Give me simplicity

Give me simplicity

A wreathed garland of deserved praise, Of praise, deserved unto thee I give, I give to thee, who knowest all my ways, My crooked winding ways, wherein I live, Wherein I die, not live; for life is straight, Straight as a line, and ever tends to thee, To thee, who art...
Thank you, Lord

Thank you, Lord

… if all the world Should in a pet of temperance feed on pulse, Drink the clear stream and nothing wear but freize, The all-giver would be unthanked, would be unpraised, Not half his riches known, and yet despised; And we should serve him as a grudging master, As a...
Affluence or temperance

Affluence or temperance

Imposter! Do not charge most innocent Nature, As if she would her children should be riotous With her abundance. She, good cateress, Means her provision only to the good, That live according to her sober laws, And holy dictate of spare Temperance. If every just man...
Deep repentance

Deep repentance

Look on him whom they pierced, and mourn; Strike, mighty Grace, my flinty soul Till melting waters flow, And deep repentance drowns mine eyes In undissembled woe.   Isaac Watts (1674-1748).
My bottom  dollar

My bottom dollar

Two mites, two drops (yet all her house and land) Falls from a steady heart, though trembling hand. The others’ wanton wealth foams high and brave. The others cast away, she only gave.   Richard Crashaw (1613-49), The Widow’s Mite. ...