Christian Zeal

694 Running the Christian Race

1 AWAKE, my soul, stretch every nerve, And press with vigour on; A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown.

2 'Tis God's all-animating voice That calls thee from on high;

'Tis His own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye.

3 A cloud of witnesses around Hold thee in full survey;

Forget the steps already trod, And onward urge thy way.

4 Bless'd Saviour, introduced by Thee, Have we our race begun; And crown'd with victory, at Thy feet We'll lay our honours down.

Philip Doddridge, 1755.

695

Zeal in Duty

1 AWAKE my zeal, awake my love, To serve my Saviour here below, In works which perfect saints above, And holy angels cannot do.

2 Awake my charity, to feed The hungry soul, and clothe the poor: In heaven are found no sons of need, There all these duties are no more.

3 Subdue thy passions, O my soul!

Maintain the fight, thy work pursue;

Daily thy rising sins control, And be thy victories ever new.

4 The land of triumph lies on high, There are no fields of battle there;

Lord, I would conquer till I die, And finish all the glorious war

5 Let every flying hour confess I gain Thy gospel fresh renown; And when my life and labours cease, May I possess the promised crown!

Isaac Watts, 1720.