Tune: Tempus Adeste Floridum = The time for flowers has come
(\'Good King Wenceslas\')
Acts 7 v.54-60 - For St Stephen\'s Day: Dec 26.
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They to whom Stephen did preach
Whom his message did reach
They stubborn, impenitent
Did not change or repent
When they heard him, in fury
Cut to the heart they be
Teeth to him gritted in rage
None did abate or assuage
But he full of the Spirit
Looked to heaven, eyes lit
Saw the glory of God, too
Jesus there he did view
Said, behold, heavens I see
Opened, and Jesus be
Sone of man at God\'s right hand
There He be, there He does stand
People cried out with loud voice
Blocked their ears, that their choice
Rushed upon him together
As in one angry stir
Cast him out of the city
Stoned him violently
He called on God, saying, Lord
Jesus, do hear my prayer\'s word
Receive my spirit, he prayed
Kneeled down, with loud voice made
It to be heard, said, Lord, lay
This sin not to them, may
It not be to their charge laid
He bold and unafraid
Holy martyr then did sleep* (*die)
God his faithful soul did keep