To stand by error and the truth refuse;
To close the eyes against unwelcome light;
The crooked paths, through prejudice, to choose;
For one’s own will and thoughts and ways to fight;
To have the fear of sleeping conscience stirred,
By letting in truth’s quick and searching ray;
When ignorance to knowledge is preferred,
And dull obscurity to heavenly day:
By marks like these is stubbornness descried,
Offspring of foolish selfishness and pride.
To stand by truth, to suffer loss and pain
Rather than swerve from duty’s sacred way;
To count reproach an honor; suffering gain—
Endured, because we will God’s will obey;
Ne’er to abate one jot of what is right,
Though crowds deride or flatter, smile or frown;
To brave the dungeon, rack or tyrant’s might;
Or, harder still, refuse a proffered crown:
This is true FIRMNESS, such as heaven approves,
The noble steadfastness our Father loves.