A poem written by Rev. S.K.Wheatlake in 1892, in memory of Rev. Vivian Dake, who died while serving in Africa. It seems a great poem to be read at the untimely passing of anyone serving the Kingdom of Jesus…
He fainted on the battlefield,
Secure behind Faith’s trusty shield;
With Armor on the warrior fail,
Unsmitten by the darts of hell.
He fell beneath meridian sun,
At noon a full days work was done.
No more he treads the battleground,
No more the cross – he wears the crown.
No more he’ll join us in the fight
Against the wrong for God and right.
Close up the breach in which he stood,
Be bold to strike or die for God.
Oft we were blessed, ‘mid battle roar,
To hear him shout his victories o‘er,
And when his sword flashed forth the light,
We waxed more valiant in the fight.
Gird up your loins. No longer weep.
God giveth His beloved sleep.
Soon far beyond the battle fray,
We’ll meet on coronation day.
But Hark! Hear ye that battle cry,
Stand firm, the hellish foe is nigh;
With Spirit’s sword and victor’s song,
Quit you like men. In God be strong.
words from wick 