Scripture Verse

A good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3

Introduction

portrait
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, ap­pend­ed to his Ser­mons, pub­lished 1721–24 (Am I a Sol­dier of the Cross?), alt. Re­frain by Ira San­key.

Music: Ira D. San­key, 1890 (🔊 pdf nwc).

illustration
Parsifal in Quest of the Holy Grail
Ferdinand Leeke
1859–1925

Lyrics

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?

Refrain

In the name of Christ the King,
Who hath purchased life for me,
Thro’ grace I’ll win the promised crown,
Whate’er my cross may be.

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Refrain

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Refrain

Since I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

Refrain