465. L. M.6l. Bowring. "Help thou my unbelief."

1 If listening, as I listen still,
O God! to thine instructive word,
In spite of all my spirit's will,
Some whispering voice of doubt is heard, --
That voice spontaneous from the soul,
Which nought can check and nought control;

2 If when most earnestly I pray
For light, for aid, for strength from thee,
Some struggling thoughts will force their way,
And break my soul's serenity; --
If reason, thy best gift, will hold
The sceptre only half controlled: --

3 Help and forgive! heaven's alphabet
Hath many a word of mystery;
I read not all thy record yet,
Though perseveringly I try;
But teach me, Lord! and none shall be
More prompt, more pleased to learn of thee.