Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON THE DISPOSITION OF MIND, by JOHN BYROM


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON THE DISPOSITION OF MIND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: To hear the words of scripture, or to read
Last Line: To seek the truth, receive it, and retain.
Subject(s): Bible; Books; Language; Reading; Words; Vocabulary


TO hear the words of scripture, or to read,
With good effect, requires a threefold heed;
If incomplete, it only can produce
Hearings and readings of no sort of use.

The first, INTENTION; or a fix'd design
To learn the truth concerning things divine;
If previous disposition be not good,
How shall a serious point be understood?

The next, ATTENTION; not the outward part,
But the fair list'ning of an honest heart:
Sound may, and figure, strike the ear and eye,
But sense and meaning to the mind apply.

The last, RETENTION; or the keeping pure,
From hurtful mixtures, what is clear and sure:
In vain the purpose and the pains have been
To gain a good, if not secur'd within.

Without INTENTION truth no more can stay,
Than seed can grow upon a public way;
The more it is affecting, plain, and grand,
The less will heedless persons understand.

Without ATTENTION 'twill have no more fruit,
Than seed on stony ground, for want of root;
That makes a show with hasty shoots awhile,
And then betrays the barrenness of soil.

Without RETENTION all is lost at last,
Like seed among the thorns and briars cast:
So worldly cares, and worldly riches both,
May mix with truth, and choak it in its growth.

As ground produces goodly crops of corn,
If good, and free from footstep, stone, or thorn
That of good hearts has properties as plain—
To seek the truth, receive it, and retain.





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