The Death of Stephen

I

As some tall rock amidst the waves
The fury of the tempest braves,
While the fierce billows, tossing high,
Break at its foot, and murm’ring, die:

II

Thus they who in the Lord confide,
Though foes assault on every side,
Cannot be moved or overthrown,
For Jesus makes their cause his own.

III

So faithful Stephen, undismay’d,
The malice of the Jews survey’d;
The holy joy which fill’d his breast,
A lustre on his face impress’d.

IV

“Behold,” he said, “the world of light
Is open’d to my strengthened sight;
My glorious Lord appears in view,
That Jesus whom ye lately slew.”

V

With such a friend and witness near,
No form of death could make him fear;
Calm, amidst showers of stones, he kneels,
And only for his murderers feels.

VI

May we by faith perceive thee thus,
Dear Saviour, ever near to us!
This sight our peace through life shall keep,
And death be fear’d no more than sleep.