Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

By faith in CHRIST I walk with God

John Newton

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Source: Olney Hymns

By faith in CHRIST I walk with God,
With heav'n, my journeys'-end, in view;
Supported by his staff and rod,
My road is safe and pleasant too,
I travel through a desert wide
Where many round me blindly stray;
But He vouchsafes to be my guide,
And will not let me miss my way.
Though snares and dangers throng my path,
And earth and hell my course withstand;
I triumph over all by faith,
Guarded by his Almighty hand.
The wilderness affords no food,
But God for my support prepares;
Provides me every needful good,
And frees my soul from wants and cares.
With him sweet converse I maintain,
Great as he is I dare be free;
I tell him all my grief and pain,
And he reveals his love to me.
Some cordial from his word he brings,
Whene'er my feeble spirit faints;
At once my soul revives and sings,
And yields no more to sad complaints.
I pity all that worldlings talk
Of pleasures that will quickly end;
Be this my choice, O Lord, to walk
With thee, my Guide, my Guard, my Friend.