I’ll point to His redeeming blood,
And say, ‘Behold, the way to God.’”
The author had known the joy of finding Christ and his hymn reflects his personal experience. While frequenting London, as a youth, in a vain search for employment,
He became addicted, in consequence, to sight-seeing, song-singing, play-going, card-playing, horse-racing, ball-frequenting, and the like. But on an Easter visit to London, in 1735, he was seriously impressed as he was walking hastily in Cheapside. He became greatly distressed on account of his sins, broke off from his sinful course, and walked softly before God; but he found no peace until September 6, 1737, in his nineteenth year, when he was enabled to trust in Christ alone and find joy and peace in believing.
For further comments on John Cennick, see [Hymn 130].
MUSIC. DUANE STREET, a stirring revival tune, was composed by Rev. George Coles, in 1835, for one of James Montgomery’s hymns, but has been associated with this hymn for many years.
George Coles, 1792-1858, was born in Stewkley, England, and died in New York City. He came to America as a young man and spent all his life in the Methodist ministry. He was editor of the New York Christian Advocate and the Sunday School Advocate, for some years, and was a composer of ability, besides being a good singer.
469. Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole
James Nicholson, 19th cent.
A hymn that has brought joy and release to many sin-burdened souls, especially encouraging with its promise in stanza 4: