The Angel of Patience
This poem explores the theme of patience as a virtue, comparing it to an angel who brings comfort and solace to those who possess it. The speaker describes the Angel of Patience as a gentle presence that soothes the soul and calms the mind. The poem suggests that patience is not just a passive quality, but rather an active force that can bring strength and resilience in times of hardship.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1837 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 207 words
First lines
A FREE PARAPHRASE OF THE GERMAN.
To weary hearts, to mourning homes, God's meekest Angel gently comes No power has he to banish pain, Or give us back our lost again; And yet in tenderest love, our dear And Heavenly Father sends him here.
There's quiet in that Angel's glance, There 's rest in his still countenance! He mocks no grief with idle cheer, Nor wounds with words the mourner's ear; But ills and woes he may not cure He kindly trains us to endure.
Angel of Patience! sent to calm Our feverish brows with cooling palm; To lay the storms of hope and fear, And reconcile life's smile and tear; The throbs of wounded pride to still, And make our own our Father's will.
What this Textopian page supports
The Angel of Patience is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1837 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: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational, Philosophical, Romanticism
- Length: 207 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Religious — The themes revolve around divine presence, patience, and acceptance of suffering.
- Inspirational — The text aims to uplift and encourage readers to endure hardships with faith.
- Philosophical — It explores deeper meanings of life, suffering, and the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Moralism · Christianity · Patience · Perseverance · Faith · Hope · Spirituality · Philosophy · Religion