For All the Saints

GC 793 - William W. How


Verse 1
For all the saints who from their labors rest, 
All who by faith before the world confessed,
Your name, O Jesus, be for ever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 2
You were their rock, their fortress and their might;
You, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
You in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 3
O may your soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them, the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 4
O blest communion, family divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one within your great design.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 5
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 6
The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Verse 7
But then there breaks a yet more glorious day: 
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Verse 8
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia! Alleluia!


Text: William W. How, 1823-1897

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