Come, Labor On

Jane Borthwick (1813–1897)

Jane Borthwick was a Scottish hymn translator, poet, and devotional writer whose work opened the riches of German hymnody to English-speaking Christians. She became one of the most respected female contributors to nineteenth-century hymn literature, especially through her translations and original hymns that combined literary grace with warm evangelical faith.

She was born on April 9, 1813, in Edinburgh, the daughter of James Borthwick, manager of the North British Insurance Office. She spent much of her life there and became deeply involved in literary and Christian work.

Jane worked closely with her younger sister Sarah Borthwick Findlater. Together they edited and translated the famous collection Hymns from the Land of Luther, issued in several series between 1854 and 1862. This collection introduced English readers to German Lutheran hymns and quickly became highly influential.

Her translations were admired for both fidelity and singability. They gained widespread acceptance in hymnals across Britain and America, second only in popularity to the work of Catherine Winkworth. Through these efforts, many churches encountered the spiritual depth of German devotional song.

Among Jane Borthwick’s best-loved translations are “Jesus, Still Lead On” and “How Blessed from the Bonds of Sin.”These hymns encouraged believers in guidance, perseverance, and freedom in Christ.

She also wrote original hymns. Her most famous is “Come, Labour On,” a stirring call to Christian service and diligence in the work of the Lord. Another known text is “Rest, Weary Soul.” Her original writings often emphasized faithfulness, hope, and patient trust in God.

Under the initials H.L.L., Borthwick also contributed prose and poetry to the publication Family Treasury. She later published Thoughts for Thoughtful Hours (1859), a collection of meditative writings and poems. In 1875 she also issued Alpine Lyrics, translated from the Swiss poet Meta Heusser-Schweizer.

Jane Borthwick died in 1897. Her enduring legacy is found in the hymns she translated and wrote, which continue to strengthen worshippers with truths of guidance, labor, rest, and steadfast devotion to Christ.