallin. Many know you as the son and successor of the late Edward Wallin at the Maze Pond Baptist Church, but we would like to know more about the man behind the ministry.
Wallin: The Lord blesses me with my good health, even with this affliction from birth. It is my purpose in life to serve Him, and that is my greatest reward.
Interviewer: It's true that you've been a prominent figure in the church for many years. However, we've heard that you weren't always certain that the ministry was your path. What led you to change your mind and embrace this calling?
Wallin: It's true that I wrestled with my calling for some time. I was not a man of great learning or eloquence, and I feared that I would not be worthy of such a sacred and important duty. I had to be sure that I wasn't acting out of a sense of obligation, but out of a true and heartfelt conviction.
Interviewer: What finally convinced you that you were ready to answer the call?
Wallin: I realized that I didn't need to be perfect to serve God. He uses ordinary people for extraordinary things, and He provides the strength and wisdom we need to carry out His work. When I realized that, I felt a great sense of peace, and I knew that it was time to step into my calling.
Interviewer: We understand that you are also a composer of hymns. Can you tell us more about that?
Wallin: I have written a few hymns, yes, but I don't consider myself a poet. The words are just a way of giving thanks to God and expressing my faith. I write with a simple, direct style, focusing on the biblical story in each stanza. The best hymns are the ones that are easy for people to sing and remember.
Interviewer: We've heard that some of your hymns, like "Hail, Mighty Jesus," have been altered over time. How does that make you feel?
Wallin: It doesn't bother me. I am not the final arbiter of my hymns. They are for the people, and they can do with them what they please. If they find it useful to change some of the words or phrases, so be it. As long as the spirit of the hymn remains, that's what's most important.
Interviewer: What do you hope your legacy will be?
Wallin: I hope my legacy is not in my name, but in the name of the Lord. I pray that I will be remembered as a faithful servant who did his best to serve God and His people, not for any personal gain, but for the glory of God alone.
