Author: James Russell Lowell Hymnal: The Worshipbook #540 (1972) Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15 Lyrics: 1 Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood,
For the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God's new Messiah,
Offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever
'Twixt that darkness and that light.
2 Then to side with truth is noble,
When we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit,
And 'tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses
While the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue
Of the faith they had denied.
3 By the light of burning martyrs,
Christ, your bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calvaries ever
With the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties,
Time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still and onward,
Who would keep abreast of truth.
4 Though the cause of evil prosper,
Yet 'tis truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold,
And upon the throne be wrong,
Yet that scaffold sways the future,
And, behind the dim unknown,
Stands our God within the shadow
Keeping watch above his own.
Amen. Topics: Service for the Lord's Day After Creed; Service for the Lord's Day Conclusion of Worship; Christian Year Good Friday; Other Observances Reformation Day; Other Observances Stewardship Tune Title: EBENEZER (TON-Y-BOTEL)
Once to Every Man and Nation
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files
