The Hold-fast
The Hold-fast
Original Text
George Herbert, The temple. Sacred poems and private ejaculations, edited by N. Ferrar (Cambridge: T. Buck and R. Daniel, 1633). STC 13183. Facs. edn. Menston: Scolar Press, 1968. PR 3507 T45 1633A. Also The Bodleian Manuscript of George Herbert's Poems: A Facsimile of Tanner 307, Introduced by Amy M. Charles and Mario A. Di Cesare. Delmar: Scholars' Facsimiles and Reprints, 1984. PR 3507 T45 1984 Robarts Library.
1I threaten'd to observe the strict decree
2 Of my dear God with all my power and might;
3 But I was told by one it could not be;
4Yet I might trust in God to be my light.
5"Then will I trust," said I, "in Him alone."
6 "Nay, e'en to trust in Him was also His:
7 We must confess that nothing is our own."
8"Then I confess that He my succour is."
9"But to have nought is ours, not to confess
10 That we have nought." I stood amaz'd at this,
11 Much troubled, till I heard a friend express
12That all things were more ours by being His;
13 What Adam had, and forfeited for all,
14 Christ keepeth now, who cannot fail or fall.
Publication Start Year
1633
RPO poem Editors
N. J. Endicott
RPO Edition
2RP.1.318; RPO 1996-2000.
Rhyme
Form