Classic Poem

WRITTEN FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST
MEETING OF THE SECOND UNITARIAN SOCIETY IN BROOKLYN .

W E sowed a seed in faith and hope
Out in the unfenced lands,
Now, rooted deep and spreading fair,
A living tree it stands.
Nor strife nor cry has marked its growth,
But, broad'ning silently,
Each bough that sways in sunshine says,
" The Truth shall make you free! "

Its leaves have for our healing been
By dews of heaven blest;
Beneath its boughs our children sang,
Our dear ones passed to rest.
We in its shade with God have walked,
Whom our own hearts could see;
And lo! from need of rite or creed
His Truth has made us free!

From outward rule to inward law
That Truth our feet still lead!
From letter into spirit still,
From form to life and deed!
From God afar to God most near!
Our confidence is he;
From fear of man or Church's ban
His Truth has made us free.