The Hold-fast

George Herbert is one of my favorite poets—an Anglican priest in the early to mid-17th century. In this poem, the Hold-fast, we have a believer who is dejected and sorrowful due to all that we have lost because of sin, but who, upon hearing that Christ has secured what Adam lost, and more, is heartened again.

One of the reasons I love Herbert’s work is because of its combination of brevity and profundity. I pray that this blesses you.

The Hold-fast

I threaten'd to observe the strict decree

    Of my dear God with all my power and might;

    But I was told by one it could not be;

Yet I might trust in God to be my light.

"Then will I trust," said I, "in Him alone."

    "Nay, e'en to trust in Him was also His:

    We must confess that nothing is our own."

"Then I confess that He my succour is."

"But to have nought is ours, not to confess

    That we have nought." I stood amaz'd at this,

    Much troubled, till I heard a friend express

That all things were more ours by being His;

    What Adam had, and forfeited for all,

    Christ keepeth now, who cannot fail or fall.