My pilgrim way

Author: Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar was born at Edinburgh, in 1808. His education was obtained at the High School, and the University of his native city. He was ordained to the ministry, in 1837, and since then has been pastor at Kelso. In 1843, he joined the Free Church of Scotland. His reputation as a religious writer was first gained on the publication of the "Kelso Tracts," of which he was the author. He has also written many other prose works, some of which have had a very large circulation. Nor is he less favorably known as a religious poet and hymn-writer. The three series of "Hymns of Faith and Hope," have passed through several editions. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872… Go to person page >

Jesus, while [whilst] this rough desert soil. H. Bonar. [Jesus' presence desired. ] Published in his Hymns of Faith and Hope, 1st series, 1857, in 5 stanzas of 4 lines, and headed "Strength by the way." In Kennedy, 1863, it reads, "Jesus, whilst this rough desert soil."

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)