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Two years of drought seem broken by a deluge
that would be the wrath of God were it not mercy.
No doubt some prophet has spoken to Heaven for us
and obtained a grace sufficient to wash away
all memory of withered crops, clear skies, dry wells,
and the taste and texture of dust in the teeth. No wonder
men dance naked in the streets and sing
and women braid their hair with mint and daisies.
No wonder children clap their hands and laugh
at the tattoo of the downpour on the rooftops.
But may God spare us profligate relief.
For rain may cause the wisest to forget
the vast, dry tragedy of the time behind us,
the unknown danger in the years ahead.

Dear Reader,

You have a decision to make: double or nothing.

For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.

In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.

So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?

Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
GIVE NOW