The Song Book of the Salvation Army ‎#701

701. 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.

Refrain:
We shall not lose the fight of faith,
For Jesus is our Lord,
We lay all carnal weapons down
To take his shining sword.

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!

Text Information

• First Line: The Son of God goes forth to war
• Author: Reginald Heber (1783-1826)
• Author (Chorus): Catherine Baird (1896-1984)
• Refrain First Line: We shall not lose the fight of faith
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The salvation soldier: Calling

Tune Information

(No tune information)