Once To Every Man And Nation

Once To Every Man And Nation was a poem written by James Russell Lowell, son of a Congregational minister, in the Boston Courier in December 11th, 1845. He wrote these words as a protest in regard to America’s war with Mexico.

This poem was later put to music by Thomas J. William in 1890 to the tune of Ebenezer.

James Russell Lowell was a prominent poet and prolific author and has a large collection of quotes to his name. Below is one that I like very much.



Thank God every morning when you get up
that you have something to do that day,
which must be done,
whether you like it or not.





To print 'Once To Every Man and Nation', just highlight the words of the hymn and copy and paste into your word editor.



Once To Every Man and Nation

~ James Russell Lowell, 1819-1891

Stanza 1:

Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,

In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;

Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,

And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.



Stanza 2:

Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,

Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;

Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,

Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.



Stanza 3:

By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,

Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;

New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,

They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.



Stanza 4:

Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;

Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;

Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,

Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.



This hymn was quoted by Rev. Martin Luther King at the conclusion of his speech, 'Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence' in April 4th, 1967 at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City, USA.


to top of page : Once To Every Man And Nation

Categories of Hymns

First Line of Hymns: A - Z

Titles of Hymns in Alphabetical Order

Click here to go back to Great Christian Hymns Homepage

Ezine and Your Comments

Stay tuned! More hymns will be added.

Meanwhile, you might like to subscribe to my ezine or add your comment to this page. Just scroll down to sign up, add your comment or view what others are saying about this hymn.


Let's Keep In Contact!

Be the first to receive updates, Christian living tips and current news!

Like GreatChristianHymns.com?

New! Comments

What you think about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

If this Christian hymn has inspired or edified you in some way, please help spread the Word by sharing it with someone today.

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.