When Thy soldiers take their swords,
When they speak the solemn words,
When they kneel before Thee here,
Feeling Thee, their Father, near;
These Thy children, Lord, defend;
To their help Thy Spirit send.

When the world�s sharp strife is nigh,
When they hear the battle cry,
When they rush into the fight,
Knowing not temptation�s might;
These Thy children, Lord, defend;
To their zeal Thy wisdom lend.

When their hearts are lifted high
With success or victory,
When they feel the conqu�ror�s pride;
Lest they grow self satisfied,
These Thy children, Lord, defend;
Teach their souls to Thee to bend.

When the vows that they have made,
When the prayers that they have prayed,
Shall be fading from their hearts;
When their first warm faith departs;
These Thy children, Lord, defend;
Keep them faithful to the end.

Through life�s conflicts guard us all,
Or if wounded some should fall
Ere the victory be won,
For the sake of Christ, Thy Son,
These Thy children, Lord, defend;
And in death Thy comfort bend.