1 Away from earth my spirit turns—
Away from every transient good;
With strong desire my bosom burns
To feast on Heav’n’s diviner food.
2 Thou Savior, art the living bread,
Thou wilt my every want supply;
By Thee sustained, and cheered, and led,
I’ll press thro’ dangers to the sky.
3 What tho’ temptations oft distress,
And sin assails and breaks my peace;
Thou wilt uphold, and save, and bless,
And bid the storms of passion cease.
4 Then let me take Thy gracious hand,
And walk beside Thee onward still;
Till my glad feet shall safely stand,
Forever firm, on Zion’s hill.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #9311
Ray Palmer (b. Little Compton, RI, 1808; d. Newark, NJ, 1887) is often considered to be one of America's best nineteenth-century hymn writers. After completing grammar school he worked in a Boston dry goods store, but a religious awakening prodded him to study for the ministry. He attended Yale College (supporting himself by teaching) and was ordained in 1835. A pastor in Congregational churches in Bath, Maine (1835-1850), and Albany, New York (1850-1865), he also served as secretary of the American Congregational Union (1865-1878). Palmer was a popular preacher and author, writing original poetry as well as translating hymns. He published several volumes of poetry and hymns, including Sabbath Hymn Book (1858), Hymns and Sacred Pieces (1865… Go to person page >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files