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,
And triumph over pain,
Who patient bears His cross below--
He follows in His train.
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 climbed the dizzy steep to heaven
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God! to us may grace be given
To follow in their train!
--Reginald Heber.