1. Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene one step enough for me. 2. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldst lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on. I loved the garish day, and spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: Remember not past years. 3. So long Thy pow'r has blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone. And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. 4. Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod, Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, Home to my God. To rest forever after earthly strife In the calm light of everlasting life.
Lyrics: John Henry Newman
Music: Charles Henry Purday
Tune: SANDON
John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
This hymn was written in 1833 by John Newman while he was returning to England after an extended trip to several Mediterranean countries. The hymn was published the following year under the title, “Faith–Heavily Leanings.” Newman, who initially served as an Anglican minister, was renowned for his conversion to Catholicism in 1845. He was ordained as a priest in 1847 and later became a cardinal in the Catholic church.