Nothing we do is so insignificant that it cannot be made significant by why we do it. Lent day 19

Herbert in less metaphysical mode. Not much comment needed here. Just three:

Elixir is that which is transformed by the philosopher's stone, turning to gold whatever it touches. In the poem, the motive for every action, "for Thy sake"
"Nothing is little in God's service: if it once have the honour of that Name it grows great instantly." (Herbert, The Country Parson).
Drudgery divine is a precise definition of those disciplines and habits that form us and keep us who we are; not what we do but why, and for whom we do it.

The Elixir

Teach me, my God and King,

In all things Thee to see,

And what I do in anything

To do it as for Thee.

Not rudely, as a beast,

To run into an action;

But still to make Thee prepossest,

And give it his perfection.

A man that looks on glass,

On it may stay his eye;

Or if he pleaseth, through it pass,

And then the heav'n espy.

All may of Thee partake:

Nothing can be so mean,

Which with his tincture—"for Thy sake"—

Will not grow bright and clean.

A servant with this clause

Makes drudgery divine:

Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws,

Makes that and th' action fine.

This is the famous stone

That turneth all to gold;

For that which God doth touch and own

Cannot for less be told.

Comments