Stephen's Story

Tune: Tempus Adest Floridum

= The time has come for flowers

('Good King Wenceslas looked out')

Acts 6 v.5 & v.8; Acts 7 v.52-60 parts

For St Stephen's Day: Dec 26.

*********

Holy Stephen, martyr strong

Followed Christ all along

Full of faith and full of power

And wisdom each hour

Among the people he did

Great wonders, they not hid

And miracles, he preached bold

Full gospel message told

 

But they would not hear, believe

The gospel not receive

They stubborn, impenitent

Stoned God's messenger sent

But he, full of the Spirit

His inwardly sight lit

Looked up steadfastly to heaven

Wondrous view he had them

 

For he did see God's glory

And Jesus standing, see

On God's right hand side, and said

I see Him in good stead

Behold, this I do see plain

It not be a view vain

But they cried out with loud voice

To destroy him made choice

 

They did then listen no more

Bur murderous intent sure

They pursued, all to him ran

To put to death this man

As they stoned him, Stephen called

On God, though scene appalled

Said, Lord Jesus, now receive

My spirit, I you believe

 

He kneeled down and cried out loud

Though the stoning him bowed

Said, Lord, lay not this sin to

Their charge, but forgive, do

When he said this he did die

Christian sleep by and by

As his Master too did pray

Forgive Lord, each this day