Then said Jesus unto the twelve,
John 6:67–69Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1, number 115. Will ye also go away?
Music: Maitland George N. Allen, The Oberlin Social and Sabbath Hymn Book (Oberlin, Ohio: James M. Fitch, 1844), number 109 (🔊 pdf nwc).
When any turn from Zion’s way,
(Alas! what numbers do!)
Methinks I hear my Savior say,
Wilt thou forsake Me too?
Ah Lord! with such a heart as mine,
Unless Thou hold me fast;
I feel I must, I shall decline,
And prove like them at last.
Yet Thou alone hast power, I know,
To save a wretch like me;
To whom, or whither, could I go,
If I should turn from Thee?
Beyond a doubt I rest assured
Thou art the Christ of God;
Who hast eternal life secured
By promise and by blood.
The help of men and angels joined,
Could never reach my case;
Nor can I hope relief to find,
But in Thy boundless grace.
No voice but Thine can give me rest,
And bid my fears depart;
No love but Thine can make me blest,
And satisfy my heart.
What anguish has that question stirred,
If I will also go?
Yet, Lord, relying on Thy Word,
I humbly answer, No!