Author: Anne Bronte

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    Eternal Power, of earth and air!
    Unseen, yet seen in all around,
    Remote, but dwelling everywhere,
    Though silent, heard in every sound.

    If e'er thine ear in mercy bent,
    When wretched mortals cried to Thee,
    And if, indeed, Thy Son was sent,
    To save lost sinners such as me:

    Then hear me now, while, kneeling here,
    I lift to thee my heart and eye,
    And all my soul ascends in prayer,
    Oh, give me, give me Faith! I cry.

    Without some glimmering in my heart,
    I could not raise this fervent prayer;
    But, oh! a stronger light impart,
    And in Thy mercy fix it there.

    While Faith is with me, I am blest;
    It turns my darkest night to day;
    But while I clasp it to my breast,
    I often feel it slide away.

    Then, cold and dark, my spirit sinks,
    To see my light of life depart;
    And every fiend of Hell, methinks,
    Enjoys the anguish of my heart.

    What shall I do, if all my love,
    My hopes, my toil, are cast away,
    And if there be no God above,
    To hear and bless me when I pray?

    If this be vain delusion all,
    If death be an eternal sleep,
    And none can hear my secret call,
    Or see the silent tears I weep!

    Oh, help me, God! For thou alone
    Canst my distracted soul relieve;
    Forsake it not: it is thine own,
    Though weak, yet longing to believe.

    Oh, drive these cruel doubts away;
    And make me know, that Thou art God!
    A faith, that shines by night and day,
    Will lighten every earthly load.

    If I believe that Jesus died,
    And, waking, rose to reign above;
    Then surely Sorrow, Sin, and Pride,
    Must yield to Peace, and Hope, and Love.

    And all the blessed words He said
    Will strength and holy joy impart:
    A shield of safety o'er my head,
    A spring of comfort in my heart.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a profound exploration of the human struggle with faith and doubt, particularly in the face of adversity. It is a heartfelt prayer, an intimate dialogue between the speaker and a divine entity, conveyed with fervor and desperation. The speaker seeks reassurance of divine presence and benevolence, showcasing the universal human desire for belief and comfort in the spiritual.

The structure of the poem, with its steady rhythm and rhyme, lends a hymn-like quality, enhancing the theme of spiritual seeking. The tone is one of deep desperation, yet also hope, reflecting an internal battle between faith and doubt. The poet uses compelling imagery to depict this struggle: faith is a 'light' that can slide away, leaving the speaker 'cold and dark,' at the mercy of every 'fiend of Hell'. This vivid, stark contrast illustrates the tenuous nature of faith and the profound darkness of doubt.

The poet also employs repetition to emphasize the speaker's plea and the urgency of their need. The repeated cries for faith and divine help underscore the profound desperation for spiritual reassurance. This repetition also reflects the cyclical nature of the speaker's struggle, suggesting that faith and doubt, hope and despair, are recurring states in the human condition.

Overall, the poem is a powerful exploration of the human quest for faith, offering a raw, poignant look at the doubt that often accompanies it. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, its ability to seek light in the midst of darkness, and its enduring desire for divine connection and comfort.