Gallio’s Scorn
I first started this blog over fifteen and a half years ago, and I’m not sure what I had in mind. Though I have kept it, I can honestly say that I’m still not sure what exactly I have in mind. And why did I keep it, even though I didn’t post for almost 11 years? A little baffling. Nevertheless! I am glad I did. Perhaps I like the breadcrumb trail nature of it. The mystery of me, who like many people, is often confused by my own self.
Here is a repost of the very first entry I made. It’s a poem by John Henry Newman.
Faith Against Sight
The world has cycles in its course, when all
That once has been, is acted o’er again:-
Not by some fated law, which need appal
Our faith, or binds our deeds as with a chain;
But by men’s separate sins, which, blended still,
The same bad round fulfill.
Then fear ye not, though Gallio’s scorn you see,
And soft-clad nobles count you mad, true hearts!
These are the fig-tree’s signs; – rough deeds must be,
Trials and crimes; so learn ye well your parts.
Once more to plough the earth it is decreed,
And scatter wide the seed.
– John Henry Newman
When I sat down to write this today, I really couldn’t remember much about why I chose this as my entry point, or where I got this poem of his, or why I thought it was important to post. But I did a little digging and behold! I must have come across it while choosing the name of this site. Mundane reason, but such a great poem. I’m glad I searched it up and fixed it here, so the attribution is clear.
It is true – rough deeds must be. And so here is another entreaty to myself and anyone else who cares to consider it: learn ye well your parts, plough the earth, and scatter wide the seed.
God is Good, and he is at work. He is Jehovah, the one who comes to us, tells us his name, and always finishes the work he has begun in us. What a gift.
Faith and Sight 