TERTULLIAN - FORGER OF NEW RIVERS

 

Tertullian: Forger of New Rivers

In Carthage by the restless sea,
There rose a mind both bold and free;
A soul aflame with holy zeal,
For words that would God's Truth reveal.

Tertullian took early church faith in hand,
He shaped new words to help it stand;
Like smith who strikes the heated steel,
He forged much thought the Church would seal.

He searched the mystery of the Three,
The hidden depths of Deity;
And gave a name still shining bright:
Trinity of living Light.

Through Latin tongue the faith took flame,
Countless souls would bless his name;
For where before few paths were known,
He carved new roads through thought alone.

Yet not all rivers safely run,
Beneath the brightness of the sun;
Some writings strayed in thought afar,
Like ships that wander from guiding star.

Though words from his pen helped truth be taught,
There were some where error mingled thought;
For such the risk that's borne by those,
Who seek where deeper wisdom flows.

Yet Tertullian was in quest unbowed -
Unbent by fear, courage uncowed;
Undaunted by failures of theological thought,
He started anew as Christ he sought.

He sailed uncharted seas of mind,
Leaving safer shores behind;
Not seeking glory, wealth, or fame,
But truth within Christ Jesus’ Name.

He trusted God, the Lord of All,
To sift what stood and what would fall;
So that mistaken chaff failed to take root,
While wheat of truth grew crop from shoot. 

Truly still his words remain,
As distant bells across the plain;
For centuries have heard the sound,
Of thoughts first broken from his ground.

Tertullian sought Christ's holy Truth,
He taught in church's early youth.
Now Heaven may look down ages vast,
Upon Tertullian's labour still holding fast.

We would know far less today,
Had Tertullian not helped to clear the way;
Had he not crossed untrodden streams,
In search of God beyond men’s dreams.

Let us learn from souls like this:
Not every path is walked in bliss;
Yet holy courage still must strive,
To keep the living faith alive.

Minds that fear to seek anew,
May never learn what yet is true;
Tertullian, unfearful of men’s blame
Served his life in Christ’s dear Name.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Heavenly encounter of Holy Tertullian with Christ"