17. battle hymn.
by Rev. Woodbury M. Fernald.
The battle is the Lord's. --1 Samuel XVII. 47.Great God, 'tis not from thee that spring
Oppression, hate, and deadly strife,
Yet from the time of Elam's King,1
In battle Thou hast been our life.
When Israel's foes, a numerous host,
Through years of conflict pressed their cause,
Thy powerful arm was all her boast,
Confederate rebels owned thy laws.
'Twas thy right arm, thy spirit's aim,
That guided youthful David's hand;
And lo! to Joshua's vision came
The sword-armed angel in command.
Almighty God, who seekest life,
Not death, amid these dread alarms,
Prepare us for this mortal strife--
Lead thou the van — direct our arms.
Thine is the battle, mighty Lord;
The skill, the wisdom, all are thine--
The fire that lit the sacred Word
Shall flash from out our battle line.
So shall our serried ranks move on,
With unseen armies from above,
And so shall victory be won,
Through deeds of death to deeds of love.
Boston Journal, Aug. 7.
