The son of God goes forth to war,

1.

The son of God goes forth to war,

A kingly crown to gain;

His blood-red banner streams afar

Who follows in His train?

2.

Who best can drink his cup of woe

Triumphant over pain

Who patient bears his cross below

He follows in His train

3.

The martyr first, whose eagle eye

Could pierce beyond the grave

Who saw his Master in the sky

And call’d on Him to save

4.

Like Him, with pardon on his tongue

In midst of mortal pain

He pray’d for them that did the wrong

Who follows in his train?

5.

A glorious band, the chosen few

On whom the Spirit came

Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew

And mock’d the cross and flame

6.

They met the tyrant’s brandish’d steel

The lion’s gory mane

They bowed their necks the death to feel

Who follows in their train?

7.

A noble army, men and boys

The matron and the maid

Around the Saviour’s throne rejoice

In robes of light arrayed;

8.

They climbed the steep ascent of heav’n

Through peril, toil and pain

O God, to us may grace be giv’n

To follow in their train