…like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:3
Words: Ella S. Armitage, in The Home and School Hymnal (Edinburgh, Scotland: T. and A. Constable, 1894), number 369. Modified in The Endeavor Hymnal (Boston, Massachusetts: United Society of Christian Endeavor, 1901), number 132.
Music: H. Cohen, 1901 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Cohen’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Armitage (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
March on, march on, ye soldiers true
In the cross of Christ confiding,
For the field is set, and the hosts are met,
And the Lord His own is guiding;
Thro’ the earth’s wide round, we the tidings sound
Of the Lord who came from Heaven;
Of the mighty hope that with death can cope,
And the love so freely given.
Refrain
March on, march on, ye soldiers true,
In the cross of Christ confiding,
For the field is set, and the hosts are met,
And the Lord His own is guiding.
We march to fight with the pow’rs of night,
That hold the world in sorrow;
And the broken heart shall be healed of its smart,
And arise to a joyful morrow;
O’er the realms of night shall our standard bright
Arise, their darkness clearing;
And souls that were dead to the Lord who bled,
Shall revive at His glad appearing.
Refrain
O so long is the fight, but the God of light
Is ever watching near us;
And the prayers that rise to the listening skies
Like a song of hope shall cheer us;
Till the sunrise broad of the day of God
Shall shine on the Victor’s glory;
And earth at rest, in her Lord confessed,
Shall rejoice in the finished story.
Refrain