Contents
« Prev | The Invitation | Next » |
The Invitation
From Herbert.
Come hither all, whose grovelling3939RS. Original is “groveling.” taste Inslaves your souls, and lays them waste; Save your expense, and mend your cheer: Here God Himself’s prepared and dress’d, Himself vouchsafes to be your feast, In whom alone all dainties are. |
Come hither all, whom tempting wine Bows to your father Belial’s shrine, Sin all your boast, and sense your God: Weep now for what you’ve drank amiss, And lose your taste for sensual bliss By drinking here your Saviour’s blood. |
Come hither all, whom searching pain, Whom conscience’s loud cries arraign, Producing all your sins to view: Taste; and dismiss your guilty fear, O, taste and see that God is here To heal your souls and sin subdue. |
Come hither all, whom careless joy Does with alluring force destroy, While loose ye range beyond your bounds: True joy is here, that passes quite And all your transient mean delight Drowns, as a flood the lower grounds. |
Come hither all, whose idol-love, While fond the pleasing pain ye prove, Raises your foolish raptures high: True Love is here; whose dying breath Gave life to us; who tasted death, And, tasting once, no more can die. |
Lord, I have now invited all, And instant still the guests shall call, Still shall I all invite to Thee: For, O my God, it seems but right In mine, Thy meanest servant’s sight, That where All is, there all should be! |
« Prev | The Invitation | Next » |