quote · Words worth keeping
The rolling planets, and the glorious sun, Still keep that order which they first begun; They their first lesson constantly repeat, Which their Creator, as a law, did set, Above, below, exactly all obey: But wretched men have found another way. Knowledge of good and evil as at first (That vain persuasion) keeps them still accurst. The sacred word refusing as a guide, Slaves they become to luxury and pride, As clocks remaining in the skilful hand Of some great master, at the figure stand, But, when abroad, neglected they do go, At random strike, and the false hour do show; So from our Maker wandering we stray, Like birds that know not to their nests the way. In Him we dwelt before our exile here, And may, returning, find contentment there, True joy may find, perfection of delight, Behold His face, and shun eternal night.
The rolling planets, and the glorious sun, Still keep that order which they first begun; They their first lesson constantly repeat, Which their Creator, as a law, did set, Above, below, exactly all obey: But wretched men have found another way. Knowledge of good and evil as at first (That vain persuasion) keeps them still accurst. The sacred word refusing as a guide, Slaves they become to luxury and pride, As clocks remaining in the skilful hand Of some great master, at the figure stand, But, when abroad, neglected they do go, At random strike, and the false hour do show; So from our Maker wandering we stray, Like birds that know not to their nests the way. In Him we dwelt before our exile here, And may, returning, find contentment there, True joy may find, perfection of delight, Behold His face, and shun eternal night.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
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- Author or tradition
- Waller (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
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- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
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- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 650 · printed citation: Waller · subject: WANDER
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