John Greenleaf Whittier Quotes

Every chain that spirits wear crumbles in the breadth of prayer.

Our toil is sweet with thankfulness Our burden is our boon The curse of earth's gray morning is The blessing of its noon.

We search the world for truth we cull The good the pure the beautiful From all old flower fields of the soul And weary seekers of the best We come back laden from our quest To find that all the sages said Is in the Book our mothers read.

The simple heart that freely asks in love obtains.

Peace hath higher tests of manhood Than battle ever knew.

Shoot if you must this old gray head But spare your country's flag she said.

For of all sad words of tongue or pen The saddest are these: "It might have been!"