“Persecuted, but Not Forsaken”
By Mrs. S. L. Stout
Dedicated to those who suffer for truth as revealed in God’s Word. Alone, yet not alone,
Tho dark, cold walls surround,
And slime and damp, with chilling breath,
Come stalking through this tomb of death.
No fair blue sky, no green-clad ground,
Nor starry dome, No loving word,
But gibe and jeer of wicked men
With thoughts on evil deeds intent,
And hearts all seared, and forms all bent
O’er plans to ’scape their dismal den.
No prayer is heard. ’Tis passing strange—
Such fellowship for one who loves
Jehovah’s law and precepts pure,
Which, long as heaven and earth endure,
Eternal, changeless still its grooves
All heaven sustains. Is this the crime?
O nation strong in might and power,
When thus, for conscience’ sake, mankind
Are thrust in prison cells, and fined,
You’re drifting back to sin’s dark hour,
And ages blind. God’s Word shall stand,
Outshining far our human ken.
Wisdom and might in His promise lurk,
All things together for good shall work;
Nor demons nor angels nor wicked men
Can pluck from His hand. Brethren, be strong!
You’re only “first-fruits” gathered in.
You’re not alone ’mid scenes so drear;
There’s One beside you—never fear.
Transgression of His law is sin.
’Twill not be long. With each day’s birth,
The muttering storm-cloud louder sounds;
Still others must prove their loyalty.
From cell and dungeon forth they’ll flee
When the loud trump resounds
Through heaven and earth. ’Tis well—
Afflictions light—but a moment of time
Compared to the glory that ever shall be
In that fair dominion, redeemed, and free
From curse or blight, a sorrowless clime,
No prison, no hell.