Anna Lætitia Barbauld (1743–1825)

AWAKE, my soul, lift up thine eyes,

See where thy foes against thee rise,

In long array, a numerous host;

Awake, my soul, or thou art lost!

Here giant Danger threatening stands,

Mustering his pale terrific bands;

There Pleasure’s silken banners spread,

And willing souls are captive led.

See where rebellious passions rage,

And fierce desires and lusts engage;

The meanest foe of all the train

Has thousands and ten thousands slain!

Thou tread’st upon enchanted ground,

Perils and snares beset thee round;

Beware of all, guard every part,

But most, the traitor in thy heart.

Come then, my soul, now learn to wield

The weight of thine immortal shield;

Put on the armour from above

Of heavenly Truth and heavenly Love.

The terror and the charm repel,

And powers of earth, and powers of hell;

The Man of Calvary triumph’d here:

Why should His faithful followers fear!