The writings of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume 4.
John Greenleaf Whittier, Ed.

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[172] We need not pray over the Pharisee's prayer,
     Nor claim that our wisdom is Benjamin's share;
Truth to us and to others is equal and one:
     Shall we bottle the free air, or hoard up the sun?

Well know we our birthright may serve but to show
     How the meanest of weeds in the richest soil grow;
But we need not disparage the good which we hold;
     Though the vessels be earthen, the treasure is gold!

Enough and too much of the sect and the name.
     What matters our label, so truth be our aim?
The creed may be wrong, but the life may be true,
     And hearts beat the same under drab coats or blue.

So the man be a man, let him worship, at will,
     In Jerusalem's courts, or on Gerizim's hill.
When she makes up her jewels, what cares yon good town
     For the Baptist of Wayland, the Quaker of Brown?

And this green, favored island, so fresh and sea-blown,
     When she counts up the worthies her annals have known,
Never waits for the pitiful gaugers of sect
     To measure her love, and mete out her respect.

Three shades at this moment seem walking her strand,
     Each with head halo-crowned, and with palms in his hand,—