Onward, Christian soldiers

280 St. Gertrude. 6. 5. 6. 5. D.

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.

Refrain:
   Onward, Christian soldiers,
   marching as to war,
   With the cross of Jesus
   going on before.

2 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. [Refrain]

3 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. [Refrain]

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 through countless ages
   Men and angels sing. [Refrain]
                         Sabine Barino-Gould
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition

<idle musing>
This was one of my favorite hymns when I was in grade school—probably as much because of the rousing chorus as anything else. I certainly didn't understand the theology of it!

Surprisingly, given my recent poor track record in choosing popular hymns, this one occurs in over 1700 hymnals!
</idle musing>