University of Virginia Library

“Time” was reprinted in the Boston Statesman on January 19, 1828. Preceding, was the following editorial note.

J. G. Whittier.—A youth of this name, whose early life, like that of the Bloomfield and the Hogg of the British Poesy was occupied in manual occupations, and whose untutored ear first caught the tones of inspiration in the many voices of Nature, and whose heart was awakened to the sweet breathings of the muse only by a contemplation of the glories of Creation,—has recently emerged from his obscurity as an anonymous newspaper contributor, and announced his intention of publishing a volume of his effusions. He is a Quaker and has been nurtured in the straitness of his sect, and therefore it is the more surprising that his compositions should be replete as they are, with that peculiar fervor and animation and intensity of thought, which is supposed attainable only by an attentive study of the best models.

“They only who have been much among old books,” says some greybeard of literature, “can carry with them into their own writings that firmness and solidity which are the true stamina of poetry.” If this remark be generally true, then is Mr. Whittier an exception to an acknowledged rule, as we think those of our readers will confess who peruse the following stanzas originally published in the Haverhill Gazette.