THE POINT AT ISSUE

By William Wordsworth

Published

For what contend the wise?— for nothing less

Than that the Soul, freed from the bonds of Sense,

And to her God restored by evidence

Of things not seen, drawn forth from their recess,

Root there, and not in forms, her holiness;—

ForFaith, which to the Patriarchs did dispense

Sure guidance, ere a ceremonial fence

Was needful round men thirsting to transgress;—

ForFaith, more perfect still, with which the Lord

Of all, himself a Spirit, in the youth

Of Christian aspiration, deigned to fill

The temples of their hearts who, with his word

Informed, were resolute to do his will,

And worship him in spirit and in truth.