The Cyber Hymnal ‎#5977

5977. Sentinel upon the Heights

1. On the heights why standest thou,
Sentinel, with sleepless brow?
In the service of our Lord,
I am keeping watch and word;
Sleeping never, guarding ever
All the posts of danger near;
Lest our city should be captured,
Lest the enemy appear.

Refrain
Tho’ the night be long and weary,
Cheer thee, soldier, yonder distant ray
Shall dispel these war clouds dreary;
Thou shalt soon behold the day!

2. On the heights what seest thou,
Sentinel, with sleepless brow?
Sin and crime with heedless bound,
Send their forces all around;
Never sleeping, ever keeping,
Faithful guard tho’ foes appall,
Christ Himself our arms will strengthen,
Mighty to encompass all. [Refrain]

3. On the heights what hearest thou,
Sentinel, with sleepless brow?
Still the foe in phalanx broad,
Arms himself against the Lord;
Armor glancing, swift advancing,
When we thought salvation near;
Waken soldiers! march to battle,
Christ the Lord is Captain here. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: On the heights why standest thou
• Title: Sentinel upon the Heights
• Author: Caroline Dana Howe (1873)
• Language: English
• Source: Royal Diadem for the Sunday School, by Robert Lowry & W. Howard Doane (New York: Biglow & Main, 1873), number 149
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: [On the heights why standest thou]
• Composer: William Howard Doane
• Incipit: 51233 47151 35432
• Key: B♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain