07 December 2009

Question for a Theologian

QUESTION FOR A THEOLOGIAN
In response to Mr. M. Preus on re-reading A Hymn I Have Not Heard, vis à vis See the Angel in the Heavens.

Shall every hymn wherein the devil’s name is named
Be purged away with sin, and he the more ashamed,
Or pregnant portals show like wounds in holy limbs,
And praise with brighter glow the Bearer of those hymns?


Here is M. Preus’ response.

6 comments:

Amberg said...

with sin?

Matt Carver (Matthaeus Glyptes) said...

It rhymes. Could be "with him," but for the basis, v.:

"When all my sins and death is purged away,"

Matt Carver (Matthaeus Glyptes) said...

Ah I see. with here is not an agentive, but short for "along with"

Amberg said...

As it stands, the hymn is purged of the devil and of sin, that is your meaning?
And yet there is a "portal" by which we can still see the wounds which must of necessity bear the scars inflicted by the Bastard? Is "like" "like unto" or "as?" So ambiguously you write!

Why don't we just join Mr. Wesley with what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture to gaze on the His scars?

But I would sing,
Till in glory, parted never
From our blessed Savior's side,
Graven in our hearts forever
Dwell the the cross the Crucified.

Matt Carver (Matthaeus Glyptes) said...

The words must have been with me since yesterday morning.

I think "like" is, or is like, a preposition here; "as" requires a verb (explicit or implied), as do most conjunctions.

Amberg said...

Right, "show" could be assumed with "wounds".

My response will be forthcoming.