9. hymn for the host in war. C. M.1
by the Author of the New priest.
With banners fluttering forth on high,And music's stirring breath,
Lord God! we stand beneath Thine eye,
Arrayed for work of death.
When we our stormy battle wage,
Thy Spirit be our zeal!
In conquering, teach us not man's rage,
But Thine own truth to feel.
Thy Christ led forth no host to fight,
And he disbanded none;
But our true life, and our best right,
By death alone He won.
Dear Lord! if we our lives must give,
And give our share of earth,
To save, for those that after live,
What makes our land's true worth,
[5] Lead Thou our march to war's worst lot,
As to a peace-time feast;
Grant, only, that our souls be not
Without Christ's life released!
O God of heaven's most glorious host!
To Thee this hymn we raise;
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
One God, one voice of praise!
--Boston Transcript, Aug. 3.
