That faith is true whatever it may be,
What ethics or traditions it may teach,
Whose whispers soothe the secret misery
And mollify with soft, persuasive speech.
That faith is true that lightens pain and care,
That false, which adds one burden to the load,
Whate'er its ornaments of psalm and prayer,
A travesty on reason and on God.
That faith is true that buoys the sinking breast,
When in the throes of some great agony,
That comforts the afflicted and distressed,
And reconciles the trembling soul to die.
That faith is true that when the chilling blasts
Of final dissolution overwhelm
Life's fragile bark, and shiver hull and masts,
Sees but the hand of Love upon the helm.