George McKnight (1840–1897)

THOUGH the great Scroll wherein have been outlined

By Nature thoughts of God, deep and immense,

We cannot read, yet gleams of meaning thence

At times shine on us, clear, distinct, defined.

Hence comes assurance that the human mind,

Though weak in reason and obtuse in sense,

Still owns a share in that intelligence

Whereby the great World-builder has designed

The wondrous plans which Nature’s works disclose.

A child who scans the philosophic page

Of some profoundly meditative sage

May see familiar phrases,—then he knows

That his own simple thoughts and childish lore

Are part of the great scholar’s mental store.