Faint Not, Christian, though the Road

I have been enjoying the books Hymns and their Writers  and More Hymns and their Writers (Jack Strahan) over significant period of time. I hope to be able to share the story of a hymn and its writer each week.

Written by James Harinton Evans (1785-1849), "Faint not, Christian, thought the road" was the last of many hymns written, however, it is the most known. Having loved music, Evans used his strong singing voice and many hours at the piano and violoncello each day, he found it relaxing to sing hymns at the close of the day."Faint not, Christian, thought the road" appeared in the 1833 hymnal. It was first entitled "Patient Endurance" based on Hebrews 12:3 "For consider Him that endured..., lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." It was interesting to read that the metre and melody of this hymn are written to reflect a footfall of a traveller on the heavenly roadway.

Faint not, Christian, though the road
Leading to thy blest abode
Darksome be and dangerous too, 
Christ, thy Guide, will bring thee through. 


Faint not, Christian, though the rage
Satan doth thy soul engage;
Take thee faith's anointed shield, 
Bear it to the battle-field. 


Faint not, Christian, through 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, the Lord, is over all- 
He'll not suffer thee to fall.


Faint not, Christian,though thy God
Smite thee with the chastening 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 cease thy toil and strife,
Death be swallowed up of life.


Don't give up. Faint not. The journey is hard. The journey is tiring. The travel isn't easy, but HE is enough for the journey, and the traveller may go safely to the end if they keep their focus on HIM.