Scripture Verse

Daniel resolved not to defile himself. Daniel 1:8

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Phi­lip P. Bliss, 1873 (🔊 pdf nwc). Bliss wrote this song for his Sun­day school class at the First Con­gre­ga­tion­al Church of Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois. This hymn and Hold the Fort were pro­hib­it­ed by the Sul­tan from use in Tur­key (San­key, p. 134).

portrait
Philip P. Bliss (1838–1876)

Lyrics

Standing by a pur­pose true,
Heeding God’s com­mand,
Honor them, the faith­ful few!
All hail to Da­ni­el’s band!

Refrain

Dare to be a Da­ni­el,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a pur­pose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many migh­ty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By join­ing Da­ni­el’s band.

Refrain

Many gi­ants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Da­ni­el’s band.

Refrain

Hold the Gos­pel ban­ner high!
On to vic­t’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts de­fy,
And shout for Da­ni­el’s band.

Refrain

illustration
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Peter Paul Rubens, ca. 1615