Breathe from the Gentle South Lord
The work is a spiritual meditation in which the speaker calls upon divine power to infuse life into a wearied soul. The imagery of wind from the south and north suggests an invocation for a revitalizing breath or spirit, emphasizing the need for internal transformation. The text juxtaposes natural forces with spiritual states, symbolizing both the stirring of life and the trials of waiting in hope. In the early sections, the speaker expresses a deep yearning for renewal and acknowledges the tension between resignation and the counterproductive effect of delayed hope. This honest confrontation with spiritual fatigue underscores the struggle to maintain faith when anticipation leads to weariness. The appeal is not for a temporary uplift but for a sustaining grace that fortifies a frail body and spirit. The work continues by portraying the journey toward an elusive yet essential divine goal. The speaker appeals for assistance in reaching this distant destination, acknowledging personal frailty and the overwhelming burden of sin and need. The metaphorical language—referring to a “feeble knee” and a “sick soul”—reflects the vulnerability inherent in the human condition and the desperate reliance on divine aid for strength and healing. A notable aspect is the paradox of feeling both cold and yet finding hope. The acknowledgment of an inner chill contrasts with an awareness of the potential for a divine spark. This duality highlights the complex reality of spiritual experience: recognizing one’s low state while still holding onto the promise of life-giving transformation. Further, the narrative shifts to a depiction of isolation and perceived abandonment, where the speaker hears the ominous roar of a lion—a likely symbol of judgment or the threat of spiritual desolation. Despite encountering closed doors in life, one remains accessible: the door of mercy. This singular open path represents the accessible means of redemption amid a landscape of despair. In conclusion, the final section reinforces a posture of humble waiting. There is an acceptance of exile from the divine presence, coupled with a resolute expectation that the ultimate call from a savior will arrive. Once that beckoning occurs, the speaker is ready to return home, signifying a reunion with divine grace and the fulfillment of spiritual longing. The work, therefore, is both a lament for current weakness and an ardent plea for divine intervention that promises restoration and eternal redemption.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Hymn, Devotional Literature, Religious Poetry · 233 words
First lines
I: Breathe from the gentle south Lord, And cheer me from the north; Blow on the treasures of thy word.
And call the spices forth!
II: I wish, thou know'st, to be resign'd, And wait with patient hope; But hope delay'd fatigues the mind And drinks the spirits up.
III: Help me to reach the distant goal, Confirm my feeble knee Pity the sickness of a soul That faints for love of thee.
What this Textopian page supports
Breathe from the Gentle South Lord is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Newton, dated 1779 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Newton
- Date: 1779 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Hymn, Devotional Literature, Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 233 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Breathe from the Gentle South Lord by John Newton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Breathe from the Gentle South Lord?
- How does this poem by John Newton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Hymn first become important in the reading?
Genres
- Hymn — The work is structured as a hymn, invoking prayerful language and worshipful themes that directly address the divine.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a meditation on faith and redemption, making it a key example of devotional writing.
- Religious Poetry — Its lyrical structure and use of spiritual imagery classify it as religious poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The expressive, personal tone and rhythmic verses associate it with the traditions of lyric poetry.
Tags
spiritual · inspirational · religious · contemplative · reflective · meditative · poetic · philosophical · devotional · tranquil · graceful · elegiac