Classic Poem

Another creed! We're all so pleased!
A gentle tentative new creed We're eased
Of all those things we couldn't quite believe
But would not give the lie to. Now perceive
How charmingly this suits us! Science even
Has naught against our modern views of Heaven;
And yet the most emotional of women
May find this creed a warm deep sea to swim in.

Here's something now so loose and large of fit
That all the churches may come under it,
And we may see upon the earth once more
A church united—as we had before!
Before so much of precious blood was poured
That each in his own way might serve the Lord.
All wide divergence in sweet union sunk—
Like branches growing up into a trunk!

And in our intellectual delight
In this sweet formula that sets us right;
And controversial exercises gay
With those who still prefer a differing way;
And our glad effort to make known this wonder
And get all others to unite thereunder—
We, joying in this newest, best of creeds,
Continue still to do our usual deeds!