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The Countersign

Representative Text

1 In the darkness, as I trod
On a wayward, lost design,
Suddenly a man of God
Shouted for the countersign.

Refrain:
Pass the word from soul to soul,
Let it ring along the line:
“Jesus Christ has made me whole!”
This shall be my countersign.

2 Trav’ler, halt! where now you stand
There is drawn a deadly line;
Ere you pass to yonder land
You must give the countersign. [Refrain]

3 Back to where the words were given,
There I sought the love divine;
When the order came from heaven,
“Christ shall be your countersign.” [Refrain]

4 Sentinel, have you the word
Given from thy God to thee?
Yes, I know the blessed Lord,
“Th’-blood of Jesus” cleanseth me. [Refrain]

5 Guards will not arrest me now,
Nothing’s wrong within the line;
Heaven’s light is on my brow,—
Christ withing the countersign. [Refrain]

Source: Melodious Sonnets #90

Author: John O. Foster

19th Century Currently, our only data on Foster is that he was a minister. --www.hymntime.com/tch/ Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: In the darkness, as I trod
Title: The Countersign
Author: John O. Foster
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Pass the word from soul to soul
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 3 of 3)
TextAudioPage Scan

Melodious Sonnets #90

Page Scan

Temple Trio #272

Page Scan

The Royal Fountain No. 4 #46

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