Quote by John Milton, On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spentE're half my days, in this dark world and wide,And that one Talent which is death to hide,Lodg'd with me useless, though my Soul more bentTo serve therewith my Maker, and presentMy true account, least he returning chide,Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,I fondly ask; But patience to preventThat murmur, soon replies, God doth not needEither man's work or his own gifts, who bestBear his milde yoak, they serve him best, his StateIs Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speedAnd post o're Land and Ocean without rest:They also serve who only stand and waite.

When I consider how my light is spentE're half my days, in t

Summary

This quote, taken from the sonnet "When I Consider How My Light is Spent" by John Milton, reflects the poet's contemplation of his blindness and how it affects his ability to serve God. The speaker laments the loss of his sight, which he sees as a valuable talent "lodg'd with [him] useless." However, he realizes that God does not require human work or gifts, but rather values those who humbly bear his gentle commands. The quote ends on the note that even those who only stand and wait faithfully serve God, countering the notion that one's worth is solely determined by their physical abilities or actions.

Topics

Service

By John Milton, On His Blindness

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