Gratefulness, by George Herbert

This amazing poem complemented my weekend study of 1 Thess 5:18 very well (give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you).

Gratefulness


You that have giv'n so much to me,

Give one thing more, a grateful heart.

See how your beggar works on thee

By art.



He makes your gifts occasion more,

And says, If he in this be crossed,

All you have giv'n him heretofore

Is lost.



But you did reckon, when at first

Your word our hearts and hands did crave,

What it would come to at the worst

To save.



Perpetual knockings at your door,

Tears sullying your transparent rooms,

Gift upon gift, much would have more,

And comes.



This notwithstanding, you still went on,

And did allow us all our noise:

Nay, you have made a sigh and groan

Your joys.



Not that you have not still above

Much better tunes, than groans can make;

But that these country-airs your love

Did take.



Wherefore I cry, and cry again;

And in no quiet can you be,

Till I a thankful heart obtain

Of thee:



Not thankful, when it pleases me;

As if your blessings had spare days:

But such a heart, whose pulse may be

Your praise.