Yield Not to Temptation Lyrics
Author: Horatio R Palmer
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Savior,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
Yield Not to Temptation Hymn Story
Yield Not to Temptation is a hymn that was composed by the famous American hymn writer, Horatio Richmond Palmer in 1868. Palmer is responsible for both the words and the music of this hymn.
According to Palmer this song came instantaneously while he was studying the subject of “Theory”. It is not clear what he meant by “Theory” or exactly what he was studying.
But he says when the whole idea of the words and music came to him, he put aside his theoretical work and jotted down this song as fast as the pen could move.
He obviously did not want to lose this song that has come to bless millions of Christians all over the world.
He, however, made some minor adjustments to the third verse following his friend’s suggestion. And also, the tune was afterwards transposed from the key of A flat to that of B flat.
Except for these minor adjustments, the song we sing now is almost 100% of what Horatio Palmer jotted down that day after this song came to him.
A truly remarkable story and I suspect that this song might have come straight from heaven.
Horatio Palmer was born on 26th April 1834.
He published several works on music theory and was editor of various hymnbooks. Some of his publications include, Book of Anthems, Songs of Love for the Bible School etc.
Below are more posts on hymns’ lyrics and stories: –
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
Let All the World in Every Corner Sing
Up From the Grave He Arose Hymn History and Lyrics (Low in The Grave He Lay)
All People That on Earth Do Dwell
