Humility

Aug. 18, 1858

            [One of HDT’s Concord neighbors has built a new house, “the showiest in the village”.  In front of it they have erected a sign: “Glory to God in the highest”.]  A simple and genuine sentiment of reverence would not emblazon these words as on a signboard in the streets.  I felt a kind of shame for it, and was inclined to pass quickly by, the ideas of indecent exposure and cant being suggested.  What is religion?  That which is never spoken.