The cruel stones unerring fell upon him— Until they deemed his bleeding form was dead; His worth and work they knew not, and they cared not; Enough, they madly hated what he said.

God touched him! and he rose, with new life given; Nor in his bosom burned resentful pain; And, by and by, when need and call both guided, He to the stoning-place returned again.

Perchance thou, too, hast tasted cruel stoning— And might’st be glad if call came ne’er again To turn to scenes where surely there awaits thee The cruel, cutting stones which make life vain.

Yet, if “back to the stones” the Finger pointeth, Then thou shalt know there is no better way; And there, just there, shall matchless grace await thee, And God Himself shall be thy strength and stay.

J. DANSON SMITH

The most sublime moments lie very close to the most painful situations.

Are we familiar with the road that leads back to the stones?