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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A WORD IN SEASON by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

Poet Analysis

First Line: O LORD! WHEN SIN'S CLOSE-MARSHALL'D LINE
Last Line: "AND USE THEM AS THEY RISE."

O LORD! when sin's close-marshall'd line
Assails Thy witness on his way,
How should he raise Thy glorious sign,
And how Thy truth display?

Thy holy Paul, with soul of flame,
Rose on Mars' hill, a soldier lone;
Shall I thus speak th' Atoning Name,
Though with a heart of stone?

"Not so," He said: "hush thee, and seek,
With thoughts in prayer and watchful eyes,
My seasons sent for thee to speak,
And use them as they rise."



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