Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BREAK DOWN THE WALLS, by WILLIAM ARTHUR DUNKERLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BREAK DOWN THE WALLS, by                    
First Line: Break down the old dividing walls
Last Line: One living of the living word.
Alternate Author Name(s): Oxenham, John
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


Break down the old dividing walls
Of sect, and rivalry, and schism,
And heal the body of Thy Christ
With anoint of Thy chrism!

Let the strong wind of Thy sweet grace
Sweep through Thy cumbered house, and chase
The miasms from the Holy Place!

Let Thy white beam of light beat in,
And from each darkest corner win
The shadows that have sheltered sin!

Cleanse it of shibboleths and strife,
End all the discords that were rife,
Heal the old wounds and give new life!

Break down the hedges that have grown
So thickly all about Thy throne,
And clear the paths, that every soul
That seeks Thee -- of himself alone
May find, and be made whole! --

One church, one all-harmonious voice,
One passion for Thy High Employs,
One heart of gold without alloys,
One striving for the higher joys,
One Christ, one Cross, one only Lord,
One living of the Living Word.





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