Whence came the armies of the sky,
by Anonymous
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 378 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
Whence came the armies of the sky, John saw in vision bright? Whence came their crowns, their robes, their palms, Too pure for mortal sight?
Verse 2
Were these tried soldiers of the cross Victorious in the fight? Were these the trophies they had won, Reserved in worlds of light?
Verse 3
Once they were mourners here below, And poured out cries and tears; They wrestled hard, as we do now, With sins, and doubts, and fears.
Verse 4
They saw the star of Bethlehem Arise in splendor bright; They followed long its guiding ray, Till beamed a clearer light.
Verse 5
From desert waste, and cities full, From dungeons dark, they've come, And now they claim their mansion fair, They've found their long-sought home.