Horatio Palmer was one of New York’s favourite musicians. He was born in 1834 and grew up in a musical family. He was a music professor at Rushford Academy and later served as a choir director for the local Baptist Church.
Palmer’s account of how this hymn was written is as follows: This song was an inspiration. I was at work on the dry subject of ‘Theory,’ when the complete idea flashed upon me, and I laid aside the theoretical work and hurriedly penned both words and music as fast as I could write them. I submitted them to the criticism of a friend afterward, and some changes were made in the third stanza, but the first two are exactly as they came to me – I am reverently thankful it has been a power for good.
Lyrics and Music: Horatio R. Palmer
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s Name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He Who is our Savior our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.
This hymn encourages us to say no to sinful things. Another lesser known hymn written by Palmer on the same subject is entitled “Have Courage to Say No”.
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