The hymn was written in 1830, but not published (as a hymn) until 1882. The author was in New York City, “Between his college and theological studies,” and was in poor health, and a teacher in a ladies’ school. Dr. Palmer says: “I gave form to what I felt by writing, with little effort, the stanzas. I recollect I wrote them with very tender emotion, and ended the last lines with tears.” The manuscript was then placed in a pocket-book, where it remained for some time. Its true discoverer was Lowell Mason, the musician, who asked young Palmer if he had not some hymn or hymns to contribute to his new book. The pocket-book was produced and the little hymn, then between two and three years old, and never previously utilized, though it had been in print as a poem, was brought to light. Dr. Mason was attracted by it, and desired a copy. They stepped together into a store (it was in Boston), and the copy was made and taken away without further comment. On carefully reading the hymn at home, Dr. Mason was so interested that he wrote for it the tune “Olivet,” to which it is usually sung. Two or three days later, he again met the author in the street, and scarcely waiting to salute him, he said, “Mr. Palmer, you may live many years, and do many good things, but I think you will be best known to posterity as the author of ‘My Faith looks up to Thee.’” The hymn appeared first in _Spiritual Songs for Social Worship_, 1831, by Thomas Hastings and Lowell Mason. It has been translated into many languages on the mission fields. _MUSIC._ OLIVET. For comments on the composer, Lowell Mason, see Hymn 12. 151. How firm a foundation _“K” in Rippon’s Selection_, 1787 A great song of faith, calling to mind such scripture passages as Heb. 13:5: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”; Isa. 43:1, 2: “Fear not, for I have redeemed thee: I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” The authorship is uncertain. The hymn appeared in _A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors_, 1787, edited by John Rippon, 1751-1836, pastor of the Baptist Church in Carter’s Lane, London, where it was signed “K.” Who “K” was remains uncertain. The best guess seems to be that it refers to Robert Keene, precentor in Dr. Rippon’s church. It is one more example of a writer sending forth an immortal song to bless and strengthen the faith of millions, and then hiding himself completely from public notice. _MUSIC._ ADESTE FIDELIS. For comments on this tune see Hymn 80. 152. We walk by faith, and not by sight _Henry Alford_, 1810-71