p. 294 | The Warrior Rests

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 20, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 19.

The Warrior Rests

Written for the Signs of the Times. # THE WARRIOR RESTS.

In youth's fresh vigor on the field, He bore the banner and the shield, He wore hope's helmet on his brow, He bravely met the tyrant foe, Unfurled the banner of the cross, And counted all beside as dross; In truth's great conflicts took his part With lifted brow and steadfast heart.

O warrior, we could weep to see The bitter rage that fell on thee, The tireless conflict day and night, The hidden fields that saw thee fight, The paths, blood-stained, that thou hast trod, Fighting each step thy way to God; The trial, the sorrow, and the loss, The triumphs won through Jesus' cross. Oh, can we say it is not best, Worn warrior, that thou liest at rest?

O warrior, o'er thy silent bier We bow to weep a tender tear; We cannot know the hidden strife That fell upon thy secret life; The pathway of success, defeat, Nor press the thorns that pierced thy feet. There's One who all thy griefs hath known; These are for God and thee alone. But we can praise that God has blessed, And, after conflict, given thee rest.

The years have taken their vital cost, And crowned thy temples with Time's frost; And Care has carved his cruel line, And graven sorrows that were thine; And yet the peace that's written there Makes all these mournful tokens fair. The fight is o'er, the battle past, Thou layest thine armor off at last. Fold thy tired arms across thy breast, God gives thee quiet now to rest.

A little while for slumber sweet, How fitting is the grave's retreat! How fitting that upon Christ's breast, A weary child, thou liest to rest! So calm, so hushed, no battle sound Will ever break thy sleep profound; But as one wakes at morn, thou'lt be Refreshed for immortality!

Rest, warrior. This is all for thee. God has announced it; let it be. But, oh! to us who still live on, The word is, "Fight till victory's won." Fight on, close ranks, bind on the shield, Lift up the banner in the field, Till down the sky Christ's armies sweep, And warriors rise from death's still sleep; Till crowns are given, till victory's won. Oh, ye that live, close ranks, fight on!