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 banner go! 2. At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, On to victory!Hell's foundation 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 hope and doctrine, One in charity. 4. 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 thro' countless ages Men and angels sing. Chorus: Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Lyrics:
Sabine Baring-Gould
Music: Arthur Seymour Sullivan
Tune: ST. GERTRUDE
Meter: 6.5.6.5.D. with Refrain
Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834–1924
The author of this text, Sabine Baring-Gould, a Church of England minister, has left this account regarding the writing of this hymn:
It was written in a very simple fashion, without thought of publication. Whitmonday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire, and one Whitmonday it was arranged that our school should join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing while marching from one village to the other, 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, likely in less than 15 minutes.