Scripture Verse

Trial[s] of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. Hebrews 11:36–7

Introduction

Words: Adapt­ed by Su­san H. Pe­ter­son, 1997, from Faith of Our Fa­thers (pub­lic do­main). The words speak of the per­se­cu­tion of the world­wide church.

Music: St. Ca­the­rine (Wal­ton) ar­ranged by James G. Wal­ton, in Crown of Je­sus Mu­sic, by Hen­ri F. He­my (Lon­don: Tho­mas Ri­chard­son & Sons, 1864) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of He­my or Wal­ton (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Susan Peterson
(1950–2004)

Lyrics

Faith of our bro­thers, suf­fer­ing sore,
Enduring pri­son, fa­mine, and sword,
O Ho­ly Spir­it, give com­fort, we pray,
May they this day find strength in Thy Word.
Faith of our bro­thers, ho­ly faith,
May they be true to thee till death!

Tortured and killed for Thy dear name,
Lord, give them grace to count all but loss,
May they hold stead­fast to the end,
Sharing the suf­fer­ings of the cross.
Faith of our bro­thers, ho­ly faith,
May they be true to thee till death!

Our bro­thers, chained in pri­sons dark,
Are still in heart and con­science free,
O may they know thy deep, sweet peace,
Fill them with joy for all to see.
Faith of our bro­thers, ho­ly faith,
May they be true to thee till death!

Faith of our bro­thers! May they love
Both friend and foe in all their strife,
And preach Thee too, as love knows how,
By kind­ly words and vir­tu­ous life.
Faith of our bro­thers, ho­ly faith,
May they be true to thee till death!

And Lord, may we be rea­dy too,
To give our lives, if need­ed, for Thee,
May we be strong in Thy great strength,
And live each day, com­mit­ted to Thee.
Faith of all bro­thers, ho­ly faith,
May we be true to thee till death!