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1822–1888

THE DIVINITY

Matthew Arnold

“Yes, write it in the rock,” Saint Bernard said, “Grave it on brass with adamantine pen! ‘ Tis God himself becomes apparent, when God's wisdom and God's goodness are display'd,

“For God of these his attributes is made.” — Well spake the impetuous Saint, and bore of men The suffrage captive; now, not one in ten Recalls the obscure opposer he outweigh'd.

God's wisdom and God's goodness!— Ay, but fools Mis-define these till God knows them no more. Wisdom and goodness, they are God!— what schools Have yet so much as heard this simpler lore?

This no Saint preaches, and this no Church rules; ‘ Tis in the desert, now and heretofore.

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THE DIVINITY · Matthew Arnold · Poetry Cove