Tune: Sussex Carol
(\'On Christmas night all Christians sing\')
Acts 7 v.51-60
St Stephen\'s Day - Dec. 26.
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O holy Stephen, bold and strong
Did follow his Lord all life long
O holy Stephen, bold and strong
Did follow his Lord all life long
He followed Him unto the end
To preach the gospel he did tend
Though he suffered a martyr\'s death
He served his Lord to final breath
Though he suffered a martyr\'s death
He served his Lord to final breath
What makes you people rage and spite
When he brings you the world\'s true Light?
Your sins they have darkened your mind
Else you would true salvation find
Your sins they have darkened your mind
Else you would true salvation find
So off to death they Stephen led
And stoned him until he was dead
But his words were, O Lord, forgive
Them, and let them in your sight live
But his words were, O Lord, forgive
Them, and let them in your sight live
Though they me kill, Lord, your light still
Shines and prevails, to men good will
Loving sinners but not their sin
We by you can be cleansed within
Loving sinners but not their sin
We by you can be cleansed within
And this a witness to young Paul
Who standing by did see this all
A seeming loss, a tragic waste
But the Lord\'s purpose not effaced
A seeming loss, a tragic waste
But the Lord\'s purpose not effaced
Paul a believer he would too
Become, be made in Christ anew