A Charge to Keep I Have
Religious Music · Other Songs - Religious Music
God to glorify.
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve to present age,
My calling to fulfill.
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care,
As in Thy sight to live,
And O, Thy servant, Lord, prepare,
A strict account to give.
Help me to watch and pray,
And on Thyself rely.
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die...
A Charge to Keep I Have
A Charge to Keep I Have is a traditional American hymn rooted in the spiritual revivalist tradition of the 19th century. Often attributed to the early Christian missionary movement, the song emerged alongside other works like It Is Well With My Soul and Onward, Christian Soldier, reflecting a shared ethos of divine duty and steadfast faith. Its lyrics, beginning with the refrain 'A charge to keep I have,' have become a staple in Protestant worship, particularly within Baptist and Methodist congregations. The melody, typically set to a simple, marching rhythm, underscores the song's purpose as a call to action for believers to remain faithful despite earthly challenges. As a piece of public domain music, it continues to be performed in churches, camps, and community gatherings, serving as a timeless reminder of spiritual responsibility.