How Firm a Foundation

Words by G. Keith Music by M. Portogallo

"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word.”

“Once at evening devotion in the old Oratory of Princeton Seminary, ”Dr. C. S. Robinson relates,” the elder Hodge, then venerable with years and piety, paused as he read this hymn, preparatory to the singing. In the depth of his emotion he was obliged to close his delivery of the final lines with a gesture of pathetic and adoring wonder at the matchless grace of God in Christ, and his hand silently beat time to the rhythm instead: ' I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake !"

Giving an account of a visit to General Jackson at the Hermitage, in 1843, the Rev. James Gallager says in the ”Western Sketch Book:” “The old hero was then very frail and had the appearance of extreme old age; but he was reposing with calmness and confidence on the promise and covenant of God. He had now been a member of the church for several years.” During the conversation which took place, the General turned to Mr. Gallager, and remarked:

“There is a beautiful hymn on the subject of the exceeding great and precious promise of God to His people. It was the favorite hymn of my dear wife, till the day of her death. It commences in this way:' How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord.' I wish you would sing it now."

So the little company sang the entire hymn.