FOOTPRINTS OF JESUS

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 1871

Origin and Authorship

“Footprints of Jesus” was written by Mary Bridges Canedy Slade (1826–1882), an American hymn writer and poet. She composed the text in 1871.

  • Author: Mary B. C. Slade

  • Date: 1871

  • Country: United States

  • Original purpose: To encourage Christian discipleship and faithful living

The hymn opens with the familiar line:

“Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
‘Come, follow Me!’”

Musical Setting

The hymn is commonly sung to a tune also called “Footprints of Jesus,” which is generally attributed to Asa Hull, a 19th-century American gospel song composer.

The pairing of Slade’s text with Hull’s tune helped the hymn spread widely in revival meetings, Sunday schools, and Protestant churches.

Theme and Message

The hymn is based on biblical discipleship, especially Jesus’ call in passages like:

  • Matthew 4:19 – “Follow Me…”

  • 1 Peter 2:21 – “…leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.”

Key themes include:

  • Following Christ’s example

  • Obedience and perseverance

  • Walking the Christian life even through suffering

  • Leaving a faithful witness for others to follow

The recurring image of footprints symbolizes a life patterned after Jesus.

Use in Worship and Evangelism

By the late 19th century, “Footprints of Jesus” had become popular in:

  • Evangelical Protestant churches

  • Revival and camp meetings

  • Missionary services

  • Sunday school hymnals

Its simple language and strong imagery made it especially effective for teaching Christian commitment.

Relationship to the “Footprints” Poem

It’s important not to confuse this hymn with the famous modern devotional poem “Footprints in the Sand.”

  • The hymn came nearly a century earlier

  • The poem focuses on God carrying believers in hardship, while the hymn emphasizes actively following Christ

They share imagery but are theologically and historically distinct.

Legacy

“Footprints of Jesus” remains a well-loved hymn because it:

  • Connects belief with daily action

  • Uses memorable imagery

  • Speaks across generations about faithful discipleship

It stands as a classic example of 19th-century American hymnody focused on Christian living, not just doctrine.

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