October 19, 2005

Have faith in God –
For trust and peace of mind;
Have faith in God –
To keep us true and kind;
Have faith in God –
Just as His love designed.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Am I a Soldier of the Cross?

Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

    Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13, 14.

    In Isaac Watts' time, much persecution was inflicted upon the English Dissenters -- those who had split from the official, state Anglican church. Stalwarts such as Isaac Watts became resolute and fearless in their proclamation and defense of the Gospel. "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" was written in 1724, following a sermon by Watts entitled "Holy Fortitude or Remedies Against Fears," and based on 1 Corinthians 16:13. These words are still a challenge for us today.
    Two versions of this hymn have been found. Am I a Soldier of the Cross had no chorus, and the music was composed by Thomas A. Arne. The second version, When the Battle's Over, only used the first, second, and third verses, but had a chorus (see at the end of the song). The music for the second version was composed by William B. Blake.

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?

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

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?

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

Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through skies,
The glory shall be Thine.

Chorus:
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a bright and shining crown;
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission