Sentinel Upon the Heights

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On the heights why standest thou

Author: Caroline Dana Howe
Tune: [On the heights why standest thou]
Published in 3 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

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]

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #5977

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Author: Caroline Dana Howe

Born: Circa 1825, Fryeburg, Maine. Howe’s works include: Ashes for Flame (Portland, Maine: Loring, Short & Harmon, 1885) --www.hymntime.com/tch… Go to person page >

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First Line:	On the heights why standest thou
Title:	Sentinel Upon the Heights
Author:	Caroline Dana Howe
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Though the night be long and weary
Copyright:	Public Domain