University of Virginia Library


147

SONNET.

Show me a miracle,” the Atheist said,
“And I'll believe!” Does he not truly see
A miracle appear in every tree,
When by the sap the budding leaves are fed;
Or when by spring the teeming fields are spread
With vernal flowers? Or can the abject plea,
That places law o'er God, avail? In me
A constant, never failing trust is bred,
Not by their violation, but by laws
'Neath which all Nature moves. Should the laws fail,

148

I then might doubt the great, directing Cause;
Might then the Christian creed unawed assail,
And give blind Chance the credit, without pause;
But not while Power and Harmony prevail.