For All the Saints

William Walsham How (1823–1897) was a beloved English bishop known affectionately as the 'poor man's bishop' because of his tireless work in the slums of East London. Rejecting comfortable, prestigious positions, he spent his days ministering to factory workers, omnibus drivers, and homeless children. He wrote 'For All the Saints' in 1864 to encourage ordinary, struggling believers, reminding them that they are part of a vast, triumphant, invisible cloud of witnesses who found strength in Christ to overcome the trials of the world.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest

Who thee by faith before the world confessed

Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed

Alleluia, Alleluia

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might

Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight

Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light

Alleluia, Alleluia

O may thy 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

O blest communion, fellowship divine

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine

Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine

Alleluia, Alleluia

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

The golden evening brightens in the west

Soon, soon to faithful warriors cometh rest

Sweet is the calm of paradise the blest

Alleluia, Alleluia

But lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day

The saints triumphant rise in bright array

The King of glory passes on his way

Alleluia, Alleluia

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

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