Classic Poem

Could'st thou in calmness yield thy mortal breath
Without the Christian's sure and certain hope?
Didst thou to earth confine our being's scope,
Yet, fixed on One Supreme with fervent faith,
Prompt to obey what conscience witnesseth
As one intent to fly th'eternal wrath
Decline the ways of sin that downward slope?
O thou light-searching spirit, that did'st grope
In such bleak shadows here, twixt life and death,
To thee dare I bear witness, though in ruth —
Brave witness like thine own — dare hope and pray
That thou, set free from this imprisoning clay,
Now clad in raiment of perpetual youth,
Mayst find that bliss untold, 'mid endless day,
Awaits each earnest soul that lives for Truth.