The poem is a tribute to Samuel Hopkins Adams' father, who was a minister and a social reformer. It portrays him as a champion of the oppressed and a voice for justice. The speaker praises his dedication to the abolitionist cause and his efforts to improve the lives of those in need. The tone is one of admiration and respect for the subject's commitment to doing good in the world.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1827 · Genre: Biography, Theology, Philosophy