Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DIVINITY, by MATTHEW ARNOLD


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THE DIVINITY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes, write in the rock,' saint bernard said
Last Line: Tis in the desert, now and heretofore.
Subject(s): God


'YES, write it in the rock!' Saint Bernard said,
'Grave it on brass with adamantine pen!
''Tis God himself becomes apparent, when
'God's wisdom and God's goodness are display'd,

'For God of these his attributes is made.'--
Well spake the impetuous Saint, and bore of men
The suffrage captive; now, not one in ten
Recalls the obscure opposer he outweigh'd.

God's wisdom and God's goodness!--Ay, but fools
Mis-define these till God knows them no more.
Wisdom and goodness, they are God!--what schools

Have yet so much as heard this simpler lore?
This no Saint preaches, and this no Church rules;
'Tis in the desert, now and heretofore.





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