A Charge to Keep

A Charge to Keep

by W.H.D. Koerner

Among the works the President favors is a dramatic painting by Texas artist W.H.D. Koerner entitled “A Charge to Keep.” The title of the painting is taken from a traditional hymn penned by Charles Wesley, and it speaks of the commitment the believer has to fulfill his God-given responsibilities. Mr. Bush said of the work, “The painting, inspired by the hymn, pictures a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep and rough trail. The painting and hymn have been an inspiration for me and for members of my staff. ‘A Charge to Keep’ calls us to our highest and best. What adds complete life to the painting for me is the message of Charles Wesley that we serve One greater than ourselves. It speaks of purpose and direction.”

In many hymnals, “A Charge to Keep” is associated with a Bible verse, I Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Mr. Bush chose the hymn to be sung at his gubernatorial inauguration, and asked the members of his staff to stop by his office to look at the painting, because it spoke of the common responsibility they shared as they served in government.

A Charge to Keep I Have

by Charles Wesley

A charge to keep I have,

a God to glorify,

a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill;

O may it all my powers engage

to do my Master's will!

Arm me with jealous care,

as in Thy sight to live,

and O, Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

and on Thyself rely;

assured, if I my trust betray,

I shall forever die.

submitted by a friend

original source unknown

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	A Charge to Keep by W.H.D. Koerner Among the works the President favors is a dramatic painting by Texas artist W.H.D. Koerner entitled “A Charge to Keep.” The title of the painting is taken from a traditional hymn penned by Charles Wesley, and it speaks of the commitment the believer has to fulfill his God-given responsibilities. Mr. Bush said of the work, “The painting, inspired by the hymn, pictures a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep and rough trail. The painting and hymn have been an inspiration for me and for members of my staff. ‘A Charge to Keep’ calls us to our highest and best. What adds complete life to the painting for me is the message of Charles Wesley that we serve One greater than ourselves. It speaks of purpose and direction.” In many hymnals, “A Charge to Keep” is associated with a Bible verse, I Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Mr. Bush chose the hymn to be sung at his gubernatorial inauguration, and asked the members of his staff to stop by his office to look at the painting, because it spoke of the common responsibility they shared as they served in government. A Charge to Keep I Have by Charles Wesley A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will! Arm me with jealous care, as in Thy sight to live, and O, Thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give! Help me to watch and pray, and on Thyself rely; assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die. submitted by a friend original source unknown If any information is not found to be public domail, please let me know immediately so that I may remove it. Most of the information has been received by emails and articles from students and friends.