John 16:24: Thrust them into the inner prison, &c

Number'd with the transgressors see
The faithful followers of the Lamb!
Partakers of His infamy
They glory in the sacred shame,
His bonds and stripes with joy abide,
And bow to Jesus crucified.

How beautiful their feet appear,
When fetter'd for their Saviour's sake!
His people's Strength and Comforter
Both on Himself their burden take;
And in the dungeon's deepest gloom
Their joy is full, their Light is come!
2733. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, Sr°c.— vi. 25.

The person sanctifies the place;
The prison where a saint's confined
Becomes a house of prayer and praise,
Where angels and archangels join'd
Extol the grace to sinners given,
In presence of their Lord from heaven.

In hunger, weariness, and pain,
Cover'd with stripes and streaming blood,
I n chains and stocks behold the men!
The friends and confessors of God!
As pure, impassive spirits they rest,
With glorious joy supremely bless'd.

Their prayer calls down the' eternal King,
And conscious of the answer'd prayer
Like seraphs on their thrones they sing,
Beatified — for Christ is there!
Sorrow before His presence flies,
And heaven is darted from His eyes.