Troubled Times
In trouble times there is transformation of suffering,
They please us not the solemn trauma of stress,
It doesn't need to have control if the soul is strong,
You can handle the cure when humanity confesses.
More years are spent in weariness and woes,
Fewer days defy the things our soul merely endure,
They brought human toil early and leave the sorrows,
Some things we hate are not the answers we desire.
We want to rest our minds in green meadows,
With strength to guide when frail spirit grow weak,
Victory to the brave; so bring me comforts in my troubles,
And I will not fear the crumbling earthquake.
Even when I walk the salient way through the valley of death,
The priestly dew of heaven brings the mourning into joy,
I am sure when I pray strength takes all my leaping breath,
And the troubles endure make the sacrifice a greater glory.
Although with grief within we are crush; we are not broken,
Each burden bare well; are the tokens of great deliverance,
Fewer misery spell Immeasurable values to our bodies given,
A kind relief recompense of perfect inheritance.
poem by Gerry Legister
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The storms of Life
Sometimes sad things happen in our life
they flare up suddenly and cause us strife.
The barriers that we put up against the flow
break down in floods of tears and sorrow.
Troubles fall like raindrops pelting down
welling into a flood in which we might drown.
We do our utmost to cope with the strain
but so many hurts cause our soul much pain.
Like in storms the raindrops seem really huge
and they gather into an irresistible deluge.
They test the fortitude of our minds defence
and when they burst through the pain's intense.
As we lay in bed in the early hours of the day
we cannot withstand them to our dismay.
They come crashing in like a forceful torrent
causing tears to flow out of us as we lament.
We cry out in anguish great sobs of sorrow
at the pain that comes as we work them through.
Our hearts despair at the turmoil that they bring
overwhelmed, we feel unable to do anything.
We become less resistant as the years go by
unable to withstand them and we wonder why
our human frailty is being tested to this extent
straining under the weight of our predicament.
We feel the deep hurt and the pain they bring
and would rather live in a world of no suffering.
They add to the burden of each passing day
and we would that they were banished away.
Sorrows well up from deep within our soul
as the anguish and suffering takes it toll.
It reminds us of the great 'Man of Sorrows'
who feels all our heartache, pains and woes.
'Come to me Oh weary one' Jesus said
'lay down your burdens at my feet instead.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
you'll find rest for you soul, it will be alright.'
We rise up from our bed of pain and gloom
and find our way to that blessed upper room.
There we sit at the feet of the Lord and cry out
wondering what these sufferings are all about.
We lay our burdens down at His feet there
knowing He understands, we rest in His care.
Then we pour out our soul and to Him reveal
the deep sorrow and the sadness that we feel.
The storm subsides and the sorrows cease
as He brings to our soul that heavenly peace
and the healing balm that only He can bring
permeates into the depths of our inner being.
We feel Him lifting us out of our despair
as we rest in the sanctity of His presence there.
We look up and gaze into His wonderful face
and feel deep healing of our soul taking place.
His arms enfold us in His love and we can sense
the preciousness of His wonderful presence.
We rest awhile held in His loving embrace
as peace returns and deep healing takes place.
The sorrows of the world will always be here
they dog our steps and will not just disappear.
But with the Lord these troubles do not defeat
because we can lay them there at His blessed feet.
But this earthly life we live will not always be
and a time will come when our soul is set free.
And in that heavenly kingdom where Christ reigns
God Himself will remove our tears and pains.
No death, no sorrow and no pain shall endure
and these earthly sorrows will plaque us no more.
They will be replaced by heavenly joy and love
as we stand in the presence of our Lord above.
Strength in weakness
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
A typical Pauline sophism?
A typical Pauline syllogism?
A typical Pauline casuistry?
A typical Pauline homily.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
Paul was disabled, you see
Was he blind? You ask
Was he lame? You ask
Was it a speech impediment?
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
Oh! He was strong in spirit
But weak in appearance
He can’t be our leader, they said
He’s an embarrassment
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
Paul said: “Yes, I am weak
But God’s strength is made perfect
In my weakness not in my strength
So up the weak and down the strong! (my words!)
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
We are all weak in some way
Weak in our words
Weak in our walk
Weak in our talk
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
But for God, weak means strong
Kingdom values, Kingdom virtues
Jesus’ values, Jesus’ virtues
My values? my virtues?
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
So the lamb not the lion
The humble not the haughty
The lowly not the lofty
The penitent not the proud.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
Let’s value then the weak
And remember they are strong.
If I am proud, then I am wrong
If I am conceited, then I am wrong
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
Let’s fill the Church then with the weak
Push in the wheelchairs
Roll in the scooters
Help the handicapped walk in.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
When I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness
“At even, ere the sun was set
The sick oh Lord, around thee lay
Oh, in what divers pains they met
Oh with what joy they went away
And none oh Lord, have perfect rest
For none are wholly free from sin;
For they who fain would serve thee best
Are conscious most of sin within.
Thy touch has still its ancient power
No word from thee can fruitless fall
Hear in this solemn hour we pray
And in thy mercy heal us all.”
Paul’s thorn in the flesh
For when I am weak,
Then I am strong
Strength in weakness.
poem by James Hart
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The Next One
The next one
Will not be like me
I know I have flaws
As you plainly do see
I know I'm not perfect
But I know I did try
But you only see me
Through days of past eyes
I bet he'll be perfect
Say all the right things
Bring you all of the joy
A new relationship brings
Will he open your door?
As 9 years have gone by
When you share your hurts
Will he truthfully cry?
Will his heart stick with you?
Through thick and through thin?
Will he love you through everything?
The good stuff and sin?
Will he laugh at your jokes?
With genuine heart?
Will it last through the years?
Or just at the start?
Will he walk with you
Through all of your dreams?
And make them come true?
As sure as it seems.
If you lay in bed dying
Will he hold your last breath?
Will he love you forever?
Or just until death?
Will he change who he is?
To bring you much joy?
Will he cherish you like I do?
Or are you just a new toy?
Will he do what it takes?
To win back your heart.
Will he try to become
Who he was in the start?
Will he lead you to God?
Will he lead you to Hell?
I guess we'll find out
As only time will tell.
Will he love you like I do?
Through good times and bad?
When your loving or angry?
When your happy or mad?
Will he love you so deeply?
For you will he pray?
When things get real tough
Will he just walk away?
Would he walk through a fire?
Put his life on the line?
Give it all up for you?
Is his love stronger than mine?
Will he dream of a future?
Where you both will grow old?
Will he love you so dearly?
Will his love just turn cold?
If you did what I did
Would you just walk away?
Or stand up and fight on
Each and everyday
I just want you to be happy
So I'll let you go
You truly are worth it
I thought you should know
I will love you forever
After I leave this world
And even in heaven
You'll still be my girl
So now I to move on
Things will be what they'll be
For I know he won't love you
Won't love you like me.
poem by Ryan Lee Morris
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Rely On God Always
When future seems a bit bizarre,
And hope and faith in God wavers,
Our God who stood by us thus far
Neither abandons nor forsakes!
Life brings in its wake ups and downs;
Sometimes, they come in sustained ways;
Self-confidence is low at times;
We wonder if God will not help!
But then the truth is contrary;
God is our only trusted friend;
He is most loving, caring one,
Who meets our needs on time, His way!
Our human minds do always doubt
About our earthly achievements;
But success need not always come
To those who persevere and toil!
So, what if sometimes things go wrong?
Our minds are not perfect in maths;
All risks are not discernible;
None can predict the future well!
Our Mother Nature is supreme;
God is the Master of all things;
He loves His best creation - man!
And wants his soul back in pure form!
Worrying is not the right answer
To numerous problems on earth;
Our faith in God should not dither,
Despite all odds that crop at times!
So, trouble not your worried minds;
Leave all worries with God to solve;
His heart of kindness and of love
Knows human needs, weaknesses, strength!
poem by John Celes
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Troubles
How many troubles
have come your way?
Do those troubles have you say?
'Oh, not another one,
Why me Lord'
It's just not fair.
They've cut my silver cord.
Does your head get weary?
Do your eyes get teary?
Then you've just kept pace
with the human race.
'Cause no one escapes
troubles for long.
They come to the weak.
They come to the strong.
So don't ever feel
like you're all alone.
Some are worse off
Trouble's all they've ever known.
Sickness, poverty
and loss of love
are the troubles we meet
on our trip to heaven above.
poem by Edwina Reizer
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I Cannot Do This Alone-A Little Prayer
Oh lord, give me strength,
I cannot do this alone
I feel depressed, tired
My weariness is shown
Please light my way,
Help me to heal
Talk to me when I pray
When before you I kneel
Give me strength to pass those obstacles,
And leave the troubles behind
Give me wisdom, patience and peace of mind
I am weak, but stronger with You
Hold me in ur arms, and let's pass through
You called me your child,
So hold my hand and walk by my side
Give me more power to be strong
I can only get through life,
With you, along.
poem by Sarah Soliman George
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Squashing Others Doesn't End Their Troubles
Where there's always trouble,
That trouble never leaves.
And many live to double up their troubles.
Where there's always trouble,
That trouble never leaves.
And many live to double up their troubles.
Gangbangers like to take their hanging into the streets,
To heat them up with stirring up their troubles.
Beat boppers from the 70's tote up on their weed.
To drift away and up above their troubles.
As hip hoppers and the rappers with their slang done,
Think they have the key to end their troubles.
Rap packers 'spit' their chatter,
As if nothing matters.
With a squashing done to others double troubles.
And squashing others doesn't end their troubles.
No!
Where there's always trouble,
That trouble never leaves.
And many live to double up their troubles.
Where there's always trouble,
That trouble never leaves.
And many live to double up their troubles.
Many live to double up their troubles.
And squashing others doesn't end their troubles.
No.
A squashing others always starts the trouble.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Every Day Is Thy Day
Humanity looks upon Jesus the Nazarene as a “poor
born”, who suffered misery and humiliation with all of the
weak. And He is pitied, for humanity believes He was
crucified painfully…And all that humanity offers to
Him is crying and wailing, and lamentation. For centuries
humanity has been worshipping weakness in the person of
The Savior.
The Nazarene was not weak! He was strong and is
strong! But the people refuse to heed the true meaning of
strength.
Jesus never lived a life of fear, nor did He die suffering or
complaining…He lived as a leader; He was crucified as
a crusader; He died with a heroism that frightened His
tormentors and killers.
Jesus was not a bird with broken wings; He was a raging
tempest who broke all crooked wings. He feared not His
persecutors nor His enemies. He suffered not before His
killers. Free and brave and daring He was. He defied all
despots and oppressors. He saw the contagious pustules
and cut them out…He muted evil, crushed
falsehood and He choked treachery.
Jesus came not from the heart of the circle of light to
destroy the homes and build upon their ruins the convents
and monasteries. He did not persuade the strong man to
become a monk or a priest, but He came to send forth
upon this Earth a new spirit, with power to crumble the
foundation of any monarchy built upon human bones and
skulls…He came to demolish the majestic palaces, con-
structed upon the graves of the weak, and crush the idols,
erected upon the bodies of the poor. Jesus was not sent
here to teach the people to build magnificent churches and
temples amidst the cold wretched huts and dismal hovels.
He came to make the human heart a temple, and the
soul and altar, and the mind a priest.
These were the missions of Jesus the Nazarene, and
these are the teachings for which He was crucified, and if
Humanity were wise, she would stand today and sing in
strength the song of conquest and the hymn of triumph.
Oh, Crucified Jesus…
Who looks sorrowfully, and hears the clamour of dark
Nations…Do they not understand the dreams of Eternity?
Thou art, on the cross, more glorious and
dignified than one thousand kings upon
one thousand thrones, in one thousand empires.
Thou art, in the agony of death, more powerful than
one thousand generals in one thousand wars.
With thy sorrow, Thou are more joyous than Spring
with its flowers.
With thy suffering, Thou art more bravely silent than
the Angels crying in Heaven.
Before Thy lashers, Thou art more resolute than a
mountain of rock.
Thy wreath of thorns is more brilliant and sublime than
the crown of Bahram.
The nails piercing Thy hands are more beautiful than the
scepter of Jupiter.
The spatters of blood upon Thy feet are more resplendent
than the necklace of Ishtar.
Forgive the weak who lament Thee today, for they do
not know how to lament themselves.
Forgive them, for they do no know that Thou hast
conquered death with death, and bestowed life upon the
dead.
Forgive them, for they do not know that Thy strength
still awaits them.
Forgive them, for they do not know that every day is
Thy day.
(Excerpt from “The Crucified”)
By Kahlil Gibran
poem by Ray Lucero
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I've seen too much hate to want to hate, myself, and every time I see it, I say to myself, hate is too great a burden to bear. Somehow we must be able to stand up against our most bitter opponents and say: "We shall match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We will meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will and we will still love you.... But be assured that we'll wear you down by our capacity to suffer, and one day we will win our freedom. We will not only win freedom for ourselves; we will appeal to your heart and conscience that we will win you in the process, and our victory will be a double victory".
Martin Luther King in A Christmas Sermon for Peace, December 24, 1967
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I'm sorry I'm just a Human
Im sorry
I am sorry I am weak
I am sorry for your pain
I am sorry I was the one that hurt you
Yet again I am sorry for the tears
I am sorry for the trouble I brought you
That I know I have made you shed
I am sorry that I could not make you
Smile today instead.
I am sorry things are not different
There is so much I am sorry for
So many things I should have done
Or said, now and before
I am sorry that I am human
If I wasn’t so damn frail
I’d have nothing to be sorry for
Because I wouldn’t have failed.
I am sorry that I let you down
When you needed me most
I am sorry that I wasn’t around
For all eternity
And though it probably doesn’t help
Or somehow make things right
Know I will be sorry all of my days
And sorry all of my nights.
poem by Patrice James
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Philippians 4: 13
The strength to resist the night
The strength to endure the day
The strength to keep righteous paths in sight
The strength to take them without delay
The strength to find a purpose in life
The strength to find the truths it brings
The strength to kick away from strife
The strength to stabalize the rock it clings
The strength to light a friend’s day up
The strength to resist wrathful foes
The strength to fill a stranger’s dry cup
The strength to shun sin when it opposed
The strength to feel a injured man’s pain
The strength to hold a reject’s hand
The strength to act against any gain
The strength to love without demand
The strength to understand that our King
Has blessed us with more than we can contain
Therefore regardless what time may bring
The strength will continue to reign
poem by Anders Lim
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Autumn in the Garden
When the frosty kiss of Autumn in the dark
Makes its mark
On the flowers, and the misty morning grieves
Over fallen leaves;
Then my olden garden, where the golden soil
Through the toil
Of a hundred years is mellow, rich, and deep,
Whispers in its sleep.
'Mid the crumpled beds of marigold and phlox,
Where the box
Borders with its glossy green the ancient walks,
There's a voice that talks
Of the human hopes that bloomed and withered here
Year by year,--
Dreams of joy, that brightened all the labouring hours,
Fading as the flowers.
Yet the whispered story does not deepen grief;
But relief
For the loneliness of sorrow seems to flow
From the Long-Ago,
When I think of other lives that learned, like mine,
To resign,
And remember that the sadness of the fall
Comes alike to all.
What regrets, what longings for the lost were theirs!
And what prayers
For the silent strength that nerves us to endure
Things we cannot cure!
Pacing up and down the garden where they paced,
I have traced
All their well-worn paths of patience, till I find
Comfort in my mind.
Faint and far away their ancient griefs appear:
Yet how near
Is the tender voice, the careworn, kindly face,
Of the human race!
Let us walk together in the garden, dearest heart,
Not apart!
They who know the sorrows other lives have known
Never walk alone.
poem by Henry Van Dyke
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Psalm 31
In you oh Lord I put my trust
May I never be ashamed
For you are my Rock and strong high tower
And my wild heart you have tamed
I stand upon the solid Rock
Of Christ my King Divine
You lead and guide, you are my strength
I the branch, You the Vine
Consider my troubles oh Lord my God
In grief my eyes waste away
My bones are dry, I have no strength
My life is like an endless day
My enemies laugh, they are full of scorn
And fear lies on every side
I'm a broken vessel, forgotton and lost
And I'm drowning by an incoming tide
Yet I trust in you, you are my God
And my times they are in your hand
And I shall hide, in the secret place
And on this Rock I shall forever stand
How great is your goodness oh Mighty God
You are the Rock of my salvation
Love the Lord your God, ye saints of earth
For He brings justice to every nation
poem by Frank McEleny
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Sonnet: God Provides Solutions
When problems defy human solutions,
And seem incomprehensible to thought,
And reels my head in grandiose delusions,
I curse the perpetrator for the act!
Like many diseases one cannot cure,
Or treat the pain of terminal cancer,
Many things on earth, one ought to endure,
Which deepest thought can’t give you an answer.
The hand of God can work yet great wonders,
Of course, in His own time and in His way;
With lightning speed, God sets aright blunders;
But all you got to do is wait and pray!
Console those hearts with intolerable grief;
God, give them grace to discover relief.
(9-28-2000)
poem by John Celes
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When It Rains, It Really Pours
(words & music by w. emmerson)
You know what it takes,
Youve got it, baby.
You are the only one I chose.
Dont leave me here with all these heartaches,
Only you and heaven knows
About my troubles troubles troubles.
When it rains, it really pours...
You shouldnt have took away my loving
You know you thrill me from head to toe.
I got a feeling for you baby
And youre the only one who knows
About my troubles, troubles, troubles.
When it rains, it really pours...
You know what you did to make me love you
You really opened up my nose.
You got what you wanted, now you left me.
Thats the way the story goes.
Well, I got troubles, troubles, troubles.
When it rains, it really pours.
song performed by by Elvis Presley
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Shy to decline
It flowed from my eyes freely
As if waited for the occasion to come out readily
It has direct relation with human suffering
In joy too it floods with nice offering
I am quite sentimental and feel for human suffering
Even though I can do nothing to alleviate even little suffering
Yet I feel and pray for their well being in life journey
But everybody knows that it is not possible without source or money
I was happy in four walls and lead life peacefully
One day it struck me like tornado and shattered dream mercilessly
It had swung all over from no where and brought untold misery
I lost everything and was left behind to feel sorry
Now the cycle has completely changed
I myself is in dock and situation is not managed
I cry for help but it is not forthcoming
The dark clouds are hovering and largely looming
How come human being feels relieved?
Who will trust your story and in turn get believed?
The bad days may not be soon over
You are now under stress and in search of safe cover
My eyes become wet in dark nights
I try to stand on feet but loose courage to fight
No one lands sympathetic ear to hear the woes
The life becomes hell and with great difficulty moves
For gents it is easier to stand against odd
For ladies many troubles lie ahead or are told
It is to be lived with courage and boldness
Even if that costs personal honor or invite stress
Nothing like that if that has been come over
As painful days may not stay forever
One day may bring bright sun shine
When you will say yes and others may feel shy to decline
poem by Hasmukh Amathalal
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Exile
I heard it in my sleep
A voice more dead than old
I thought Id known the fear
But then it touched my soul and said:
You will pray for me
Bow your head to me.
It came for me at night
And took me dream by dream
To where everything is dark
And no-one hears you scream
Took everything I loved
And turned love into pain
It said Im the prophecy
And Ill make you believe in me.
Sacrifice for me
Be humility.
It said:
Ill make everyone pay
Ill make everyone pay
Some things you cant forget
Ill make everyone pay
Some things you cant forgive
Ill make everyone pay.
And so it comes to this
Death or eternity?
Or would you like to pay
For all humanity?
Do you believe in faith?
Than choose. heaven or hell or me?
A shadow on the sane
The final treachery of god.
You will kneel for me
Lose your eyes for me.
Betray the world for me
Burn your soul for me.
It said:
Ill make everyone pay
Ill make everyone pay
Some things you cant forget
Ill make everyone pay
Some things you cant forgive
Ill make everyone pay.
song performed by by Gary Numan
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sonnet-On Security of Soul
Man spends his time to make his life secure,
And gathers wealth to tend to future needs;
For this purpose, he will all things endure;
To anyone's directions too, he heeds.
His life-time lapses in this exercise;
His energy too ebbs as old age nears;
His lucre takes him towards much more vice;
And in his last few years, he has hell's fears.
May be, he spent his life on earth grandly;
Did all his earnings make his soul secure?
Discontent man, he leaves the world sadly;
His place in Heaven is very unsure.
Our soul's security is our prime task;
And Heaven doesn't allow persons with mask.
poem by John Celes
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If You've Got Trouble
If you've got trouble,
Then you got less trouble than me
You say you're worried,
You can't be as worried as me
You're quite contend to be bad
With all the vantage you had over me
Just cause your trouble
And don't bring your troubles to me
I dont think it's funny
When you ask for money and things,
Especially when you're standing there
Wearing diamond and rings
You think i'm soft in the head
Well try someone softer instead anything
It's not so funny
When you know what money can bring
You better leave me alone,
I don't need a thing from you
You better take yourself home
Go and count a ring or two
If you've got trouble,
Then you got less trouble than me
You say you're worried,
You can't be as worried as me
You're quite contend to be bad
With all the vantage you had over me
Just cause your trouble
And don't bring your troubles to me
Ah rock on anybody
You better leave me alone,
I don't need a thing from you
You better take yourself home
Go and count a ring or two
If you've got trouble,
Then you got less trouble than me
You say you're worried,
You can't be as worried as me
You're quite contend to be bad
With all the vantage you had over me
Just cause your trouble
And don't bring your troubles to me
Just cause your trouble
And don't bring your troubles to me
song performed by by Beatles
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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To The Christian Reader
Reader, I am a fool;
And have adventured
To play the fool this once for Christ,
The more his fame to spread.
If this my foolishness
Help thee to be more wise,
I have attained what I seek,
And what I onely prize.
Thou wonderest perhaps,
That I in Print appear,
Who to the Pulpit dwell so nigh,
Yet come so seldome there.
The God of Heaven knows
What grief to me it is,
To be with-held from Serving Christ:
No sorrow like to this.
This is the sorest pain
That I have felt of feel:
Yet have I stood some shocks that might
Make stronger Men to reel.
I find more true delight
In serving of my Lord,
Tan all the good things upon Earth,
Without it, can afford.
And could my strength endure,
That work I count so dear;
Not all the Riches of Peru
Should hire me to forbear;
But I'm a Prisoner,
Under a heavy Chain:
Almighty God's afflicting hand,
Doth me perforce restrain.
Yet some (I know) do judge,
Mine inability,
To come abroad and do Christ's Work,
To be Melancholy;
And that I'm not so weak,
As I my self conceit,
But who, in other things have found
Me so conceited yet?
Or who of all my friends,
That have my tryals seen,
Can tell the time in seven years,
When I have dumpish been?
Some think my voice is strong,
Most times when I do Preach:
But ten days after what I feel
And suffer, few can reach.
My prisoned thoughts break forth,
When open'd is the door,
With greater force and violence,
And strain my voice the more.
But vainly do they tell,
That I am growing stronger,
Who hear me speak in half an hour,
Till I can speak no longer.
Some for, because they see not
My chearfulness to fail,
Nor that I am disconsolate,
Do think I nothing ail.
If they had born my griefs,
Their courage might have fail'd them,
And all the Town (perhaps) have known
(Once and again) what ail'd them.
But why should I complain
That have so good a God,
That doth mine heart with comfort fill,
Ev'n whilst I feel his Rod?
In God I have been strong,
When wearied and worn out;
And joy'd in him, when twenty woes
Assail'd me round about.
Nor speak I this to boast;
But make Apology
For mine own self, and answer those
That fail in Charity.
I am (alas) as frail,
Impatient a Creature,
As most that tread upon the ground,
And have as bad a nature.
Let God be magnify'd,
Whose everlasting strength
Upholds me under sufferings
Of more than ten years length.
Through whose Almighty pow'r
Although I am surrounded
With sorrows more than can be told,
Yet am I not confounded.
For his dear sake have I
This service undertaken,
For I am bound to honour Him,
Who hath not me forsaken.
I am a Debtor too,
Unto the sons of Men;
Whom wanting other means, I would
Advantage with my Pen.
I would, But (ah!) my strength,
When tried, proves so small,
That to the ground without effect,
My wishes often fall.
Weak heads, and hands, and states,
Great things cannot produce:
And therefore I this little Piece
Have publish'd for thine use.
Although the thing be small,
Yet my good will therein,
Is nothing less then if it had
A larger Volumn been.
Accept it then in Love,
And read it for thy good:
There's nothing in't can do thee hurt,
If rightly understood.
The God of Heaven grant
These Lines so well to speed,
That thou the things of thine own peace,
Through them may'st better heed,
And may'st be stirred up
To stand upon thy guard,
That Death and Judgment may not come,
And find thee unprepar'd.
Oh get a part in Christ,
And make the Judge thy Friend:
So shalt thou be assured of
A happy, glorious end.
Thus prayes thy real Friend,
And Servant for Christ's Sake,
Who had he strength would not refuse,
More pains for thee to take.
poem by Michael Wigglesworth
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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