The martyrs of Jesus.
Revelation 17:6
Words: Unknown author, 10th Century (Martyr Dei qui unicum). Translated from Latin to English by Percy Dearmer in The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906), number 180.
Music: Whitehall, melody by Henry Lawes (1596–1662) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled
To follow close God’s only Son,
Well didst thou brave thy battlefield,
And well thy heav’nly bliss was won!
Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray
That God may pardon us and bless;
For prayer keeps evil’s plague away,
And draws from life its weariness.
Long, long ago, were loosed the chains
That held thy body once in thrall;
For us how many a bond remains!
O Love of God release us all.
All praise to God the Father be,
All praise to Thee, eternal Son;
All praise, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
While never ending ages run.