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i am struck especially by that quotation at the end … the Christian imagination as seeing things from the eyes of heaven. what a very, very beautiful hymn - and how prodigal we sometimes are with our Father’s world …

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Jul 30Liked by Debra Esolen

A stunning hymn--simple but exquisitely elegant. I love the use of internal rhyme in the third line of each verse, and how it complements the rest of the rhyme scheme.

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Jul 30Liked by Debra Esolen

This column is one of your finest essays. Yes, thank you for introducing us to that man! He sounds like a character in a George Macdonald story.... But he was real. I have loved that hymn all my life. The poem is in an old illustration which my father -in-law colored as a boy, and gave to his mother. We have it framed, and still those words sober me. 'Shun not the struggle! Tis God's gift.'

Lord, have mercy.

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The poem is a treasure, from the heart of one who knew where his treasure lay.

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Jul 30Liked by Debra Esolen

Thanks for providing such a beautiful way to express the glory of God's creation!

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We all need this reminder, don't we?

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Jul 30Liked by Debra Esolen

I read that and I bow my head as well. Loved the hymn….just forwarded to the grandkids.

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We are so glad to share these wonderful hymns. And more glad when our readers do the same!

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