Religion

The Word

by John Greenleaf Whittier 1807–1892

From Religious Poems

Religion

Voice of the Holy Spirit, making known
Man to himself, a witness swift and sure,
Warning, approving, true and wise and pure,
Counsel and guidance that misleadeth none!
By thee the mystery of life is read;
The picture-writing of the world's gray seers,
The myths and parables of the primal years,
Whose letter kills, by thee interpreted
Take healthful meanings fitted to our needs,
And in the soul's vernacular express
The common law of simple righteousness.
Hatred of cant and doubt of human creeds
May well be felt: the unpardonable sin
Is to deny the Word of God within!

MLA

Whittier, John Greenleaf. “The Word.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/whittier/191/.

Chicago

Whittier, John Greenleaf. “The Word.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/whittier/191/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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