Not By The Martyr’s Death Alone

This hymn was used as the hymn for Nocturns for the Common of the Just/Righteous in the Paris Breviary (1736).

This is the text of the hymn as it appears in  Hymns Ancient and Modern (1867):

Not by the martyr’s death alone
The saint his crown in heaven has won;
There is a triumph robe on high
For bloodless fields of victory.

What though he was not called to feel
The cross, or flame, or torturing wheel,
Yet daily to the world he died,
His flesh, through Grace, he crucified.

What though nor chains, nor scourges sore,
Nor cruel beasts his members tore,
Enough if perfect Love arise
To Christ a grateful sacrifice.

Lord, grant us so to Thee to turn,
That we to die through life may learn,
And thus, when life’s brief day is o’er,
Rejoice with Thee for evermore.

O Fount of Sanctity and Love!
O perfect Rest of saints above!
All praise, all glory be to Thee,
Both now and through eternity. Amen.

Words: Fr. Jean-Baptiste de Santeul, 17th C.; tr. Compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861.
Tune: “Wells (Monk)“ William H. Monk, 1875.
Alternate Tune: “Hilderstone“ Phillip Hart, 1713.
Meter: 8.8.8.8

The original Latin text of this hymn may be found here.