The Broken and Contrite Heart
The Broken and Contrite Heart is a poem by Charles Kingsley that explores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the human condition. The poem tells the story of a man who has broken his heart over past mistakes and regrets, and is now seeking forgiveness and redemption. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Kingsley conveys the depth of the speaker's emotions and the complexity of the human experience.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1854 · Genre: Religion, Spirituality, Self-help · 3,197 words
First lines
Isaiah, lvii. 15-21. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
What this Textopian page supports
The Broken and Contrite Heart is listed on Textopian as a speech by Charles Kingsley, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Speech
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Self-help, Philosophy
- Length: 3,197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 20 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Broken and Contrite Heart by Charles Kingsley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
- Forgiveness by George Macdonald
- True Repentance by Charles Kingsley
- Come To Me by George Macdonald
- The Grace Of Grace by George Macdonald
- The Ten Lepers by Charles Kingsley
- Grace And Glory by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Religion — The book, written by a priest, is a religious text at heart, discussing themes of repentance and forgiveness in a Christian context.
- Spirituality — Beyond its religious context, the book also explores individual spirituality, with themes of personal growth, reflection, and the human capacity for change.
- Self-help — The book presents itself as a guide to developing a 'broken and contrite heart', and thus fits into the category of self-help.
- Philosophy — The book explores deep questions of guilt, repentance, and human nature, making it fitting to the philosophy genre.
Tags
spirituality · redemption · forgiveness · faith · grace · suffering · repentance · humility · Christianity · soul-searching · inner peace · moral struggle