John Greenleaf Whittier quotes

John Greenleaf Whittier was an American poet and ardent abolitionist, recognized as one of the Fireside Poets. His works frequently addressed the issues of slavery and social justice, gaining him acclaim in 19th-century literary circles. He played a significant role in advocating for the abolition of slavery through both his poetry and activism. Here are 59 of his quotes:

For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: "It might have been!"

John Greenleaf Whittier

Give lettered pomp to teeth of Time, So "Bonnie Doon" but tarry; Blot out the epic's stately rhyme, But spare his "Highland Mary!"

John Greenleaf Whittier

Low stir of leaves and dip of oars And lapsing waves on quiet shores.

John Greenleaf Whittier

The hope of all who suffer, The dread of all who wrong.

John Greenleaf Whittier

When faith is lost, when honor dies The man is dead!

John Greenleaf Whittier

Press bravely onward! - not in vain Your generous trust in human kind; The good which bloodshed could not gain Your peaceful zeal shall find.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Who never wins can rarely lose, Who never climbs as rarely falls.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Better heresy of doctrine than heresy of heart.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Falsehoods which we spurn to-day Were the truths of long ago.

John Greenleaf Whittier

So fallen! so lost! the light withdrawn Which once he wore; The glory from his gray hairs gone For evermore!

John Greenleaf Whittier

I know not where His islands lift Their fronded palms in air; I only know I cannot drift Beyond His love and care.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Let the thick curtain fall; I better know than all How little I have gained, How vast the unattained.

John Greenleaf Whittier

God blesses still the generous thought, And still the fitting word He speeds, And Truth, at His requiring taught, He quickens into deeds.

John Greenleaf Whittier

The Beauty which old Greece or Rome Sung, painted, wrought, lies close at home.

John Greenleaf Whittier

What is good looking, as Horace Smith remarks, but looking good? Be good, be womanly, be gentle,-generous in your sympathies, heedful of the well-being of all around you; and, my word for it, you will not lack kind words of admiration.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Shoot, if you must, this old gray head, But spare your country's flag," she said.

John Greenleaf Whittier

The harp at Nature's advent strung Has never ceased to play; The song the stars of morning sung Has never died away.

John Greenleaf Whittier

We lack but open eye and ear To find the Orient's marvels here; The still small voice in autumn's hush, Yon maple wood the burning bush.

John Greenleaf Whittier

I'll lift you and you lift me, and we'll both ascend together.

John Greenleaf Whittier

The Night is Mother of the Day, The Winter of the Spring, And ever upon old Decay The greenest mosses cling.

John Greenleaf Whittier

For they the mind of Christ discern Who lean, like John, upon His breast.

John Greenleaf Whittier

Life is ever lord of Death And Love can never lose its own.

John Greenleaf Whittier