Can the dead man raise himself,
pull the sky into his lungs,
reach beyond the dark abyss
and bathe himself in rising sun?

Is the dead man conscious of
his frigid hands and unconscious mind,
the worms that twist beneath his skin,
the stench of rotting, carnal rind?

"Raise yourself!", Folly shouts
"Breath the sky into your lungs!"
The rigid corpse with vacant stare
is silent. Folly is undone.

-Beasley

I wrote this inspired by Ephesians chapter 2

__________________
[B]Manley Beasley[/B]
Southern Baptist Convention
Fayetteville, Arkansas

[B]Wir sein pettler. Hoc est verum (We are beggars. This is true.).--Luther's dying words[/B]

Brother, that is....

I am saying this wholeheartedly,

very special and touching.

May the Lord keep inspiring you.

__________________
César Proença

there is no will nor running by which we can prepare the way for our salvation, it is wholly of the Divine Mercy Jean Calvin Institutes II . V. 17

Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (liberated) http://www.gkv.nl/main.asp?intTreeviewID=954

Igreja Reformada em Massamá Portugal http://www.igrejareformada.pt

Thanks brother, I appreciate it. I pray He does too.

Yes, it was well-done. It almost cries for the sequel, like Paradise Regained or something.

__________________
The man who is disposed to think of his sin as a great calamity, rather than as a heinous crime, is not likely either to reverence God or to respect His law. - John Kennedy, 1873
Meg
Blog
Member, Intown Presbyterian Church,PCA, Portland, OR

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

I was kind of setting it up as an argument between Folly and the dead man. Folly (believing the dead can raise themselves) tells the dead man to raise but loses the argument when the dead man stays dead. I guess I'm pointing out the absurdity of the arminian/pelagian belief that man takes part in his own salvation in light of Ephesians chapter 2's language (dead).

In a manner of gratitude to Manley Beasley

for sharing something so personal and beautiful,

I leave here two hymns of Augustus Toplady (1740-1778),

herald of the doctrines of Sovereignty and Grace.



A debtor to mercy alone, of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear to draw near to Thy throne, my person and offerings to bring.

The wrath of a sin hating God with me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience to blood hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yes and Amen, and never was yet forfeited.

Things future or things that are now, nor things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever my soul from His love.
My name from the palms of His hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.

Yes, I to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is given;
More happy, but not more secure, when glorified with Thee in heaven.

1771



Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save me from its guilt and power.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

1776