Stand, soldier of the cross,
Thy high allegiance claim,
And vow to hold the world but loss
For thy Redeemer's name.

Arise, and be baptised,
And wash thy sins away;
Thy league with God be solemnised,
Thy faith avouched today.

No more thine own, but Christ's -
With all the saints of old,
Apostles, seers, evangelists,
And martyr throngs enrolled.

In God's whole armour strong,
Front hell's embattled powers;
The warfare may be sharp and long,
The vict'ry must be ours.

O bright the conqueror's crown,
The song of triumph sweet,
When faith casts every trophy down
At our great Captain's feet!


E. H. Bickersteth (1825-1906)