Christian, dost thou see them?

General information

Lyricist: John Mason Neale.

Settings by composers

• Joseph Barnby SATB
• John Bacchus Dykes SATB

Original text and translations

English text

1  Christian, dost thou see them on the holy ground, how the pow'rs of darkness rage thy steps around? Christian, up and smite them, counting gain but loss, in the strength that cometh by the holy cross. 2  Christian, dost thou feel them, how they work within, striving, tempting, luring, goading into sin? Christian, never tremble; never be downcast; gird thee for the battle, watch and pray and fast.

3  Christian, dost thou hear them, how they speak thee fair? "Always fast and vigil? Always watch and prayer?" Christian, answer boldly, "While I breathe I pray!" Peace shall follow battle, night shall end in day. 4  Hear the words of Jesus: "O my servant true: thou art very weary - I was weary too; but that toil shall make thee some day all mine own, and the end of sorrow shall be near my throne."