In his ambitious effort to edit the English Hymnal in the period 1904 - 1906, with the Rev. Percy Dearmer, Vaughan Williams pored over hundreds of hymns, correcting, harmonizing, arranging, but seldom contributing anything original to them. This was one of four hymns, however, for which the composer supplied a new melody. He called the tune the "Sine Nomine," and its memorable character has made this hymn one of the more popular ones in the English Hymnal, which itself grew in acceptance and prestige throughout the twentieth century after initial criticism.

The text of the hymn by William Walsham How dates to 1864, and begins with the words, "For all the saints, who from their labors rest/who thee by faith before the world confessed..." The Vaughan Williams melody has become well-known in the Anglican Church, as well as in other Christian denominations. It begins with four descending notes and then rises, blossoming into a majestic theme with poise and self-assurance, never sounding pompous or stiff in its glorious manner. The mood throughout is radiant, though not ecstatic, keeping its religious character on a more human, less regal level. In sum, this is one of the finest hymn settings ever made by Vaughan Williams, and should appeal to most listeners with an interest in choral or religious music.

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