Lord! I Believe Poem by John Bowring

Lord! I believe: but if a doubt
Should shake my weak and wand'ring soul,
Let Reason drive the intruder out,
And Truth my wayward thoughts control.


But let me not, O God! receive
Distrustful Thy almighty word:
'Twere better never to believe
Than to mistrust and dread Thee, Lord!


And, finding truth, may I convey
That truth in meekness. Truth demands
Nor flame, nor sword, nor despot sway;
But gentle thoughts and spotless hands.


Lord! I believe: but if a doubt
Should sometimes shake my wav'ring soul,
Let Reason drive the intruder out,
And Truth my wayward thoughts control.