The Fathers are in dust, yet live to God

“The Fathers are in dust, yet live to God:” So says the Truth; as if the motionless clay Still held the seeds of life beneath the sod, Smouldering and straggling till the judgment day.

And hence we learn with reverence to esteem Of these frail houses, though the grave confines; Sophist may urge his cunning tests, and deem That they are earth;—but they are heavenly shrines.