George Herbert: Poems

The Pulley by George Herbert

What is meant by "When almost all was out, God made a stay"

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This phrase alludes to the fact that God stops before bestowing his last gift.... his “jewel", in order to prevent man’s self-sufficiency and independence. In essence, Pulley is noting that if man’s ultimate happiness depended upon worldly satisfaction without any thought of Heaven or eternal happiness. God withholds rest to insure the need for communion between the Creator and his creature.

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The Pulley