The Holdfast

I received a book of poetry for Christmas; a book which I have enjoyed browsing through. The poet is George Herbert (an Anglican priest). His theology is clearly - and sometimes not so clearly - revealed through his poems. This jumped out at me as I was reading the other day.

The Holdfast

I threatened to observe the strict decree
of my dear God with all my power and might.
But I was told by one, it could not be;
Yet I might trust in God to be my light.
Then will I trust, said I, in him alone.
Nay, ev'n to trust in him, was also his:
We must confess, that nothing is our own.
Then I confess that he my succor is:
But to have nought is ours, not to confess
That we have nought. I stood amaz'd at this,
Much troubled, till I heard a friend express,
That all things were more ours by being his.
What Adam had, and forfeited for all,
Christ keepeth now, who cannot fail or fall.

Rising dross

Lord, more and more
I pray Thee, or by wind or fire,
Make pure my inmost heart’s desire,
And purge the clinging chaff from off the floor.

I wish Thy way,
But when in me myself would rise
And long for something otherwise,
Then, Holy One, take sword and spear and slay.

Oh, stay near by,
Most patient Love, till, by Thy grace,
In this poor silver, Thy bright face
Shows forth in clearness and serenity.

What will it be
When, like the lily or the rose
That in my flowery garden blows,
I shall be flawless, perfect, Lord, to Thee?

~ Amy Carmichael