'Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare, The' by Joseph Addison
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The Lord my pasture shall prepare
And feed me with a shepherd’s care;
His presence shall my wants supply
And guard me with a watchful eye;
My noonday walks He shall attend
And all my midnight hours defend.
When in the sultry glebe I faint
Or on the thirsty mountain pant,
To fertile vales and dewy meads
My weary, wandering steps He leads,
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow,
Amid the verdant landscape flow.
Though in the paths of death I tread,
With gloomy horrors overspread,
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill,
For Thou, O Lord, art with me still;
Thy friendly crook shall give me aid
And guide me through the dreadful shade.
Though in a bare and rugged way,
Through devious lonely wilds, I stray,
Thy bounty shall my pains beguile;
The barren wilderness shall smile,
With sudden greens and herbage crowned,
And streams shall murmur all around.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
"Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" is a beautiful poem written by Joseph Addison, one of the greatest English essayists and poets of the 18th century. This poem is a part of a larger work called "The Spectator," which Addison wrote along with his friend Richard Steele. The Spectator was a daily publication that focused on a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, society, and religion. The poem "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" is a hymn that celebrates the goodness and mercy of God. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and imagery of the poem.
Themes
The central theme of the poem is the grace and provision of God. The poem begins with a beautiful declaration of faith and trust in God:
Lord, my pasture shall prepare,
And feed me with a shepherd's care;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye;
The speaker of the poem acknowledges that God is the source of all his blessings and provisions. He trusts that God will provide for him like a shepherd provides for his sheep. The poem then goes on to describe the many ways in which God takes care of his people.
The second theme of the poem is the contrast between the goodness of God and the wickedness of humanity. The speaker acknowledges that he is a sinner and that he needs God's grace and mercy. He contrasts his own unworthiness with the goodness and mercy of God:
While the streams of life are near,
May I never, Lord, forget
That I am a debtor, let
That I am a debtor to thy grace.
The poem highlights the fact that even though humanity is sinful and unworthy, God still loves and cares for us. This theme is expressed in the following lines:
And when I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
The poem expresses the hope and assurance that even in death, God will be with us and will lead us to eternal life.
Structure
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The simple and regular structure of the poem reflects the clarity and simplicity of the message. The use of rhyme and meter adds a musical quality to the poem, making it easy to remember and sing.
The first stanza sets the tone and theme of the poem. The second stanza elaborates on the various ways in which God provides and cares for his people. The third stanza acknowledges the speaker's sinfulness and unworthiness and asks for God's forgiveness and mercy. The fourth stanza expresses the hope and assurance of eternal life in the presence of God.
Language and Imagery
The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet poetic and beautiful. The use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and richness to the poem. For example, the metaphor of God as a shepherd who cares for his sheep is a powerful and enduring image that has been used throughout the history of literature and religion. The following lines are a beautiful example of this imagery:
In the pastures of thy grace,
Feed me, for I know thy love,
That, secured by thy embrace,
I may stand with thee above.
The image of God's embrace is particularly moving, as it conveys the warmth, security, and intimacy of God's love.
The poem also makes use of biblical language and references. For example, the line "Land me safe on Canaan's side" is a reference to the Promised Land in the Bible, which was the destination of the Israelites after their liberation from Egypt. This reference adds depth and resonance to the poem, as it connects the speaker's hope and assurance of eternal life with the biblical narrative of salvation and redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" is a beautiful and meaningful poem that celebrates the goodness and mercy of God. The poem expresses a deep faith and trust in God, even in the face of human sinfulness and unworthiness. The simple and regular structure, the use of rhyme and meter, and the powerful imagery and language make the poem both memorable and moving. As a hymn of worship and devotion, "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" continues to inspire and comfort people of faith today, just as it did when it was first published over 300 years ago.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare: A Timeless Poem by Joseph Addison
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and transport readers to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" by Joseph Addison. This poem, written in the 18th century, continues to resonate with readers today. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the line, "The Lord my pasture shall prepare, and feed me with a shepherd's care." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It speaks of a divine presence that will provide for and protect the speaker. The use of the word "pasture" conjures up images of green fields and grazing sheep, a peaceful and idyllic setting. The speaker is placing their trust in a higher power to guide them through life.
The second stanza continues with the theme of protection and guidance. "His presence shall my wants supply, and guard me with a watchful eye." Here, the speaker acknowledges that they are not self-sufficient and require the help of a higher power. The use of the word "watchful" suggests that this divine presence is always looking out for the speaker, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The third stanza takes a more introspective turn. "My noonday walks he shall attend, and all my midnight hours defend." The speaker is acknowledging that this divine presence is with them at all times, not just during times of need. The use of the words "noonday" and "midnight" suggests that this presence is with the speaker throughout the day and night, providing comfort and guidance.
The fourth stanza speaks of the speaker's relationship with this divine presence. "When in the sultry glebe I faint, or on the thirsty mountain pant, to fertile vales and dewy meads my weary, wandering steps he leads." The use of the words "sultry" and "thirsty" suggests that the speaker is going through a difficult time. However, they trust that this divine presence will lead them to a place of comfort and rejuvenation. The use of the word "wandering" suggests that the speaker may have lost their way, but this divine presence will guide them back to the right path.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close. "Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow, amid the verdant landscape flow, there, in a tranquil, green retreat, he guides my weary, wandering feet." The use of the words "peaceful," "soft," and "slow" suggest a sense of calm and tranquility. The speaker has found a place of rest and rejuvenation, guided there by this divine presence.
So, what is the significance of this poem? At its core, "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" is a poem about trust and faith. The speaker is placing their trust in a higher power to guide them through life. This poem speaks to anyone who has ever felt lost or alone, and reminds them that they are not alone. There is a divine presence that is always with them, guiding them through life's ups and downs.
Furthermore, this poem speaks to the power of nature. The use of pastoral imagery, such as green fields and peaceful rivers, suggests that nature has the power to heal and rejuvenate. The speaker finds solace in nature, and it is through nature that they are led to a place of rest and tranquility.
In conclusion, "Lord my Pasture Shall Prepare" is a timeless poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It speaks to the power of trust and faith, and the healing power of nature. Joseph Addison's words have stood the test of time, and continue to inspire and comfort readers today.
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