I will not doubt, tho' all my ships at sea come
    drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the hand which never fails,
   from seeming evil worketh good for me.

And tho' I weep because those sails are tattered,
    still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered;
    -- I trust in Thee!

I will not doubt, tho' all my prayers return
   unanswered from the still, white realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love which has
    refused the things for which I yearn;

And tho' at times I cannot keep from grieving,
    yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing,
    -- undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, tho' sorrows fall like rain,
    and troubles swarm like bees above a hive,
I will believe the heights for which I strive
    are only reached by anguish and by pain;

And tho' I groan and writhe beneath my crosses,
    I yet shall see through my severest losses,
    -- the greater gain.

I will not doubt.  Well anchored is this faith,
   like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not quail,
    to breast the mighty unknown sea of death.
Oh, may I cry, tho' body parts with spirit,
    I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it
    -- with my last breath.

Annie Johnson Flint