Soldiers of the cross, arise / Lo, your leader

General information

This is an hymn by Jared Waterbury, apparently first published in 1828, and in modified form in 1830. Meter is 77. 75. D.

  

Text and translations

English text Broaddus, Dover Selection, 1828* 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.

Leavitt, Christian Lyre, 1830† 1. Soldiers of the cross, arise! Lo! your leader from the skies Waves before you glory's prize, The prize of victory. Seize your armor, gird it on; The battle's yours, it will be won; Though fierce the strife 'twill soon be done; Then struggle manfully. 2. Jesus conquered when he fell, Met and vanquished earth and hell; Now he leads you on, to swell The triumphs of his cross. Though all earth and hell appear, Who will doubt or who can fear? "God our strength and shield" is near; We cannot lose our cause. 3. Onward, then, ye hosts of God! Jesus points the victor's rod; Follow where your Leader trod; You soon shall see his face. Soon, your enemies all slain, The crown of glory you shall gain: And walk among that glorious train, Who shout their Savior's praise.

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• . This version appears in William Walker's Southern Harmony as lyrics to the tune Bruce's Address. Hymnary.org considers this version to have been written by Jared Waterbury (although they cite Julian's 1905 Dictionary of Hymnology, which only mentions the 1830 Christian Lyre publication).

†. A variation of this version is considered the authentic hymn by Jared Waterbury in Charles Nutter, Hymn Studies, 1900.

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