270    8.7.     J. Hart
“Put on the whole armour of God.” Eph. 6. 11-13

1 Gird thy loins up, Christian soldier;
  Lo! thy Captain calls thee out;
  Let the danger make thee bolder;
  War in weakness, dare in doubt.
  Buckle on thy heavenly armour;
  Patch up no inglorious peace;
  Let thy courage wax the warmer,
  As thy foes and fears increase.

2 Bind thy golden girdle round thee,
  Truth to keep thee firm and tight;
  Never shall the foe confound thee,
  While the truth maintains thy fight.
  Righteousness within thee rooted
  May appear to take thy part;
  But let righteousness imputed
  Be the breastplate of thy heart.

3 Shod with gospel-preparation,
  In the paths of promise tread;
  Let the hope of free salvation,
  As a helmet, guard thy head.
  When beset with various evils,
  Wield the Spirit’s two-edged sword,
  Cut thy way through hosts of devils,
  While they fall before the Word.

4 But when dangers closer threaten,
  And thy soul draws near to death;
  When assaulted sore by Satan,
  Then object the shield of faith;
  Fiery darts of fierce temptations,
  Intercepted by thy God,
  There shall lose their force in patience,
  Sheathed in love, and quenched in blood.

5 Though to speak thou be not able,
  Always pray and never rest;
  Prayer’s a weapon for the feeble;
  Weakest souls can wield it best.
  Ever on thy Captain calling,
  Make thy worst condition known;
  He shall hold thee up when falling,
  Or shall lift thee up when down.