George MacDonald is probably best known now as one of the defining influences on C S Lewis.
Originally fromHuntly in Aberdeenshire, before migrating to England and Italy, a Congregational preacher whose novels, fantasies and poems are amongst the best examples of Victorian Scottish literature. Here and there you still come across some of his verse.
This extract from The Diary of an Old Soul is a good example of MacDonald's theological generosity, and his psychological sympathy with people, even preachers, who struggle with the restlessly assertive ego, and often get in God's way, yet want nevertheless to serve God well.
Most preachers will recognise the inner sense of emptiness after preaching. But MacDonald also identifies the temptation to self assertion that, when mixed with sufficient humility, creates those mixed emotions best described in Jesus' words about us recognising, that when we've done our best, we are, at best, unprofitable servants.
A Preacher's Repentance
O Lord, I have been talking to the people;
Thought's wheels have round me whirled a fiery zone,
And the recoil of my word's airy ripple
My heart unheedful has puffed up and blown.
Therefore I cast myself before thee prone;
Lay cool hands on my burning brain and press
From my heart the swelling emptiness.
Leave a Reply to Craig Cancel reply