William Pierson Merrill Grave

Hymn History: Rise Up, O Men of God!

Author: William Pierson Merrill

“Unless you give yourself to some great cause you haven’t even begun to live.”
(William Pierson Merrill)

The Origin of the Hymn “Rise Up, O Men of God!”

Among the many hymns that have inspired the Church to action and spiritual maturity, few ring with such confident urgency and timeless appeal as “Rise Up, O Men of God!” This hymn has long served as a rallying cry for men of faith to take up their place in God’s work with zeal, integrity, and devotion. Its bold words and majestic tune make it a beloved staple in hymnals across various denominations, particularly in Protestant traditions.

The Author: William P. Merrill—Minister, Scholar, Poet

The hymn was penned in 1911 by William Pierson Merrill (1867–1954), a gifted Presbyterian pastor known for his eloquence, social activism, and literary contributions. Born in Orange, New Jersey, Merrill was educated at Rutgers College and Union Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1890, he became known not only as a powerful preacher but also as a leader in Christian pacifism and ecumenical efforts.

Merrill’s work reflected a deep concern for moral courage and social action. His faith was not merely intellectual; it demanded engagement with the world’s needs. That same spirit runs through the lines of “Rise Up, O Men of God!”—a hymn that speaks to the calling of Christian men to lead lives worthy of Christ, in both character and labor.

The Hymn’s Call: From Passive Faith to Active Service

The text of “Rise Up, O Men of God!” was originally written for the Brotherhood Movement, a men’s fellowship group active in many Protestant churches in the early 20th century. The movement sought to mobilize laymen for Christian service, encouraging them to take leadership roles in evangelism, missions, and social outreach.

The hymn’s first publication appeared in The Presbyterian Brotherhood Hymnal in 1911. From its opening line, the hymn calls men to leave behind lesser pursuits and embrace a higher purpose:

“Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.”

The lyrics echo the biblical command found in Mark 12:30—which instructs believers to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Merrill’s call is not only spiritual but practical: to take decisive action, to pursue righteousness, and to take responsibility for the mission of God.

Scriptural and Literary Influences

The hymn draws from several biblical themes. One of them is the idea of “setting the Church aright,” a vision tied to the New Testament teaching that Christians are “living stones” built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Merrill expresses this in poetic form:

“Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where his feet have trod;
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!”

The hymn beautifully reminds men (and, by extension, all believers) of their identity in Christ and their duty to imitate Him in service and sacrifice.

The influence of the Social Gospel movement is also present in the hymn. Merrill and his contemporaries believed the Church had a responsibility not only to save souls but to change society by fighting injustice and lifting up the poor and powerless. This holistic vision can be heard in the hymn’s call for labor and reform—reflecting a robust view of Christian discipleship.

Tune and Musical Setting

While Merrill wrote only the text, the hymn is commonly paired with the tune “St. Thomas”, attributed to Aaron Williams, an 18th-century composer. This strong, stately melody complements the hymn’s message, conveying dignity and determination. The pairing of Merrill’s bold words with Williams’s classic tune helps create the hymn’s lasting impact.

Adoption and Influence

“Rise Up, O Men of God!” quickly gained popularity in men’s meetings and church services, becoming a staple in the hymnals of the 20th century. Though addressed specifically to “men,” its themes have resonated with congregations of all ages and genders. Modern hymnbooks sometimes adapt the language to be more inclusive, reflecting the broader calling of all believers to rise up in faith.

The hymn has also been used in ordination services, men’s retreats, and even civic gatherings—where its call to noble character and service has found a wider audience.

A Legacy of Challenge and Encouragement

Well over a century after its creation, “Rise Up, O Men of God!” continues to spur believers to holy activism. Whether sung in a traditional sanctuary, echoed in a men’s choir, or adapted for a modern worship setting, its call remains urgent: that God’s people—guided by Christ and empowered by the Spirit—would stand firm, work diligently, and commit their lives wholly to the service of the King of kings.

In an age still in need of faithful leadership and righteous action, Merrill’s hymn remains a stirring anthem of Christian purpose: “Rise up, O men of God!”

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Image Source/Credit:
• Empire State Notables, 1914, page 625, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons