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
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),
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!