The original poem, usually in an abbreviated form, is found in several modern hymnbooks, including the People's Hymnal, 1867; the Congregational Church Hymnal, 1887, and others.
Throw away Thy rod. G. Herbert. [Discipline.] First published in his posthumous work The Temple, 1633, under the title “Discipline." The earliest attempt known to us to adapt this poem for congregational use was made by John Wesley. In his Collection of Psalms & Hymns, printed at Charlestown, America, 1736-7, it was altered from its 5.5.3.5 metre to S.M. and given as No. vii. of the "Psalms & Hymns for Wednesday and Friday." The first stanza begins:
"O throw away Thy rod!
O throw away Thy wrath!
My gracious Saviour and my God,
O take the gentle path."
The original poem, usually in an abbreviated form, is found in several modern hymnbooks, including the People's Hymnal, 1867; the Congregational Church Hymnal, 1887, and others.
--Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)