Hitherto the Lord has blessed us with his presence on our way, sheltered us when foes distressed us, been our Shield, our Strength, our Stay: henceforth be his banner o'er us who so long has led aright; be his holy cross before us, all our hope and trust and might! Hitherto our God has led us, fixed on us his heart's desire; with his glory overspread us, sealed us his in cloud and fire; all our needs has he supplied us, bid our sin and woe be gone: strong his hand to keep and guide us-- fearless let us follow on! Hitherto he has not failed us, God the Lord in whom we trust; ever has his arm availed us-- backward have our foes been thrust! Henceforth, on our God relying, on we'll wage his war on wrong: sing and death and hell defying, raise we now Christ's triumph-song!