Words: , 2005.

Music: Rest­or­a­tion, from The South­ern Har­mo­ny and Mu­sic­al Com­pan­ion, by (New York: Hast­ings House, 1835). Alternate tunes:

  • Adoration (Doane), (1832-1915)
  • Aus­tria (Hay­dn), , 1797
  • Stuttgart, , 1715

WHAT THIS HOST? © 2005 Neil Barham
These lyr­ics may be free­ly re­pro­duced or pub­lished for Christ­ian wor­ship, pro­vid­ed
they are not al­tered, and this no­tice is on each co­py. All other rights re­served.

What this host? This mighty army,
Conquering every prince of men?
Led by what high King, what champion?
Who, once dead, now lives again?

This, the Church, the Bride of Jesus,
Armor-clad by God’s own hand:
Shield of Faith and Sword of Spirit—
Shod by Gospel, firm to stand!

With the awesome Truth of Heaven,
Christ has girded her around,
So arrayed for every battle,
She shall pull all empires down.

Gleaming in the morning sunlight
See salvation’s helmet shine!
Trusting to that sure protection,
On she fights, renewed in mind.

O’er that heart once bound to evil,
Lies the mail of righteousness,
No satanic accusation
Can defeat such glorious dress!

Terrible in strength and valor,
Jesus leads His host to war,
His the vict’ry, His the conquest!
He has broken down Hell’s door!

WHAT THIS HOST? © 2005 Neil Barham
These lyr­ics may be free­ly re­pro­duced or pub­lished for Christ­ian wor­ship, pro­vid­ed
they are not al­tered, and this no­tice is on each co­py. All other rights re­served.