Christ hath made us free.
Galatians 5:1
Words: Palmer Hartsough, in The Praise Hymnal (Cincinnati, Ohio: Fillmore Brothers, 1896).
Music: James H. Fillmore, Sr., 1896 (🔊 pdf nwc). Fillmore originally wrote the song for use at the convention of Christian Endeavor in San Francisco, California. Fourteen trains of people sang the song on the way from Ohio to the convention. Afterward, Fillmore asked Hartsough, a writer on the staff of Fillmore’s music publishing house, to write new words so the song could be of more widespread use.
If you know where to get a better photo of Hartsough,
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
Refrain
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
Refrain
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.
Refrain
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
Refrain
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Refrain