Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931) was a politician, journalist, poet, historian and academic. In 1878, Whitney began a career in writing with the business office of the Deseret News, the newspaper owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He later became a reporter and the city editor. During a mission in Europe for the Church from 1881 to 1883, he acted as editor of the church publication the Millenial Star. In 1906, Whitney was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which together with the First Presidency, is the governing body of the Church.
The Poetical Writings is, as the title suggests, a collection of Whitney's poems, particularly his religious verse. While a good collection, Whitney's most famous poem, The Soul's Captain--a response to William Henley's Invictus ("It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul")--is not included here, unfortunately.
The Soul's Captain (Orson F. Whitney)
Art thou in truth? Then what of him
Who bought thee with his blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood?
Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but him could bear–
The God who died that man might live,
And endless glory share?
Of what avail thy vaunted strength,
Apart from his vast might?
Pray that his Light may pierce the gloom,
That thou mayest see aright.
Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree.
Thou, captain of thy soul, forsooth
Who gave that place to thee?
Free will is thine -- free agency
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto him
To whom all souls belong
Bend to the dust that head "unbowed,"
Small part of Life's great whole!
And see in him, and him alone,
The Captain of thy soul.
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