Christian Art | George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | Employment (2)
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | Employment (2)
He that is weary, let him sit.
My soul would stirre
And trade in courtesies and wit,
Quitting the furre
To cold complexions needing it.
Man is not starre, but a quick coal
Of mortall fire:
Who blows it not, nor doth control
A faint desire,
Let his own ashes choke his soul.
When th’ elements did for place contest
With him, whose will
Ordain’d the highest to be best;
The earth sat still,
And by the others is opprest.
Life is a businesse, not good cheer;
Ever in warres.
The sunne still shineth there or here,
Whereas the starres
Watch an advantage to appeare.
Oh that I were an Orenge-tree,
That busie plant!
Then should I ever laden be,
And never want
Some fruit for him that dressed me.
But we are still too young or old;
The man is gone,
Before we do our wares unfold:
So we freeze on,
Untill the grave increase our cold
George Herbert | The Temple | The Church | Avarice
The poem explores the transitory nature of human life and its obligations within the framework of divine order. The poem contrasts rest and action, reflecting on a tension between weariness and demands of purposeful living. The opening line of the poem establishes a choice: to rest or to engage. The speaker’s – Herbert’s soul rejects passivity and expresses a desire to act, reflecting a concern with spiritual stagnation.
Herbert describes man as a ‘quick coal / Of mortall fire’, emphasizing human fragility and dependence on external effort for vitality. The coal, unlike the eternal star, requires tending and will extinguish if neglected. This image suggests that the soul’s vibrancy depends on deliberate cultivation.
Reference to the elements contesting for place situates man in a hierarchy of creation. Earth, though motionless, bears the weight of others. This depiction underscores man’s connection to physicality and the tension between worldly concerns and higher purposes.
The poem positions life as work rather than leisure. The sun, constant and unchanging, symbolizes grace, while stars, less steady, represent fleeting opportunities. This contrast highlights ever-present availability of divine guidance, which is often overlooked in favour of temporary pursuits.
The orange tree is metaphor for productivity and alignment with purpose. Its consistent fruitfulness contrasts with human inconsistency and delays caused by youth and age. The tree’s image conveys a longing for constancy and readiness in service.
Closing lines of the poem reflect on mortality. The grave’s ‘cold’ reinforces the idea of missed opportunities and consequences of spiritual inertia. The poem urges active engagement with life’s purpose, emphasizing importance of living in accordance with divine intention before time runs out.
Psalm 69, attributed to King David, is a heartfelt and poignant expression of suffering and an earnest plea for deliverance. Unlike some of the more celebratory Psalms, this composition delves into the depths of despair and serves as a raw and unfiltered account of distress. The psalmist cries out for salvation in the face of adversity and persecution, making it a relatable and comforting text for those grappling with their own trials [ … ]
When our hearts are pure, our vision becomes clear. We are able to recognize God’s hand at work, His love in action, and His guidance in our lives. We see the beauty of His creation, the divine purpose in every circumstance, and the ways in which God is leading us on the path of righteousness [ … ]
In Matthew’s Gospel, the truth of Christ’s victory over death is told in an apocalyptic language, laden with symbolic meaning. There is a great earthquake, the angel descends from heaven to roll back the stone of Christ’s tomb, his appearance like lightning, his clothing white as snow. The guards are terrified, becoming like dead men, and the angel announces to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, mother of James, that Christ is risen, that they must go and share the good news with Jesus’ disciples [ … ]
