A Reader's Hymn

Here's an inspiring comment and hymn that I received from a young man in Canada. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me!

Tueri a vulnere,

John

Dear Joshua and John,

First of all, let me say that I think that you are doing a wonderful job on 'Ballantyne the Brave'. I look forward to every new post that you put up!

Secondly, I wanted to share with you a hymn for young men that I wrote. I want it to encourage, strengthen, and build in integrity the young christian men of today.

I had the inspiration for this hymn from Douglas Bond's 'Stand Fast' study book. In chapter 9 he concludes with the first line from the hymn, 'Rise up, O men of God'. In writing this hymn, I altered the first line to say, "Rise up, young men of God" - which is a more fitting title for what I am about to share.

Here it is:

"Rise up, Young Men of God"

by William M.

'Rise up young men of God,
Have done with lesser things;
Step straight the way that leads on high,
Exalt the King of Kings.

'Rise up young men of God,
He is our King and Lord;
And whether in your work or play,
Oh, think upon his word.

'Rise up young men of God,
Defend our holy Church;
And either if you win or die,
Come in to His new earth.

'Rise up young men of God,
Push on through this hard race;
Run with the help of God's Spirit,
And always through His grace.

'Rise up young men of God,
You shall not fear nor mope;
For God is our refuge and strength,
In trouble - our hope.

'Rise up young men of God,
For yet this race seems long;
Christ's name will help and push us on,
'Till we stand straight and strong."

The tune is 'St. Thomas' by Aaron Williams, and the meter is '6686'.