Scripture Verse

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Introduction

Words: Grant P. Ro­bin­son, in Heart and Voice, ed­it­ed by Will­iam F. Sher­win (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: John Church, 1881), page 74.

Music: Ky­o­to, ano­ny­mous, 1881 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Ro­bin­son (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Let others sing of battles fought
And won on bloody fields,
Where honor meets the man who wins,
And death the man who yields;
But I will sing of him who fights,
And vanquishes his sins;
Who struggles on through weary years
Against himself, and wins.

It calls for something more than brawn
Or muscle, to o’ercome
An enemy who marcheth not
With banner, plume, and drum―
A foe for­ev­er lurking nigh,
With silent, stealthy tread,
His presence with you day by day,
At night, beside your bed.

All honor, then, to that brave heart,
Tho’ poor or rich he be,
Who struggles with his baser part,
Who conquers, and is free!
He may not wear a hero’s crown,
Nor fill a hero’s grave,
But truth will place his name among
The bravest of the brave.