John Greenleaf Whittier Quotes

Love hath never known a law beyond its own sweet will.

Waking or sleeping, I see a wreck,And hear a cry from a reeling deck!

God should be most where man is least: So, where is neither church nor priest, And never rag nor form of creed To clothe the nakedness of need,- Where farmer folk in silence meet,- I turn my bell-unsummoned feet; I lay the critic’s glass aside, I tread upon my lettered pride, And, lowest-seated, testify To the oneness of humanity; Confess the universal want, And share whatever Heaven may grant. He findeth not who seeks his own, The soul is lost that’s saved alone.

Blow, bugles of battle, the marches of peace; East, west, north, and south let the long quarrel cease; Sing the song of great joy that the angels began, Sing the glory to God and of good-will to man!

Beauty is its own excuse.

Better heresy of doctrine than heresy of heart.

The green earth sends her incense up. From many a mountain shrine; From folded leaf and dewey cup She pours her sacred wine.

The great eventful Present hides the Past; but through the din Of its loud life hints and echoes from the life behind steal in.

On leaf of palm, on sedge-wrought roll; on plastic clay and leather scroll, man wrote his thoughts; the ages passed, and lo! the Press was found at last!

There’s life alone in duty done, And rest alone in striving.

Others may sing the song. Others may right the wrong.

The child must teach the man.