So fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
1 Corinthians 9:26
Words: Leonard Swain, in The Sabbath Hymn Book (New York: Sheldon, Blakeman, 1858).
Music: Brighton (Sabbath) The Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book, edited by Lowell Mason, Edwards A. Park & Austin A. Phelps (New York: Mason Brothers, 1859), page 374 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good picture of Swain (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
My soul! weigh not thy life
Against thy heavenly crown,
Nor suffer Satan’s deadliest strife
To beat thy courage down.
With prayer and crying strong,
Hold on the fearful fight;
And let the breaking day prolong
The wrestling of the night.
The battle soon will yield,
If thou thy part fulfill;
For, strong as is the hostile shield,
Thy sword is stronger still.
Thine armor is divine,
Thy feet with victory shod;
And on thy head shall quickly shine
The diadem of God!