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CHRISTIAN WARFARE

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 4, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 9.

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CHRISTIAN WARFARE.

By Charlotte Elizabeth Tonna

Soldier, go—but not to claim Moldering spoils of earth-born treasure; Not to build a vaunting name, Not to dwell in tents of pleasure; Dream not that the way is smooth, Hope not that the thorns are roses, Turn no wistful eye of youth, Where the sunny beam reposes; Thou hast sterner work to do, Hosts to cut thy passage through; Close behind thee gulfs are burning;— Forward! there is no returning.
Soldier, rest—but not for thee Spreads the world her downy pillow; On the rock thy couch must be, While around thee chafes the billow; Thine must be a watchful sleep, Wearier than another's waking; Such a charge as thou dost keep, Brooks no moment of forsaking. Sleep, as on the battle-field, Girded—grasping sword and shield; Foes thou canst not name or number, Steal upon thy broken slumber.
Soldier, rise—the war is done; Lo! the hosts of hell are flying; 'Twas thy Lord the battle won; Jesus vanquished them by dying. Pass the stream—before thee lies All the conquered land of glory; Hark! what songs of rapture rise! These proclaim the victor's story Soldier, lay the weapons down, Quit the sword and take the crown; Triumph! all thy foes are banished, Death is slain, and earth has vanished.
—Charlotte Elizabeth Tonna.