A Charge to Keep I Have

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 pow'rs engage

to do my Master's will!

3 

Arm me with watchful 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.

 

Author: Charles Wesley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEFavnaYk28

What I didn't know was that there is an older tradition for this song, apparently specific to the African American community. Here are a couple examples of that version -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs1FFoQB-L4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpgJiXJFh9U

(Learn something new every day.)