The cost is greater than at first expected
To be in God's unbounded gifts perfected.
he holds that
It does not cost too hard a strife
To be a Christian, pure and heaven-minded,—
But a Christian must be steadfast and persevering, as he admonishes himself and
others in the following very popular hymn. The translation is by Pastor P. C.
Paulsen.
Stand fast, my soul, stand fast
In Christ, thy Saviour!
Lose not the war at last
By faint behaviour.
It is of no avail
That thou hast known Him
If when thy foes assail,
Thou shalt His banner fail,
And thus disown Him.
To brandish high thy sword,
With calm assurance,
And face the devil’s horde
With brave endurance,
Is meet and well begun,
And merits praising.
But from the strife to run,
When blows thy courage stun,
Is most disgracing.
Let Satan rave and rage
By hosts attended,
The war for Christ I wage
Until it’s ended.
When leaning on His arm
With firm reliance,
I need not take alarm,
To me can come no harm
From Hell’s defiance.
When Jesus’ love I see,
It me constraineth,
So that from carnal glee
My soul abstaineth.
When heaven to me is dear,
