Today’s hymn comes from James Harrington Evans (1785-1849), son of the Rev. Dr. Evans, priest-vicar of Salisbury Cathedral, was born. Taking Holy Orders in 1808 he remained in the Church of England until 1815, when he seceded, and became a Baptist Minister. He was the Minister of John Street Baptist Chapel, Gray’s Inn Road, London, for many years1. J C Ryle included this hymn in his selection of hymns called “Hymns and Spiritual Songs”. Writing of this collection, Ryle says “If the three hundred hymns, which I now send forth, shall do good to the weakest lamb in Christ’s flock, and shall comfort, cheer, establish, or build up one suffering member of Christ’s mystical body, the labour which I have expended in collecting them, will be more than repaid.”2 I hope this hymn is an encouragement to you to persevere today; enjoy!
Faint not, Christian! though the road
Leading to Thy blest abode
Darksome be, and dang’rous too,
Christ, thy Guide, will bring thee through
Faint not, Christian! though in rage
Satan doth thy soul engage;
Take thee faith’s anointed shield,
Bear it to the battle-field.
Faint not, Christian! though the world
Hath its hostile flag unfurled;
Hold the Cross of Jesus fast,
Thou shalt overcome at last.
Faint not, Christian! though within
There’s a heart so prone to sin;
Christ, thy Lord, is over all,
He’ll not suffer thee to fall.
Faint not, Christian! though thy God
Smite thee with the chast’ning rod;
Smite He must with Father’s care,
That He may His love declare.
Faint not, Christian! Christ is near;
Soon in glory He’ll appear;
Then shall end thy toil and strife,
Death be swallowed up of life.
1hymnary.org/text/faint_not_christian_though_the_road
2gracegems.org/Ryle/ryle_hymns.htm
Hymn of the Day 