Poem August 16, 1900 Issue

Rules and Lessons

Henry Vaughan

When first thy eyes unveil, give thy soul leave
To do the like; our bodies but forerun
The spirit's duty. True hearts spread and heave
Unto their God, as flowers do to the sun.
Give Him thy first thoughts then; so shalt thou keep
Him company all day, and in Him sleep.

Walk with thy fellow-creatures. Note the hush
And whispers amongst them. There is not a spring
Or leaf but hath his morning hymn. Each bush
And oak doth know I AM. Canst thou not sing?
O leave thy cares and follies! Go this way,
And thou art sure to prosper all the day.

When the world's up, and every swarm abroad,
Keep thou thy temper; mix not with each clay;
Dispatch necessities; life hath a load
Which must be carried on, and safely may.
Yet keep those cares without thee, let the heart
Be God's alone, and choose the better part.

Henry Vaughan.  1621-1695.


Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
A Communication
August 16, 1900
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit