September 19, 2012

When I wrote about my Huguenot 9^th-great grandmother two days past, I wanted to find a hymn that embodied the courage and faith that our Protestant immigrant ancestors so bravely showed by the grace of God. I also wanted to paint a picture of how they struggled with persecution daily. The following song, written in 1914, captures the spirit well.

O Church of God Triumphant

E. M. Bangs

O Church of God, triumphant

O’er human doubts and fears,

Which in the faith of ages

Comes marching thro’ the years;

Baptized with blood of martyrs,

With conflicts dearly won,

Beset with persecutions,

Yet ever marching on.

Refrain

O Church of God, triumphant,

With conflicts dearly won,

Beset with persecution,

Yet ever marching on.

With backward look we see thee,

Thy scattered members few;

We see thee struggling ever

Their courage to renew;

Strong amid tribulation,

Uprising from each fall,

We see thee marching onward

Triumphant over all.

Refrain

O Church of God, triumphant,

With conflicts dearly won,

Beset with persecution,

Yet ever marching on.

O refuge of the nations,

On thee our hope is stayed;

Thy courage thro’ the ages

Shall keep us unafraid;

And with thy strength increasing

Till earthly years are past,

God help thee to march onward

Triumphant to the last.

Refrain

O Church of God, triumphant,

With conflicts dearly won,

Beset with persecution,

Yet ever marching on.

(c) 2012 Joyously Saved