IV. Latitudinarianism

Yet Truth is keenly sought for, and the wind
Charged with rich words poured out in Thought’s defence;
Whether the Church inspire that eloquence,
Or a Platonic Piety—confined
To the sole temple of the inward mind;
And One there is who builds immortal lays,
Though doomed to tread in solitary ways,
Darkness before, and danger’s voice behind!
Yet not alone, nor helpless to repel
Sad thoughts; for from above the starry sphere
Come secrets—whispered nightly to his ear;
And the pure spirit of celestial light
Shines through his soul—“that he may see and tell
Of things invisible to mortal sight.”