Hymn. o Holy Father!
The poem is a hymn of praise to God, expressing the speaker's devotion and reverence for the divine. It describes the beauty and majesty of nature, which serves as a reflection of God's glory. The speaker asks God to bless and protect those who seek refuge in Him, and to guide them on their journey through life.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1867 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry · 289 words
First lines
Written for the celebration of the third anniversary of British emancipation at the Broadway Tabernacle, New York, first of August, 1837.
O HOLY FATHER! just and true Are all Thy works and words and ways, And unto Thee alone are due Thanksgiving and eternal praise!
As children of Thy gracious care, We veil the eye, we bend the knee, With broken words of praise and prayer, Father and God, we come to Thee.
For Thou hast heard, O God of Right, The sighing of the island slave; And stretched for him the arm of might, Not shortened that it could not save. The laborer sits beneath his vine, The shackled soul and hand are free; Thanksgiving! for the work is Thine! Praise! for the blessing is of Thee!
What this Textopian page supports
Hymn. o Holy Father! is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Social Commentary, Lyric Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Historical Poetry
- Length: 289 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses themes of faith, divine justice, and praise, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Social Commentary — It addresses issues of slavery and emancipation, reflecting on social justice and human rights.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional tone, along with the focus on praise and prayer, aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Inspirational Literature — The text aims to inspire gratitude and hope, particularly in the context of liberation and divine intervention.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Religious Verse · Hymn · Spirituality · Faith · Devotion · Patriotism · Nationalism · American Identity · 19th Century American Poetry · Whitmanesque