George Nelson Allen was born in Mansfield, Mass., Sept. 7, 1812, and lived at Oberlin, O. It 469 / 413 was there that he composed “Maitland,” and compiled the Social and Sabbath Hymn-book—besides songs for the Western Bell, published by Oliver Ditson and Co. He died in Cincinnati, Dec. 9, 1877.
“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!