THE SON OF GOD GOES FORTH TO WAR
"Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" Matthew 20:22
Words: Reginald Heber, 1812. This hymn was sung in the 1975 movie "The
Man Who Would Be King," which was nominated for several Academy Awards.
Music: "All Saints," Henry Stephen Cutler, 1872.
Alternate tune: "Warrior," Archibald MacDonald, 1877.
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.
That 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?
A noble 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 heads the stroke to feel: Who follows in their train?
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 heaven, through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given, to follow in their train.