From the Epistle. [1 Cor.9:26]

7,7,7,7

Ringe recht wenn Gottes Gnade

[65]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.

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!