Captains of the saintly band

Verse 1

Captains of the saintly band, lights who lighten every land, princes who with Jesus dwell, judges of his Israel;

Verse 2

on the nations sunk in night ye have shed the gospel light; sin and error flee away, truth reveals the promised day.

Verse 3

Not by warrior’s spear and sword, not by art of human word, preaching but the cross of shame, rebel hearts for Christ ye tame.

Verse 4

Earth, that long in sin and pain groaned in Satan’s deadly chain, now to serve its God is free in the law of liberty.

Verse 5

Distant lands with one acclaim tell the honour of your name, who, wherever man has trod, teach the mysteries of God.

Verse 6

Glory to the Three in One while eternal ages run, who from deepest shades of night called us to his glorious light.