James Montgomery

Preparation through Life unto Death.

The end of all things is at hand,

Sober, and watchful let us be,

And firm to our profession stand,

In faith and hope and charity.

Satan, our adversary knows

The limit of his lawless power,

Yet like a roaring lion goes

Forth, seeking whom he may devour.

The shield of faith then let us take;

From his assaults to guard our bearts,

And quench, though from the burning lake,

The force of all his fiery darts.

The gospel-hope be, too, our stay,

When doubt and unbelief prevail,

Our comfort in the evil day,

Our strength when flesh and spirit fail.

And charity, that bond of peace,

The source and soul of pure delights,

Sweet charity, that shall not cease,

But man with God, through Christ, unites: --

That holiest unction from above

Be shed on our affections here,

Till all are perfected in love,

And perfect love hath cast out fear.