Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Watch and Pray

Watch and Pray.

Christian! seek not yet repose,Cast thy dreams of ease away;Thou art in the midst of foes,   Therefore watch and pray.

Gird thy heavenly armour on,Wear it ever, night and day;Near thee lurks the evil one,   Therefore watch and pray.

Listen to thy sorrowing Lord,Him thou lovest to obey;It is He who speaks the word,   Therefore watch and pray.

'Twas by watching and by prayerHoly men, of olden day,Won the palms and crowns they wear;   Therefore watch and pray.

Watch, for thou thy guard must keep;Pray, for God must speed thy way:Narrow is the road and steep,   Therefore watch and pray.