O Christian, on the billow of life's sea

O Christian, on the billow of life's sea

Author: F. E. Belden
Tune: [O Christian, on the billow of life's sea]
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

1 O Christian, on the billow of life's sea,
Think not a downy pillow thine can be;
First brave the roaring tempest, fierce and long,
Then gain the quiet harbor with a song!

Chorus:
Keep the helm steady on your upward way,
Watchful and ready ev'ry day;
Keep the helm steady!
Jesus gives command,
He is the Pilot to the better land.

2 Jesus, the faithful Pilot, has command;
Firm, at the helm of duty, we must stand.
He knows the reefs of danger near,
He tells the Christian sailor where to steer. [Chorus]

3 Peaceful the voyage, or stormy, God knows best,
Sure is the precious promise, home and rest.
On! bravely onward, then, no more opprest!
On! till you anchor in the harbor blest. [Chorus]

Source: The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book: for use in divine worship #1206

Author: F. E. Belden

Belden was born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1858. He began writing music in his late teenage years after moving to California with his family. For health reasons he later moved to Colorado. He returned to Battle Creek with his wife in the early 1880s, and there he became involved in Adventist Church publishing. F. E. Belden wrote many hymn tunes, gospel songs, and related texts in the early years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Belden was able to rapidly write both music and poetry together which enabled him to write a song to fit a sermon while it was still being delivered. He also wrote songs for evang­el­ist Bil­ly Sun­day. Though Belden’s later years were marred by misunderstandings with the church leadership over his royal… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: O Christian, on the billow of life's sea
Author: F. E. Belden
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Keep the helm steady on your upward way
Copyright: Public Domain

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Hymns for Use in Divine Worship ... Seventh-Day Adventists #d751

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The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book #1206

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