Onward, Soldiers

Onward, soldiers! onward today!
Christ our Leader calls us away;
Quickly hasten forth to the field,
March with sword and shield.

Refrain

“Forward, forward,” thus saith the Lord,
Fear not, faint not, trust in his Word:
He will guard us, He will defend
Till the strife shall end.

Onward, soldiers! make no delay;
Hear the orders, hear and obey;
On to victory, on let us go,
Braving every foe.

Refrain

Onward, soldiers! on for the right,
Let our banners wave in the light;
Soon the victor’s song we will sing,
“Praise to God our King.”

Refrain

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1885

Commonly attributed to Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby); the marching-style lyrics, refrain structure, and military imagery are characteristic of her work. Some hymnals list it simply as 'F. J. Crosby' or under pseudonyms she used.