ORDEAL

ORDEAL

“An ancient form of trial to determine guilt or innocence, practiced by the rude nations of Europe, and still practiced in the East Indies. In England, the ordeal was of two sorts, fire-ordeal and water-ordeal; the former being confined to persons of higher rank, the latter to the common people.” (Webster 1844 American Dictionary.)

How did martyrs win their fame?
Trial by water – trial by flame –
Faithful to the only Name –
Bearing persecution’s blame –
Wearing torture’s lonely shame –
Praising God their only aim –
Counting curse or blessing same –
Testifying that Christ came.

(25 July 2009, Provo, Utah)