As he that sees a dark and shady grove, <br />Stays not, but looks beyond it on the sky; <br />So when I view my sins, mine eyes remove <br />More backward still, and to that water fly, <br />Which is above the heav'ns, whose spring and rest <br />Is in my dear Redeemer's pierced side. <br />O blessed streams! either ye do prevent <br />And stop our sins from growing thick and wide, <br />Or else give tears to drown them, as they grow. <br />In you Redemption measures all my time, <br />And spreads the plaster equal to the crime; <br />You taught the book of life my name, that so <br />What ever future sins should me miscall, <br />Your first acquaintance might discredit all.<br /><br />George Herbert<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/h-baptism/
