John Milton (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet and intellectual who served as a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England. He is best known for his epic poem, Paradise Lost.
By 1652, however, Milton had become totally blind. This autobiographical sonnet, titled by John Newton, On His Blindness, is thought to date from this period, and in it, Milton considers his blindness from both physical and spiritual standpoints. His conclusion is especially comforting to those who feel that God has placed them “on the shelf,” and forgotten them.
(This is written in the language of its time. Don’t be discouraged by that, but read it more than once and let God light your understanding.)
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is Kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 New Living Translation
Patient waiting is often the highest way of doing God’s will.
Jeremy Collier (1650-1726,) English bishop