The Method

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  Poore heart, lament,
For since thy God refuseth still,
There is some rub, some discontent,
  Which cools his will.

  Thy Father could.
Quickly effect, what thou dost move;
For he is Power: and sure he would;
  For he is Love.

  Go search this thing,
Tumble thy breast and turn thy book:
If thou hadst lost a glove or ring,
  Wouldst thou not look?

  What do I see
Written above there? Yesterday
I did behave me carelessly,
  When I did pray.

  And should God's eare
To such indifferents chained be,
Who do not their own motions heare?
  Is God lesse free?

  But stay! what's there?
Late when I would have something done,
I had a motion to forbear,
  Yet I went on.

  And should God's care,
Which needs not man, by ty'd to those
Who heare not him, but quickly heare
  His utter foes?

  Then once more pray:
Down with thy knees, up with thy voice:
Seek pardon first, and God will say,
  Glad heart rejoyce.

© George Herbert