Christian, Dost Thou See Them?

The Seventh Century (A.D. 600's) saw the rise of Islam and the beginning of its bloody conquest of the Christian Middle East and North Africa. Andrew of Crete (660-732) served the Church in Jerusalem, Constantinople and Crete during the stormy days of Islam's bloody rise.

That background should help you see the significance of Andrew's hymn, Christian, Dost Thou See Them? In it, he clearly identifies the demonic influence that lies at the core of Mohamed's  false religion.

John M. Neale translated the hymn into English in 1862, and John B. Dykes composed the tune, St. Andrew of Crete in 1868. (Thanks to my wife Laura for sending me the words to this great & ancient hymn.)

Christian, dost thou see them on the holy ground,
How the powers of darkness rage thy steps around?
Christian, up and smite them, counting gain but loss,
In the strength that cometh by the holy cross.

Christian, dost thou feel them, how they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring, goading into sin?
Christian, never tremble; never be downcast;
Gird thee for the battle, watch and pray and fast.

Christian, dost thou hear them, how they speak thee fair?
“Always fast and vigil? Always watch and prayer?”
Christian, answer boldly: “While I breathe I pray!”
Peace shall follow battle, night shall end in day.

“Well I know thy trouble, O my servant true;

Thou art very weary, I was weary, too;

But that toil shall make thee some day all Mine own,

At the end of sorrow shall be near my throne.”

If you need some motivation to sing this hymn from the heart, try reading this article:


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