Henry Jeffreys Zelley was a heartfelt and expressive writer whose words connected with readers seeking comfort, faith, and meaning.
Zelley is best remembered for his contributions to hymnody, particularly through beloved works like He Brought Me Out of the Miry Clay and Jesus Is Mighty to Save.
With a strong foundation in spiritual reflection, his writing often centered on themes of redemption, devotion, and the quiet strength found in everyday faith.
About the Song
He Brought Me Out of the Miry Clay is a beloved gospel hymn. The song draws its inspiration directly from Psalm 40:2-3, which speaks of God delivering the psalmist from a horrible pit and miry clay, setting his feet upon a rock, and putting a new song of praise in his mouth.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Released | 1898 |
| Album | Appeared in hymnals |
| Writers | Henry J. Zelley (1898) |
He Brought Me Out of the Miry Clay Lyrics
Verse 1
My heart was distressed ‘neath Jehovah’s dread frown,
And low in the pit where my sins dragged me down;
I cried to the Lord from the deep miry clay,
Who tenderly brought me out to golden day.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 2
He placed me upon the strong Rock by His side,
My steps were established and here I’ll abide;
No danger of falling while here I remain,
But stand by His grace until the crown I gain.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 3
He gave me a song, ’twas a new song of praise;
By day and by night its sweet notes I will raise;
My heart’s overflowing, I’m happy and free.
I’ll praise my Redeemer, Who has rescued me.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Verse 4
I’ll sing of His wonderful mercy to me,
I’ll praise Him till all men His goodness shall see;
I’ll sing of salvation at home and abroad,
Till many shall hear the truth and trust in God.
Chorus
He brought me out of the miry clay,
He set my feet on the Rock to stay;
He puts a song in my soul today,
A song of praise, hallelujah!
Similar Songs Like He Brought Me Out of the Miry Clay
Each of these hymns carries the same heartfelt message of redemption, rescue, and renewed hope through God’s grace:
- A Sinner, Lord, I Come to Thee: A Hymn that expresses the plea for salvation and the experience of being rescued by God’s grace.
- I Have Left the Land of Bondage Far Behind: The lyrics reflect a path from hardship and sin to freedom and redemption
- A Wretched Wanderer, Far from God: This song tells of being lost and then restored by God’s mercy, paralleling the change described in He Brought Me Out.
- Come to Jesus, Wanderer, Come: An invitation to the lost to find salvation and hope in Christ.
Similar Songwriters Like Henry Jeffreys Zelley
These songwriters, like Zelley, used their lyrical gifts to share messages of faith, redemption, and spiritual encouragement through timeless hymns:
- William J. Kirkpatrick
Notable Songs: Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, He Hideth My Soul, Lead Me to Calvary - John R. Sweney
Notable Songs: Beulah Land, Sunshine in the Soul, More About Jesus” - J. Lincoln Hall
Notable Songs: Does Jesus Care?, I Walk with the King, The Home Over There - Eliza Edmunds Hewitt
Notable Songs: When We All Get to Heaven, More About Jesus, Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown? - Emily Divine Wilson
Notable Songs: When We All Get to Heaven (music)
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Henry Jeffreys Zelley Live?
He lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (1859-1942), a period rich with gospel hymn development and widespread revivalist music movements.
Did Henry J. Zelley Collaborate with Other Hymn Writers?
Yes, his lyrics were frequently paired with music by notable composers like William J. Kirkpatrick, who helped popularize Zelley’s hymns in Christian songbooks.
