1
Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
2
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
3
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
4
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
5
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.
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Baring-Gould was a gifted preacher-literary man of the nineteenth century. He was an ordained Anglican minister and a noted writer. Eighty-five of his books were published of various genre. The British Museum has more of his titles than any other. However Sabine is best remembered for this hymn written in 1865.
Baring-Gould left an account regarding the writing of this hymn:
“It was written in a very simple fashion, without the thought of publication. Whitmonday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire, and one Whitmonday it was arranged that our school join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing when marching from one village to another, but couldn’t think of anything quite suitable, so I sat up at night resolved to write something myself. ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ was the result. It was written in great haste. ”
Thirty years later Baring-Gould remarks:
“It was written in great haste, and I am afraid that some of the rhymes are faulty. I am certain that nothing has surprised me more than its popularity. ”
Two verses which are not found in most hymnals are:
“Crowns and throne may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain;
Gates of hell can never ‘gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise and that cannot fail. ”
“What the saints established that I hold for true
What the saints believed in that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth men that faith will hold
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled. ”
Baring-Gould’s hymn was first sung to Haydn’s Symphony in D, No. 15. The present tune “St. Gertrude, ” written by Sir Arthur S. Sullivan, was composed six years after the writing of this text.
Sullivan, born in Bolwell Terrace, Lambeth, England, on May 13, 1842, was an acclaimed organist and composer. This tune was written in the home of Mrs. Gertrude Clay-Ker-Seymer in Dorchester, England, and the tune is known as “St. Gertrude” to this day.
The present version of this hymn was first published in America in John R. Sweney’s “ Gems of Praise, ” by the Methodist Episcopal Book Room in Philadelphia, 1873.
Sabine Baring-Goul lived to be ninety-nine years old. Sabine died in 1924, but his hurriedly written “Onward Christian Soldiers” is still sung by believers today.
Oakville, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Like a mighty army, moves the Church of God. We are treading where the saints have tread before. We are not divided, all one body we are as we stand/move against the tides of the wicked devil and His cohorts during this time of 2020 lockdown that keeps the Church out of Zion. Therefore, lift up your heads oh ye gates, and be ye lifted ye everlasting doors, that the King of glory may come in.... the Lord strong and mighty in battle (Ps. 24:7) in Jesus Name.
Lagos, Nigeria
I just remembered this song while trying to put my baby sleep and I feel blessed by it. Powerful lyrics we got here especially now that our days are uncertain all we can do is remember that we're soldiers of Christ.
Cleveland, OH, United States
What a powerfully anointed hymn of praise, worship and victory in Jesus Christ. It is appropriate for all time, but how so much more meaningful for such a time as this. Praise the Lord for His eternal Truths and Promises.
Livingston, California, United States
In this time when many are fearful God offers us hope and peace of mind. The Church of God can be united, work together, and go forward with a song, even if we are not able to meet together as we would like to.
Mpongwe, Copperbelt, Zambia
I love this song, especially if I am playing the violin or piano
San Marcos, TX, United States
Brothers we are treading, Where the Saints have Trod; We are not divided, All One Body We!
Hallelujah Saints, this time is so precious to press On to Our Mighty King!
Katy, TX, United States
This song is precious! At the shout of praise. We are free to be praiser. My being started to sing this song today. Praise the Lord. So much happens when we join to the Lord and shout praises to Him.
Lagos, Nigeria
My best Hymn
We will keep fighting the war
Till our Lord Jesus Christ Return
Lagos, Nigeria
This song is so soothing at a time like this when war has been declared on the Church with kidnappings and ransom. It’s comforting to know that Christians in the 18th century also felt like they were in a war.