Awake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve!

This most popular of Dr. Doddridge's hymns is also the richest one of all in lyrical and spiritual life. It is a stadium song that sounds the starting-note for every young Christian at the outset of his career, and the slogan for every faint Christian on the way.

A heavenly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown.

Like the "Coronation" hymn, it transports the devout singer till he feels only the momentum of the words and forgets whether it is common or hallelujah metre that carries him along.

A cloud of witnesses around Hold thee in full survey; Forget the steps already trod, And onward urge thy way!

'Tis God's all-animating voice That calls thee from on high, 'Tis His own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye.

In all persuasive hymnology there is no more kindling lyric that this. As a field-hymn it is indispensable.