For All the Saints

For All the Saints                                     SINE NOMINE 
                                                           William Walsham How

Verse 1
For all the saints, who from their labors rest, 
who thee by faith before the world confessed, 
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest. 
Alleluia, alleluia!

Verse 2
Thou was their rock, their fortress, and their might:
their strength and solace in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, the one true light.
Alleluia, alleluia!

Verse 3
O blest communion, company divine! 
We live and struggle, they in glory shine; 
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. 
Alleluia, alleluia!

Verse 4
And when the strife is fierce, the conflict long, 
steals on the ear the distant triumph song, 
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, alleluia!

Verse 5
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: 10 10 10 with alleluias; William W. How, 1823–1897, alt. Music: English Hymnal, 1906; Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958.