Nature’s Testimony, a Poem

NATURE'S TESTIMONY.

BY LLOYD WOODRUFF.

I was sitting in my study; Silent shadows hovered 'round, Gathering in, like birds of evil. O'er some ghastly battle ground.

And within me raged a battle: Fierce as ever savage throng Fought with battle-ax or war-club, 'Gainst a right to keep a wrong.

—

NATURES TESTIMONY. 115

Uncontrolled, the strife and turmoil Seared my soul with blighting breath. Faith and Doubt were fighting madly; Faith for life, grim Doubt for death.

As the shadows fell more darkly, Each one weakened Faith in life; Eeach one strengthened scornful doubting, Urging him to fiercer strife.

Then black night encircled 'round me; Faith fell fainting, spent with pain. Fiendish Doubt sprang nimbly on him: "Thou shalt ne'er oppose again."

As he raised his ready dagger, Raised to strike Faith's kingly heart; Through the trees, a ray of glory Made him pause and pale and start.

'Twas the moon in queenly splendor, Flooding hill and dale with light; Faith revived with sudden fury. Putting Doubt to hasty flight.

And a nightingale, in praising, Broke to rapturous, magic song. Breathless all things stopped to listen; Waiting minds the notes prolong.

To my heart those notes were knowledge In my soul, a new-born light, All of joy, of hope and gladness. Seemed to burst in radiance bright.

And a faintly beaming halo Showed the path our Savior trod: All creation paused to whisper, "Follow that and dwell with God."