REASON unstrings the harp to see Wherein the music dwells; Faith pours a Hallelujah song, And heavenly rapture swells. While Reason strives to count the drops That lave our narrow strand, Faith launches o'er the mighty deep, To seek a better land. One is the foot that slowly treads Where darkling mists enshroud; The other is the wing that cleaves Each heaven-obscuring cloud. Reason, the eye which sees but that On which its glance is cast; Faith is the thought that blends in one The Future and the Past. In hours of darkness, Reason waits, Like those in days of yore, Who rose not from their night-bound place, On dark Egyptian shore. But Faith more firmly clasps the hand Which led her all the day, And when the wished-for morning dawns, Is farther on her way. By Reason's alchymy in vain Is golden treasure planned; Faith meekly takes a priceless crown, Won by no mortal hand. While Reason is the laboring oar That smites the wrathful seas, Faith is the snowy sail set out To catch the freshening breeze. Reason, the telescope that scans A universe of light; But Faith, the angel who may dwell Among those regions bright. Reason, a lonely towering elm, May fall before the blast; Faith, like the ivy on the rock, Is safe in clinging fast. While Reason, like a Levite, waits Where priest and people meet, Faith, by a "new and living way," Hath gained the mercy-seat. While Reason but returns to tell That this is not our rest, Faith, like a weary dove, hath sought A gracious Saviour's breast. Yet both are surely precious gifts From Him who leads us home; Though in the wilds Himself hath trod A little while we roam. And, linked within the soul that knows A living, loving Lord, Faith strikes the key-note, Reason then Fills up the full-toned chord. Faith is the upward-pointing spire O'er life's great temple springing, From which the chimes of love float forth Celestially ringing; While Reason stands below upon The consecrated ground, And, like a mighty buttress, clasps The wide foundation round. Faith is the bride that stands enrobed In white and pure array; Reason, the handmaid who may share The gladness of the day. Faith leads the way, and Reason learns To follow in her train; Till, step by step, the goal is reached, And death is glorious gain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LENNIE SWENSON by KAREN SWENSON TEN YEARS OLD by LOUIS UNTERMEYER THE RETIREMENT; TO MR. IZAAK WALTON by CHARLES COTTON LOST LOVE by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES A FAREWELL [TO C.E.G.] by CHARLES KINGSLEY AULD ROBIN GRAY by ANNE LINDSAY |