REJOICE, the Saviour reigns Among the sons of men; He breaks the prisoner’s chains, And makes them free again; Though hell oppose God’s mighty Son, In spite of foes His cause goes on.
The cause of righteousness, Of Truth and holy peace, Designed lost souls to bless, Shall spread and never cease; Gentile and Jew to Christ shall bow, Allegiance due—with rapture—vow.
The thwarted prince of hell In vain new efforts tries, Truth’s empire to repel By cruelty and lies; The infernal hosts shall strive in vain, Conquest awaits the Lamb once slain.
All power is in His hand, His people to defend; To His most high command Shall millions more attend: All Heaven with smiles approves His cause, And distant isles receive His laws.
John Ryland, 1753-1825