"The Son of God Goes Forth to War"
                       by Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
                                Text From:
                            THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
               (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)

        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.

        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 Savior's throne rejoice,
        In robes of light arrayed.
        They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n
        Thro' peril, toil, and pain.
        O God, to us may grace be giv'n
        To follow in their train!

Notes: Hymn #452 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_ Text: 1 Timothy 6:12 Author: Reginald Heber, 1827 Composer: Henry S. Cutler, 1872 Tune: "All Saints New"
