THE RELIGION OF CAIN by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

THE time has been, it seem'd a precept plain
Of the true faith, Christ's tokens to display;
And in life's commerce still the thought retain,
That men have souls, and wait a judgment day;
Kings used their gifts as ministers of heaven,
Nor stripp'd their zeal for God, of means which
God had given.

'Tis alter'd now; -- for Adam's eldest born
Has train'd our practice in a selfish rule,
Each stands alone, Christ's bonds asunder torn;
Each has his private thought, selects his school,
Conceals his creed, and lives in closest tie
Of fellowship with those who count it blasphemy.

Brothers! spare reasoning; -- men have settled long
That ye are out of date, and they are wise;
Use their own weapons; let your words be strong,
Your cry be loud, till each scared boaster flies
Thus the Apostles tamed the pagan breast,
They argued not, but preach'd; and conscience did the rest.

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...