Dangers -- and the Litany

Name: Dangers -- and the Litany
Author: Charles Kingsley

The work explores the themes of divine intervention and human reliance on God during times of distress, drawing heavily from the 107th Psalm. It recounts the experiences of a group of Jews who, lost in the desert, cry out to the Lord for guidance and are ultimately led to safety. This narrative serves as a metaphor for the broader human condition, emphasizing that even in self-inflicted troubles, God listens and responds to those who seek His help. The text further illustrates various scenarios of suffering, including imprisonment and illness, where individuals, despite their own failings, find solace in divine mercy. The author connects these biblical themes to contemporary practices, particularly the Litany, a national prayer that encapsulates the spirit of collective supplication for deliverance from various dangers. It highlights the importance of communal prayer, suggesting that even in times of peace, the prayers of past generations resonate with current and future needs. The work ultimately asserts that faith in God does not diminish human courage or skill but rather complements them, reinforcing the belief that God is a constant source of support in both personal and national crises. The message is clear: acknowledging divine goodness and seeking help in times of trouble is a timeless necessity for humanity.

By Charles Kingsley · First published 1850 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 3,050 words

First lines

"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. " -- PSALM cvii. 6-8.

This 107th Psalm is a noble psalm -- a psalm which has given comfort to thousands in suffering and in danger, even in the sorrows which they have brought on themselves by their own folly. For it tells them of a Lord who hears them when they cry to Him in their trouble, and who delivers them from their distress.

What this Textopian page supports

Dangers -- and the Litany is listed on Textopian as an essay by Charles Kingsley, dated 1850 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Charles Kingsley
Date: 1850 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romanticism
Length: 3,050 words
Structure: 1 section, 25 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — Given the author Charles Kingsley's renowned reputation as a fiction writer, the book likely falls under this broad genre.
Adventure — Supporting Kingsley's works' strong streak of adventure, the title suggests a journey fraught with risk.
Historical Fiction — Kingsley often infused historical elements in his novels, so it is possible that this book also carries historical fiction traits.
Romanticism — Many of Kingsley's works fall under Romantic literature, emphasizing imagination and instinct, the title suggests elements this genre.