Gospel Praise Book. ‎#229b

229b. The Celestial Army

1 Whence came the armies of the sky,
John saw in visions bright?
Whence came their crowns, their robes, their palms,
Too pure for mortal sight?

Chorus:
They looked like men in uniform,
They looked like men of war;
They all were clad in armor bright,
And conq’ring palms they bore.

2 Were these tried soldiers of the cross
Victorious in the fight?
Were these the trophies they had won,
Reserved in worlds of light? [Chorus]

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. [Chorus]

4 They saw the star of Bethlehem
Arise in splendor bright;
They followed long its guiding ray,
Till beamed a clearer light. [Chorus]

5 From desert waste and cities full,
From dungeons dark they’ve come,
And now they claim their mansions fair;
They’ve found their long-sought home. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: Whence came the armies of the sky
• Title: The Celestial Army
• Author: Asa Hull
• Refrain First Line: They looked like men in uniform
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1885
• Source: From "Palm Leaves"

Tune Information

• Name: [Whence came the armies of the sky]
• Composer: Asa Hull
• Key: F Major or modal