Forsaking

vbl. sb. [f. FORSAKE v. + -ING¹.] The action of the vb. FORSAKE.

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c. 1320. Cast. Love, 1637.

	Then helpeth ther no pledyng there,
	Ne forsakyng, ny answere.

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c. 1440. Hylton, Scala Perf. (W. de W., 1494), I. xxxviii. All sorowes & traueyle that they suffre in suche temptacyons whiche to an uncunnyng man semyth a forsakyng of god.

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1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 23 b. For y^e forsakyng of one worlde, we shall haue more … than there is … in an … hondred thousande worldes.

4

1611. Bible, Isa. vi. 11–2. Vnttll the cities be wasted without inhabitant … and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

5

a. 1612. Donne, Βιαθανατος (1644), 16. Ever in his forsakings there are degrees of Mercy, because hee might then justly destroy us, and may after at his good pleasure returne againe to us.

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1842. Manning, Serm. (1848), I. xviii. 268. Desolation of soul, and the forsaking of the light of God’s countenance, is our portion in the lot of sinners.

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