FALSE PRIESTS AND TRUE by John Greenleaf Whittier

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 44.

FALSE PRIESTS AND TRUE.

By John Greenleaf Whittier

Now, too oft the priesthood wait At the threshold of the state,— Waiting for the beck and nod Of its power as law and God. Fraud exults, while solemn words Sanctify his stolen hoards; Slavery laughs, while ghostly lips Bless his manacles and whips. Not on them the poor rely, Not to them looks liberty, Who with fawning falsehood cower To the money, when clothed with power. O, to see them meanly cling, Round the master, round the king, Sported with and sold and bought, Pitifuller sight is not! Tell me not that this must be; God's true priest is always free; Free, the needed truth to speak, Right the wronged, and raise the weak. Not to fawn on wealth and state, Leaving Lazarus at the gate,— Not to peddle creeds like wares,— Not to mutter hireling prayers.

God's interpreter art thou To the waiting ones below; 'Twixt them and its light midway Heralding the better day. —J. G. Whittier.