FAITH OF OUR FATHERS

 A HYMN FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

by Thomas Alexander Lacey

 

 

1 Faith of our fathers, taught of old

By faithful shepherds of the fold.

The hallowing of our nation;

Thou wast through many a wealthy year,

Through many a darkened day of fear

The rock of our salvation.

 

2 Our fathers heard the trumpet call

Through lowly cot and kingly hall

From oversea resounding:

They bowed their stubborn wills to learn

The truths that live, the thoughts that burn,

With new resolve abounding.

 

3 Our fathers held the faith received,

By Saints declared, by Saints believed.

By Saints in death defended;

Through pain of doubt and bitterness,

Through pain of treason and distress,

They for the right contended.

 

4 Though frequent be the loud alarms,

Though still we march by ambushed arms

Of death and hell surrounded,

With Christ for chief we fear no foe,

Nor force nor craft can overthrow

The Church that he has founded.

 

Arise, arise, good Christian men,

Your glorious standard raise again,

The Cross where with he signed you;

The King himself shall lead you on,

Shall watch you till the strife be done.

Then near his throne shall find you.