Question: Last week I came across a quote from John Masefield, Poet Laureate of England. It really resonated with me. It's not poetry, (but he was a great poet, obviously.)
It comes from something he apparently wrote about wartime life at sea in the Royal Navy during Nelson's time.
I gather it's referred to as "Patriotism," and since that is something that we often speak of, and discuss on FR, I thought you'd enjoy it. ( assuming, of course, that you've not already covered it somewheres before on the thread...
"Patriotism, in its true form, is of the kind they gave, it is not a song in the street or a wreath on a column, or a flag flying from a window. It is a thing very holy and very terrible like life itself. It is a burden to be borne, a thing to labor for, and to suffer for and die for, a thing which gives no happiness, and no pleasantness, but a hard life, an unknown grave, and the respect, and bared heads, of those who followed.."
I couldn't find the source, or if it's an excerpt from a longer work. Maybe some here can look for it, explain the context. I found it powerful, and very moving. Thought you all might enjoy, as well as all others on the thread..should you choose to ping them. Best
From the book "John Masefield, by Gilbert Thomas (click here)
You may need to scroll up to the beginning - it is in PDF format.
Please join us again.
Powerful, sobering words, Ken.
This is our port in a storm..Hope you make it yours, too.
Adding your name to my ping list..Just freepmail when you want off.
Welcome Ken!
I always liked “Sea Fever” by that6 same poet.
Although my culinary skills remain undeveloped, occasionally I use a box of premixed ingredients to make a cake. After adding eggs, vegetable oil, and water, I stir it all together. To bake a palate-pleasing cake, it’s vital to have the correct balance of the right ingredients. That helps me picture the relationship of the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-38) and the Great Commission (28:19-20) as we spread the gospel.
When Jesus told His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, He did not give them permission to be rude and uncaring as they did so. His own citing of the “first and great commandment”—to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind—was quickly followed by the call to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). Throughout the New Testament, we find this model of compassionate, respectful living restated many places, including “the love chapter” (1 Cor. 13) and Peter’s instruction to give a reason for the hope within us “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).
In our eagerness to share Christ with others, we must always include a healthy balance of those two ingredients—the true gospel and godly love. This wonderfully sweet cake bakes best in the warmth of God’s love.
Gonna have to find the source, what a great and meaningful quote. People throw the word "Patriotism" around and I don't think they have any real idea what it means. Thanks!
