Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE RELIGION OF CAIN, by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The time has been, it seem'd a precept plain Last Line: They argued not, but preach'd; and conscience did the rest. Subject(s): Cain | ||||||||
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 spare reasoning; -- men have settled long That ye are out of date, and they are wise; Use their own weapons; let your words be strong, Your cry be loud, till each scared boaster flies Thus the Apostles tamed the pagan breast,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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE FAR-OFF DAY by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON THE BRAND OF CAIN by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN CAIN AND ABEL by MARY ELIZABETH PEARCE THE UNLIKE CHILDREN OF EVE: HOW GOD THE LORD TALKS TO THEM by HANS SACHS ANCIENT HISTORY by SIEGFRIED SASSOON EVE'S CRADLE-SONG by WALTER SATTERLEE |
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