September 30, 2017 (Saturday)
Almost 70 years ago, about the time I started preaching, the hymn, “Loyalty to Christ” could be heard often in most Baptist churches. Little by little, we moved on to other hymns. If you study our use of hymns, I think you will discover that we have gradually changed from being loyal to Christ to songs which emphasize an intimacy with the Savior that soothes our spirits. Perhaps in our earlier emphases we avoided the emotions of walking with Jesus while challenging each other to be loyal in every way to Christ. We have reversed that today, it seems to me. The fact is, we need both emphases. We need a close walk with Jesus, to whom we are passionately loyal.
Loyalty to Christ
Words, Elijah T. Cassel
Music, Flora H. Cassel
1894
Verse 1
From over hill and plain
There comes the signal strain,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Its music rolls along,
The hills take up the song,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus:
“On to victory! On to victory!”
Cries our great Commander, “On!”
We’ll move at His command,
We’ll soon possess the land,
Through loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Verse 2
O hear, ye brave, the sound
That moves the earth around,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Arise to dare and do,
Ring out the watchword true,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus
Verse 3
Come, join our loyal throng,
We’ll rout the giant wrong,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Where Satan’s banners float
We’ll send the bugle note,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus
Verse 4
The strength of youth we lay
At Jesus’ feet today,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
His Gospel we’ll proclaim
Throughout the world’s domain,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus
Words, Elijah T. Cassel
Music, Flora H. Cassel
1894
Verse 1
From over hill and plain
There comes the signal strain,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Its music rolls along,
The hills take up the song,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus:
“On to victory! On to victory!”
Cries our great Commander, “On!”
We’ll move at His command,
We’ll soon possess the land,
Through loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Verse 2
O hear, ye brave, the sound
That moves the earth around,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Arise to dare and do,
Ring out the watchword true,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus
Verse 3
Come, join our loyal throng,
We’ll rout the giant wrong,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Where Satan’s banners float
We’ll send the bugle note,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus
Verse 4
The strength of youth we lay
At Jesus’ feet today,
‘Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
His Gospel we’ll proclaim
Throughout the world’s domain,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Chorus