in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
whene’er we hear that glorious word!
Refrain:
Faith of the martyrs, holy faith,
we will be true to thee till death.
2. The martyrs chained in prison cells
were still in heart and conscience free,
and bless’d would be their children’s fate
if they, like them, should die for thee! [Refrain]
3 Faith of the martyrs, we will love
both friend and foe in all our strife,
and preach thee, too, as love knows how,
by saving word and faithful life! [Refrain]
Scripture; Psalm 22:4-5,
Matthew 5:16,
Matthew 5:44, Mark 8:31-38
The hymn Faith of Our Fathers was written by Frederick William Faber in 1849 during a time of religious persecution and upheaval. Faber, an Englishman who converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism, composed the hymn to honor the steadfast faith of Catholic martyrs during the English Reformation, particularly under the rule of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. These individuals, including priests and laypeople, were often imprisoned or executed for remaining loyal to the Catholic Church. The hymn's stirring lyrics emphasize loyalty to God and the enduring power of inherited faith, even in the face of suffering. Over time, the hymn has been embraced by various Christian denominations and adapted slightly to reflect broader Christian unity, making it a cherished anthem of perseverance, heritage, and devotion across different traditions.
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