Song of the Day - 1st November

After the exuberance of Hallowe'en, we now turn our hearts to a more solemn topic for today’s Song of the Day. 

Hallowe'en, as we know, is The Eve of All Hallows, which is more commonly recognized today as All Saints Day. Today's song, beautifully reflecting the spirit of All Saints Day, is a sacred anthem with a simple yet moving melody, uniquely arranged for each verse—truly ideal for church choirs to lift our spirits. 

The words come from a hymn by William Dalrymple Maclagan (1826 – 1910), who served as Archbishop of York from 1891 to 1908 and had the distinct honour of crowning Queen Alexandra in 1902.

Get the music for this song for free - find out how here.

The Saints of God

By W. D. Maclagan

1 The saints of God! their conflict past,

And life's long battle won at last,

No more they need the shield or sword,

They cast them down before the Lord:

O happy saints, for ever blest,

At Jesus' feet how safe your rest!

2 The saints of God! their wanderings done,

No more their weary course they run,

No more they faint, no more they fall,

No foes oppress, no fears appall:

O happy saints, for ever blest,

In that dear home how sweet your rest!

3 The saints of God! life's voyage o'er,

Safe landed on that blissful shore,

No stormy tempests now they dread,

No roaring billows lift their head:

O happy saints, for ever blest,

In that calm haven of your rest!

4 The saints of God their vigil keep,

While yet their mortal bodies sleep,

Till from the dust they too shall rise

And soar triumphant to the skies:

O happy saints, rejoice and sing;

He quickly comes, your Lord and King!

5 O God of saints! to thee we cry;

O Saviour! plead for us on high;

O Holy Ghost! our guide and friend,

Grant us thy grace till life shall end;

That with all saints our rest may be

In that bright Paradise with thee!