The Hymnal ‎#114a

114a. Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings

Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings,
Thy better portion trace;
Rise from transitory things,
Toward heaven, thy destined place.

Soldiers of the cross, arise!
Gird you with your armour bright!
Mighty are your enemies,
Hard the battle ye must fight.

O'er a faithless fallen world,
Raise your banner in the sky!
Let it float there wide unfurled!
Bear it onward! lift it high!

Mid the homes of want and woe,
Strangers to the living Word,
Let the Savior's herald go!
Let the voice of hope be heard!

Where the shadows deepest lie,
Carry truth's unsullied ray!
Where are crimes of blackest dye,
There the saving sign display!

To the weary and the worn
Tell of realms where sorrows cease!
To the outcast and forlorn
Speak of mercy and of peace!

Guard the helpless! seek the strayed!
Comfort troubles! banish grief!
In the might of God arrayed,
Scatter sin and unbelief!

Be the banner still unfurled,
Still unsheathed the Spirit's sword,
Till the kingdoms of the world
Are the kingdom of the Lord!

Text Information

• First Line: Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings
• Author: Robert Seagrave (1742, alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.7.7.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1916
• Topic: Septuagesima; Parochial Missions

Tune Information

• Name: AMSTERDAM
• Composer: James Nares, 1715-1783
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.7.7.7.6.
• Incipit: 15123 23456 54321
• Key: G Major