We have expected too much from 'the creature'

(Octavius Winslow, "The Lord's Prayer" 1866)

"Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?" Isaiah 2:22

We have expected too much from 'the creature', more than any creature could possibly give.

Who has not, in some instances, found . . .
   their love fickle,
   their promises capricious,
   their opinions harsh, and
   their judgment fallible?

We reposed a while beneath our pleasant gourd — and in a night it perished.

We nursed our bosom flower — and in an hour it died.

We leaned upon the strong and beautiful staff — and in a moment it broke.

We came to the crystal stream that had so often refreshed us — and, lo! it was dried up!

Alas, we drained the sponge of creature good of all its sweets, and it became at last aridness itself!

"My soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation." Psalm 35:9