Stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind,
striving together for the
faith of the gospel.
Philippians 1:27
"He's a brick"!-a word oft spoken
Of a brave and generous man.
Let us contemplate a moment
How this saying first began.
Once a noble King of Sparta,
From his youth a man of war,
Entertained a foreign caller,
Named by rank--Ambassador,
Who, when trav'lling round the kingdom,
Saw no ramparts, towers, or forts.
With concern he sought the monarch
To express his candid thoughts--
"Sire, I make this observation,
Though I scorn to give offence,
I perceive in your dominions
No stout walls reared for defence;
I observe with trepidation,
This proud city you expose
To the many lurking dangers,
And destruction by your foes".
But the King replied, serenely,
"You have looked, and looked in vain";
Then he led his guest distinguished
To his army on the plain.
Pointing to ten thousand warriors,
Valiant, mailed, for chivalry,
"There, behold the walls of Sparta,
Ev'ry man a brick you see"!
God today needs Spartan Christians
Who will form a solid wall,
'Gainst the inroads of false teaching;
Hear the Captain's stirring call!
We may pass through tribulation,
'Tis the path the martyrs trod;
Grace sufficient is provided,
With the panoply of God.
Strong in faith, with colours flying,
Stand for truth, for Christ alone;
In the ramparts of true witness,
Ev'ry saint's a living stone!
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