Once pledged by the Cross, as children of God

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Once pledged by the Cross, as children of God

Author: Alice M. Bode
Published in 5 hymnals

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Representative Text

1 Once pledged by the cross, as children of God,
to tread in the steps your captain has trod,
now, sealed by the spirit of wisdom and might,
go forward, Christ’s soldiers, go forward and fight!

2 Your weapons of war are sent from above:
the Spirit’s good sword, the breastplate of love;
your feet with the Gospel of peace be well shod;
put on the whole armour, the armour of God.

3 Full well do ye know the foe must be met
full well do ye feel that Satan has set
his powers of darkness in battle array;
but those who are for you are stronger than they.

4 The fight may be long, but triumph is sure,
and rest comes at last to those who endure:
the rest that remaineth, the victory won,
and (dearer than all things) your Captain’s 'Well done!'

5 Then, on to the fight ’gainst sin and the world!
stand fast in his strength, his banner unfurled;
and, sealed by the Spirit of wisdom and might,
go forward, Christ’s soldiers, go forward and fight!

Source: CPWI Hymnal #673

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Author: Alice M. Bode

Bode, Alice Mary, daughter of J. E. Bode (p. 151, ii.), was born at Westwell, Oxon, during the time her father was Rector of that parish. Her hymn, "Once pledged by the Cross," (Confirmation), was written in 1901 at Notting Hill, London, and first published in the 1904 edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern. Aiming at simplicity and directness, the writer has accomplished her purpose in a pleasing manner. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907) Go to person page >

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