Assurance

Not where the Martyrs knelt, but where we kneel,
Is holy ground for us and ours;—
Not what the Saints have felt, but what we feel,
With strength divine the fainting soul empowers.

Not what the Apostles held, but what we hold,
Makes radiant death’s dread mystery;—
From living faith, deep-welled, has onward rolled
The widening stream of Christian history.