FAITH

By faith transformed did Enoch please the Lord
And saw not death, but walked with Him on high ;
By faith was Noah warned of things to come
And led to hew a life-preserving ark.
Faith, too, bade Abraham obey the call
To journey to an unfamiliar land
That should be his ; and hearkening to the word
He grew to share the promise with his seed.
By faith did Isaac and, in season, Jacob
Bless their descendants for all time to come.
By faith was Moses hidden from the wrath
Of an unrighteous king; by faith refused
The tie of sonship in the royal house,
Choosing to suffer gladly with his own
Rather than bask with riches for a time
In sinful compromise. Faith bade him lead
The Israelites toward the promised land.
By faith young David triumphed ; Samuel
And all the prophets, preaching righteousness
And working wonders over Israel,
Byfaith,—some stoned, some tempted, slain with sword,—
Yet triumphed, counting not upon this world.
Thus faith lived on, and grown to understanding
Transformed a world that learned to love the Christ,
The minister of Life and Truth and Love,
Who brought to weary hearts the word of peace.
And we who live do grow by faith indeed,
And hold the seed of understanding dear,
Sharing the promise that was left for us.
By faith must error's mountain be removed
That light may shine across the plains of God,
And Truth and Love be proven ever one.
For this we render thanks, and praying know
While yet the spirit speaks, that God doth hear.