Poems (Kimball)/The Ladder

by Harriet McEwen Kimball

THE LADDER.

FAST and vigil, alms and prayer,
These the penitential stair
Leading slowly day by day
Up the toilsome heavenward way.

Following these I thought to be
Always near, dear Lord, to Thee;
Now—alas! Thou knowest all;
Fruitless strife and frequent fall!

Trust of self, or selfish aim,
Toil unhallowed by Thy Name,
Envy, pride,—oh, make me know
What has laid Thy servant low!

By this same unchanging stair—
Fast and vigil, alms and prayer—
Following Thee Thy saints have passed
To victorious peace at last.

And this ladder I must scale;
Nought instead will me avail;
Every round I know I need,
Though my feet thereon should bleed.

None the less, dear Lord, I know,
Worse than vain each step I go
If Thou art not at my side
To prevent, uphold, and guide.

Take in Thine my trembling hand;
Give me grace and strength to stand;
Once again I will assay
At Thy word the heavenward way.

Oh for courage not to faint!
Oh for silence from complaint!
Oh for patience to forbear;
Love to conquer; faith to dare!

Stay me, Lord, with holy fear!
Fill me, Lord, with holy cheer!
Humbly leaning on Thy strength
May I gain the end at length.

Nought I can do, or have done;
If I win't is Thou hast won;
Putting all my trust in Thee
Now my ladder's worth I see.