John Greenleaf Whittier

“ To ransom souls from bonds and evil fate
St. Ambrose melted down the sacred plate,--
Image of saint, the chalice, and the pix,
Crosses of gold, and silver candlesticks.
"Man is worth more than temples!" ”

“ Or threat of those whose fierce zeal for the Lord
Stifled their love of man,--"An earthen dish
The last sad supper of the Master bore
Most miserable sinners! do ye wish
More than your Lord, and grudge His dying poor
What your own pride and not His need requires?
Souls, than these shining gauds, He values more
Mercy, not sacrifice, His heart desires!"
O faithful worthies! resting far behind
In your dark ages, since ye fell asleep,
Much has been done for truth and human-kind ”