Onward, Christian Soldiers

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924) was an English Anglican priest, hagiographer, and novelist of immense intellect. In 1865, he needed a marching song for the children of his poor parish in Yorkshire to sing as they walked between villages for a Whitsuntide festival. Finding nothing suitable, he sat down and wrote the words to 'Onward, Christian Soldiers' in a single night. He set it to a melody by Arthur Sullivan, creating a song that filled the children with courage and solidarity as they walked together.

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

Onward, Christian soldiers

Marching as to war

With the cross of Jesus

Going on before

At the sign of triumph

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

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

Crowns and thrones may perish

Kingdoms rise and wane

But the Church of Jesus

Constant will remain

Gates of hell can never

'Gainst that Church prevail

We have Christ's own promise

And that cannot fail

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

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