John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.
Anti-Slavery PoemsHymn: O Thou, whose presence went before
O T
Our fathers in their weary way,
As with Thy chosen moved of yore
The fire by night, the cloud by day!
A nation’s song ascends to Heaven,
Most Holy Father! unto Thee
May not our humble prayer be given?
Are varied in Thine own good will,
With Thy own holy breathings warm,
And fashioned in Thine image still.
Around us wave their fruits once more,
And clustered vine, and blossomed grain,
Are bending round each cottage door.
Are round us as a mantle thrown,
And unto Thee, supreme above,
The knee of prayer is bowed alone.
As unto us, no joyful thrill;
For those who, under Freedom’s wing,
Are bound in Slavery’s fetters still:
Of light and love is never given;
For those whose ears have never heard
The promise and the hope of heaven!
Whereon no human mercies fall;
Oh, be Thy gracious love inclined,
Who, as a Father, pitiest all!
Of Earth’s deliverance may be near,
When every land and tongue and clime
The message of Thy love shall hear;
The captive’s chain shall sink in dust,
And to his fettered soul be given
The glorious freedom of the just!