271a. The Son of God goes forth to war

1 The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood-red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.

2 The martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave,
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save:
Like Him, with pardon on his tongue
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?

3 A glorious band, the chosen few
On whom the Spirit came,
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
And mocked the cross and flame:
They met the tyrant's brandished steel,
The lion's gory mane;
They bowed their necks the death to feel:
Who follows in their train?

4 A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Saviour's throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed:
They climbed the steep ascent of heaven
Through peril, toil, and pain:
O God, to us may grace be given
To follow in their train!

Amen.

Text Information
First Line: The Son of God goes forth to war
Author: Bishop Reginald Heber (1827)
Meter: C. M. D.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1950
Topic: The Life in Christ: Loyalty and Courage; All Saints' Day; Christ: Captain, Our (8 more...)
Tune Information
Name: ALL SAINTS NEW
Composer: Henry S. Cutler (1872)
Meter: C. M. D.
Key: B♭ Major



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