Page:Poems Kimball.djvu/143

Nay, forgive me! poor indeed
 Is the faith whose backward gaze
Seeks for signs that it may plead
 In behalf of coming days,
Strengthening timid hope to say,
"He was gracious yesterday."

Ah, how little do we know
 Of Thy mercy's magnitude!
How our faith should burn and glow
 With the thought that Thou art good!
And in adoration say,
"I will trust Him, though He slay."

Once Thou didst bestow a sign
 That forever should suffice;
Showing forth the Love Divine
 In that one supreme device.
Though all else should pass away,
Faith shall find that sign its stay.

Come, then, darkness, suffering, loss;
 Come temptation, sorrow, death;
By that sign, the holy Cross,
 Faith forever conquereth;
And foretasting Life can say,
"I will trust Him, though He slay."