This is an hymn by an anonymous author, apparently first published in Andrew Broaddus' Dover Selection of Sacred Songs, 1828. See Soldiers of the cross, arise / Lo, your leader for a different hymn with the same first line. Meter is 77. 75. D.
1. Soldiers of the Cross, arise:
Lo! your Captain, from the skies
Holding forth the glittering prize,
Calls to victory:
Fear not, though the battle lower;
Firmly stand the trying hour;
Stand the tempter's utmost power,
Spurn his slavery.
2. Who the cause of Christ would yield?
Who would leave the battlefield?
Who would cast away his shield?
Let him basely go:
Who for Zion's King will stand?
Who will join the faithful band?
Let him come with heart and hand,
Let him face the foe.
3. By the mercies of our God,
By Emmanuel's streaming blood,
When alone for us he stood,
Ne'er give up the strife:
Ever, to the latest breath,
Hark to what your Captain saith;
“Be thou faithful unto death;
Take the crown of life.”
4. By the woes which rebels prove,
By the bliss of holy love,
Sinners, seek the joys above;
Sinners, turn and live:
Here is freedom worth the name;
Tyrant sin is put to shame;
Grace inspires the hallowed flame;
God the crown will give.