Palmer Hartsough Grave

Hymn History: I Am Resolved & Author: Palmer Hartsough

“His full life of ministry and continual service are a testament to what he suggests in this very hymn—that he spent his days working for things to come.”
(Cameron Frank)

The Origin of the Hymn “I Am Resolved”

The hymn “I Am Resolved” has long served as a call to commitment and steadfastness in the Christian life. With its bold declarations of determination—“I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight”—the hymn has encouraged believers for well over a century to turn away from worldly distractions and follow Christ wholeheartedly. Its origin reflects both the spiritual climate of nineteenth-century American revivalism and the collaboration of a gifted lyricist and composer.

Palmer Hartsough: The Lyricist

The text of “I Am Resolved” was written by Palmer Hartsough (1844–1932), a pastor, educator, and hymnwriter from Michigan. Hartsough began his career as a teacher and eventually became a Baptist minister, serving congregations while also writing hymns and gospel songs.

Hartsough was associated with the Fillmore Brothers, prominent publishers of gospel hymnals in the Midwest. His contributions appeared in many of their collections, and he wrote a number of texts that became popular in revival meetings. Of his works, however, “I Am Resolved” stands out as the hymn most widely embraced across denominations.

The inspiration behind the text reflects the emphasis of the late nineteenth century on personal decision for Christ. Evangelists of the period, such as Dwight L. Moody and later Billy Sunday, frequently urged hearers to make a firm choice to leave behind sin and commit themselves fully to the Lord. Hartsough’s words capture this spirit of determination in language that is direct, memorable, and devotional.

James A. Fillmore: The Composer

The tune for “I Am Resolved” was composed by James A. Fillmore (1849–1936), a prolific composer and music publisher who played a major role in shaping gospel hymnody in America. Together with his brother Fred, Fillmore published numerous hymnals and songbooks that were widely used in churches and revival meetings across the Midwest and South.

Fillmore’s melody for “I Am Resolved” is bright, strong, and easy to sing, perfectly suited for congregational participation. The musical setting underscores the resolute character of the text, with its march-like rhythm suggesting forward movement and determination. The pairing of Hartsough’s words with Fillmore’s tune created a hymn that was both spiritually stirring and musically memorable.

Publication and Early Reception

“I Am Resolved” was first published in 1896 in Songs of the Gospel, one of the collections issued by the Fillmore Brothers. From the beginning, it was embraced in revival services and church gatherings. The hymn’s directness and simplicity made it especially appealing for evangelistic meetings, where people were urged to make immediate decisions to follow Christ.

The refrain, “I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free; Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee,” lent itself to repeated singing and personal appropriation. Congregations could join in with conviction, turning the song into a collective declaration of faith and obedience.

Themes of the Hymn

At its heart, “I Am Resolved” is a hymn of consecration and decision. Each stanza presents a resolution: to turn from sin, to follow Christ, to heed His teaching, and to enter into closer fellowship with Him. The hymn acknowledges the pull of worldly pleasures and distractions but rejects them in favor of eternal joy and divine fellowship.

The refrain emphasizes not only decision but action. The repeated phrase “I will hasten to Him” conveys eagerness and joy in following Christ. This element of the hymn makes it especially effective in times of invitation, when worshippers are called to respond personally to the gospel.

Influence in Revivalism

The hymn’s popularity was closely tied to the revivalist tradition of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Songs like “I Am Resolved” were not merely sung for worship but were tools of persuasion, designed to move hearers toward decision. Evangelists and song leaders found it ideal for closing moments of a sermon, when individuals were invited to come forward in commitment.

Its marching quality also made it a favorite for Sunday schools, youth groups, and Christian Endeavor meetings, where the theme of determination resonated strongly with younger believers. In these contexts, it served both as an encouragement to perseverance and as a joyful affirmation of discipleship.

Legacy and Continuing Use

More than a century after its publication, “I Am Resolved” remains in many hymnals and continues to be sung in churches across denominations. Its enduring appeal lies in the clarity of its message: following Christ requires firm decision and wholehearted commitment.

Though musical styles and worship practices have changed, the hymn’s core theme still resonates. Christians of every generation face the challenge of distraction and compromise, and the hymn provides a language of resolution that is timeless. It is both a personal prayer and a corporate anthem of discipleship.

Conclusion

The origin of “I Am Resolved” reflects the spiritual and musical energy of late nineteenth-century American revivalism. Written by Palmer Hartsough and set to music by James A. Fillmore, the hymn has inspired believers for more than 125 years to make firm commitments to Christ and to pursue Him with joy and eagerness.

Its simple, direct words and strong, memorable tune continue to call Christians to decision, reminding them that discipleship is not passive but requires resolve. In every generation, the hymn still rings true: “I am resolved to follow the Savior, faithful and true each day.”