Читать книгу Best Loved Hymns and Readings - Martin Manser - Страница 48

The work of John Monsell, Rector of St Nicholas in Guildford, this hymn has remained one of the most popular rallying cries of the Christian church, particularly associated with the Salvation Army. Monsell himself literally gave his life in the service of his calling, dying in an accident while inspecting repairs to the roof of his church. He was a great believer in providing rousing tunes for public worship and criticized the reserve of much church music. His other hymns include ‘0 worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness’.

Fight the good fight with all thy might!

Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right;

Lay hold on life, and it shall be

Thy joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God’s good grace,

Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face;

Life with its way before us lies;

Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

Cast care aside, lean on thy guide;

His boundless mercy will provide;

Trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove

Christ is its life, and Christ its love.

Faint not nor fear, His arms are near;

He changeth not, and thou art dear;

Only believe, and thou shalt see

That Christ is all in all to thee.

John Samuel Bewley Monsell (1811-75)