The Pulley
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by -
“Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can;
Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.”
So strength first made a way,
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honor, pleasure
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
“For if I should,” said he,
“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in nature, not the God of nature:
So both should losers be.
“Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.”
--George Herbert (1593-1633)
Having a glass of blessings standing by -
“Let us,” said he, “pour on him all we can;
Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.”
So strength first made a way,
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honor, pleasure
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that, alone of all his treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
“For if I should,” said he,
“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore my gifts instead of me,
And rest in nature, not the God of nature:
So both should losers be.
“Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness;
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to my breast.”
--George Herbert (1593-1633)
4 Comments:
this has long been one of my favorite poems. herbert was a master of 'sanctified imagination.' he captures in this poem the idea that man must find ultimate satisfaction in God. he can enjoy all the blessings of God, but without a relationship with God, he will enjoy them with 'repining restlessness.' let us not forget that more than enjoying his blessings, we need to enjoy God forever.
vc
any body there?
i feel like i'm all alone...
I'm here too
I just didn't know of anything to say
thanks. i feel loved now.
vc
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