When Thy soldiers take their swords

Verse 1

When thy soldiers take their swords, When they speak the solemn words, When they kneel before thee here, Feeling thee, their Father, near; These thy children, Lord, defend; To their help Thy Spirit send.

Verse 2

When the world’s sharp strife is nigh, When they hear the battle-cry, When they rush into the fight, Knowing not temptation’s might; These thy children, Lord, defend; To their zeal thy wisdom lend.

Verse 3

When their hearts are lifted high With success or victory, When they feel the conqu'ror’s pride; Lest they grow self-satisfied, These thy children, Lord, defend; Teach their souls to thee to bend.

Verse 4

When the vows that they have made, When the pray'rs that they have prayed, Shall be fading from their hearts; When their first warm faith departs; These thy children, Lord, defend; Keep them faithful to the end.

Verse 5

Through life’s conflicts guard us all, Or if wounded some should fall Ere the victory be won, For the sake of Christ, thy Son, These thy children, Lord, defend; And in death thy comfort lend.

Verse 6

Amen.