Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.
Hosea 6:3
Words: William O. Cushing, 1878.
Music: Robert Lowry, Good as Gold (New York: Biglow & Main, 1880), page 134 (🔊 pdf nwc).
I wrote this hymn in 1878,the Rev. W. O. Cushing tells me.Longing to give up all for Christ who had given his life for me, I wanted to be willing to lay everything at his feet, with no wish but to do his will, to live henceforth only for his glory.
Out of this feeling came the hymn, ‘Follow On.’ It was written with the prayer and the hope that some heart might by it be led to give up all for Christ. Much of the power and usefulness of the hymn, however, are due to Mr. Lowry, who put it into song.Sankey, p. 160
Down in the valley with my Savior I would go,
Where the flowers are blooming
And the sweet waters flow;
Everywhere He leads me I would follow, follow on,
Walking in His footsteps till the crown be won.
Refrain
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Anywhere, everywhere, I would follow on!
Follow! follow! I would follow Jesus!
Everywhere He leads me I would follow on!
Down in the valley with my Savior I would go,
Where the storms are sweeping
And the dark waters flow;
With His hand to lead me I will never, never fear,
Danger cannot fright me if my Lord is near.
Refrain
Down in the valley, or upon the mountain steep,
Close beside my Savior
Would my soul ever keep;
He will lead me safely in the path that He has trod,
Up to where they gather on the hills of God.
Refrain