Poems (Curwen)/Confirmation

by Annie Isabel Curwen

Confirmation.

"Dost thou renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil?"
    "I renounce them all."—
Church Catechism.

This narrow way, how shall I walk therein?
For none but hearts sincere should enter in.
I stand without the gates, for entrance yearn,
Fearing to press forward, not daring to return;
Weary and heavy laden, with many doubts opprest,
O Jesus! precious Jesus, bid me come and rest.

I fear to let these wayward feet tread on the holy ground;
I fear me lest these trembling lips breathe vows that are not sound;
I shudder lest the promises, I now am called to make,
I shall in some unguarded hour undutifully break.
And all is dark, uncertain, no light shines on the way:
O Jesus! precious Jesus, suffer me not to stray.

There are doubts and fears contending, which hourly me assail;
There are thoughts so strange, so fearful, they make my spirit quail;
And the Tempter ever ready to fling some fiery dart—
Till I almost yield the conflict, so weary is my heart
With striving, ever striving, 'twixt evil and 'twixt good;
O save me, precious Jesus! by Thine atoning blood.

There are dear ones to resign, if I follow in the train,
Voices to whose music I must never list again;
There are pleasures to renounce, sweet joys to be denied,
If I would follow truly after Jesus Crucified.
O by Thy great compassion, Lord, Thy loving kindness show—
And teach me how to let earth's frail and fleeting treasures go.

Be Thou my guide and helper, my comforter, my stay,
And in the hours of darkness, Lord, be near to cheer my way:
Be Thou my light —then shall I walk secure, from danger free;
Be Thou my righteousness—then shall I lose myself in Thee.
O doubting, fearing heart; where is thy Faith?
Fear not, but come to me! thy Saviour saith.