"Two Armies"

A hymn written by Joseph Irons in Zion's Hymns. (in particular meter - irregular, rare, or one-of-a-kind)

Song of Solomon 6:13 Return, return, O Shulamite;
Return, return, that we may look upon thee.
What will ye see in the Shulamite?
As it were the company of two armies.

"Two Armies"

1. In yonder Shulamite
What wonders do I see; -
The same which, day and night,
Disturb the peace in me;
Two armies meet, and each can boast,
The conquest of a num'rous host.

2. Troops of corruptions strong,
Claim thousands as their prey,
And o'er the captive throng,
Their cruel sceptre sway;
Till heav'nly graces enter in,
And take the prey from hell and sin.

3. The conflict thus begun,
Will every day increase,
Till victory is won, -
Till sin, and sorrow cease;
Our inbred sins will give us pain,
But graces shall triumphant reign.

4. The struggle, though severe,
Cannot continue long;
Ye saints, dismiss your fear,
Begin the conqu'ror's song:
Our hosts of sin shall all be slain,
And Christ in us for ever reign.