Predestination.

Predestination is the cause alone
Of many standing, but of fall to none.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

The More Mighty, The More Merciful.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

How Roses Came Red.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To His Mistress.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

To Women, To Hide Their Teeth If They Be Rotten Or Rusty.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

Suggested Poems

Explore a curated selection of verses that share themes, styles, and emotional resonance with the poem you've just read.

Another. (Predestination)

Art thou not destin'd? then with haste go on
To make thy fair predestination:
If thou can'st change thy life, God then will please
To change, or call back, His past sentences.

Robert Herrick

Another. (Sin.)

Sin is the cause of death; and sin's alone
The cause of God's predestination:
And from God's prescience of man's sin doth flow
Our destination to eternal woe.

Robert Herrick

God's Providence.

If all transgressions here should have their pay,
What need there then be of a reckoning day?
If God should punish no sin here of men,
His providence who would not question then?

Robert Herrick

Prescience.

God's prescience makes none sinful; but th' offence
Of man's the chief cause of God's prescience.

Robert Herrick

Prevision Or Provision.

That prince takes soon enough the victor's room
Who first provides not to be overcome.

Robert Herrick

Pardon.

God pardons those who do through frailty sin,
But never those that persevere therein.

Robert Herrick