His vision blinded with a pitying dew.
Love thou the path of sorrow that he trod,
Toil on, and wait in patience for thy rest;
Oh! country that I love, we soon shall see
Thy glorious cause triumphant, crowned and blest.”
While reflecting upon the inconsistency of secession, and witnessing the persecutions heaped upon those who were loyal to the flag and truth of our fathers, I almost faltered in my religious faith, for many of these leaders in treason were professed Christians. But, through the power of prayer, came a satisfying answer to my questioning fear. I felt that the Lord Omnipotent was just—that his grace and gospel were for the poor and the oppressed.
I remembered the day when the Saviour appeared to me—when denser, darker prison-bands were sundered. Then old things passed away. Then came the strength to believe and trust in a Higher Power—an Infinite Deliverer. Remembering when the friendly voice had spoken to my troubled heart, “Peace, be still,” even in prison, and hated of men for Christ’s and country’s sake, I could exclaim:
“Faith, of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh! how our hearts beat high with joy