Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
LI: Abraham explained
The poem celebrates Abraham as a model of faith who chose God's portion over worldly wealth and status.
What happens
The poem celebrates Abraham as a model of faith who chose God's portion over worldly wealth and status. It highlights his serene detachment from earthly concerns, his trust in God's promises, and his willingness to act with integrity even in worldly transactions. The poem contrasts his spiritual nobility with the scoffing of those enslaved by wealth.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
Abraham exemplifies unwavering faith, choosing God's portion and communing with God despite the world's mockery.
Suffering and Humility
Abraham bears the world's smile and scorn with unruffled face, moving in 'soul's high solitude' and accepting a humble burial place in Canaan.
The Church and Tradition
Abraham is presented as a patriarch and type of faith, linking the Old Testament promise to the Gentile church.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The better portion didst thou choose, Great Heart, Thy God’s first choice, and pledge of Gentile grace!”
You chose the better part, O noble-hearted one, being God's first chosen and a promise of grace to the Gentiles.
Highlights Abraham's election and his role as a prototype of faith for all nations.
“Faith’s truest type, he with unruffled face Bore the world’s smile, and bade her slaves depart;”
As the perfect model of faith, he calmly endured the world's favor and dismissed its enslaved followers.
Emphasizes Abraham's serene detachment from worldly approval.
“O happy in their soul’s high solitude, Who commune thus with God, and not with earth!”
Blessed are those who, in the lofty solitude of their soul, converse with God rather than with earthly things.
Extols the spiritual happiness of those who prioritize communion with God.