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  THE ROSE
  by George Herbert
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Summary: The sermon explores the deceptive nature of worldly pleasures
through the metaphor of a rose, emphasizing the importance of spiritual
health over fleeting joys.

Topics: "Worldly Pleasures", "Spiritual Repentance"
Scripture References: Psalm 16:11, Romans 12:2, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15

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DESCRIPTION
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George Herbert emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and
the deceptive allure of temporary delights that ultimately lead to
sorrow and regret. He contrasts the superficial beauty of worldly joys
with the purifying and revealing nature of choosing a simpler, yet more
meaningful path. Herbert uses the metaphor of a rose to symbolize the
choice between worldly pleasures that bring temporary sweetness but
eventual bitterness, and the lasting joy found in choosing a path of
repentance and spiritual health.

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CONTENT
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Press me not to take more pleasure

In this world of sugred lies,

And to use a larger measure.

Than my strict, yet welcome size.

First, there is no pleasure here:

Colour'd griefs indeed there are,

Blushing woes, that look as clear

As if they could beauty spare.

Or if such deceits there be,

Such delights I meant to say,

There are no such things to me,

Who have pass'd my right away.

But I will not much oppose

Unto what you now advise:

Only take this gentle rose,

And therein my answer lies.

What is fairer than a rose?

What is sweeter? yet it purgeth.

Purgings enmity disclose,

Enmity forbearance urgeth.

If then all that worldlings prize

Be contracted to a rose;

Sweetly there indeed it lies,

But it biteth in the close.

So this flower doth judge and sentence

Worldly joys to be a scourge:

For they all produce repentance,

And repentance is a purge.

But I health, not physic choose:

Only, though I you oppose,

Say that fairly I refuse,

For my answer is a rose.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/george-herbert/the-rose/
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