Martyr Missive

Tune: Tempus Adeste Floridum

('Good King Wenceslas')

Acts 7 v.51-60

For St Stephen's Day: Dec 26.

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Stephen in Jerusalem

Did preach there unto them

At the ending, he did say

You stubborn ones, this day

Impenitent in your heart

And in ears, on your part

You the Spirit do resist

As ancestors, no desist

 

They prophets persecute

Evil was their heart's root

Prophets showed of the Just One

He to come, God's own Son

You Him betrayed and murdered

Spoke against Him your word

Crucify was all your breath

You oppressed Him to death

 

You who have the law received

Not kept it, not believed

When they heard these thing they were

Enraged, wrath did occur

But Stephen, he being full

Of the Spirit withal

Looked up steadfast to heaven

Saw the glory of God then

 

And Jesus there at right hand

Of God, there His place manned

Heavens opened he did see

But then the crowd's fury

Vented on him, with loud voice

Cast him out, that their choice

Not listened to message there

In his stoning did share

 

He did call on God, saying

Lord, do forgive this thing

Jesus, my spirit receive

I trust you, I believe

Lay not this sin to their charge

Then with peace and courage

He did die, did fall asleep

The Lord his soul did keep

 

Lead us, Lord, to witness strong

Acting against all wrong

As your holy martyr did

Stephen, your light not hid

What seems waster in human thought

Greater purpose has brought

Full of power, life, and grace

Your example he did trace