Postscript: some might argue that we need to preserve this as part of our history – which says to me there’s a new book to be written, one that collects our musical history so we don’t lose them but don’t use them, because they no longer are in line with our theology and principles. 1Onward, christian soldiers,Marching as to war,With the cross of JesusGoing on before Christ, the royal Master,Leads against the foe Forward into battle,See, His banners gochorusOnward, Christian soldiers,Marching as to war,With the cross of JesusGoing on before.2At the sign of triumph,Satan's host doth flee On, then, Christian soldiers,On to victoryHell's foundations quiverAt the. There are many other great hymns to talk about commitment and action and rallying us for the resistance ahead. And I can’t imagine it would go over well with congregants who fought (or fought against) the 20th century wars, especially Vietnam. But this feels very … just wrong in its manner of fighting. Yes, fight – of course, always fight for what is just and right and inclusive and expansive. It honestly scares me a little to think modern Unitarian Universalists would take up a fight in this manner. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the. Refrain: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before 2. In each loss or triumph lose or triumph all.īound by God’s far purpose in one living whole, Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe forward in to battle, see his banners go. Poets sung its glory, heroes for it died. Prophets have proclaimed it, martyrs testified, Wider grows the vision, realm of love and light įor it we must labor, till our faith is sight. Move the faithful spirits at the call divine. (Chorus) Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, Manifold the service, one the sure reward. Gifts in differing measure, hearts of one accord, Move the faithful spirits at the call divine: Blech.įorward through the ages, in unbroken line, “Forward…in unbroken line”… “heroes for it died” … “not alone we conquer” … “loss or triumph” …. The lyrics we use emerge from the late 19th century as well, from Unitarian minister and hymn writer Frederick Hosmer, and heaven help us, carry that same militarism that is found in the original lyrics. And they all feature major generals and admirals and all manner of military positivity. While their light operettas rank high for me for their cleverness and singability, they are all – from The Mikado to Iolanthe to HMS Pinafore – are all about duty. And learning that WIlliam Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan) wrote the tune doesn’t help. It starts with a tune that is indelibly imprinted with the lyrics “Onward, Christian Soldiers / Marching as to war / with the cross of Jesus / going on before.” I love repurposing hymn tunes, but it’s hard to separate the tune from those militant lyrics. I honestly don’t know when I’ve ever had such a reaction to a song as I have sung I’ve had lots of “um…what” and “dang, I cannot get this” moments, particularly the first time singing through a complex score. Thank You, Father God for all that You do in Jesus' Name.Seriously – it was like I had bit into a sour lemon or sipped some turned milk when I sang this. Thank You, King of glory for reigning supreme over all and causing all things to work together for the good of them who love You and are called according to Your purpose. O King of glory, we worship and thank You for the protection, deliverance, righteousness and salvation that You give to us by Your Spirit. Prayer: Thank You Lord that You are a mighty Man of war. This through countless ages men and angels sing. Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King, Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,īlend with ours your voices in the triumph song. We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail. 2 At the sign of triumph Satans legions flee on then, Christian. Christ, the royal Master leads against the foe forward into battle, see his banners go: Refrain: Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail 1 Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.Ĭrowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,īut the church of Jesus constant will remain. Like a mighty army moves the church of God īrothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. After graduating from Cambridge, Baring-Gould started a church in his tiny 2-floor apartment. Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise īrothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise. But he loved children, and we remember him best for his childrens hymns: 'Onward Christian Soldiers' and 'Now the Day is Over'. On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory! Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,Ĭhrist, the royal Master, leads against the foe Īt the sign of triumph, satan’s host doth flee
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