Scripture Verse

Blessèd are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:10–12

Introduction

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George Cooper (1840–1927)

Words: George Coop­er, The Chap­let of Or­ig­in­al Hymns and Songs (Bos­ton, Mas­sa­chu­setts: G. D. Rus­sell, 1873), page 93.

Music: Sa­voie Har­ris­on Mill­ard (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Harrison Millard (1830–1895)

Lyrics

Blessèd are they that for His sake
Are per­se­cuted and re­viled;
Our Sav­ior’s love a Heav’n can make,
When storms of earth are fierce and wild.
O, thoughts of Him who bore the cross,
Should teach our hearts to bear with joy
Their bur­dens, tho’ in pain and loss,
Whatever ills of earth an­noy!
Whatever ills of earth an­noy!
Blessèd are they! Bless­èd are they!

Blessèd are they that for His sake
Are per­se­cut­ed and re­viled;
May no­thing here our cour­age shake,
While on we bear His yoke so mild.
O, still be faith­ful to the last,
Untempted e’en amid des­pair!
Tho’, round the faith­ful, snares are cast,
Theirs is Heav’n’s king­dom, bright and fair.
Theirs is Heav’n’s king­dom, bright and fair.
Blessèd are they! Bless­èd are they!