‘As he that sees a dark and shady grove,
Stays not, but looks beyond it on the sky
So when I view my sins, mine eyes remove
More backward still, and to that water fly,
Which is above the heav’ns, whose spring and rent
Is in my dear Redeemer’s pierced side.
O blessed streams! either ye do prevent
And stop our sins from growing thick and wide,

‘Or else give tears to drown them, as they grow.
In you Redemption measures all my time,
And spreads the plaster equal to the crime:
You taught the book of life my name, that so,

‘Whatever future sins should me miscall,
Your first acquaintance might discredit all.’

COMMENTS

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4 responses to “Holy Baptism – George Herbert”

1. roger says:

   01/05/2013 at 4:20 am

   I am reminded of what Jesus has done upon the cross. His death and resurrection and our belief in him and repentance is our salvation. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost – Acts 1:5

   Reply
2. Zac Hicks says:

   01/05/2013 at 10:44 am

   What a beautiful poem! It is filled with the undertones of Luther’s teaching on how, when we’re in despair, we should look back on our baptism and know God’s comfort. Praise God. It reminds me of the powerful line in “Before the Throne of God Above,” verse 2:

   When Satan tempts me to despair,
   And tells me of the guild within,
   Upward I look and see Him there,
   Who made an end of all my sin.

   That is infinitely more a comforting word than, “I’ll try harder not to do it next time. Help me try harder, God.”

   Reply
   • Zac Hicks says:

     01/05/2013 at 10:45 am

     *guilt

     Reply
3. theoldadam says:

   01/10/2013 at 11:02 pm

   It (baptism) is the concrete application of the cross to your life and mine.

   Reply