Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Words: Edward A. Barnes, in Better Than Pearls, edited by James E. White, Charles W. Stone & A. B. Owen (Battle Creek, Michigan: J. E. White, 1881), number 33.
Music: Voronezh Charles W. Stone (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Barnes or Stone (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
In the strife with sin and error,
Going on in many hearts,
Who shall win, if not the Christian,
By the grace that God imparts?
In the Rock, the Rock of Ages,
Seen by faith, and ever near,
Who can trust, if not the Christian,
When the storms of life appear?
In this world of many blessings
Blended oft with happy days,
Who has joy, if not the Christian,
Shunning all forbidden ways?
When the hand of stern affliction
Overtakes the stricken one,
Who can say, if not the Christian,
Father, let Thy will be done
?
From the care, the toil, the sorrow,
That to all will surely come,
Who shall rest, if not the Christian,
In the Father’s blessèd home?
To the perfect life in Heaven,
When the storms of life are o’er,
Who will come, if not the Christian,
When this transient life is o’er?