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.
2. The 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 ?
3. A glorious 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 necks the death to feel : Who follows in their train ?
4. A noble army----men and boys The matron and the maid---- Around the Saviour'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.