The Old Dispensation

O THOU, who, high in heaven, To man hast given This clouded earthly life All storm and strife, Blasted with ice and fire, Love and desire, Filled with dead faith, and love That change is master of-- O Thou, who mightest have given To all Thy heaven, But who, instead, didst give This life we live-- Who feedest with blood and tears The hungry years-- I make one prayer to Thee, O Great God! grant it me. Some day when summer shows Her leaf, her rose, God, let Thy sinner lie Under Thy sky, And feel Thy sun's large grace Upon his face; Then grant him this, that he May not believe in Thee!