Poetry · Chapter
Contrition explained
A soul cries out from the depths of shame and sin, pleading with God the Father and Savior for purification, cleansing, and restoration.
What happens
A soul cries out from the depths of shame and sin, pleading with God the Father and Savior for purification, cleansing, and restoration. The speaker acknowledges their brokenness and pride, and submits to the Potter's hands for remaking.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Grace
The speaker pleads for lifting, cleansing, and remaking, trusting in God's merciful restoration.
Suffering and Purification
The soul's aching and shame are embraced as part of the Potter's refining process.
Divine Fatherhood
God is repeatedly addressed as Father, the one who hears the cry and mends the vessel.
Characters to notice
- God
Addressed as Father, Lord, and Savior; the one to whom the soul cries for lifting and cleansing.
- Jesus Christ
Implored as Saviour, the one in perfect purity and love's security who can fill the soul with light.
- Potter
Metaphor for God as the potter who mends and remakes the broken vessel.
- Unknown
The penitent speaker, a man ashamed and broken, crying out from the gulf.
Key passages
“Out of the gulf into the glory, Father, my soul cries out to be lifted.”
From the depths of despair, I call to you, Father, to raise my soul into your radiant presence.
Opening plea for deliverance from sin and shame.
“Lord, thou hast broken, thou mendest thy vessel! In the dust of thy glory I nestle.”
You have shattered me, Lord, but you also restore me; I humbly rest in the lowliness of your majesty.
Acceptance of divine discipline and trust in restoration.