Speed away! speed away on your mission of light, To the lands that are lying in darkness and night; 'Tis the Master's command; go ye forth in His name, The wonderful gospel of Jesus proclaim; Take your lives in your hand, to the work while 'tis day, Speed away! speed away! speed away! Speed away, speed away with the life-giving Word, To the nations that know not the voice of the Lord; Take the wings of the morning and fly o'er the wave, In the strength of your Master the lost ones to save; He is calling once more, not a moment's delay, Speed away! speed away! speed away! Speed away, speed away with the message of rest, To the souls by the tempter in bondage oppressed; For the Saviour has purchased their ransom from sin, And the banquet is ready. O gather them in; To the rescue make haste, there's no time for delay, Speed away! speed away! speed away! "ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS!" Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould, the author of this rousing hymn of Christian warfare, a rector of the Established Church of England and a writer of note, was born at Exeter, Eng., Jan. 28, 1834. Educated at Clare College, Cambridge, he entered the service of the church, and was appointed Rector of East Mersea, Essex, in 1871. He was the author of several hymns, original and translated, and introduced into England from Flanders, numbers of carols with charming old Christmas music. The "Christian Soldiers" hymn is one of his (original) processionals, and the most inspiring. Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before. Christ the Royal Master Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See, His banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers, etc. * * * * * Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod; We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope, in doctrine, One in charity. _THE TUNE._ Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan, Doctor of Music, who wrote the melody for this hymn, was born in London, May 13, 1842. He gained the Mendelssohn Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music, and also at the Conservatory of Leipsic. He was a fertile genius, and his compositions included operettas, symphonies, overtures, anthems, hymn-tunes, an oratorio ("The Prodigal Son"), and almost every variety of tone production, vocal and instrumental. Queen Victoria knighted him in 1883. The grand rhythm of "Onward, Christian Soldiers"--hymn and tune--is irresistible whether in band march or congregational worship. Sir Arthur died in London, November 22, 1900. "O CHURCH ARISE AND SING"