SUFFERINGS OF THE SAINTS.
By Mrs. L. D. A. Stuttle
THE heart of Saul, once full of pride
And hatred 'gainst the church of God,—
That tongue that did the saints deride,
Now sounds the praise of Christ abroad.
And far and near, men's hearts are stirred,
As Saul of Tarsus speaks the word. Converted to the truth of God,
He stands a champion of the right,
Amid the darksome maze profound,
Like radiant star in gloom of night.
While cruel priests in bitter strife,
In vengeance seek to take his life. And thus it was; and thus 'twill be,
When for the truth men boldly stand.
'Twas thus when Luther's mighty voice
Rang forth the Reformation grand.
For rack, and fire, and dungeon then,
Cut short the lives of holy men. 'Twas thus when Wakefield's voice and pen,
Dispel'd the gloom of papal night.
When Wesley with devoted zeal
Brought hidden errors to the light,
Death's broad highway the masses trod,
And laughed to scorn the saints of God. As it has been, 'twill ever be;
Dread persecution, grief, and pain
Shall be our lot, until he comes,
Whose glorious "right it is to reign,"
When rest, sweet rest, with our dear Lord,
Shall be our full and sure reward.