1. A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. 2. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage To do my Master's will! 3. Arm me with jealous care As in Thy sight to live, And now Thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give! 4. Help me to watch and pray, And still on Thee rely, O let me not my trust betray, But press to realms on high.
Lyrics:
Charles Wesley
Music:
Lowell Mason
Tune: BOYLSTON
Meter: S.M.
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
Charles Wesley is said to have been inspired to write the text for this hymn while reading Matthew Henry’s commentary on the book of Leviticus. In his thoughts on Leviticus 8:35, Henry wrote, “We shall everyone of us have a charge to keep, an eternal God to glorify, an immortal soul to provide for, one generation to serve.” This hymn text first appeared in Wesley’s Short Hymns on Select Passages of Holy Scriptures, published in 1762. It was printed under the title “Keep the Charge of the Lord, That Ye Die Not.”
This hymn text reflects the strength and zeal of the early Methodists. John Wesley once remarked upon hearing of his followers’ persecution: “Our people die well.” On another occasion a physician said to Charles Wesley, “Most people die for fear of dying; but I never met with such people as yours. They are none of them afraid of death, but calm and patient and resigned to the last.”