49 Septuagesima Sunday.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
From the Epistle. [1 Cor. 9:26]
7,7,7,7
Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade
Winkler. 1703.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
Strive when thou art called of God, When He draws thee by his grace, Strive to cast away the load That would clog thee in the race! | Fight, though it may cost thy life; Storm the kingdom, but prevail; Let not Satan's fiercest strife Make thee, warrior, faint or quail. | Wrestle, till through every vein Love and strength are glowing warm, Love that can the world disdain, Half-love will not abide the storm. | Wrestle with strong prayers and cries, Think no time too much to spend, Though the night be passed in sighs. Though all day thy voice ascend. | 50 Hast thou won the pearl of price, Think not thou hast reached the goal, Conquered every sin and vice That had power to harm thy soul. | Gaze with mingled joy and fear, On the refuge thou hast found; Know, while yet we linger here Perils ever hem us round. | Art thou faithful? then oppose Sin and wrong with all thy might; Care not how the tempest blows, Only care to win the fight. | Art thou faithful? Wake and watch, Love with all thy heart Christ's ways, Seek not transient ease to snatch, Look not for reward or praise. | Art thou faithful? Stand apart From all all worldly hope and pleasure, Yonder fix thy hopes and heart, On the heaven where lies our treasure. | Soldiers of the Cross, be strong, Watch and war 'mid fear and pain, Daily conquering woe and wrong, Till our King o'er earth shall reign! | |