I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 as the “East London Christian Mission” in London by one-time Methodist preacher William Booth and his wife Catherine. The Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The Salvation Army (TSA) is a Protestant Christian church and an international charitable organization headquartered in London, England. It is aligned with the Wesleyan-Holiness movement. The organization reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers, and adherents who are collectively known as salvationists. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their “physical and spiritual needs”. It is present in 133 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless, and disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries.
The theology of the Salvation Army derives from Methodism, although it differs in institution and practice; an example is that the Salvation Army does not observe sacraments. As with other denominations in the Holiness Methodist tradition, the Salvation Army lays emphasis on the New Birth (first work of grace) and entire sanctification (second work of grace). A distinctive characteristic of the Salvation Army is its use of titles derived from military ranks, such as “lieutenant” or “major”. The Army’s doctrine is aligned with the Wesleyan–Arminian tradition, particularly the holiness movement. The Army’s purposes are “the advancement of the Christian religion… of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole”.
English Lyrics
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord
Author: Edward Turney
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord,
In paths he has marked for my feet;
I’ll follow the light of his word,
Nor shrink from the dangers I meet.
His presence my steps shall attend,
His fulness my wants shall supply;
On him, till my journey shall end,
My unwavering faith shall rely.
Refrain:
I’ll go, I’ll go in the strength,
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord,
I’ll go, I’ll go in the strength,
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord.
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord
To work he appoints me to do;
In joy which his smile doth afford
My soul shall its vigour renew.
His wisdom shall guard me from harm,
His power my sufficiency prove;
I’ll trust his omnipotent arm,
And prove his unchangeable love.
[Refrain]
I’ll go in the strength of the Lord
To conflicts which faith will require,
His grace as my shield and reward,
My courage and zeal shall inspire.
Since he gives the word of command,
To meet and encounter the foe,
With his sword of truth in my hand,
To suffer and triumph I’ll go. [Refrain]
