Rejoicing in Persecution
By H. L. Drew
SR. H. L. DREW writes from Steuben Co., N. Y.: Of all the people on the earth, we have the greatest reason to rejoice, not over our enemies, but that our eyes have ever been opened to see these glorious truths. The word of God is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, if we take it, and square our lives by its divine teachings. We need not faint by the way; for Jesus has said, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. The true church of God in all ages has been a persecuted people; and are we to be discouraged, because we are evil spoken of, and because the finger of scorn and derision is pointed at us? and even though our nearest friend or kinsman according to the flesh turns against us? No; we are to rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer persecution for Christ’s sake; and to lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. Oh, glorious hope! of soon seeing the King in his beauty. Lonely ones, fear not; the scoffing time of the wicked will soon be over. They will soon call for the rocks to fall upon them, and for the mountains to cover them. The mandate will soon go forth from the King of kings: Let the filthy be filthy still, and the holy be holy still. Come, ye blessed; and depart, ye cursed. Yes; the dread scenes of the Judgment are just before us. Lord, increase our faith, and confirm our hopes. Jesus is about to leave the most holy place. I can say like one of old that I fear sometimes I myself shall be a castaway. Better had I never known the way, than to make shipwreck of my faith, or depart from the holy commandment delivered unto me.