How Firm A Foundation

“How Firm a Foundation” first appeared in a hymnal in 1787, titled “Selection of Hymns”, edited by John Rippon, pastor of Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London for 63 years, and his Minister of Music, Robert Keene. Their vision was to publish a church hymnal of the best authors, as an appendix to Dr. Watts’ psalms and hymns. There were eleven British editions of this hymnal. An American edition appeared in 1820.

No one knows the author, or composer, of this hymn, though many scholars attribute the composition to Robert Keene.

Each of the seven original stanzas was based on biblical promises, giving this hymn unique power. The first verse established the hymnist’s theme – God’s Word is a sufficient foundation for our faith. Precious promises of the Bible were selected and converted into hymn stanzas, among them:

• Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

• Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

• Hebrews 13:5 – For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It is clear to see why this hymn was first published under the title “Exceedingly Great and Precious Promises.”

  • Verse 1

    How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord
    Is laid for your faith in His excellent word
    What more can He say than to you He hath said
    To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled

    Verse 2

    In every condition in sickness in health
    In poverty's vale or abounding in wealth
    At home and abroad on the land on the sea
    As thy days may demand shall thy strength ever be

    Verse 3

    When through the deep waters He calls thee to go
    The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow
    For He will be with thee in trouble to bless
    And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress

    Verse 4

    The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
    I will not I will not desert to His foes
    That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake
    I'll never no never no never forsake

    © Public Domain
    R. Keene | George Keith