" Hold that fast which thou hast, that no one take thy crown" (Rev. 3:11).
To all who hear the Voice Divine,
The Master's call appeals to-day-
" Hold fast! Hold fast that which thou hast;
Let no one take thy crown away."
"Hold that thou hast!" For teachers false
The Lord they claim to serve betray:
Deceiving and deceived, they lead
Untaught, unwatchful souls astray.
" Hold that thou hast! " The foes of faith
With serpent-tongue God's word decry;
And while of "Higher Truth" they boast,
The One who is "The Truth" deny.
" Hold that thou hast! " In guise of Light,
Satanic darkness spreads apace,
And only those its power withstand
Who keep God's faithful Word of Grace.
"Hold that thou hast!" Poor puny man
Dares faith deride and grace despise;
O'er all his vaunting and his pride
Apostasy's dark shadow lies.
" Hold that thou hast! " The foe is strong,
And weak are we, and fierce the fray,
But He to whom all power belongs
Is with us ever, all the way.
" Hold that thou hast!" Whoever assail-
The foe "within" or foe "without"-
The gates of hell shall not prevail,
His angel campeth round about.
" Hold that thou hast!" Hold fast the Faith,
Delivered once in trust from God;
The glorious gospel of His grace;
The Cross, and the atoning blood.
" Hold that thou hast!" His precious Word,
His peerless and beloved Name-
Which bows our hearts in homage here,
And which the highest heavens acclaim.
" Hold that thou hast!" In loving faith,
That closer clings in faithless days;
In power whose mighty source is God;
In prayerful life, in watchful ways.
"Hold that thou hast!" Thy garments keep
'Mid earth's allurements undefiled;
Hold fast the Holy and the True,
And be not of thy crown beguiled.
" Hold that thou hast!" Oh, may His love
Our hearts constrain to do His will,
Though darkness wax and light may wane,
To keep His word of patience still.
" Hold that thou hast!" Without the camp
The path of faith and service lies-
The path divine endeared by Him
Who stooped to serve in lowly guise.
" Hold that thou hast!" It little recks
How men may judge, how men may view-
The fire will test-the Day discern
Between the servants false and true.
" Hold that thou hast! " The deepening dark
But heralds His approaching Day;
Far spent the night-the Morning Star
The pilgrim cheers with brightening ray.
"Hold that thou hast!" Thy vigil keep-
Soon, soon shall pass the darksome night-
Who sow in tears, in joy shall reap,
And walk with Him in radiant light.
O blessed Lord, till Thou dost come,
Keep near Thyself Thy loved, Thine own,
That they the overcomer's crown
May cast with joy before Thy throne.
W. I. Grant