Sunday 20 November 2016

20th November 1816: James Towle's hymn - 'Oh! For an overcoming faith'

According to various reports, the Nottinghamshire Luddite James Towle sang the whole of this hymn prior to his execution on Wednesday 20th November 1816:

O for an overcoming faith
To cheer my dying hours;
To triumph o'er the monster Death,
And all his frightful powers!

Joyful with all the strength I have
My quiv'ring lips should sing-
Where is thy boasted vict'ry, Grave?
And where the monster's sting?

If sin be pardoned, I'm secure,
Death hath no sting beside;
The law gives sin its damning power;
But Christ, my ransom, died.

Now to the God of victory
Immortal thanks be paid,
Who makes us conquerors while we die,
Through Christ our living head.

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