William Pierson Merrill was born on this date in 1867. A graduate of Rutgers College and Union Theological Seminary, he was for many years the pastor of The Brick Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and was the author of several hymns, including the stirring anthem Rise Up, O Men of God.



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.



Rise up, O men of God!

The kingdom tarries long.

Bring in the day of brotherhood

And end the night of wrong.



Rise up, O men of God!

The church for you doth wait,

Her strength unequal to her task;

Rise up and make her great!



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!