For his religion, it was fit
To match his learning and his wit;
'Twas Presbyterian true blue;
read more

For his religion, it was fit
To match his learning and his wit;
'Twas Presbyterian true blue;
For he was of that stubborn crew
Of errant saints, whom all men grant
To be the true Church Militant;
Such as do build their faith upon
The holy text of pike and gun;
Decide all controversies by
Infallible artillery;
And prove their doctrine orthodox,
By Apostolic blows and knocks.

Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side
In the cause of mankind, if our creeds read more

Shall I ask the brave soldier, who fights by my side
In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree?
Shall I give up the friend I have valued and tried,
If he kneel not before the same altar with me?
From the heretic girl of my soul should I fly,
To seek somewhere else a more orthodox kiss?
No! perish the hearts, and the laws that try
Truth, valour, or love, by a standard like this!

And after hearing what our Church can say,
If still our reason runs another way,
That private read more

And after hearing what our Church can say,
If still our reason runs another way,
That private reason 'tis more just to curb,
Than by disputes the public peace disturb;
For points obscure are of small use to learn,
But common quiet is mankind's concern.

The main doctrine of a fanatic's creed is that his enemies are the enemies of God

The main doctrine of a fanatic's creed is that his enemies are the enemies of God

O how far remov'd,
Predestination! is thy foot from such
As see not the First Cause entire: read more

O how far remov'd,
Predestination! is thy foot from such
As see not the First Cause entire: and ye,
O mortal men! be wary how ye judge:
For we, who see the Maker, know not yet
The number of the chosen; and esteem
Such scantiness of knowledge our delight:
For all good is, in that primal good,
Concentrate; and God's will and ours are one.

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric
ever poured forth by the genius of man.

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric
ever poured forth by the genius of man.

My doctrine is not a doctrine but just a vision. I have not given you any set rules, I have read more

My doctrine is not a doctrine but just a vision. I have not given you any set rules, I have not given you a system.

You can and you can't,--You shall and you shan't--You will and
you won't--And you will be damned if you read more

You can and you can't,--You shall and you shan't--You will and
you won't--And you will be damned if you do--And you will be
damned if you don't.

'Twas God the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it,
And what the read more

'Twas God the word that spake it,
He took the bread and brake it,
And what the word did make it,
That I believe and take it.
- Elizabeth I,