‘”The Chariots of the Lord” is a poem by Rev. John Brownlie, D.D., set to music by Edward Elgar

Edward Elgar

Sir Edward William Elgar, 1st Baronet OM, GCVO was an English composer, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, concertos...

 in 1914.

The song was written for Clara Butt

Clara Butt

Dame Clara Ellen Butt DBE , sometimes called Clara Butt-Rumford after her marriage, was an English contralto with a remarkably imposing voice and a surprisingly agile singing technique. Her main career was as a recitalist and concert singer.-Early life and career:Clara Butt was born in Southwick,...

 and first performed by her in the Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall situated on the northern edge of the South Kensington area, in the City of Westminster, London, England, best known for holding the annual summer Proms concerts since 1941....

on 28 June 1914. It was published by Boosey & Co.

Lyrics

THE CHARIOTS OF THE LORD

The chariots of the Lord are strong,

Their number passeth ken ;

Mount them and fight against the wrong,

Ye who are valiant men.

Where, unabashed, the power of sin

Vaunts an unhindered sway,

Ride, in the strength of God, and win

Fresh laurels in the fray.

Where hands are weak, and hearts are faint,

Through conflict sharp and sore ;

Where hearts that murmur no complaint,

Shrink at the thought of more :

There let the power of God be shown,

To quell satanic might ;

To rescue those who strive alone,

Despondent in the flight.

For freedom wield the sword of might,

And cut the hands that bind ;

Strike boldly in the name of right,

And still fresh laurels find.

Where unabashed, the power of sin

Vaunts an unhindered sway,

Ride, in the strength of God, and win

Fresh laurels in the fray.

Recordings

"The Unknown Elgar" includes "The Chariots of the Lord" performed by Stephen Holloway (bass), with Barry Collett (piano).