Traherne, Thomas, (1636?-1674)

Centuries of Meditations

Description: Psalm 19:1 reads, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." God displays his power in the immensity, complexity, and beauty of his creation. Thomas Traherne, in his Centuries of Meditations, showcases his deep love for God's creative powers. The poetry in Centuries has a childlike humility in the face of God's glory. While living at a time where God's wrath and humanity's sin were the main topics of theological conversation, Traherne writes poetry that looks at the beauty of God and his goodness. His poetry is not just good Christian poetry, but good poetry that is appreciated by Christian and secular poetry lovers alike.

Andrew Hanson
CCEL Intern