Strive Aright When God Doth Call

Strive aright when God doth call thee,
When He draws thee by His grace,
Cast off all that would enthrall thee,
And deter thee from the race.

Wrestle, till thy zeal is burning
And thy love is glowing warm,
All that earth can give thee spurning,
Half love will not bide the storm.

Perfect truth will love to follow
Watchfully our Master’s ways;
Seeks not comfort poor and hollow,
Looks not for reward or praise.

Soldiers of the cross, take courage!
Watch and war ’mid fear and pain;
Daily conquering sin and sorrow,
Till our King o’er earth shall reign.

Author: Johann J. Winckler

Year: 1704

Original German text "Ringe recht, wenn Gottes Gnade" by Johann Joseph Winckler (1670-1722); translated into English by Catherine Winkworth. The given English version matches Winkworth's rendering (with minor variations) of Winckler's 1704 hymn.