THE PROVING

RUTH INGRAHAM.

How do I know my immortality?
When each morn brings to me a joy so deep—
As deep and full and strong as deeps of sea,
Thrilling and filling firth and gulf and bay—
The purer tides of Life itself fill me!

How do I know that God is Love? Why all—
All that I hear or think or feel or see—
Proves Love the only power and permanence.
Makes this the one thing sought of every man,
Each in degree of his development,
In blind, mistaken ways, or ways of light!

How do I know the Lord Christ's words are true?
When works prove now, as then, their certainty;
When the obedience of a willing faith
Endows me with a measure of his grace.
Makes me the instrument of heavenly power,
And, with a humble, rapturous gratitude,
I see his miracles beneath my hand!

O doubting one, would there might come to thee
The inward sense that long hath satisfied
My soul, once yearning, seeking, doubting, too!
Believe Truth for the works' sake. Take on faith—
The little thou art ready to perceive;
Then do the truth thou knowest—and this done,
Thou shalt be taught the truth thou need'st to know.