312. From ‘Christian Evidences’

NOW God forbid that Faith be blind assent,

Grasping what others know; else Faith were nought

But learning, as of some far continent

Which others sought,

And carried thence, better the tale to teach,

Pebbles and sheels, poor fragments of the beach.

Now God forbid that Faith be built on dates,

Cursive or uncial letters, scribe or gloss,

What one conjectures, proves, or demonstrates:

This were the loss

Of all to which God bids that man aspire,

This were the death of life, quenching of fire.

Nay, but with Faith I see. Not even Hope,

Her glorious sister, stands so high as she.

For this but stands expectant on the slope

That leads where He

Her source and consummation sets His seat,

Where Faith dwells always to caress His Feet.

Nay, but with Faith I saw my Lord and God

Walk in the fragrant garden yesterday.

Ah! how the thrushes sang; and, where He trod

Like spikenard lay

Jewels of dew, fresh-fallen from the sky,

While all the lawn rang round with melody.

Nay, but with Faith I marked my Saviour go,

One August noonday, down the stifling street

That reeked with filth and man; marked from Him flow

Radiance so sweet,

The man ceased cursing, laughter lit the child,

The woman hoped again, as Jesus smiled.

Nay, but with Faith I sought my Lord last night,

And found Him shining where the lamp was dim;

The shadowy altar glimmered, height on height,

A throne for Him:

Seen as through lattice work His gracious Face

Looked forth on me and filled the dark with grace.

Nay then, if proof and tortured argument

Content thee—teach thee that the Lord is there,

Or risen again; I pray thee be content,

But leave me here

With eye unsealed by any proof of thine,

With eye unsealed to know the Lord is mine.