But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
Philippians 2:17
Victor Maurus (c. 303)
Lived Faithfully
Victor was a Mauritanian who put his faith in Christ at a young age. He became a soldier in the elite Roman Praetorian Guard and lived a long life of faithful Christian obedience during dangerous times. In Milan, in about 303, he was imprisoned and tortured severely on the orders of the Emperor Maximianus, which included having molten lead poured onto his skin. But Victor, who was an old man by this time, remained steadfast in his faith and was beheaded.
The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink His cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.
A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Saviour’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n,
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given,
To follow in their train.
Reginald Heber (1783-1826)