O Thou, My Soul, Forget No More

This hymn carries a remarkable history because it was originally written by Krishnu Pal, the first Hindoo convert baptized in Bengal through the labors of William Carey in the year 1800. His conversion marked a significant moment in the missionary work at Serampore, and his testimony of faith found its expression in several hymns written in the Bengali language. Among them, this hymn became the most well known. It was translated into English by Dr. Marshman in 1801 and later found a place in Rippon’s Baptist Selection in the year 1827 and in many later hymnals. The life of Krishnu Pal, his transformation through the gospel, and his devotion as a Christian minister give this hymn a special weight, for it rises from the heart of a man newly brought out of idolatry into the light of Christ.

The hymn itself is a gentle and earnest call for the soul to remember the Redeemer. It draws from the spirit of Psalm 103 verse 2, which commands the believer to bless the Lord and to forget none of His benefits. The text urges the singer to reflect deeply on the mercy that rescued the sinner and on the love that continues to preserve, strengthen, and guide. Krishnu Pal speaks to the wandering tendencies of the human heart by calling the soul back to the central truth of salvation. The believer is reminded that forgetfulness of divine grace leads to spiritual dryness, but remembrance restores devotion and renews faith.

The hymn builds its appeal by placing Christ before the mind as the faithful Friend who never abandons His own. Through simple yet profound lines, it encourages every believer to meditate on the price of redemption, to consider the compassion of Christ, and to return to a life shaped by gratitude and obedience. This mixture of personal testimony, scriptural foundation, and heartfelt devotion allows the hymn to speak clearly across cultures and centuries. It becomes a prayer that invites every singer to remember what God has done, to rest in His love, and to walk closely with Him.