1 When Rome had shrouded earth in night,
God said again, Let there be light!
And Luther with the Gospel came
To spread the truth in Jesus' name.
2 When Rome the saints of God oppressed,
And burdened souls could find no rest,
Through Luther God deliv'rance sent
By His pure Word and Sacrament.
3 Though hosts against us stand arrayed,
Christ bids us still, Be not afraid;
Though all its powers the truth assail,
The gates of hell shall not prevail.
4 Today with joyful hearts we sing
The guardian care of Christ our King,
Who through His chosen instrument
To us hath this salvation sent.
5 O Lord, whose mercies still endure,
Preserve to us Thy Gospel pure;
Let it alone within us reign,
That Thine the glory may remain.
Source: Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book #283