The New English Hymnal ‎#217

217. Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled

1 Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled
To follow close God’s only Son,
Well didst thou brave thy battlefield,
And well thy heavenly bliss was won!

2 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.

3 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.

4 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. Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled
• Latin Title: Martyr Dei qui unicum
• Translator: Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Festivals and Other Holidays: General; Martyrs; Office Hymn
• Source: Latin, c. 10th century
• Notes: Alternative tune ANGELS' SONG 235; For one martyr

Tune Information

• Name: MARTYR DEI
• Key: d minor
• Source: Mode ii
• Copyright: Arr. by permission of Oxford University Press (from "English Hymnal," 1933)