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THE 
 
 ADVENT, MINISTRY, AND WORKS 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 LORD JESUS CHRIST; 
 
 BEING 
 
 A VERSIFICATION OF SOME PORTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FOUR EVANGELISTS. 
 
 By GEORGE BARRETT. 
 
 And what, O man! so worthy to be sung? 
 What more prepares us for the songs of heav'n, 
 Yodng, 
 
 COLUMBUS. 
 
 PRINTED BY WRIGHT & LEGG. 
 1842 
 
T 
 
 
 Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1842, by George 
 Barrett, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Ohio. 
 
 
 
PREFACE 
 
 In presenting this little volume to the public, 
 the author is aware that men of large literary at- 
 tainments will charge him with a fault, to which 
 even some of the very men whose writings are 
 the subject of his essays, are obnoxious, viz., that 
 his style and manner indicate a great want of 
 those advantages which result from a learned 
 education. I see not that I can do better than to 
 throw myself upon the charitable consideration 
 of this class of men. I readily admit that the 
 professedly learned, who write for fame or for- 
 tune, should pass the most rigid criticism; but 
 shall this rule be applied indiscriminately, and 
 shall all works be excluded that will not bear the 
 test ? and would not such a process of excision de- 
 prive the world of an immense amount of good? 
 
 The advantages to my own mind, resulting 
 from the labor of this performance, has already 
 been an ample reward for all my pains; and if 
 there had been none to offer this work to, except 
 the proficients in human learning and scholastic 
 divinity, it had not been offered to the world at 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 all. But do we not know that the great body of 
 the professors of religion and seekers after it, 
 are comparatively of the poor, the weak and the 
 illiterate; but many of them rich in faith and 
 zealous of good works. It is with these I expect 
 this little volume will find favor; and I give it 
 publicity in the belief that it will do some good. 
 But if in this my destiny be disappointment, still 
 I think I may claim for myself a sincerity of pur- 
 pose, as a shield from the shafts of the malicious: 
 from the charitable I have nothing to fear, for 
 the mantle of their virtue covcreth a multitude 
 of sins. 
 
 I am indebted principally to Fleetwood's Life 
 of Christ for the chronological 'arrangement of 
 the subjects, but have made some deviations from 
 that standard. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Presage of the birth of Jesus — Salutation of Mary by the Angel — 
 Birth of Jesus, Page 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Declaration of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds — A multitude 
 of the heavenly host appear with the angel praising and bless- 
 ing God — The parents take their Babe to Jerusalem — The pro- 
 phecy of Simeon and Anna — They return to Nazareth and 
 their son remaineth with them, Page 12 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, Page 17 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Jesus turns water into wine, at the marriage of Cana, in Galilee, 
 
 Page 19 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Discourse with the woman of Samaria, Page 22 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Sermon on the Mount, Page 26 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Jesus cureth a leper — Healeth the centurion's servant of a palsy 
 — Raiseth the widow's son — Cureth Peter's mother-in-law — 
 Casteth out many devils, Page 40 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Jesus and the Disciples in a tempest, Page 45 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Jesus cureth a palsy — Eateth with sinners — Restoreth to life 
 the daughter of Jairus — and healeth a woman — Restoreth to 
 sight two blind men, Page 50 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Jesus cureth an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda — Plucketh 
 the ears of corn — Healeth the withered hand, Page 54 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Parable of the Sower, Page 59 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Transfiguration — Parable of the debtors, Page 62 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 The Jews boasting of their descent from Abraham, Jesus reproves 
 them and asserts his divinity — Cureth a blind man, Page 65 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Parable of the Samaritan — Galileeans on whom the tower in 
 Siloam fell — The barren fig-tree, Page 70 
 
CONTENTS. VII 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Prodigal Son, Page 76 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Raiseth Lazarus from the dead, Page 81 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The rich young man — The laborers in the vineyard — Jesus 
 foretells his death, Page 85 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The two sons of Zebedee — Jesus rideth into Jerusalem, Page 89 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Parable of the Vineyard — Marriage of the king's son — The ten 
 virgins, Page 92 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Parable of the ten talents — The Sheep and goats, Page 98 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 The last Supper — The treachery of Judas, Page 104 
 
 CHAPTER XXIL 
 
 The Consolatory Discourse, Page 108 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 The Consolatory Discourse continued, Page 112 
 
Vin CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Jesua betrayed and apprehended — Peter's denial and repent- 
 ance — Tne Crucifixion, ra S e 117 
 
 NOTE*, Pa S e122 
 
A VERSIFICATION OF SOME PORTIONS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FOUR EVANGELISTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Presage of the birth of Jesus — Salutation of Mary by the Angel — 
 Birth of Jesus. 
 
 Our hope of glory, crown and diadem, 
 
 "Was called the babe of ancient Bethlehem,- 
 
 God was his father, his descent divine, 
 
 And from king David in an earthly line; 
 
 A two-fold nature sweetly did combine 
 
 Both in one person, human and divine. 
 
 The angel Gabriel, missioned from above, 
 
 Made his descent, on errand full of love, 
 
 God sent him down, in spiritual sense a groom, 
 
 The bride was Mary, crowned with vestal bloom, 
 
 Straightway he came — an angel — unto her — 
 
 A royal guest, a heavenly messenger, 
 
 With words like these did o'er her soul prevail: 
 
 Thou highly favored of my Father, hail 1 
 
 •Luke i. 26. 
 2 
 
10 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 I have on thee, the Lord presiding o'er, 
 
 Rich blessings poured, and blessings yet in store. 
 
 By Mary then, this thing was not foreseen, 
 What, this his blessing on her head should mean. 
 His person too, from every blemish free, 
 No doubt was glorious in a high degree, 
 Did to her view such majesty unfold, 
 The modest maiden trembled to behold. 
 
 Fear not Mary, the angel then rejoined, 
 Nor let one doubt disturb thy peaceful mind; 
 Thy soul redeemed — from all pollution free, 
 His living favor God hath given thee: 
 To bless thy soul with an immortal fame, 
 Shalt bear a son, and Jesus call his name; 
 For in his blood polluted men shall lave, 
 And from their sins their precious souls shall save. 
 His power, his might, his majesty divine, 
 Shall far exceed the greatest of mankind, 
 A Prince indeed, shall he, thy son, be known, 
 Forever seated on king David's throne; 
 Beneath his power shall Jacob love to bend, 
 And of his kingdom there shall be no end. 
 
 These truths were clear and certainly divine, 
 Yet Mary, doubting, queried in this line: 
 How shall this be, a virgin in my place, 
 Have known not man, nor felt his loved embrace? 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 1 1 
 
 The Holy Ghost — creative power, said he, 
 Shall come upon, and overshadow thee, 
 Therefore the child which in thy arms shall fall, 
 The Son of God, the sons of men shall call. 
 
 Her douhts removed, full faith possessed her soul, 
 And to the angel yielding full control, 
 Said she, my soul will in this holy place, 
 Submit resistless to thy loved embrace, 
 Behold here now the handmaid of the Lord, 
 Be 't unto me according to thy word.* 
 His errand done, the angel passed away, 
 From her departing for the realms of day. 
 
 fNow Mary was, as mutual love inclined, 
 Espoused to Joseph, of Judea's line, 
 But Joseph saw, and it disturbed his mind, 
 Before they were in perfect union joined, 
 That his beloved had evidently ran 
 A quite unlawful intercourse with man; 
 Was then disposed to put his spouse away, 
 But meditating, made a short delay; 
 Wherefore the Lord, to cure the painful theme, 
 Did in a vision or a sacred dream, 
 Appear to Joseph in a blaze of day, 
 And with his doubts removed his fears away. 
 
 Thou son of David, let no doubtful fear 
 Disturb thy union with thy Mary dear, 
 
 ♦See Note 1, at the end. jMatt. i.18. 
 
12 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 For she shall bear, pure as the heavenly host, 
 A son with fulness of the Holy Ghost, 
 Shall save his people from their wretched fall. 
 And thou his name Immanuel shalt call, 
 
 *And in that day it came to pass, 'tis said, 
 A law for taxing all the world was made, 
 Therefore they went their lawful tax to pay, 
 In that auspicious and eventful day, 
 To Bethlehem within the power of Rome, 
 Both Joseph went and Mary from their home; 
 Denied the inn, were made content to lay 
 Their lowly heads upon a bed of hay, 
 Beneath a shed, of earthly pride the scorn, 
 And there the babe Immanuel was born. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Declaration of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds — A multitude 
 of the heavenly host appear with the angel praising and bless- 
 ing God — The parents take their Eabe to Jerusalem — The pro- 
 phecy of Simeon and Anna — They return to Nazareth and 
 their son remaineth with them. 
 
 fThe shepherds' story does instruction yield, 
 All night abiding in the tented field; 
 The silent night to watch with patient care, 
 In spiritual sense denotes a state of prayer, 
 
 *Luke ii. 1 f^uke ». S. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 1 3 
 
 The sheep and lambs, with innocence combined, 
 
 Do represent the virtues of the mind, 
 
 And night prevails whene'er the gospel sun 
 
 Withholds his rays from tribulated ones; 
 
 Here in this state let patient man abide, 
 
 Nor seek relief from any source beside; 
 
 Hold fast your faith, the blessed day will dawn, 
 
 And day-star rise refulgent as the morn, 
 
 Salvation free will be proclaimed amain, 
 
 As with the shepherds on Judea's plains, 
 
 They watched their flocks from danger kept away, 
 
 From evening tide until the dawn of day, 
 
 When lo, the angel of the Lord came down, 
 
 And living glory all-displayed around, 
 
 Did to their view such glorious light appear, 
 
 The wond'ring shepherds shook with awful fear. 
 
 Peace! peace! said they, nor let your fears annoy, 
 Behold I bring glad tidings of great joy, 
 For unto you this day — the joyful word, 
 Is born a Saviour which is Christ the Lord; 
 And this to you an evidence shall be, 
 That I these things am favored to foresee; 
 A manger low at Bethlehem the shade 
 Shall ye there find the babe immortal laid. 
 
 No sooner did the angel this declare, 
 Than instant glory filled the ambient air — 
 2* 
 
14 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 An heavenly host, indeed an awful thing, 
 Was seen descending on supernal wing, 
 Did all as one to God their voices raise, 
 In sweetest anthems of supernal praise — 
 To God on high all glory first; and then, 
 Peace and good-will to all the sons of men. 
 
 They took their flight, this scene of transport 
 through, 
 Their instant flight beyond the ethereal blue, 
 Into unbounded space, unmeasured swing, 
 Suns, skies, and stars were soon beneath their wing. 
 
 The woud'ring shepherds wrapt in visions bright, 
 Their souls transported with supreme delight, 
 To other said, let 's go to Bethlehem, 
 And see what things had been revealed to them. 
 When there, they found, as had the angel said, 
 The babe immortal in a manger laid, 
 Which when they M seen they spread in gospel 
 
 style, 
 The far-famed wonders of this lovely child, 
 Their word went forth with wonder working 
 In that auspicious and eventful hour, [power, 
 The glorious tidings went on rapid wings, 
 But Mary kept and pondered all these things. 
 
 The shepherds' hearts with gospel love enlarged; 
 Returned rejoicing to their lawful charge, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 15 
 
 And praising God, rejoicing in his word, 
 
 For all the things which they had seen and heard. 
 
 *Soon after this, (the law directed them,) 
 They took their babe unto Jerulsalem, 
 With hearts united they with one accord 
 Did there present him holy to the Lord. 
 
 And now behold there came to see this son, 
 An ancient man whose name was Simeon, 
 The same was just, devout, and waiting still 
 For consolation of all Israel; 
 The Holy Ghost, or precious love of God, 
 Within his heart was widely shed abroad, 
 The Holy Ghost — the saints 1 eternal shield, 
 Had to his mind this solemn truth revealed, 
 Nor should be from this state of being hurled 
 Till he had seen the Saviour of the world. 
 Then he was led by God's eternal power 
 Into the temple, that auspicious hour, 
 Jesus the child, and parents there he saw, 
 For to perform the customary law, 
 Then took him up within his arms and said, 
 Let choicest blessings rest upon his head, 
 And let thy servant now at once, Lord, 
 Depart in peace according to thy word; 
 For I have seen revealed to fallen man 
 The glorious wonders of thy gospel plan ; 
 ♦Luke u, 22. 
 
16 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Nor Jews alone the subjects of this grace 
 But all the nations of the Gentile race. 
 The parents marveled when the man had done, 
 At things thus spoken of their infant son. 
 
 Then adding farther, he the parents blest, 
 And then the mother separately addrest: 
 Of Jacob's seed is set this child of pain, 
 Both for the falling and the rise again, 
 Yea, thy own soul shall bitter anguish know 
 In future scenes of most excessive woe, 
 Nor hidden things shall ever be concealed, 
 But inward thought of every heart revealed. 
 
 That instant too there was another came, 
 A prophetess, and Anna was her name, 
 Whose age so great as by the text appears, 
 Must have been equal to one hundred years; 
 She likewise joined, in strains of ardent love, 
 In thanks and praises to the God above, 
 In holy ardor spake of him to them, 
 Who sought redemption in Jerusalem. 
 
 All things performed for which they thither came, 
 They soon returned to Nazareth again; 
 There as he in a state of childhood grew, 
 Waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom too, 
 And patient 'biding 'neath his parents' shed, 
 The grace of God did rest upon his head. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 17 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. 
 
 *Thus he continued, by the text appears. 
 Until attained the age of thirty years; 
 His soul conversant with the heavenly host, 
 Was filled triumphant with the Holy Ghost; 
 jThen by the Lord his living faith to test, 
 Was lured or led into the wilderness; 
 In this lone state which did his soul amaze, 
 Was of the devil tempted forty days. 
 
 His baits, the devil to all vice allied, 
 In thick profusion strewed on every side, 
 Invincible our blessed Saviour stood, 
 He tasted not however sweet the food. 
 When these were ended — days of painful strife, 
 Our Saviour hungered for the word of life. 
 Then said the devil in that evil hour, 
 As if to flatter with a sense of power, 
 Take wholesome bread converted from this stone, 
 If thou command, the thing shall quick be done. 
 Then answered Jesus this infernal fiend: 
 The life of man does not at all depend 
 On bread alone, the product of the sod, 
 But by the word of the eternal God. 
 
 *Lukeiii,23. t^u^e iv, 1. 
 
18 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 The devil next, his further power to try, 
 Did take him up into a mountain high. 
 This lofty highth may be the gospel plan, 
 To be the mountain of the pride of man. 
 And at one view the devil then did show 
 The mountains, hills, and pleasant vales below; 
 And said to him, if thou at once wilt own 
 Thyself a subject of my splendid throne, 
 This glory all — the pride of every clime, 
 The wealth and power shall instantly be thine. 
 
 Did Jesus' answer in this channel run: 
 Get thee behind me, thou infernal one, 
 For it is said in reverential awe, 
 By inspiration in the Jewish law, 
 That thou shalt worship, and without reserve, 
 The Lord thy God, and him alone shalt serve. 
 
 The scene continued, as we read of them, 
 Was next removed unto Jerusalem; 
 Then to the temple place of holy prayer, 
 Was lofty seated on a turret there; 
 The devil then did thus in language run: 
 If thou indeed art God's Eternal Son, 
 This instant hence — thyself exempt from woe, 
 Nor fear thou falling on the stones below, 
 For it is written in the law at large, 
 That angels have thee in their holy charge, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 19 
 
 Lest thou, dependant on thy strength alone, 
 Should dash thy foot against a rock or stone. 
 
 Then Jesus said, this is the sacred word, 
 Thou shalt not tempt the Lord the living God. 
 He failing thus in every vain desire, 
 Did for a season from our Lord retire. 
 
 Jesus returned, this sore temptation through, 
 And with an increase of the spirit too, 
 And then went forth the glory of his name, 
 In rapid flight upon the wings of fame, 
 His mighty power did every where abound, 
 In all the regions of the country round, 
 And from his tongue such precious truth did fall. 
 That he was loved and glorified of all. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Jesus turns water into wine, at the marriage of Cana, in Galilee. 
 
 *Now in those days was John the Baptist there. 
 His food was locusts — raiment, camels hair, 
 Then did he preach throughout Judea's land: 
 Repent all ye, the kingdom is at hand, 
 For I am he — seen with enlightened eye, 
 And spoken of in ancient prophecy; 
 I am the voice — and certain is the sound, 
 Let hill and stream and distant dale resound : 
 
 ♦Mat. iii, 1. 
 
20 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Prepare the way appointed for the Son, 
 
 Wherein his ransomed and redeemed may run, 
 
 Made straight and plain to all; for surely now 
 
 All crooked ways the Lord will disallow. 
 
 Think not to say, our law is plainly told, 
 
 And for our father — Abraham of old; 
 
 For this I say, and ye shall find it true, 
 
 That God is able to raise up anew 
 
 Both sons and daughters, his alone the might, 
 
 The law of old and Abraham aside ; 
 
 With 'finers fire he comes, indeed — and more, 
 
 With fuller's soap to purge his Gospel floor; 
 
 Then fans his wheat, the chaff, with vengeful ire, 
 
 He sure will bum with his baptismal fire. 
 
 As now the time — the appointed time drew nigh, 
 For the fulfilment of his mission high; 
 *Was soon invited to a marriage free, 
 In Cana town and state of Galilee; 
 To add still further to the social cheer, 
 Were both his mother and disciples here. 
 
 The lovely matron, Jesus' mother, found, 
 They had no wine to cheer the social round, 
 Then told her Son, as if herself aware 
 'T would be the subject of his special care. 
 And charged the servants that without delay, 
 All his commands they strictly should obey. 
 
 *John ii, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 21 
 
 Now there were standing plain before his eyes, 
 Six water pots, and of capacious size, 
 The servants then received command of him 
 To fill with water to the very brim, 
 Now draw from them and pass it round, he said, 
 The willing servants readily obeyed. 
 The ruler here to judgment did incline, 
 When he had tasted of the new made wine, 
 Pronounced it good — to bridegroom then did say, 
 Thou hast reversed the order of the day, 
 For every man, as custom doth incline, 
 Doth at the first set forth the best of wine, 
 Till all have drank, and freely to their mind, 
 Then doth he serve them with a poorer kind, 
 And justified by free consent ; but thou 
 The most delicious hast reserved till now. 
 
 This first of public miracles did he, 
 In Cana town and state of Galilee, 
 Through which his living power and glory then, 
 Was manifested to the sons of men; 
 And his disciples all with one accord, 
 Did then believe and reverence their Lord. 
 
 3 
 
22 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Discourse with the woman of Samaria. 
 
 *Soon after this by gospel impulse free, 
 He passed from Judea into Galilee, 
 In doing which this thing he needs must do, 
 To pass the country of Samaria through, 
 Then cometh he about meridian day, 
 Unto a city of Samaria. 
 Now this same city it appears was one, 
 Near to the ground which Jacob gave his son. 
 
 The master wearied, stopt to rest awhile, 
 And when he rested was at Jacob's well. 
 While his disciples w r ent to purchase fare, 
 Forth from the city came a woman there, 
 She came to draw, the water once in hand, 
 Give me to drink, the master did demand; 
 She then replied, why asketh drink of me, 
 Who am a woman of Samaria? 
 For not a Jew in all Judea's land 
 Will ever deal with a Samaritan. 
 
 This prospect then he laid before her view, 
 The gift of God if thou but rightly knew, 
 And who it is that with extended hand 
 A drink of water doth of thee demand, 
 
 *John iv, 3. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 23 
 
 Wouldst ask of me, and then indeed would I, 
 With living water all thy wants supply. 
 
 She said to him, the like I never saw, 
 The well is deep nor hast wherewith to draw, 
 Then how obtain, dost thou at all conceive, 
 The living water thou propos'st to give; 
 Art more renowned, dost thou presume to tell, 
 Than father Jacob, who gave us the well, 
 And drank thereof their generations through, 
 Himself, his children, and his cattle too? 
 
 He answered her, that all the sons of pain 
 Who drink thereof shall surely thirst again, 
 But whoso of the sons of men that live 
 Shall drink the water I to him shall give, 
 A pleasant savor shall his soul retain, 
 And for the like shall never thirst again, 
 For he shall know a depth of love untold, 
 The well of life a fountain in his soul. 
 
 Then give me this the woman did implore, 
 That I thirst not, nor hither come for more. 
 
 To whom our Lord, the truth to ascertain, 
 Go call thy husband, and come here again. 
 But to him then the woman in reply, 
 That sheM a husband promptly did deny. 
 
 Again to her the Saviour did declare, 
 Thou hast well said I have no husband there, 
 
24 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 For with five husbands pledged in sacred vow 
 Before the one with whom thou livest now, 
 And he the man with whom thou livest now 
 Is not thy husband under sacred vow; 
 In this therefore, the marriage state impaired, 
 Thou hast the truth unwittinglv declared. 
 
 Now I perceive by this remark, said she, 
 Thou art a prophet sent in love to me; 
 In this one thing let me I pray draw nigh, 
 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain high; 
 But ye, if worship be performed with grace, 
 Must be at Salem, the appointed place; 
 Now this one thing I would that thou make known, 
 If those were right, or are ye right alone. 
 
 The hour is coming, Jesus then replied, 
 Nor in this mount nor any place beside 
 That ye shall worship, for the God of grace 
 Is not confined to one peculiar place ; 
 For be it known the hour is come I say. 
 And this the morning of the gospel day, 
 When all true worshippers, both aged and youth, 
 Shall worship God in spirit and in truth; 
 With pure delight shall then your bosoms swell, 
 For 't is with these the Lord delights to dwell ; 
 God is a spirit, holy is his name, 
 Who worship him must worship in the same. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 25 
 
 I know, said she, the messenger of love— 
 Mesias cometh from the realms of above; 
 And when he comes salvation free will bring, 
 And in his love will teach us every thing. 
 
 Then Jesus answered, I indeed am He, 
 Who now declareth gospel truth to thee. 
 
 With deep conviction in her soul, she then 
 Into the city — saith unto the men, 
 Come see a man who hath to me unspared, 
 The every act of all my life declared, 
 Now is not this, by gospel love unfurled, 
 The long expected Saviour of the world. 
 
 Then they went forth soon as this truth had 
 heard, 
 With faith undoubting in the woman's word, 
 Spread o'er the field — a wonderful display, 
 Dressed all in white — the costume of the day; 
 Then did our Saviour to his friends allow, 
 Behold the fields are white to harvest now.* 
 
 When those Samaritans to him drew near, 
 
 They all besought that he would tarry here, 
 
 And while he staid, his living truth they heard, 
 
 And more believed because of his own word, 
 
 And to the woman did acknowledge free, 
 
 Now we believe, but not because of thee, 
 
 *8ee Note 2. 
 3* 
 
26 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 And know indeed with gospel light unfurled, 
 That this is Christ the Saviour of the workL 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Sermon on the Mount. 
 
 *In love to all, supreme, exhaustless fount, 
 
 Behold him preaching on the holy mount, 
 
 On his poor ones afflicted faithful few, 
 
 Distilled his blessings as the precious dew. 
 
 He op't his mouth and taught them precious things, 
 
 His soul a fountain of celestial springs: 
 
 Oh ye poor ones, afflicted faithful few, 
 
 The glories of my kingdom are for you ; 
 
 All ye who mourn, cheer up, for near at hand 
 
 Is your relief and comfort at command; 
 
 Be meek and low, your blessings will increase, 
 
 The earth shall ye inherit in endless peace; 
 
 All ye who hunger for heaven not earthly food, 
 
 I '11 fill your hearts with precious things and good, 
 
 And ye who thirst for heaven, not earthly things, 
 
 I'll quench your thirst in everlasting springs; 
 
 And ye whose hearts to mercy are inclined, 
 
 Ye cannot fail' of mercy sure to find; 
 
 Nor less the pure in heart for they shall see 
 
 My Father's face, is surely my decree ; 
 
 ♦Mat.v.l. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 27 
 
 And ye peace-makers, sure is your reward, 
 Ye blessed children of the living God; 
 If faithful ye shall surely suffer then 
 Vile persecution from the hands of men; 
 But be ye faithful in that trying hour, 
 And ye shall witness my preserving power, 
 Rejoice, be glad, and in my power confide, 
 For so were all the ancient prophets tried. 
 
 Oh ye, my friends, my precious chosen few, 
 Completely salted is the earth by you, 
 If in your souls my savor ye retain 
 In all your social intercourse with men, 
 But lose ye this, then in that hapless hour 
 Shall find, alas, you've lost your seasoning power, 
 Most sure indeed, your strength will fail you then, 
 Cast out and trodden under foot of men; 
 Gird up your loins then in my strength divine, 
 Before the nations of this world enshrined, 
 In living glory, beautified with grace, 
 Or like a city set in sightly place. 
 Neither do men, when they have lit a flame, 
 Put under cover to conceal the same, 
 But on a stand its splendour doth abound, 
 And shedeth light on every object round. 
 Then shall all men with joy behold the same, 
 And glorify your heavenly Father's name. 
 
28 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 T' destroy the law is not my present aim. 
 But to fulfil and thereby end the same, 
 I surely must, and this to you I say, 
 Fulfil the law that it may pass away, 
 Therefore, break ye the least of these, and then 
 Shall teach the same unto the sons of men, 
 Though great to you may seem your holy call, 
 You'll in my kingdom be the least of all. 
 But these commandments whosoe'er shall see 
 Fulfilled in 'selves as they're fulfilled in me, 
 And teach men so — these then indeed shall stand 
 As precious jewels in my Father's hand; 
 Therefore, except your righteousness exceed 
 All those self-righteous Pharisees indeed, 
 Ye in no case can enter with delight, 
 Nor find acceptance in my holy sight. 
 
 The law of old was holy, just and good, 
 To end in me is plainly understood; 
 Thou shalt not kill, is there laid down, we see, 
 Shalt not be angry is my law to thee; 
 If 'gainst thy brother thou shalt burn with ire, 
 Thou then shalt be in danger of hell fire. 
 Shouldst thou therefore an holy gift prepare, 
 And to the alter shouldst present in prayer, 
 And there shouldst be with painful sense opprest, 
 That hardness lingers in a brother's breast, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 29 
 
 First go thy way and reconcile his mind, 
 And then with me acceptance thou shalt find- 
 Hath wily Satan now become this day, 
 Thy close companion in thy lonesome way, 
 At once resolve to heed this sacred word, 
 And flee from him by turning to the Lord; 
 Else he will hold thee ; nor will sovereign power 
 At all deliver from that fatal hour, 
 Till through repentance full atonement's made, 
 And the last farthing of the debt is paid. 
 
 In ancient law you '11 find forbidden there, 
 Illicit dalliance with the lovely fair, 
 The thought alone will my displeasure draw, 
 'Tis inconsistent with my holy law; 
 Thine hand, thine eye, no matter what the price, 
 If they offend thee thou must sacrifice ; 
 Far better, far — the solemn truth I tell, 
 Than that the body should be lost in hell ; 
 Nay all these things shall sacrifice, and more, 
 Then on your heads my blessings I will pour, 
 Profusely pour, and which shall sweetly bind 
 Both wife and husband in one peaceful mind, 
 In my pure counsel, nor shall evermore 
 Be disunited as in days of yore. 
 
 Ye know of old to break an oath would draw 
 The sore displeasure of the Jewish law ; 
 
30 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 But now behold, let nations understand, 
 Swear not at all, is my supreme command — 
 Swear not by heaven — God's throne — is my decree, 
 Nor earth, the footstool of his Majesty ; 
 Nor swear ye by — 'tis a forbidden thing, 
 The holy city, — seat of Zion's King; 
 Nor by thy head shalt thou presume to swear, 
 Who hast not power to change a single hair; 
 But stand ye faithful — let your yea and nay 
 Before all men the living truth convey: 
 For more than these, or from the tongue or pen, 
 Doth flow from evil in the hearts of men. 
 Ye know of old it firmly was decreed, 
 To pay with evil for an evil deed; 
 But ye, my friends, my precious chosen few, 
 This vengeful precept will not do for you. 
 When evil comes resist it not, but then 
 In meekness suffer from the hands of men. 
 In suit at law should any man essay, 
 To trouble thee, and take thy coat away, 
 Give him thy cloak and no resistance make, 
 But gladly suffer for thy Saviour's sake; 
 Then I to you will needful things restore, 
 Your real wants to satisfy, — nay more, 
 To him that asketh ye shall give in need, 
 The naked clothe, the hungry ones shall feed, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 31 
 
 And should one thus, I want to borrow say, 
 From him in no wise shalt thou turn away. 
 
 Ordained of old it was, in church and state, 
 Thy neighbor love, thine enemy shalt hate; 
 But ye whose hearts my gospel doth renew, 
 Far better precepts I now give to you; 
 Yea, blessed precepts from the realms above, 
 Ye shall not fail your enemies to love. 
 Though man may curse, yet if by me you 'r led, 
 You '11 crave rich blessings on his guilty head; 
 To those who hate — in every act unkind, 
 Do good and pray with fervency of mind, 
 The sons and daughters of your Father then, 
 Who pours rich blessings on the sons of men; 
 On good and evil he bestoweth amain 
 The bounteous blessings of the sun and rain. 
 7 or if your love hath special friends in view, 
 sfor flows except to a selected few, 
 Vhat sure reward have ye in prospect then, 
 £>r things but common with most wicked men. 
 Aas, my friends! this living truth I say, 
 Tus kind of doctrine will but lead astray; 
 Therefore be holy, perfect, just, upright, 
 Yeoved professors of the holy Light, 
 Hea^'n's King is perfect — his a boundless sway, 
 So nust all his be perfect in their day, 
 
32 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 *Shall oft indeed your diligence renew, 
 And take good heed in every thing ye do; 
 When ye hand forth to the dejected poor 
 The needful morsel from your bounteous store, 
 Respect their feelings, nor your virtue stain, 
 With high parade before the sons of men; 
 But in your hearts let gospel love prevail, 
 Nor let one tittle of your bounty fail. 
 He that delights in secret alms to see, 
 Will then reward your strict integrity. 
 As oft shall rise in view their hapless fate, 
 The poor shall visit in their low estate, 
 Without parade or ostentatious show, 
 Shalt thou on them thy charity bestow : 
 Thy Father who in depth of love untold, 
 All acts of men in secret doth behold, 
 Shall then thy works of charity repay, 
 With open hand, and in the face of day. 
 
 Be it thy constant, unremitting care, 
 In holy, fervent, and delightful prayer, 
 To be not as the hypocrite divines, 
 Those vain pretenders in the gospel line, 
 Who love to pray— in splendid churches meet 
 And in the corners of each pop'lous street, 
 Heaven's precious favors forfeited, 'tis then 
 Their pride and glory to be seen of men; 
 *Matt. vi, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 33 
 
 Nor peace — nor joy — nor hope — nay verily, 
 As are their works, so their reward shall be. 
 
 But when ye have in mind a tender care, 
 To spend a season in delightful prayer, 
 Your closets enter — then shut to your door, 
 And from your hearts a silent language pour, 
 In prayer — in praise may then your bosoms swell. 
 To him alone who doth in heaven dwell; 
 These will be answered from the realms above, 
 With precious incomes of his heavenly love. 
 
 Use not in prayer, to make a pompous show, 
 Vain repetitions as the heathens do; 
 For they believe their purpose to attain 
 That their much speaking will his favor gain, 
 Therefore attend and listen to my call. 
 Nor be like those in anywise at all, 
 But wait on God for help — He knoweth your need, 
 And with sweet prayer will fill your hearts indeed. 
 To Him whose hand your every want supplies, 
 Let minds like this in supplication rise, 
 None but that soul whose love — a hallowed flame, 
 Can call God, Father, or pronounce his name, 
 The willing servant of the Lord, or Son, 
 Will crave his kingdom here on earth may come, 
 Whose wills are slain their language thus will run : 
 Nor heaven alone, on earth thy will be done ; 
 4 
 
34 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 And they whose hearts are flaming with desire, 
 
 A constant burning — a celestial fire, 
 
 To be with food of life eternal fed. 
 
 May crave the Lord to give them daily bread; 
 
 And from the bottom of your hearts shall flow 
 
 Perfect forgiveness unto men below, 
 
 Then ask in faith, your hearts opprest with pain,. 
 
 Ye shall forgiveness of the Lord obtain ; 
 
 And if your souls in sore temptations grieve, 
 
 Then ask in faith, He will your souls relieve, 
 
 Then will you give in gratitude therefor, 
 
 Eternal praises now and evermore.* 
 
 In fasting too shall ye obey my call, 
 Nor be like those in anywise at all — 
 Alone concerned that men their works may see, 
 Whose fasting is but solemn mockery. 
 
 For they put on, with vile intent, to pray, 
 Disfigured faces for a certain day, 
 The praise of men alone, their chief regard, 
 Therefore of men shall be their whole reward. 
 
 But thou thy face let gladness overspread, 
 And with my oil anoint thy lowly head, 
 And let no gloom thy countenance o'ercast, 
 That thou appear not unto men to fast, 
 But unto Him who doth your actions weigh, 
 And will to you his living truth convey. 
 *See Note 3, at the end. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 35 
 
 And now my friends, in whom is my delight, 
 Ye shall this truth behold in gospel light: 
 That here on earth ye have no lasting weal, 
 Moth will corrupt, and thieves break through and 
 
 steal 
 Your treasure here, — nor will it have the power, 
 Your souls to comfort in the dying hour; 
 Therefore in heaven lay up your treasures fair, 
 Nor moth corrupt, nor thieves can steal it there; 
 For this great truth, nor can ye fail to see, 
 Where is your treasure, there your heart will be. 
 
 And now my friends, may you at once begin 
 To take good heed unto the light within; 
 As is thine eye within thy head, so then 
 Is my sure light unto the sons of men. 
 Thine eye well fixed in faith, thy power and might 
 Will lead from darkness into marvelous light; 
 But if diverted from this light, again 
 Egyptian darkness in thy soul will reign; 
 This light will teach you, plain as noonday sun, 
 That of two masters you can serve but one, 
 Shall cleave to one, will from the other flee, 
 For God and Mammon never can agree. 
 
 To you therefore in boundless love I say, 
 On me alone depend from day to day, 
 Meat, drink and clothing, all these things to find. 
 
36 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Let not one anxious thought disturb your mind. 
 Behold the fowls which everywhere abound, 
 For they sow not, nor cultivate the ground, 
 And yet your father doth for them provide, 
 Are ye not better than the feathered tribe? 
 Can ye in thought the boundless space survey, 
 Or size or stature of the Deity? 
 And as for raiment, 'twill instruction yield, 
 To think of lillies in the verdant field, 
 Like vestal beauty unalloyed with sin, 
 Behold they toil not, neither do they spin, 
 And yet I say that these arrayed so bright, 
 The son of David could not equal quite. 
 Ye modern ladies, exquisitely fine, 
 Who in the garb of show delight to shine, 
 'T were well if you would take a hint from thence 
 And clothe yourselves in robes of innocence. 
 Wherefore if God so clothe the verdant field, 
 Which doth such beauty and such fragrance yield, 
 Much more for you, if ye in faith abide, 
 Will he indeed all needful things provide; 
 Therefore let not these things disturb your mind, 
 Nor meat, nor drink, nor clothing shall we find, 
 Like gentile nations, for he knoweth your need, 
 And all your wants will satisfy indeed : 
 Seek first his kingdom, then in faith abide, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 37 
 
 And all these things he surely will provide. 
 Do ye to-day whatever work you find, 
 Nor let to-morrow's things perplex your mind; 
 The morrow's things the morrow's self the share, 
 With it the day brings all sufficient care. 
 
 *If in my counsel, wisdom, power and might, 
 And my commandments, ye shall walk upright, 
 Then in true judgment shall your souls abound, 
 Ye shall not judge except with judgment sound; 
 Whatever measure ye to others meet, 
 The same to you shall be returned complete : 
 Shouldst thou in truth make but a vain pretence, 
 And judge thy brother for a small offence, 
 Far better thou shouldst first of all attend, 
 And heal thyself—thy own offences mend, 
 Then to the weak shalt thou in love draw nigh, 
 And pull the mote out of thy brother's eye. 
 
 Nor dogs, nor swine, who walk in human shape, 
 Shall 'void my vengeance or my power escape, 
 But be ye careful, oh ! my friends, that you 
 Cast not before them precious things and true; 
 Ye must indeed from me have special call, 
 If unto them ye speak my word at all ; 
 To have your pearls cast out would not be meet, 
 Beneath a mad-man's or a drunkard's feet, 
 
 *Matt, vii. 1. 
 
 4* 
 
38 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 To trample down and then your life destroy, 
 Would fill their hearts with a malignant joy. 
 
 If ye doubt not but in my power believe, 
 Ye then may ask and surely will receive, 
 And with full purpose if your hearts incline 
 To find true peace, ye surely then will find, 
 And if you knock with hearts oppressed with pain, 
 Admittance there ye cannot fail to gain : 
 In short, if ye unto perfection press, 
 Shall enter into everlasting rest. 
 
 To you, dear parents, let me now appeal, 
 Who for your children deep affection feel. 
 What one of you, if a poor starving son 
 Should ask for bread, would give to him a stone; 
 Or for a fish, that his poor soul might live, 
 Instead thereof would you a serpent give? 
 If then, my friends, you favored are to know 
 Upon your children blessings to bestow, 
 Shall not likewise, if raised your plaintive cry, 
 Your heavenly father to your souls draw nigh? 
 And when he comes ye then shall surely know 
 Your cup with blessings richly overflow. 
 All things therefore in every point of view, 
 As ye'd have others minister to you, 
 So do to them, for this assurMly will 
 Each jot and tittle of the law fulfill 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 39 
 
 This golden rule, if ye observe it right, 
 Will lead from darkness into marv'lous light ; 
 This light, the glory of my gospel day, 
 Will lead directly in the narrow way, 
 Straight is the gait and only found with care, 
 Strive ye, my friends, to find an entrance there; 
 For wide 's the gait and broad the dang'rous way, 
 Which to destruction leads mankind astray: 
 Though broad the way, yet filled with people rude, 
 From end to end behold the multitude. 
 
 These words of mine whoso shall hear and do, 
 A wise man then shall he be likened to, 
 Who, that his house might stand through every 
 For his foundation had the solid rock. [shock, 
 Then did the rains, the floods, the tempest pour 
 Against his house with one tremendous roar, 
 And it fell not, though dreadful was the shock, 
 For its foundation was the solid rock. 
 
 Whoso these words shall hear and do them not, 
 His name oblivion from my book will blot; 
 Nor long his house, or high or low shall stand, 
 Who builds his house upon the treach'rous sand; 
 For when the rains, the floods, the tempest pour 
 Against his house, with one tremendous roar, 
 That house must fall, it surely cannot stand, 
 Not on the rock but built upon the sand. 
 
40 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 The sermon ended he in silence sat; 
 The people's minds were into wonder wrought. 
 Such demonstration they'd not seen till then, 
 He taught with power from God and not from men. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Jesus cureth a leper — Healeth the centurion's servant of a palsy 
 — Raiseth the widow's son — Cureth Peter's mother-in-law — ■ 
 Casteth out many devils. 
 
 *When from the mountain he returned again, 
 A leper came, oppressed with odious pain, 
 "Who of the master precious help implored; 
 The master's word the leper's health restored. 
 Said Jesus to him, do not vainly boast 
 Of this thy cure before a mighty host, 
 But go thy way and do thy father's will, 
 Each jot and tittle of the law fulfill. 
 
 Soon after this there did unto him come 
 A wise centurion from Capernaum; 
 Of grievous palsy, sick his servant lay, 
 Afflicted much with torment night and day; 
 With Jesus' answer did much pleasure feel, 
 I '11 come said Jesus, and thy servant heal. 
 It here appears he held a public stand, 
 No less than captain of a martial band. 
 
 ♦Mat. viii, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 41 
 
 As Jesus had such an aversion for 
 
 The field of battle, and the din of war, 
 
 Well might he feel the thing would not be meet, 
 
 The prince of peace to take a soldier's seat; 
 
 With modest care he then addressed his Lord, 
 
 Not 'neath my martial roof, but speak the word, 
 
 Thy word alone my servant sure will feel, 
 
 For sure I am it will my servant heal. 
 
 Then Jesus answering, said, such fervent zeal, 
 
 Or living faith 's not found in Israel ; 
 
 And more than that, salvation verily 
 
 Is not confined to your fraternity; 
 
 For men shall come, nor matters where their birth, 
 
 From the four corners of this spacious earth. 
 
 All have the rule, a {ew will heed it right, 
 
 My universal and eternal light. 
 
 All these in heaven shall have an equal place, 
 
 With the forefathers of the Jewish race, 
 
 While multitudes of this your favored land 
 
 Condemned and smitten of divine command, 
 
 Nought else but gnashing of their teeth shall know, 
 
 And bitter weeping in the realms of wo. 
 
 So this our day : Oh ! how escape the rod, 
 Ye once the chosen of the living God; 
 Have ye not fallen from your first estate, 
 With Israel's proneness to degenerate, 
 
42 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 And ye as they are blindly falling down 
 
 Before the gods of all the nations round ; 
 
 And wretched these, as those were wretched then, 
 
 Cast out and trodden under foot of men, 
 
 Shall be rejected in the awful hour, 
 
 The wretched subjects of satanic power, 
 
 And from your heads displaced your faded crowns, 
 
 And placed on heads among the nations round. 
 
 But to return; said Jesus, go and see, 
 And as thy faith is, shall be done to thee; 
 His faith was saving, for behold the power, 
 Was healed his servant in the self-same hour. 
 
 *A day from this he and his friends again 
 Went forth from this into the town of Nain, 
 From place to place with admiration viewed, 
 Was largely followed by the multitude. 
 Soon felt compassion for a wretched one, 
 A woman weeping for her only son — 
 Her son, her only son, for whom she mourned, 
 Fourth from the city on a bier was borne. 
 Their hearts enlarged with sympathetic pain — 
 Much people followed in the mournful train. 
 Her loss was one no mortal could restore, 
 Her heart with anguish bled at every pore. 
 The Lord observed her heart with anguish wrung, 
 
 *Luke vii, 11. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 43 
 
 And comfort flowed from his pathetic tongue; 
 Have faith in God, to whom all glory give, 
 And cease thy weeping for thy son shall live. 
 Then on the bier he laid his holy hand, 
 And they that bore it quickly came to stand. 
 
 The Master here the people did surprise, 
 In living faith he bid the man arise; 
 The man obedient to the sacred word, 
 Arose and spake in praises of the Lord ; 
 And from his hand by whom this thing was done. 
 The joyful mother then received her son. 
 
 The news of this did through the country run ? 
 And awful fear then fell on every one, 
 In praise to God they glorified him thus, 
 A mighty profit he hath sent to us, 
 And at his hand have we redemption found, 
 For with salvation hath the Lord come down. 
 
 *With Peter next, as by the spirit led, 
 And took a seat beneath his humble shed, 
 The mother there compassion led to seek, 
 With burning fever on her crimsoned cheek. 
 He touched her hand, that touch was filled with grace, 
 Returning health soon cheered her blooming face. 
 She then, impressed with his efficient care, 
 Arose and worshipped he Redeemer there. 
 
 *Matt. viii.14. 
 
44 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 At eve were many brought in sad distress, 
 'Tis said they were of devils vile possessed. 
 At his approach the devils fled outright, 
 As shades of darkness at the approach of light. 
 
 Now do ye wonder what should ail those men? 
 There's devils now as well as devils then; 
 And cure the same — they flee with awful dread, 
 When light supernal does the soul o'erspread; 
 Resist the devil and he'll flee from you, 
 Draw nigh to God with purpose firm and true, 
 Draw nigh to God in faith, your crown and shield, 
 No more will devils then dispute the field. 
 
 *We read of one so filled with devils rude, 
 They were indeed a mighty multitude; 
 And they besought the Lord for leave divine, 
 To enter in a mighty herd of swine: 
 To enter in they had the sacred word, 
 Behold they entered in the mighty herd, 
 When all distracted, with one fatal leap 
 Headlong they plunged into the dreadful deep. 
 
 So here we see the power of devils rude, 
 In swinish natures of the multitude, 
 The grace of God who wilfully forego, 
 And headlong plunge into infernal wo; 
 For in this thing was represented then. 
 The swinish nature of the sons of men. 
 
 *Markv. 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 45 
 
 Think ye would Jesus, if those devils cheap, 
 Instead of swine had asked a flock of sheep, 
 Have bid them enter? no; the thing is plain; 
 Nor in that people where the lamb doth reign. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII* 
 
 Jesus and the Disciples in a tempest. 
 
 t The billows rolled, the waves were running high, 
 And the poor sailors did with terror cry, 
 As on the sea of Galilee did sail — 
 Did there encounter a tremendous gale, 
 The troubled sea gave forth a dismal roar, 
 And dreadful surges lashed the rugged shore; 
 The trembling bark resistless o'er its side, 
 In fitful passions burst the angry tide. 
 
 The great dread Ruler of the earth and sky, 
 Chose in this way the followers' faith to try, 
 That they might learn through sore afflictions deep, 
 The faith and patience of the saints to keep ; 
 And for this end he brought the tempest down, 
 Above, below, on every side profound : 
 Oh dreadful then, deplorable that hour, 
 Nor faith, nor hope, in God's preserving power ; 
 *See Note 4. tMark iv, 35. 
 
 5 
 
46 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Nor could they flee, nor power to stay their mind, 
 It then revived the Master lay behind; 
 In haste to him they quickly ran to know, 
 And seek protection from the threat'ning wo. 
 
 In perfect quiet his soul, nor fear, nor dread, 
 The downy pillow embraced his lowly head ; 
 He slept in peace, and. peaceful he might sleep, 
 He feared not death, nor feared the wat'ry deep; 
 Tho' hell might yawn and blackest tempests roar, 
 His trust in God — invincible his power. 
 
 My purpose now will lead me here to draw, 
 The hidden beauties of that perfect law, 
 Through which Mesiah became a pattern then, 
 Of free salvation for the sons of men. 
 
 *'Twas just before, as sacred text will show, 
 This awful, dreadful, and tempestuous blow, 
 While on the shore, with boundless love indued, 
 Was there surrounded by the multitude; 
 One of their number learned in Jewish law, 
 Said, Master dear, I feel thy love to draw 
 Where'er thou goest, nor shall my love decline, 
 Through weal and wo thy fortunes shall be mine. 
 
 Loved Jesus now did not this scribe solace, 
 With pleasing prospect of a resting place; 
 The fox, said he, no comforts may forego, 
 
 *Matt. viii, 18. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 47 
 
 His hole a refuge from each painful wo, 
 The birds alert their option free may sing, 
 Or in their nests repose, or on the wing; 
 But I your Lord on whom your help is laid, 
 Have not on earth a place to lay my head. 
 
 Here now, men, let truth our minds pervade, 
 While introspection seriously is made; 
 Let cool reflection rase all worldly din, 
 While we detect each foe that lurks within. 
 
 Do these vile creatures lodge within our breasts, 
 The fox a burrow and the bird a nest, 
 I mean their natures, may you understand, 
 The natures of the tribes of air and land ; 
 If so, vain man, then in your fragile shed, 
 Our blessed Saviour will not lay his head. 
 
 *As proof in point is here advanced in power, — 
 An apt similitude, his natal hour, 
 The lovely Mary crowned with vestal bloom, 
 So thronged with guests the inn denied her room; 
 The stable then became her lodging place, 
 And there was born the Saviour of our race. 
 So if our hearts in earthly things abound, 
 The babe immortal will not there be found. 
 
 fSo from the multitude he turned aside, 
 To seek repose upon the rolling tide ; 
 
 *Luke ii, 7. fMark iv, 38. 
 
48 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Then midst the roar of waves with awful dread, 
 The Son of man found where to lay his head. 
 
 Be not therefore dismayed, afflicted soul, 
 When o'er thy head affliction's billows roll, 
 When wave on wave, with awful terror nigh, 
 And clouds thick gathering darken all the sky, 
 Above, below, around, one dismal roar, 
 Nor seen the nether nor the farther shore. 
 Do swelling tides of grief thy soul confound, 
 Thy head o'erwhelmed with waves, with sea- 
 weeds bound, 
 Hath deep despair obtained the full control, 
 And hope's last ray departed from the soul? 
 Oh nay, afflicted soul come now attend, 
 And heed the counsel of a faithful friend; 
 Have faith in God, the high and holy One, 
 Have living faith in Jesus Christ the Son; 
 Oh flee to him, salvation 's in his arm, 
 He dwells within, nor fears the dire alarms, 
 He will arise to save thee from this hour, 
 With all-sufficient and sustaining power; 
 Like those of old, when prest with bitter wo, 
 In haste to him they quickly ran below, 
 In perfect quiet his soul, nor fear nor dread, 
 The downy pillow embraced his lowly head, 
 He slept in peace, and peaceful he might sleep, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS, 49 
 
 He feared not death nor feared the wat'ry deep. 
 
 To him they called, master dear we crave, 
 Arise and save us from the threat'ning wave, 
 Oh, car'st thou not to save us from this hour? 
 We perish else thou interpose thy power. 
 
 He rose consistent with his Father's will, 
 In powerful faith he bid the waves be still; 
 The waves were still, a peaceful calm succeeds, 
 And poor disciples' painful hearts relieved ; 
 Immanuel spake, the tempest quickly o'er, 
 All joyful landed on the farther shore. 
 
 Ye who profess your faith in Jesus' power, 
 What think ye of the wonders of that hour? 
 That his sole object in that work was then 
 To force belief upon the minds of men, 
 Of his descent that mortal man might see, 
 His power, dominion and authority? 
 Or was't a type conspicuous to stand 
 Through endless ages and for every land, 
 Of inward presence, boundless love supreme, 
 Unfailing strength in every trying scene, 
 Of his good will, dependent man to save, 
 Our heads to buoy above affliction's wave, 
 And Zionward enabling us to go, 
 In faith triumphant through this vale of wo. 
 
 5* 
 
50 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Jesus cureth a palsy — Eateth with sinners — Restoreth to life the 
 daughter of Jairus — and healeth a woman — Restoreth to sight 
 two blind men. 
 
 *To his own town when he again was led, 
 A poor sick man was brought upon his bed, 
 To whom our Lord, when he their faith did see. 
 Oh man, thy sins are all forgiven thee. 
 Blasphemy, said the Jews, for surely none 
 Can do this thing except 'tis God alone. 
 To whom our Lord, when he perceived their mind, 
 Why are your hearts to reason thus inclined? 
 With equal ease can I his sins release, 
 Or bid him rise and walk his way in peace; 
 And that I have, ye surely now may know, 
 The power on earth forgiveness to bestow, 
 Then to the sick, I say, cheer up, arouse, 
 Take up thy bed and go unto thy house. 
 As said, so done, the palsy cured that hour, 
 All people marveled at the wond'rous power. 
 
 t With Matthew next he took an humble seat, 
 And sat as usual with his friends to eat; 
 It seems with him there also were who ate, 
 Reputed sinners by the wise and great — 
 *Mat.ix,l. fMatt. ix, 10. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 51 
 
 Self-righteous ones who were on evil bent, 
 To watch for evil was their vile intent. 
 Then to his friends, why doth your master eat 
 With men not fit to wash our servants' feet? 
 They vainly spake, and Jesus heard their cry, 
 And to them then he made this just reply. 
 
 They that be whole do no physician need, 
 But to the sick my balm is life indeed; 
 Ye this one thing may learn, though great and wise, 
 Is mercy better far than sacrifice; 
 'T is not for you that I have come at all, 
 But to repentance sinful man to call. 
 
 *Just at this time, in deep affliction came 
 A noted ruler — Jairus his name. 
 To Jesus came, o'erwhelmed in deep distress, 
 His daughter dear lay at the point of death; 
 His heart no doubt with warm affection beat, 
 Prostrate he lay, his face at Jesus' feet; 
 His instant help the father then implored, 
 Come lay thy hand upon her head, dear Lord. 
 He 'd not the faith of him of martial field,f 
 Lord, speak the word, my servant shall be healed, 
 But 'side her bed he thought the Lord must stand, 
 And on her head his efficacious hand. 
 
 *Mark v. 22. fSee Chap. 7th. 
 
52 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Seemed his whole rule while with the sons of men, 
 As was their faith, so should be done to them: 
 He gently rose, nor did he speed his way, 
 As though he meant poor man should feel that day, 
 Of grief indeed an overwhelming tide, 
 He loitered long till the poor damsel died. 
 A woman came, just at this time appears, 
 Who of disease had been oppressed some years, 
 Had for relief exhausted quite her purse, 
 And nothing bettered — but grew rather worse, 
 Spent all she had with doctors far and wide, 
 Till dire dismay did her poor soul betide, 
 At length in faith, she flew to him with speed, 
 I '11 touch his garment and be whole indeed ; 
 This done, the Saviour turned about to see, 
 And made inquiry who this one should be. 
 
 No doubt but Jairus marveled by the way, 
 A thing so small should cause so much delay; 
 Disciples too could scarce resentment hide, 
 With seemed impatience did the master chide : 
 Dost thou not see the multitude, and please 
 Art thou not pressed on every side by these, 
 How then shall it in any wise appear 
 Who touched the border of thy garment here. 
 
 But he, unmindful what his friends might fling, 
 Still looked about to see who 'd done this thing, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 53 
 
 Nor looked in vain, for his all-seeing eye 
 Amid the throng the woman did espy; 
 Who trembling came, did there confess the truth, 
 More sound her body than in days of youth; 
 Cheer up, said Jesus, from thy plague released, 
 Thy faith hath saved thee daughter, go in peace. 
 
 While he yet spake, there certain came who said, 
 Call not the Master, for thy daughter's dead; 
 The father's fright did Jesus quick perceive, 
 Be not alarmed, oh Jairus, but believe. 
 Then to the house with a selected few; 
 Why do ye weep, why make ye this ado? 
 It is not death that sitteth on her brow, 
 She only resteth in a slumber now; 
 Then took her hand, declaring on this wise, 
 I say to thee, thou lovely child arise : 
 And she straightway, so says the sacred page, 
 Arose and walked — was then twelve years of age. 
 Spectators there of various intent, 
 Were all transported with astonishment. 
 
 ^Departing thence, he soon did ascertain 
 Two men from blindness were in woful pain ; 
 When on this wise they did the master press, 
 Thou Son of God, have mercy in our case. 
 Do ye believe, said he their faith to test, 
 
 *Matt. ix. 27. 
 
54 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 From this affliction I can give you rest? 
 They spake again his mercy to implore, 
 Oh Lord, we know thou canst our sight restore. 
 The Master then, as if to prove them true, 
 As is your faith, so shall be done to you. 
 Their faith was sound, nor lack of gospel power, 
 Their eyes were opened that auspicious hour, 
 And when aside, they did in truth proclaim, 
 The living wonders of his worthy name. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Jesus cureth an impotent man at the pool of Bethesda — Plucketh 
 the ears of corn — Healeth the withered hand. 
 
 *Soon after this the law directed them 
 Up to the feast held at Jerusalem. 
 A pool was there within its sacred bound, 
 With water filled and porches placed around ; 
 And for the moving of the waters rare, 
 Blind, halt, and withered, lay in waiting there; 
 For certain times those impotent had found 
 An holy angel of the Lord came down, 
 And by some means untaught in modern school, 
 The waters troubled in the limpid pool; 
 Whoso then first to enter in prevailed, 
 
 *John v, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 55 
 
 Was cured at once, nor mattered what he ailed. 
 
 Now there was one amid this motley throng, 
 Sad was his case, un pitied and forlorn, 
 Who with disease, as by the text appears, 
 Had been afflicted eight and thirty years; 
 The Master's eye no sooner did behold, 
 But knew his case in full extent untold; 
 Wouldst thou, poor man, thus spake our blessed 
 
 Lord, 
 To perfect soundness be at once restored? 
 To whom forthwith the man replied at length, 
 That of himself he 'd not sufficient strength; 
 No friend had he, or if he had was cool, 
 To help himself into the troubled pool, 
 But when I crawl, (impossible to run,) 
 I 'm superseded by another one. 
 Then to the man our blessed Lord did say, 
 Take up thy bed and walk in yonder way. 
 
 That instant he the man of woful pain, 
 To perfect soundness was restored again, 
 Then on his feet with one elastic bound, 
 And snatched his bed from that infested ground; 
 Then did his soul in songs of triumph raise, 
 And as he walked, sang his Redeemer's praise. 
 And here the text with emphasis doth say, 
 That this was done upon the Sabbath day; 
 
56 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Which when the Jews with indignation saw, 
 They charged the man with breaking of their law. 
 At his command the man replied I go, 
 Who did redeem me from that state of wo. 
 Who is that man said they, we bid to know, 
 Who did redeem thee from that state of wo? 
 But he knew not, for Jesus had straightway 
 From that concourse conveyed himself away. 
 
 Soon in the temple-place of holy prayer, 
 He met his Saviour and Redeemer there, 
 Who said to him, let mercy have control, 
 Nor let one sin contaminate thy soul, 
 Lest, than departing from my holy fear 
 A thing more dreadful shall befall thee here. 
 
 He then returned unto the Jews, and told 
 That it was Jesus who had made him whole. 
 And then the Jews, their hearts replete with strife, 
 Did persecute and seek to take his life, 
 Because he had, they one and all did say, 
 Done this good thing upon the sabbath day; 
 But to them all the Master did reply, 
 My Father worketh hitherto, so I. 
 
 The wicked Jews, when this the Lord did say, 
 Still sought the more to take his life away. 
 Because he did not only thus withdraw, 
 From the observance of their sabbath law, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 57 
 
 But from his lips this living truth did run, 
 God was his Father, and himself the Son, 
 And thus assumed that he (the doctrine good,) 
 On equal footing with his Father stood. 
 
 *A field of corn well ripened in his way, 
 Which he passed through upon the Sabbath day, 
 His hungry friends that they might freely eat, 
 Began to pluck and rob the ears of wheat; 
 Why do thy friends, the Pharisees did say, 
 This wicked thing upon the Sabbath day? 
 
 Then Jesus answering to them quickly said, 
 Concerning David have ye never read 
 How when he fled the presence of the king, 
 Himself for mercy on the priest did fling, 
 Within the temple self and others then, 
 Did eat of bread prepared for holy men. 
 And in the temple do the priests profane 
 The holy sabbath, and are free from blame, 
 But in this place one greater far doth stand, 
 Than all the temples in Judea^ land. 
 But had ye learned this ancient truth to prize, 
 I will have mercy and not sacrifice, 
 Then had ye not, (your hearts to love inclined,) 
 Condemned the guiltless with an evil mind j 
 For I myself, in perfect truth I say, 
 
 ♦Matt, xii, 1. 
 
 6 
 
58 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Am Lord of you and of your sabbath day. 
 
 *One was observed within their midst to stand, 
 Deserving pity — he'd a withered hand; 
 Now is it right, the Jews to him did say, 
 To heal this man upon the Sabbath day? 
 With ill design their purpose to accord 
 A breach of law upon our sovereign Lord. 
 
 Who never failed the law of God to keep, 
 What one among you who had lost a sheep, 
 And in a pit, would not the man straightway 
 Pull that sheep out upon the sabbath day? 
 Such your religion, who that precept keep, 
 Which makes a man less value than a sheep. 
 All good therefore, let it be what it may, 
 Is right to do upon the sabba'th day. 
 The master then unto the man did call, 
 Stretch forth thy had in presence of them all; 
 The man obedient to the joyful word, 
 Then sound and whole the withered arm restored. 
 
 They then in council did their wits employ, 
 How they the Saviour might at once destroy; 
 Their ill design which when the master knew, 
 Himself forthwith from in their midst withdrew; 
 The learn'd and wise were with resentment fired, 
 So from them all he silently retired. 
 
 *Matt. xii. 10. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 59 
 
 Here if we will may this conclusion draw, 
 In strict accordance with his righteous law, 
 That 'tis repugnant to his righteous plan, 
 To force belief upon the mind of man, 
 But will if we his precious light refuse, 
 And cast him off as did the wicked Jews, 
 And in our pride reject his righteous law, 
 Himself forthwith from in our midst withdraw. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Parable of the Sower. 
 
 *Then forth went Jesus towards the flowing tide, 
 And silent seated by the waters side; 
 While there our Lord with boundless love endued, 
 Was quick surrounded by a multitude; 
 Then from a ship he taught in sacred lore, 
 The list'ning throng upon the silent shore. 
 He taught in parables the truth to know, 
 Behold, said he, a sower went forth to sow, 
 With liberal hand stretched forth both far and wide, 
 Broadcast some fell along the highway side; 
 But the wild fowls devoured, though sad to tell, 
 The scattered seed which by the way-side fell ; 
 
 *Mark iv. 1. 
 
60 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 And other fell, an ill rewarded toil, 
 
 On stony places with a shallow soil, 
 
 Which soon sprang up, but met a hapless fate, 
 
 For its duration was of transient date, 
 
 Nor depth of root to 'bide a single day, 
 
 Scorched by the sun it withered quite away. 
 
 With steady hand an equal portion threw, 
 
 Where thorns luxuriant in profusion grew, 
 
 Which was thereby so quickly overran, 
 
 Made unavailing to the husbandman. 
 
 But in good ground some fell which quickly told 
 
 Some thirty, sixty, or an hundred fold. 
 
 Then said to him, who were his chosen men, 
 Why dost thou speak in parables to them? 
 To whom our Lord in language thus replied, 
 I do the myst'ries of my kingdom hide, 
 From those indeed whose souls are dark as night, 
 But not from you the children of the light. 
 No truth from you my purpose to withhold, 
 Attend while I its mysteries unfold. 
 
 The foolish man with indolence undone, 
 A willing subject of the wicked one, 
 The wayside his, where fruitless seed did fall, 
 Nor in his heart did germinate at all. 
 
 In stony ground he that received the seed 
 Within his heart did vegetate indeed: 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 61 
 
 But lack of root or moisture from the air, 
 It did endure but for a moment there; 
 For when affliction doth its hand extend, 
 Or persecution rageth like a fiend, 
 Because my word was precious in his sight, 
 Then by and by he is offended quite. 
 
 The thorny ground replete with noxious snares, 
 Like those incumbered with too many cares, 
 Who in true faith at certain times have heard, 
 The voice of God, the everlasting word, 
 Which springeth forth to meet in painful strife, f 
 The riches, cares and pleasures of this life, 
 A vain desire poor man is apt to show, 
 That all as one in harmony may grow; 
 All hopes like these, the evidence is clear, 
 Shall end in pain and disappointment here. 
 
 But in good ground the seed that fell, are they 
 Who hear the word and in full faith obey; 
 Their fallow ground prepared complete indeed, 
 The husbandman may sow his precious seed, 
 Then to their praise an income shall be told, 
 Of thirty, sixty, or an hundred fold. 
 
 6* 
 
62 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Transfiguration — Parable of the debtors. 
 
 *Led by the glory of his gospel light, 
 He next ascended to a mountain height, 
 And took with him his three disciples on 
 Whose several names were Peter, James and John; 
 Where all at once — a wonderful diplay, 
 He stood transfigured in a blaze of day; 
 his face did shine as luminous well nigh, 
 As does the sun in firmament on high; 
 In blaze of glory every thing replete, 
 His raiment white and. flowed upon his feet. 
 
 The scene did further to their view display 
 Two reverend sages of a distant day — 
 Moses, through whom a glorious dispensation 
 From the Almighty to the Jewish nation; 
 And John the Baptist, who of recent date, 
 Had lived and suffered in the Jewish state. 
 
 Here Peter's mind did in confusion run 
 With vain ambition, something should be donej 
 Let's build up here, he vainly did propose, 
 A place for thee, and one for each of those. 
 
 A dark chimera floating in his brain, 
 
 *Matt. xvii. 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 63 
 
 As if proposed on purpose to sustain 
 
 Or keep in force down from the Jewish line, 
 
 Three dispensations to the end of time. 
 
 While from his lips these doubtful words did fall, 
 A cloud divine did overshado them all, 
 And from the cloud an awful sound did hear, 
 A voice divine did break upon their ear — 
 A voice designed for all the sons of men, 
 And this the language which was uttered then. 
 
 Behold my son, all precious in my sight, 
 My well-beloved in whom is my delight, 
 Through him alone, nor else on earth below, 
 To you, O men, shall my salvation flow. 
 
 No sooner heard, than filled with awful fear, 
 Prostrate they fell before their master here; 
 Then Jesus took them by the hand and said, 
 Rise up — fear not — they readily obeyed; 
 And soon perceived, with their uplifted eyes, 
 The cause had vanished of their deep surprise; 
 And found themselves as they had been before, 
 With him alone, nor had they need of more. 
 
 *Did next himself compare unto a king, 
 Who all his servants to account would bring, 
 And when the reckoning he had thus begun, 
 Among the number it appeared, was one, 
 
 ♦ Matt, xviii. 23. 
 
64 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Ten thousand talents stood the king's account, 
 
 And he a bankrupt to a great amount; 
 
 And forasmuch as he had not to pay, 
 
 His lord commanded that without delay, 
 
 Self, wife, and children should be sold in trade, 
 
 And ready payment should to him be made. 
 
 Then to his master did this servant fall, 
 And cried dear master, I will pay thee all; 
 But give me time, let patience have control, 
 Extend thy mercy to my wretched soul. 
 
 Moved with compassion, for to try again, 
 The master loosed him and forgave the claim. 
 
 When this same servant had departed hence, 
 To his own debtor of an hundred pence, 
 Then by the throat with vi'lent hands and said, 
 Fares hard with thee, unless I 'm quickly paid. 
 
 This fellow-servant fell at 'other's feet, 
 As to his lord did this to him repeat; 
 But he in prison cast the man that day, 
 Till the last farthing of the debt should pay. 
 
 His fellow-servants saw this folly great, 
 And to their master did the same relate : 
 Then did the lord to him that servant call, 
 And said, my servant I forgave thee all, 
 And should not mercy thy hard heart control, 
 As I had mercy on thy wretched soul? 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 65 
 
 From cruel bondage mercy set thee free, 
 But no more mercy shall be shown to thee; 
 Tormentors take thee hence without delay, 
 Till the last farthing of the debt shall pay. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 The Jews boasting of their descent from Abraham, Jesus reproves 
 them and asserts his divinity — Cureth a blind man. 
 
 *Did with the rest the blessed Saviour choose, 
 To preach repentance to the learned Jews; 
 With these at times did solemn truths relate, 
 In theologic and sublime debate. 
 
 They claimed the boon of promises foretold, 
 And for their father Abraham of old ; 
 But from his lips this living truth did run, 
 Ye are the children of the wicked one, 
 The prince of lawless lust, and murderer too, 
 Is your own father, and the same are you ; 
 For long indeed in exaltation high, 
 Before your father Abraham was I, 
 Or man was placed in Eden's pleasant shade, 
 For I was with him when the world was made. 
 
 The Jews enraged to hear such language fall, 
 From one presuming to instruct them all, 
 
 ♦John viii, 31. 
 
66 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Had mind to stone him, but our Lord that day 
 Passed from the temple through their midst away. 
 
 *And when he passed or left the Jews behind, 
 He saw a man who from his birth was blind; 
 His friends in doubt were curious to know, 
 What heinous sin were punished by this wo; 
 His own, or parents', and shall we conclude 
 'Twas many small, or one of magnitude. 
 
 He then replied, nor did this judgment fall, 
 'Cause self or parents ever sinned at all, 
 But that ye may the works of God adore, 
 When I his sight shall perfectly restore. 
 
 Thus spake our Lord, and then with love profound, 
 He softened clay with spittle on the ground, 
 Did then anoint, a singular display, 
 His sightless eyes with the emolient clay, 
 And bid him go, nor more in blindness roam, 
 And wash his eyes in waters of Siloam. 
 This thing performed, the favored man straightway 
 Returned rejoicing in the light of day. 
 
 The Jews his neighbors with malicious mind, 
 When they had seen whom heretofore was blind, 
 Is not this he, said they with humbled pride, 
 Who late sat begging by the highway side? 
 Some said it was, while others same denied, 
 
 *John ix, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 67 
 
 But I am he, the man himself replied. 
 
 How were thine eyes, said they, let's here be told. 
 
 Restored to soundness as we now behold? 
 
 Whom they call Jesus did anoint this day, 
 My sightless eyes with his emolient clay, 
 And bid me go, though some might call me fool, 
 And wash them clean in yonder limpid pool. 
 I went forthwith, and with supreme delight, 
 His word obeyed, and I received my sight. 
 
 This thing the Jews so highly did displease, 
 They went forthwith unto the pharisees, 
 Who all came forth, their purpose and design 
 To vex, to scatter, and perplex his mind, 
 Of whom the text with emphasis doth say, 
 The Master healed upon the Sabbath day,* 
 They asked him then how he had come to know 
 Such quick salvation from such bitter wo. 
 The man unto them thus again replies, 
 He put his clay upon my sightless eyes; 
 I only washed, and view it as ye may, 
 That instant burst on me the light of day. 
 
 This wonder wrought did mightily displease. 
 The jealous spirit of the pharisees. 
 This man is not of God: thus murmured they, 
 Because he keepeth not the sabbath day. 
 *See Note 5, at the end. 
 
68 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Thus spoke those great religious and divine, 
 While others doubting queried in this line; 
 How can a man — a sinful man, unclean, 
 Perform the wonders which we here have seen, 
 
 Then did those jealous pharisees again, 
 Call on the blind this wonder to explain. 
 Then from the man this testimony came, 
 He is a prophet of immortal fame. 
 
 But still the Jews, who were a hardened clan, 
 Would not believe the story of the man, 
 Nor till his parents had declared their mind, 
 Would they believe he ever had been blind. 
 The parents called j the Jews demanded how 
 Is this your son, and blind, from birth till now? 
 How then doth he, now answer this we pray, 
 Enjoy with us the equal light of day? 
 
 To this demand the parents answered thus, 
 This is our son, and born a blind to us ; 
 But by what means he now enjoys his sight, 
 Himself of age, can answer you aright. 
 
 This wily answer was the parents' choice, 
 Because the Jews with one indignant voice, 
 Had all agreed to put that man away, 
 Who should confess to Jesus Christ that day. 
 
 Give God the praise, the Jews in language rm 
 For him we know to be a sinful man. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 69 
 
 The man still further answered them again, 
 
 Sinner or not, this solemn truth is plain: 
 That I was blind — in bitter anguish lay, 
 But now rejoicing in the light of day. 
 
 The Jews again demanded of this one, 
 To know precisely how this thing was done. 
 He answered now in terms a little bold, 
 The truth already I have plainly told, 
 And ye refused to hear the truth though plain, 
 Wherefore should I repeat the thing again, 
 Will ye become disciples in his name? 
 But they reviled with epithets of shame — 
 Nay thou art his, most wretched of thy kind, 
 But we are Moses' in the Jewish line, 
 For God, we know by our divine account, 
 Oft spake to Moses in the holy mount, 
 But of this man there's not a sacred page 
 Denotes his stock, his birth, or parentage. 
 
 The man replied to this degenerate seed r 
 Lo here's a thing most marvelous indeed, 
 In that ye say there's not a sacred page 
 Denotes his stock, his birth, and parentage, 
 And yet hath he with marvelous surprise, 
 Clear sight restored unto my sightless eyes, 
 For this we know the mighty God on high 
 Doth never listen to a sinner's cry, 
 7 
 
70 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 But he that is a worshiper sincere, 
 The God of mercy will delight to hear. 
 None ever saw the like of this displayed, 
 Since the foundation of the world was made, 
 That man his fellow should indeed restore, 
 To see the light who never saw before; 
 By which we know if God were not his weal, 
 His hand were weak and impotent to heal. 
 
 They one and all then answered him in scorn ? 
 Thou altogether in thy sins wast born, 
 And dost presume thou vile presumptious man, 
 To teach the elders of Judea's land? 
 No more of him, go; from our presence jog, 
 For we have cast thee from our synagogue. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Parable of the Samaritan — Galileeans on whom the tower in 
 Siloam fell — The barren fig-tree. 
 
 *A certain lawyer, fond of earthly praise, 
 To tempt the Master did this question raise, 
 What special purpose shall my soul regard, 
 Of which salvation is the great reward? 
 
 Thine is the law the master did declare, 
 How dost thou read the precepts written there? 
 ♦Luke x, 25. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 71 
 
 He answering said, this precept from above, 
 The Lord thy God shalt thou supremely love, 
 Thy heart devoid of love for earthly pelf, 
 And love thy neighbor as thou lov'st thyself. 
 
 He answered him, with mercy unimpaired, 
 Thou hast the truth ingenuously declared, 
 This do therefore and thine the blessed sum 
 Of free salvation in the world to come. 
 
 Unsatisfied the lawyer bid to know 
 Who is my neighbor in this world below? 
 
 He then gave forth when he this query heard, 
 These all important doctrines of his word. 
 
 In former day a man essayed to go, 
 From ancient Salem down to Jerico; 
 While he pursued his onward way in peace, 
 His hapless fate to fall among some thieves, 
 From him his treasure they with vi'lence tore, 
 And left him welt'ring in his crimson gore. 
 
 By chance a priest in passing through that way, 
 Beheld the man in anguish as he lay, 
 But in the fulness of sectarian pride 
 He passed him by upon the other side. 
 
 A Levite next, on coming to the place, 
 And halting viewed him in his woful case — 
 One with the priest in sanctimonious pride, 
 He passed him by upon the other side. 
 
72 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Next on his journey passing through that way, 
 There came a person from Samaria, 
 Then through his spirit tender mercy ran. 
 He felt compassion for his fellow man, 
 With gentle hand he raised him from the ground, 
 With balmy oil he dressed his bleeding wounds, 
 With gen'rous wine revived his languid soul, 
 And kindly placed him on his gentle foal, 
 With steady hand did then his course begin, 
 And safely took him to a public inn, 
 And spent the night (if not in holy prayer,) 
 In most unwearied and efficient care. 
 Soon as the east announced approaching day, 
 His business urgent pressed him on the way; 
 His means were small, yet with a heart enlarged, 
 He gave the host with an especial charge, 
 If more than this his pressing wants demand, 
 Myself returning will replace in hand. 
 
 An answer now do I demand from thee, 
 Which one was neighbor, of those several three, 
 To him the wounded and forsaken man, 
 The priest, the Levite, or Samaritan? 
 
 The lawyer then this ready answer made, 
 *Twas he who mercy on the man displayed. 
 
 Go thou, therefore, said Jesus to him then, 
 Be this thv rule to all the sons of men. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 73 
 
 *Now there were some who brought to Jesus' view, 
 The hapless fate of an afflicted few, 
 Those Galileeans Pilate so despised, 
 Their blood he mingled with their sacrifice. 
 
 Do you suppose, said Jesus to them then, 
 Those Galileeans were the worst of men, 
 Or those eighteen were more deserving hell, 
 On whom the tower of Siloam fell ? 
 I tell you nay, but ye shall feel the rod, 
 Of swift destruction from the hand of God, 
 Except in virtue of my sacred name, 
 Through deep repentance ye escape the same. 
 
 |Our Hope of Glory, Crown and Diadem, 
 Put forth also this parable to them: 
 A fig-tree planted, such was wisdom's plan, 
 Within the vineyard of a certain man, 
 And when he came the precious fruit to gain, 
 No fruit at all the worthless boughs contained; 
 Then said the man, and with revengeful air, 
 Unto the dresser of his vineyard there, 
 Behold this tree, three years Pve made my suit, 
 And waited patient for the precious fruit; 
 This favored tree hath had a blessing rare, 
 And constant nourished with the dresser's care, 
 *Luke xiii. 1 fLuke xiii. 6. 
 
74 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 Its precious life hath ever been sustained 
 With both the early and the latter rain, 
 Still on its boughs no fruit at all is found, 
 Pray cut it down, why cumb'reth it the ground? 
 The dresser then the master did implore, 
 For leave to try the fruitless tree once more ; 
 I '11 dig about to make the thing more sure, 
 And will surround it with the best manure; 
 If fruitful, well ; — if fruitless still it stand, 
 Then shalt thou fell it with revengeful hand. 
 
 *About this time it furthermore doth say, 
 That he was teaching on the sabbath day ; 
 Now there was one, the like of whom was rare, 
 Who drew compassion from the* Master there; 
 For eighteen long successive years had she 
 Been bound together with infirmity; 
 He called her forth — in living truth said he, 
 Thou art released from thine infirmity. 
 That instant was fulfilled his gracious word, 
 With upright form she glorified her Lord. 
 
 And now the priest assuming to control, 
 While indignation filled his angry soul, 
 Because that Jesus in his usual way, 
 Had healed this woman on the sabbath day, — 
 *Luke xiii, 10. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 75 
 
 Spake to the people one and all who were 
 That day assembled in the house of prayer. 
 Six days appointed does our code adorn, 
 In which mankind should all their work perform; 
 In them therefore come and be healed I pray, 
 And not upon the holy sabbath day. 
 
 Thou hypocrite, the master then replied, 
 Unto the priest who did the people chide, 
 Doth not each one, the sabbath day and all, 
 His cattle water from their sev'ral stalls? 
 But here my bosom with compassion fills, 
 More than for cattle of a thousand hills ; 
 And ought not she — a child of woful pain, 
 Bound with disease as with a galling chain, 
 Lo eighteen years, and ought she not I say, 
 Be loosed therefrom upon the sabbath day? 
 
 When this was said by him of gospel fame, 
 His adversaries were o'erwhelmed with shame; 
 But all the people praised the blessed son, 
 For all the works and wonders he had done. 
 
 *Soon after this it came to pass that he 
 Was eating bread with one a pharisee; 
 They watched to see what he would do or say, 
 As this was one they called their sabbath day. 
 
 ♦Luke xiv. 1. 
 
76 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 What more than else their malice did renew, 
 A man with dropsy stood before his view; 
 Did then demand his sacred mind to please, 
 Both of the lawyers and the pharisees, 
 If in the fulness of their zeal could say, 
 'T was wrong to heal upon the sabbath day. 
 The master said; but when the Jews had heard, 
 They held their peace, nor answered him a word. 
 Then unto him in living faith did call, 
 And healed the man in presence of them all; 
 Then answered them what one of you is there, 
 Shall have an ox dependent on his care, 
 And in a pit; will not the man straightway, 
 Pull that ox out upon the sabbath day? 
 When thus the master did the thing explain, 
 In total silence did the Jews remain. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Prodigal Son. 
 
 *Then on this wise another precept ran: 
 Two sons, the children of a certain man, 
 As wild ambition did his soul inspire, 
 The younger thus addressed his aged sire : 
 ♦Luke xv, 11. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 77 
 
 Father, said he, with bounteous hand bestow 
 On me my portion of thy goods below. 
 
 How much the father with paternal care, 
 Did here forewarn or bid his son beware, 
 Nor leave the house replete with ample cheer, 
 Does not upon the sacred page appear. 
 Or less or more, such happiness we know, 
 This wayward youth did wilfully forego; 
 Of all the goods an equal share in hand, 
 Took his departure for a distant land. 
 There deep in sin and vile pollution free, 
 Did waste his substance in debauchery. 
 
 When all was spent, a famine rose that day, 
 Which filled his soul with terror and dismay. 
 In hunger, want, and poverty, ensued 
 An awful state of deep disquietude; 
 A servant then he did himself confine, 
 The field his place, his task the feeding swine; 
 Was fain to eat as nature did incline, 
 The loathsome offal of the filthy swine. 
 On his sad case, no stranger did attend, 
 Nor soothing kindness of a valued friend. 
 
 In this distress when he a time had lain, 
 Stung with remorse, opprest with odious pain, 
 Repentance soon its blessed work began, 
 Then through his soul this silent language ran. 
 
78 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 In father's house how many servants are, 
 With food in plenty blessed, and danties rare, 
 Not only servants have enough, but store 
 Of bread a surplus for the hungry poor, 
 White I poor man, most wretched of my race, 
 With painful hunger perish in disgrace. 
 Now will I rise and to my father go, 
 And in his ear will pour a tale of wo; 
 Will say to him, dear father, my delight, 
 'Gainst heaven Pve sinned, and in thy holy sight, 
 To such great lengths in vile pollution run, 
 I 'm no more worthy to be called thy son; 
 But that for future it may fare me well, 
 Let rne a servant in thy mansion dwell. 
 
 Then he arose and to his father came, 
 Drawn by the cords of that endeared name ; 
 And when the father saw the son that day, 
 While homeward walking in the lonesome way, 
 His quick compassion on his son bestowed, 
 And ran to meet him in the distant road ; 
 By sweet embrace did every doubt remove, 
 In all the fondness of a father's love. 
 
 To whom the son, dear father, my delight, 
 "'Gainst heaven have sinned and in thy holy sight, 
 To such great lengths in vile pollution run, 
 I'm no more worthy to be called thy son, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 79 
 
 But that for future it may fare me well. 
 Let me a servant in thy mansion dwell. 
 
 The servants then the father thus addrest y 
 Of all the robes bring forth the very best, 
 Enrobed in which, he in your midst shall stand? 
 And place this ring on his extended hand; 
 From painful cares be this his safe retreat, 
 With polished sandals on his weary feet, 
 And hither bring for instant dressing now, 
 The calf well fattened from the gen'rous cow, 
 "When well prepared the appetite to please, 
 With choicest wine well purified from lees, 
 Then let us eat — let all be merry here, 
 Let perfect gladness fill our hearts with cheer, 
 For this my son, for whom I lived in pain, 
 Though dead and lost is now returned again ; 
 With merry hearts they ate, both one and all, 
 And perfect gladness crowned the festive halL 
 
 The elder son who did at home remain, 
 Just now returning from the fertile plain, 
 As to the house the jealous soul drew near, 
 The sound of music burst upon his ear; 
 Then called a servant, hap'ning to be near, 
 To know the cause of such unusual cheer; 
 The servant answered in pathetic strain, 
 Thy long lost brother is returned again, 
 
80 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 And father's killed for entertainment now, 
 The calf well fattened from the gen'rous cow; 
 This instant favor hath thy brother found, 
 For his return at home both safe and sound. 
 
 He then was angry — this the painful proof, 
 He would not enter the paternal roof; 
 Wherefore the father did the son persuade, 
 But he inturn this ready answer made. 
 
 These many years with thee in patience staid, 
 Nor ever once thy counsel disobeyed, 
 Nor joy like this for me, nor yet instead, 
 So much as made the present of a kid, 
 That I in social happiness might spend, 
 A merry moment with a valued friend, 
 But now behold for this thy fav'rite son, 
 Who hath great lengths in vile pollution run, 
 At once hath killed for entertainment now, 
 The calf well fattened from the gen'rous cow. 
 
 In tender love the father thus : my son, 
 Through weal and wo thou and myself are one, 
 Thy weal, thy wo, thy every prospect mine, 
 And all I have or ever had is thine; 
 'Twas meet therefore that we should all rejoice, 
 With one united and triumphant voice, 
 For this my son for whom I lived in pain, 
 Though dead and lost is now returned again. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 81 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Raiseth Lazarus from the dead. 
 
 *In Bethany, a town of ancient fame, 
 There lived a man, and Lazarus his name ; 
 His sisters too, a virtuous lovely pair, 
 Both lived in friendship with their brother there. 
 Now Lazarus, upon a certain day, 
 Was taken sick, and in a dangerous way, 
 Therefore his sisters sent the painful word 
 That he was sick unto their blessed Lord. 
 
 He who fore-knew declared with instant breath, 
 This awful sickness should not end in death, 
 But for the glory of the God on high, 
 And Jesus Christ be glorified thereby. 
 
 When thus our Lord this painful word obtained, 
 Two days still longer in this place remained; 
 He then prepared no longer there to stand, 
 But pass again into Judea's land. 
 
 His friends objected to returning there, 
 When it so plainly did of late appear, 
 So great the danger of thy being slain, 
 And wilt thou then pass thitherward again? 
 
 Then Jesus answered, are there not I say, 
 Twelve hours appointed for each passing day? 
 
 ♦John xi, 1. 
 
 8 
 
82 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 If in the day his steps directed right, 
 A man shall walk, his eye upon the light, 
 He stumbleth not, for he assuredly hath 
 A blaze of glory shining on his path, 
 But in the night he that attempts to stroll, 
 Must fall or stumble, poor benighted soul. 
 
 These things said he, then further did pretend, 
 I go to waken Lazarus our friend. 
 
 He shall do well, disciples answered now, 
 If sleep alone hath fallen on his brow. 
 
 The Lord replied, and to them plainly said, 
 No doubt at all but Lazarus is dead ; 
 And I rejoice on your account this day, 
 That when he died we all were far away; 
 For I shall now a wond'rous work achieve, 
 To the intent that ye may all believe ; 
 Come let us go, my love no limit knows • 
 Then to his fellows Thomas did propose, 
 Our master's love so boundless and supreme, 
 Come let us go that we may die with him. 
 
 He therefore now, whose friends were deep in 
 pain, 
 Four days already in the grave had lain. 
 Four days, indeed, and yet the record runs, 
 These poor afflicted tribulated ones — 
 His sisters dear, had early sent the word, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 83 
 
 Of brother's sickness to their blessed Lord; 
 And distance small, though not precisely told, 
 Yet his loved presence did from them withhold ; 
 On purpose left in painful doubt to fall, 
 Of whom 'twas said that Jesus loved them all. 
 
 His near approach at length did one declare, 
 Then Martha rose and ran to meet him there, 
 She went alone her sorrows to deplore, 
 Left Mary sitting where she sat before ; 
 Then to her Lord poor Martha deeply sighed, 
 Hadst thou been here my brother had not died, 
 Nor doubt I still whatever thou for me 
 Shalt ask of God, that God will give it thee. 
 
 Jesus replied, this living truth is plain, 
 Thy brother gone, shall surely rise again. 
 
 I know he will, said she, again appear, 
 In the great day of resurrection here. 
 
 To call her mind, her wand'ring mind unto 
 A deep internal, from prospective view, 
 The master did this living truth renew, 
 I am the life, the resurrection too; 
 And he that doth my saving grace believe, 
 Though he were dead, yet he in me shall live, 
 And he that doth my saving faith obtain, 
 Of endless death shall never know the pain. 
 Dost thou believe? yea, Lord, thou cam'st I ken, 
 
84 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 To bring salvation to the sons of men. 
 As this poor Martha did to Jesus say, 
 She rose in haste and quickly went away; 
 To sister Mary secretly, said she, 
 The master cometh and hath called for thee. 
 
 Soon as she heard, she ran her Lord to meet, 
 And prostrate threw herself at Jesus' feet. 
 Poor Mary then, as Martha deeply sighed, 
 Hadst thou been here my brother had not died. 
 
 When he therefore, the source of all relief, 
 Saw Mary weeping with excessive grief, 
 And weeping Jews were also in his view, 
 He groaned in spirit and was troubled too; 
 Then to their case did he in mercy bend, 
 Where have ye laid the body of our friend? 
 Lord come and see, they one and all did say, 
 And Jesus wept as he pursued the way; 
 Then to the cave with a repeated groan, 
 And gave command to take away the stone. 
 
 With ready hand the master's word obeyed, 
 And took the stone from where the dead was laid; 
 Then up to heaven Jesus raised his eyes, 
 And let his thanks unto his Father rise; 
 Then with a loud and living voice said he, 
 Laz'rus come forth, from bands of death set free ; 
 And he, the corpse, a tenant of the cave, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 85 
 
 Came forth alive in garments of the grave. 
 From Jesus then did this commandment flow, 
 To change his raiment and to let him go. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The rich young man — The laborers in the vineyard — Jesus foretells 
 his death. 
 
 *And what shall I, said one to him, good Lord, 
 That life eternal be my great reward. 
 Why call'st me good, young man? thus spake the 
 Lord, 
 There is none good but one and that is God. 
 If life eternal be thy ardent will, 
 Then God's commandments surely must fulfill; 
 To bear false witness would thy soul unfit, 
 Adult'ry, theft, nor murder shalt commit, 
 Thy parents honor, not thy stores of pelf, 
 And love thy neighbor as thou lov'st thyself. 
 
 Then unto Jesus did this man avow, 
 That all these things had kept from youth till now, 
 Yet fears prevail that my poor soul 's unfit, 
 So Master dear, pray tell what lack I yet. 
 
 Lo Jesus loved him, nought like this beside, 
 He loved the man and to him thus replied : 
 ♦Matt. z\x. 16. 
 
 8* 
 
86 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 Sell all thou hast, young man, do this with speed, 
 The naked clothe, the hungry ones shalt feed, 
 Thy stores of gold shall lessen in thy view, 
 In heaven above will I thy stores renew; 
 Then follow me, my painful footsteps tread, 
 Who have not where on earth to lay my head. 
 
 Lo, Jesus loved him, love supreme that day, 
 Called this young man from all his wealth away; 
 He turned away, his lamentation sore, 
 His herds and flocks the hills and valleys o'er. 
 
 The rich, said Jesus, who the wicked are, 
 Shall not the blessings of my kingdom share; 
 Might pass the camel through a needle's eye, 
 More soon than wealth can my pure kingdom buy. 
 
 These awful words — this dee'p and solemn truth, 
 Was sore alarming both to aged and youth ; 
 They all as one some explanation craved, 
 Saying, if these things be so who can be saved? 
 
 These things are strange, said he, to earthly sense, 
 But nothing 's doubtful with Omnipotence. 
 
 Did from his friends this solemn query call, 
 Behold dear Master, we 've forsaken all, 
 We 've followed thee — with thee is all our store, 
 Then unto us what shall be done therefore? 
 
 Then Jesus answered, what ye say is true, 
 And verily, verily I now say to you, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 87 
 
 When I your master shall ascend my throne, 
 
 Then you my friends will I delight to own; 
 
 Twelve thrones prepared, each one his place to fill, 
 
 Then yours to judge the tribes of Israel. 
 
 He that to me hath kept a single eye — 
 
 Forsaken friends of every earthly tie, 
 
 Houses and land — whatever else of fame, 
 
 In nature grand, or dignified in name, 
 
 He shall receive to crown the painful strife, 
 
 An hundred fold with everlasting life. 
 
 *The kingdom to compare, his next intent, 
 Unto the holder of a tenement, 
 Whose pressing voice the lovely morn did cheer, 
 men, come labor in my vineyard here; 
 To save dispute did first this point decide, 
 Each man his penny at the evening tide. 
 
 Still wanting more, nor long content to wait, 
 But forth emerging from the mansion gate, 
 Already gone a fourth part of the day, 
 Saw idlers standing in the king's highway, 
 To whom he called and craved a listening ear; 
 O men, come labor in my vineyard here ; 
 Then at the sixth hour he went forth amain, 
 And at the ninth he called to them again. 
 
 *Matt. xx, I. 
 
88 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 Still at the eleventh, or last hour but one, 
 The day fast verging towards the setting sun, 
 Then forth again this man in matchless grace, 
 Idlers yet standing in the market place, 
 Why stand ye idle in this place all day? 
 Because no man hath hired us, said they; 
 Then in my field — assume an arduous share, 
 Of faithful labors with my servants there, 
 Then I will give, if ye shall there remain, 
 What doth to you in justice appertain. 
 At night the steward thus the good man charged, 
 Call now the lab'rers, pay them off at large, 
 But pay them first who last obeyed the call, 
 With equal pay shalt thou discharge them all. 
 
 Then did the first unto the lord complain, 
 Shall equal pay reward unequal pain? 
 We in thy vineyard have our strength applied, 
 From early dawn until the evening tide, 
 To make those equal sure is partial pay, 
 With us who've borne the burden of the day. 
 
 Thus for them all did one their grievance state, 
 With whom the lord did thus expostulate: 
 Dost thou do right to blame me thus my friend, 
 Have I not promptly paid thy full stipend? 
 Take that thine is, and with the same make free, 
 Unto this last I '11 give e'en as to thee. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 89 
 
 So doth the spirit call, invite and chide, 
 From early dawn until the evening tide; 
 This faithful witness all have heard, 'tis true 
 Few have obeyed, alas a precious few ! 
 
 *The twelve aside, thus spake our Lord to them, 
 Behold we go up to Jerusalem ; 
 The son of man, submissive, there and then 
 Shall be betrayed into the hands of men, 
 Shall be condemned by that most wicked band, 
 The scribes, chief priests and elders of the land; 
 Of cruel death shall suffer there the pain, 
 And on the third day shall be raised again. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The two sons of Zebedee — Jesus rideth into Jerusalem. 
 
 jThen came to him, the subject next we see, 
 A certain mother, wife of Zebedee, 
 Who for her sons, herself did prostrate fling, 
 And of the Master craved a certain thing. 
 The Master bidding, she at once unfolds 
 The doubtful burden of her anxious soul ; 
 These my two sons, thyself in full command, 
 Be safely seated, one on either hand. 
 
 *Matt. xx. 17. fMatt, xx. 20. 
 
90 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 You ask said he perhaps with meaning good, 
 In vain you ask a thing not understood; 
 Can ye partake, is this your soul's desire, 
 Both of my cup and my baptismal fire? 
 
 We can said they, and truly we desire, 
 Thy cup to take, and thy baptismal fire. 
 
 Our Lord well knew that at some future day, 
 Hard hearted men would take their lives away. 
 No doubt but he, our crown and diadem, 
 Had this in view when he replied to them; 
 For on this wise his solemn language runs, 
 Not to the dame, but her devoted sons. 
 
 Yea my baptism — for your souls shall bleed, 
 And of my cup shall ye partake indeed, 
 But this ye ask ye do not understand, 
 Not mine to give the one on either hand, 
 Reserved in heaven, by his appointment shared 
 By them for whom my father hath prepared. 
 
 'Gainst James and John those partial brothers, then 
 With indignation moved the angry ten. 
 
 That love again might overspread them all, 
 Our loving Lord did their attention call; 
 Of gentile nations, men in high degree, 
 Do use dominion and authority; 
 Let such prevail, the heathen nations through, 
 But not with ye my precious chosen few, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 91 
 
 Should vain desire the soul of one betide, 
 To sit as chief and o'er the whole preside, 
 On his poor head let this your judgment fall, 
 To be as servant, or the least of all. 
 
 And may my life — the life of Zion's king, 
 Example give in this important thing; 
 For lo! I come, in depth of love untold, 
 To give my life a ransom for your souls. 
 
 *Still onward jogging, thus we read of them, 
 As they drew nigh unto Jerusalem; 
 At Bethpage halted there to wait his steed, 
 Hard by the olive's famous mount indeed. 
 Then of his friends his precious chosen few, 
 His faithful followers he selected two, 
 To whom said he, ye chosen men take head, 
 To yonder village bend your course with speed, 
 A colt there tied ye cannot fail to see, 
 Forthwith unloose and bring that colt to me. 
 
 While thus engaged your purpose to attain, 
 For doing which should any man complain — 
 Rise up against you, and forbid the thing, 
 Then shall ye say, the Lord hath need of him; 
 The power of truth that man shall surely know, 
 I'll touch his heart that he shall let you go. 
 
 *Matt. xxi.l. 
 
92 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Obedient then unto their Lord's command, 
 They went straightway and brought the colt to hand; 
 With garments first his stubborn back prepared, 
 His stubborn back till then no burden shared; 
 His nature yielding as the prince of men, 
 Astride rode peaceful towards Jerusalem. 
 
 The Lord thus riding, moderate his speed, 
 The multitude were very great indeed. 
 Wrapt in his love, with one accord that day, 
 Wide spread their garments in the master's way. 
 Their sovereign Lord did others strive to please, 
 With lovely foliage from the verdant trees, 
 And with hosannas did they all rejoice, 
 With one united and triumphant voice; 
 Thus he, while they sang praises to his name, 
 Triumphant rode into Jerusalem. 
 
 All queried then as they to him drew nigh, 
 Who is this man whom ye extol so high? 
 His friends replied, since ye the truth would know, 
 'Tis Jesus Christ of Nazareth below. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Parable of the Vineyard — Marriage of the king's son — The ten virgins.- 
 
 *This story now may you instruction yield : 
 A man the holder of a house and field, 
 
 •Matt. xxi,33. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 93 
 
 He built a hedge, a work of common fame, 
 A vineyard planted to improve the same; 
 T' prepare the means, did then his heart incline, 
 T' express the juices of the gen'rous vine; 
 He built a tower, for what it does not tell, 
 Perhaps thereon to place a sentinel; 
 And let the same to chosen husbandmen, 
 For distant country took his journey then. 
 
 And at the season of the current year, 
 When for the fruit the time drew something near, 
 To have the proceeds of his vineyard then, 
 He sent his servants to the husbandmen; 
 One man they beat, unmercifully too, 
 They stoned a second, and a third one slew ; 
 Others and more the landlord sent with speed, 
 Unto those wicked husbandmen indeed, 
 Who were received with hard and cruel blows, 
 They dealt with these as they had dealt with those. 
 Well then said he, though they this thing have done, 
 With awful reverence will receive my son: 
 Go thou my son, and in thy father's name 
 Mayst thou those wicked husbandmen reclaim. 
 
 To other then did thus their language run, 
 Behold our lord hath sent his only son, 
 The vineyard then, the heir apparent slain, 
 To us alone will wholly appertain ; 
 The son in hand, their souls of mercy void, 
 9 
 
94 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Was bound, cast out, his precious life destroyed ; 
 When he therefore their lord shall come again, 
 What will he do unto those husbandmen? 
 Their forced reply unto the Prince of men, 
 Did their own souls most wofully condemn : 
 He will no doubt with awful fear and dread, 
 Let fall his judgments on their guilty head; 
 To others then his cov'nant will renew, 
 Who will delight to render him his due. 
 
 Then he replied, whose words are truth indeed, 
 And did you never in the scriptures read, 
 The stone, an emblem of the Prince of men, 
 Which was rejected bythe builders then? 
 This same indeed Almighty power shall own, 
 Of God's own building the chief corner stone; 
 This is the Lord's, his power is seen to rise, 
 His works are great and marv'lous in our eyes: 
 Therefore I say, and ye shall find it true, 
 His kingdom God will surely take from you, 
 And give that nation who shall faithful prove, 
 By bringing forth the precious fruits thereof. 
 
 *T' compare the kingdom, Christ our holy head, 
 Again took up his parable and said, 
 Does with a king in perfect likeness run, 
 Who made a marriage for his only son. 
 
 *Matt. xxii, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 95 
 
 This invitation he did then extend, 
 Go, to the wedding call my every friend; 
 With willing hearts the ready servants run, 
 The call extended but they would not come; 
 To other servants still the man declared, 
 Go tell my friends my dinner is prepared, 
 These hind'ring things let not your souls detain, 
 Behold my oxen and my fatlings slain, 
 All things are ready, come my chosen few, 
 The marriage dinner is prepared for you. 
 
 To other objects quickly turned their eyes, 
 This to his oxen, that his merchandise; 
 The remnant also, wickedly untrue, 
 The king rejected and his servants slew. 
 
 The king offended, then decreed their fall, 
 Sent forth his armies and destroyed them all. 
 
 To other servants he declared again, 
 Go, from the highways call the strangers in, 
 The hedges too, let not a soul be spared, 
 Say to them come, my dinner is prepared. 
 These all came in with forced or free accord, 
 With ample guests supplied the gen'rous board, 
 With whom was one the common bounty shared — 
 A wedding garment he had not prepared; 
 To whom the king; why dost my order slight? 
 The wedding garment is essential quite. 
 No mercy then the speechless man implored, 
 
96 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 So he expelled him from the festive board; 
 And from his presence he was forced to go, 
 
 Into the regions of infernal wo. 
 
 The plan of wisdom here is brought to view — 
 The many called — the chosen ones are few: 
 The Lord our God, do ye perceive this thing? 
 Is here presented as an earthly king; 
 The sovereign, free and universal call. 
 Is Jesus Christ redeeming from the tall; 
 To you. O men! he does his call extend. 
 And his the voice unto the sons of men; 
 The wedding guests, nor represent we know, 
 Th* triumphant church, but militant below; 
 The poor vain man who thrust himself within 
 The presence chamber of the mighty king. 
 Is here presented in perpetual view. 
 A living type. O hypocrites! of you. 
 His hapless late — his destiny — his wo — 
 Without repentance shall be yours to know. 
 
 *Ten virgins next were brought to special view. 
 Five foolish were, and five in wisdom grew. 
 The foolish ones with minds as dark as night. 
 Took each their lamps, their oil neglected quite; 
 Xot so the wise, a blessing crowned their toil, 
 "Well trimmed their lamps, their vessels tilled with oil. 
 
 *Matt. xxv. i. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 97 
 
 The bridegroom tarried, his a doubtful stay, 
 The sev'ral virgins slept the time away; 
 The wise alone not only slept in peace, 
 The foolish slumb'ring were in doubtful ease. 
 Then were they called, and that by sov'reign power, 
 In the lone watches of the midnight hour, 
 Behold he 's come, the bridegroom of the day, 
 Go out ye virgins, meet him in the way. 
 
 The wise arose, complete in their address, 
 Their lamps well trimmed and they in readiness; 
 How happy these! alas, alas for those! 
 The call alarmed them, quickly they arose, 
 To trim their lamps were they in awful fright — 
 In total absence of supernal light; 
 Then to the wise they raised a frantic cry, 
 Give us some oil, our lamps have no supply. 
 
 Not so they answered — perfect, just and true, 
 Lest we fall short by giving unto you; 
 But go ye now to them that sell and buy, 
 And for yourselves obtain a rich supply, [speed, 
 While they were gone, and doubtless went with 
 (Their first delay was dangerous indeed,) 
 The bridegroom came, nor waited he for more, 
 The wise received, and shut the final door. 
 
 Then came the foolish calling to the groom, 
 Lord take us now into the bridal room; 
 9* 
 
98 VERSIFICATION OP 
 
 But no response save this alone was there, 
 I know you not, from whence at all ye are; 
 Ye never more can see my heav'nly face, 
 Therefore depart, ye cursed of your race. 
 
 Watch ye, therefore, is my command to all, 
 And be ye ready to obey my call ; 
 Watch ye, therefore, unslumb'ring vigils keep, 
 Nor let your eyes be closed in balmy sleep, 
 Until the light — the light of gospel day, 
 Shall rise and banish all your fears away; 
 For no man knoweth, nor indeed can know, 
 The end of his duration here below, 
 Except indeed his light, a hallowed flame — • 
 The light of Christ, shall certify the same; 
 For 'tis a truth which will not be denied, 
 The light of Christ herein is typified. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Parable of the ten talents — The Sheep and goats. 
 
 *My kingdom, now that ye may understand, 
 Is as a trav'ler to a distant land, 
 Who called his servants, gave to them in charge 
 His goods, his chattels, and estate at large : 
 *Matt. xxv, 14. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 99 
 
 His money too in this proportion run, 
 One five, and two, and to another, one, 
 Of talents bright, to traffic and project, 
 As each his wisdom should to him direct; 
 In just proportion gave to them in hand, 
 Then took his journey to a distant land. 
 
 Wherefore the man accounted here the chief, 
 Who in his lord had faith and full belief, 
 In time effected an increase at large, 
 Precisely double what he had in charge. 
 
 The second proved a man of equal fame, 
 Went forth and traded, his increase the same; 
 But he the one in saving faith unsound, 
 Did hide his talent in the fruitless ground. 
 
 When he returned whose was the whole amount, 
 He called his servants to a strict account; 
 Then to his lord the first in order came, 
 Had done his duty, so he feared no blame, 
 Five talents bright thou gav'st to me in hand, 
 Then took thy journey to a distant land, 
 Such application I indeed have made, 
 Five more have added to my stock in trade. 
 
 He then received this precious word : Well done 
 Thou faithful servant and devoted one, 
 Since over things I've found thee good and true, 
 So small in magnitude — in number few, 
 
100 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 I will indeed reward thee with renown, 
 Extend thy borders and enlarge thy bounds, 
 So enter in is now the joyful word, 
 The glorious presence of thy blessed Lord. 
 
 He also came who had received the two, 
 And then presented to his master's view; 
 Said he I have such application made, 
 Two more have added to my stock in trade, 
 He then received as by divine command, 
 The same rich blessing from the master's hand. 
 
 The slothful man a talent had in charge, 
 Did to his lord insultingly enlarge; 
 In this vile way presumptuously began, 
 I knew thee lord to be an austere man, 
 Thou reapest where a seed hast never sown, 
 And gath'rest in by hands of others strown, 
 Afraid was I thy farther will to know, 
 And hid thy talent in the earth below, 
 So here I've brought — a mite of thy estate, 
 Lo, there thou hast it both in worth and weight. 
 
 His lord's reply did in this channel run, 
 Thou wicked, slothful, and abandoned one, 
 Thou knew'st I reapt where I had never sown, 
 And gathered in from hands of others strown, 
 Such plea as this, poor man will never do, 
 Thy chance was equal with the other two — 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 101 
 
 The same results wouldst certainly have made, 
 Hadst thou but gone forth faithfully in trade; 
 I knew thy heart and gave to thee a share 
 Thy mind, thy nature, and thy strength could bear. 
 Hadst thou been faithful, this thy sure reward, 
 The loving favor of thy blessed Lord; 
 Hadst put my money, less were the abuse, 
 To the exchangers, mine the lawful use; 
 Though far behind it might perhaps have told 
 A commendation for thy wretched soul. 
 From him therefore this talent take away, 
 With it the virtues of the first repay; 
 For he that hath will I increase his store, 
 Till all his wants are satisfied and more, 
 Shall have wherewith to comfort those around; 
 Not so with him where indolence abounds; 
 Shall smite his soul with blasting and decay, 
 And all he hath shall surely take away; 
 Then without mercy he indeed shall go, 
 Into the regions of eternal wo. 
 
 *Come sinners now and hear your final doom, 
 The Son of man shall in his glory come, 
 With holy angels, but himself alone 
 In glory seated on his splendid throne; 
 
 *Matt. xxv. 31. 
 
102 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Before him all, nor can escape nor flee, 
 Shall then the gathering of the nations be, 
 Promiscuous all, the Son of man the while, 
 Shall separate the precious from the vile ; 
 And shepherd-like, unslumbering vigils keep, 
 And from the goats divide the precious sheep; 
 These on the right, a mark of saving grace, 
 Those on the left in their appointed place. 
 
 Then shall the king in glorious light appear, 
 And say, ye blessed of my Father dear, 
 Come enter in my precious chosen few, 
 A lovely kingdom is prepared for you ; 
 For when I craved some wholesome food to eat, 
 My hungry soul ye satisfied with meat, 
 I was athirst, nor had the means to bring, 
 Ye quenched my thirst with water from the spring; 
 I was a stranger and ye took me in, 
 Such loving kindness did my favor win. 
 External things were then accounted free, 
 For I was naked and ye clothed me ; 
 When painful sickness on my frame was laid, 
 In tender pity were your visits made. 
 By cruel hands in prison was detained, 
 Your souls with mine in sympathy remained. 
 
 Then shall the righteous answer him in kind — 
 Eeplete with deep humility of mind, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 103 
 
 Lord, when wast thou from hunger's cruel bands, 
 
 Relieved with food from our unworthy hands, 
 
 Or when athirst, and we relief did bring, 
 
 And quenched thy thirst with water from the spring? 
 
 Or when a stranger, did we entertain, 
 
 Or naked, clothed thee from the cold and rain, 
 
 Sick and in prison, when did ever we 
 
 With willing hearts administer to thee ? 
 
 To whom the king, ye, my chosen few, 
 These are my doctrines, I declare to you, 
 That forasmuch as ye this work have done, 
 Unto the least of these my chosen ones — 
 A work of truth, of grace and charity, 
 It is the same as if 't were done to me. 
 
 Then to his left shall turn and thus declare, 
 His frown alone shall fill them with despair ; 
 Depart ye cursed, yours the dreadful ire, 
 Of devils, hell, and everlasting fire; 
 For I was not from hunger's cruel bands, 
 Relieved with food from your unworthy hands ; 
 I was athirst, nor ever did ye bring 
 To quench my thirst, some water from the spring ; 
 Nor when a stranger did ye entertain, 
 Or naked, clothed me from the cold and rain; 
 Sick and in prison, nor did ever ye 
 With willing hearts administer to me. 
 
104 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Then shall they also answer the reverse, 
 When saw we thee an hungered or athirst, 
 A stranger, naked, or in prison lie, 
 And then did not in charity draw nigh? 
 
 Then shall the king consummate their despair. 
 To you. O men! I verily declare. 
 That forasmuch as ye did not extend. 
 The hand of mercy to my weakest friend. 
 It is the same in every point of view, 
 As if I had received the same from you. 
 These then shall go, nor can escape by flight, 
 The gloomy regions of eternal night: 
 The righteous then the king shall lead away. 
 Into the regions of eternal da v. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 The last Supper — The treachery of Judas. 
 
 *Once more assembled at Jerusalem, 
 Jesus well knew the awful hour had come. 
 That he must leave this scene of bitter we- 
 This world of pain, and to his father go; 
 Those whom he loved. ecstacy divine! 
 He loved sincerely to the end of time. 
 
 ♦John xiii. 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 105 
 
 The supper through, and Satan having won 
 The heart of Judas, Simon's wicked son, 
 Into a league, and this the purpose then, 
 To sell his master unto wicked men. 
 
 No truth than this more evident and plain, 
 He came from God, and went to him again ; 
 Then in the way humility enjoins, 
 He with a towel girded up his loins, 
 A bowl in hand, with water filled complete, 
 Did then proceed to wash disciples' feet; 
 To wipe them dry, the service next he found, 
 With the same towel he was girt around. 
 
 But Peter viewed his Master's love too great, 
 And took occasion to expostulate; 
 Dost wash my feet? this thing can never be, 
 So far beneath thy grace and dignity. 
 
 The work is mine, a work of endless sheen, 
 For all so washed shall every whit be clean; 
 And ye are clean — are purified in mind, 
 But not the one, a traitor to his kind. [stain, 
 
 When from their feet he 'd washed each dusty 
 His garments taken and sat down again, 
 He said to them, your hearts instructed new, 
 But know ye this what I have done to you, 
 Ye call me Lord and Master, from on high, 
 And ye say well, for so indeed am I ; 
 10 
 
106 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 If I therefore, your master from above, 
 Have washed your feet, a sample of my love, 
 Ye also ought, to fill the truth complete, 
 Not each his own, but wash his brother's feet, 
 
 I washed your feet this caution to renew, 
 That ye to others as I've done to you ; 
 Then with a twice-told verily the word, 
 Nor is the servant greater than his Lord; 
 So I the son, with love before unheard, 
 Am sent of God, and subject to his word, 
 And if ye know and in these things abound, 
 Then shall salvation to your souls redound, 
 
 *'Tis not of all I'm speaking now, but you, 
 My precious chosen, and devoted few. 
 His heart with grief was highly charged we find, 
 While he thus freely did declare his mind. 
 
 He then with wisdom perfect in command, 
 Directly charged upon his chosen band, 
 That one of you I deeply mourn to say, 
 Shall to his hurt the Son of man betray. 
 
 Amazed at this — such awful truth to find, 
 While painful doubting harrowed up their mind, 
 To all but one was this a grief to know, 
 And filled their souls with overwhelming wo; 
 
 ♦John xiii, 18. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 107 
 
 Quite unprepared such doctrine to receive, 
 
 Such dreadful truth they scarcely could believe; 
 
 The Lord had said ; 'twas useless to deny, 
 
 So one by one they queried, is it I ? 
 
 But still in doubt, their hearts opprest with pain, 
 
 They took this way the truth to ascertain. 
 
 Now their was one more loved than all the rest, 
 His head reclining on his master's breast; 
 Then Peter beckoned, his advantage take, 
 To whisper him of whom it was he spake. 
 He thus reclining, did this question bring, 
 Who is it Lord will do this wicked thing? 
 Then Jesus softly, thou shalt know his name, 
 To whom a sop, when I have dipped the same; 
 He dipt the sop, and when the thing had done, 
 He gave the same to Judas, Simon's son. 
 Up and begone, did Jesus then command, 
 And do thy work with expeditious hand. 
 The sop received in presence of the whole, 
 Then satan entered his benighted soul ; 
 Nor longer staid, for satan took the sway, 
 And he went forth with darkness in his wa3 r . 
 
 *Then said the Lord, all ye this awful night, 
 Because of me shall be offended quite ; 
 
 *Matt. xxvi, 31. 
 
108 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 As it is written, be the shepherd slain, 
 
 The sheep wide scattered o'er the distant plain. 
 
 Then Peter said, though all with one accord, 
 May take offence in thee my blessed Lord, 
 Yet will not I, though death should be the pain, 
 Then be offended, nor deny thy name. 
 
 Then Jesus saith, and with a verily, 
 Hear now, Peter, what I say to thee; 
 This day — this night, before the cock shall twice 
 Crow for the day, shalt thou deny me thrice. 
 
 Withdrawn from them, poor Judas heard no more, 
 His master's precepts wrapt in sacred lore; 
 Which sweetly flowed replete with gospel light, 
 Through that most awful and eventful night. 
 Those precepts now may not be 'passed unsung, 
 Which sweetly flowed from his pathetic tongue, 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The consolatory discourse. 
 
 *When sorrows deep the afflicted mind assail, 
 Let not your faith, your only refuge fail, 
 But trust in God whose banner's wide unfurled, 
 In me also, the Saviour of the world; 
 For in his house are many mansions new, 
 
 *John xiv, 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 109 
 
 There shall I go, and there establish you, 
 That where I am shall ye who walk upright, 
 Enjoy my presence with supreme delight. 
 If ye have faith, true saving faith a share, 
 This then to you I verily declare, 
 The works I do the same shall ye, and more, 
 Such works as these were never done before; 
 And greater works shall ye, while here below, 
 Because I do unto my Father go. 
 
 Strong in your faith, unwav'ring in your minds, 
 When by my spirit unto prayer inclined, 
 Ask what ye will of me the sovereign pow'r, 
 That shall be granted in the needful hour; 
 And I will pray, the Father will implore, 
 And he shall you the comforter restore; 
 And who with tidings of salvation new, 
 Through endless ages will remain with you. 
 
 The holy ghost, the gospel witness true, 
 Which ever liveth and shall be in you; 
 The wicked world who glory in their shame, 
 Cannot conceive nor understand the same. 
 I will not leave you comfortless, but true 
 As ye look for me, I will come to you, 
 And when I come, ye then shall surely know 
 Your cups with blessings richly overflow. 
 
 And he that hath in permanent belief, 
 10* 
 
110 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 The pure commandment from the sacred leaf, 
 Received through virtue of my sov'reign power? 
 And sacred keepeth from the evil hour, 
 'Tis he alone from all pollution free, 
 Who fully, freely, purely loveth me; 
 And he whose love thus heavenward doth flow, 
 Shall in full transports of salvation know, 
 His whole affections set on things above, 
 Drawn by the virtue of my Father's love. 
 While in his heart my love shall shed abroad, 
 And clothe his spirit with the grace of God. 
 
 Said Judas,* Lord how is thy light unfurled 
 To us alone, and not unto the world? 
 
 If any man, the Master thus replied, 
 Hath love for me nor loveth aught beside, 
 He '11 keep my words, my Father from above, 
 Will fill his soul with streams of heavenly love, 
 And we will come, (all other guests aside,) 
 And with that man will cheerfully abide. 
 
 Thus consolation from my lips doth flow, 
 While present with you in this vale of wo; 
 Once I am gone, my father will attend, 
 And in my name the Comforter will send — 
 The holy ghost — your mem'ries will renew 
 And bring all things to your enlightened view; 
 
 *Not Iscarriot 
 
THE EVANGELISTS 111 
 
 Then will your minds, thus fitted and prepared? 
 Receive what I have from the first declared. 
 
 When I am gone, my cov'nant to renew, 
 My peace triumphant I shall give to you, 
 Not as the world, which giveth but alloy, 
 My peace is pure, replete with heavenly joy; 
 Not as the world, which giveth for reward, 
 I freely give the blessings of your Lord; 
 So shall your souls in perfect peace abound, 
 Exempt from sorrows of the world around. 
 
 Now ye have heard and surely ought to know, 
 That to my Father I have soon to go; 
 And if ye loved me this would be your choice, 
 Nor weep, nor mourn, but surely would rejoice, 
 Because I said and still am bound to say, 
 That from this world I soon must pass away. 
 
 I now foretell this thing of awful fame, 
 That when it comes ye may believe the same, 
 These things have said and ye shall find them true, 
 That I henceforth shall talk no more with you ; 
 For princes, devils, all the powers that be, 
 Will come indeed, but have no part in me; 
 But that the world in wickedness may know 
 I love the Father more than things below — 
 I here a son in resignation stand, 
 To yield submission to his blest command. 
 
1 1 2 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 The Consolatory Discourse, continued. 
 
 *I am the vine, come view this lovely plan, 
 My heavenly Father is the husbandman; 
 And every branch he soon will take away, 
 Which springeth forth but tendeth to decay ; 
 But every branch which freely doth incline, 
 To yield the increase of the fruitful vine, 
 He purgeth it, that in his gospel plan, 
 May yield more fruit unto the husbandman. 
 
 Now ye are clean, and this affected through 
 The word which I have spoken unto you, 
 Abide in me and in my service true, 
 Then I your Saviour will abide in you; 
 For every branch must suffer and decline, 
 Except it 'bideth in the living vine. 
 
 I am the vine, a truth of endless fame, 
 And ye the branches in my holy name ; 
 These shall become as gospel love inclines, 
 Fruit-bearing branches of the living vine ; 
 For 'tis a truth which shall be understood, 
 That without me ye can do nothing good. 
 
 He shall become who dwelleth not in me, 
 A withered branch from off a living tree, 
 
 ♦John xv. 1. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 113 
 
 Cast off and fallen — under foot — it then 
 Becomes fit fuel for the fire of men. 
 
 But ye in me a 'biding place retain, 
 And in your souls the words of truth remain, 
 Then shall ye ask or supplicate my name, 
 Nor shall ye ask or supplicate in vain. 
 
 If in my words ye carefully confide, 
 Then in my love ye surely shall abide, 
 As I have kept my Father's word above, 
 And do abide in his supernal love. 
 
 These living truths have opened to your view, 
 That my pure joy might still remain in you, 
 And such your joy, so perfect here below, 
 That all your banks shall richly overflow. 
 
 Though oft enjoined in gospel love on you, 
 This great commandment I will yet renew, 
 That gospel love shall draw your hearts so near, 
 Shall love each other as I love you here. 
 By power of truth ye certainly shall know 
 No greater love can heaven on man bestow, 
 Than this, that man should in submission bend, 
 And yield his life to save his valued friend. 
 
 Ye are my friends if ye but faithful stand, 
 In strict obedience to divine command j 
 Since ye are mine elect for evermore, 
 I call you friends, not servants as before ; 
 
114 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 What his lord doth the servant may not know, 
 Not so my friends — church militant below, 
 All things received as Mediator true, 
 I have made known in fellowship with you. 
 
 Not of yourselves, this glorious work; are ye 
 The called, the chosen, and ordained of me; 
 That ye go forth, nor from the work refrain, 
 But bring forth fruit that ever shall remain; 
 And in my name if ye the Father plead, 
 My heavenly Father will supply your need. 
 
 This great command which I renew again, 
 Through endless ages must with you remain, 
 No less the author than the God above, 
 That each his brother as himself shall love. 
 
 Heed not the world, for this ye know is true, 
 It hated me before it hated you. 
 If with the world ye were in union known, 
 The world would love you as it loves its own ; 
 But from the world stand separate and free, 
 Then will it hate you as it hateth me. 
 
 Remember well what I before declared, 
 Nor is the servant greater than his lord; 
 If I your master am allowed to feel 
 Their pious hatred and distempered zeal, 
 Then may you too, my precious chosen bands, 
 Expect the same from their polluted hands, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 1 1 5 
 
 But if they through true penitence and prayer, 
 Have kept my sayings with religious care, 
 They likewise will — the subjects of one law, 
 Keep yours also with reverential awe. 
 But all these things their wickedness to show, 
 With perfect hatred will inflict on you, 
 With pride — with scorn, because in truth 'tis so, 
 They know not him who sent me here below. 
 
 But whom ye love shall suddenly appear, 
 Whom I will send you from the father here— 
 The holy ghost — or holy spirit free, 
 Who when he comes shall testify of me; 
 But ye whose light all others shall outshine, 
 Shall be my witness to the end of time. 
 
 My purpose is this doctrine to instill, 
 Take no offence let man do what he will. 
 Hard-hearted men shall soon become a dread, 
 And persecution raise its snaky head; 
 Yea sure the time, nor distant far the day, 
 When men with angels will dispute the way— 
 When he that kills you from the earth abroad, 
 Will think it service to Almighty God. 
 For all these things the cause is plain to see, 
 They know not God, the holy ghost, nor me. 
 *These things now said and pressed upon your ear, 
 
 *John xvi, 1. 
 
116 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 As solemn truths hereafter shall appear. 
 
 My work is done, I presently shall go 
 
 To him who sent me to these scenes below ? 
 
 And none of you, so filled with bitter wo, 
 
 Do ask me when, or whitherto I go; 
 
 But forasmuch as I these things have said ? 
 
 Deep sorrow hath her mantle over spread 
 
 Your hearts — -but still it is the truth I say, 
 
 'T is best for you that I should go away ; 
 
 For if I go not, certainly, 'tis true, 
 
 The Holy Ghost will never come to you; 
 
 But if I go you surely may depend, 
 
 The Holy Ghost or comforter will send; 
 
 When come, the world he will reprove or chide, 
 
 Of judgment, sin, and righteousness beside. 
 
 I 've many things the truth will yet allow, 
 To be declared, nor can ye bear them now. 
 Howbe't, when he alone of heaven born, 
 Shall come the herald of approaching morn, — 
 The staff of age — the guide of tender youth — 
 Shall straightway lead you in the ways of truth; 
 Shall speak of things, not as a spirit dumb, 
 Of past, of present, and of things to come. 
 Nor vocal voice extended, from on high, 
 But self in silence he shall magnify; 
 And for my friends this blessed work will do, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 117 
 
 Receive of mine and give it unto you. 
 
 But ye shall weep, your souls have no relief, 
 Through painful seasons of excessive grief; 
 Not so the world ; can they your peace destroy, 
 'Twill fill their hearts with a malignant joy. 
 Ye therefore now have sorrow, grief and pain, 
 But when I come shall ye rejoice again ; 
 And such your joy, your master's love so true, 
 No man the power to take that love from you. 
 
 These things now said, if firm in your belief, 
 Your souls in me shall have substantial peace ; 
 Not in the world where wickedness abounds, 
 For here redemption from the world is found. 
 
 Thus did our Lord these solemn truths declare, 
 And closed the whole with an effectual prayer. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Jesus betrayed and apprehended — Peter's denial and repentance 
 —The Crucifixion. 
 
 *When Jesus then himself and friends alone, 
 Had supplicated heaven's mighty throne, 
 They crossed the brook — the Cedron brook of old, 
 Where was a garden lovely to behold ; 
 
 *John xviii, 1. 
 
 u 
 
118 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Where Jesus fondly, Judas fully knew, 
 Resorted often with his chosen few. 
 
 Just at that time, the traitor Judas then 
 Had from the priests received a band of men; 
 Then thither came a coarse and cruel band, 
 With swords and staves and torches in their hands: 
 He bid them know that this the sign should be, 
 Whom I shall kiss, that very same is he; 
 Which when performed, the Lord to him did say, 
 Dost with a kiss the Son of man betray? 
 
 Then Simon Peter, sword in hand drew near, 
 Smote off the servant of the high priest's ear; 
 Poor Peter here, his blessed Lord did blame — 
 Put up thy sword, else perish with the same; 
 For all who take, regardless of my word, 
 The sword in hand, shall perish with the sword ; 
 For thinkest thou that I cannot this day, 
 So strong in faith, my heavenly father pray, 
 And he would soon, commissioned from on high, 
 His angels send those wretches to destroy. 
 
 Filled with alarm the weak disciples fled, 
 When to the high priest was their master led ; 
 Where scribes and pharisees, a wicked crew, 
 Sought for false witness, not for witness true, 
 They sought for these that through their wicked 
 breath, 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 119 
 
 The lovely Jesus they might put to death. 
 But from the truth they wandered far aside, 
 They differed largely as they testified ; 
 All disagreed, our blessed Saviour heard 
 Their false accounts, but answered not a word. 
 
 Then did they all, a coarse and cruel band, 
 Spit in his face and smite him with their hands, 
 And in this way did exercise their scorn, 
 In every various and vexatious form. 
 
 *As said above, the poor disciples fled 
 When to the high priest was their master led; 
 But Peter followed far behind to see, 
 What might the end of this transaction be. 
 Then in the palace venturing still nigher, 
 He with the servants warmed him by the fire ; 
 His master stood arraigned, himself so near, 
 No doubt his mind was filled with slavish fear. 
 
 t Three times they charged him all with one 
 accord, 
 That he was servant of the blessed Lord. 
 Poor Peter then through folly, fear and shame, 
 Three times with cursing did deny his name; 
 Then in confusion to the porch withdrew, 
 And heard the cock the second time he crew j 
 ♦John xxii, 54. fMatt. xxvi, 69. 
 
 11* 
 

 120 VERSIFICATION OF 
 
 Which brought to mind with aggravated shame y 
 The Master's words when he foretold the same. 
 
 *Here one account directly goes to show, 
 That Peter stood within his Master's view, 
 Who cast an eye on hearing Peter swear, 
 Of deep compassion on his servant there, 
 When caught his eye the piercing truth was told, 
 And deep conviction rushed upon his soul, 
 Then from them all did he directly go, 
 And fell to weeping with excessive wo. 
 
 His certain death hard-hearted men decreed, 
 They mocked and scourged and smote him with a 
 Then led away, two felons at his side, [reed, 
 The dear Redeemer to be crucified. 
 
 "[There followed him in deep affliction then, 
 A company of his own chosen men, 
 And women too, whose hearts with one accord 
 Lamented deeply and bewailed their Lord; 
 He turned around and looked with heavenly grace- 
 With love supernal beaming in his face, 
 With deep compassion on this wise to them, 
 Ye lovely daughters of Jerusalem, 
 Weep not for me, but weep, I charge you here, 
 Both for yourselves and for your children dear. 
 
 *Luke xxii, 61. fLuke xxiii. 27. 
 
THE EVANGELISTS. 121 
 
 Nor hardly said, impatient of delay, 
 His persecutors urged him on his way, 
 And soon arrived at Calvary in pride, 
 And on the cross the Saviour crucified. 
 
 Oh! how could men who in probation stood, 
 So deeply thirst for his most precious blood? 
 Ah ! what a field, were it my proper sphere, 
 And how expansive is the subject here, 
 But no, my pen, my feeble pen I deem 
 Too inefficient for this mighty theme. 
 
 But one thing more would only bring to view 
 A caution deep, O christian men for you, 
 To claim the right is certainly most strange, 
 To hold resentment or to seek revenge; 
 See now your Lord by wicked men assailed, 
 His hands and feet pierced with the pointed nails, 
 Yet thus he spake, his boundless love to show, 
 Father forgive them, they know not what they do. 
 
NOTES. 
 
 Note 1. Seepage 11, line 5th to 10th. 
 
 This theme is one of very deep spiritual import, and 
 claims the most solemn and weighty consideration of the 
 reader. 
 
 The text, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it 
 unto me according to thy word" denotes a passive and 
 unresisting state of mind — a condition as necessary for 
 all converts to the religion of Jesus Christ now to be in, 
 in order that they may experience the new birth, or 
 Christ formed in them, as it was necessary for Mary in 
 order that the miraculous conception should take place 
 in her. It is indispensably necessary that the human 
 and divine minds should perfectly coalesce. Here "male 
 and female are both one." 
 
 Note 2. See page 25. 
 
 "Say not ye there are yet four months, and then cometh 
 the harvest^ behold I say unto you, lift up your eyes and 
 look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest.'' 
 
 Some commentators hold that the Samaritans who 
 were coming through the fields from the city with the 
 woman to see Jesus, were all dressed in white; and the 
 Saviour having allusion in the passage above quoted to 
 a harvest of souls, said to his disciples, waiving hif 
 hand towards the multitude, "Behold," &c. Whethe 
 
NOTES. 123 
 
 this be correct or not, the supposition is a very natural 
 one, and therefore it is thought the muse will be ex- 
 cused for the adoption of the idea. 
 
 Note 3. See page 34. 
 The curious reader will here observe, that this is not 
 a mere recital of the Lord's prayer; but, which is deem- 
 ed to be in this place of still greater importance — a 
 practical delineation of the true state of mind for an hum- 
 ble suppliant to be in, in order availingly to supplicate 
 for the blessing's enumerated in that excellent prayer. 
 
 Note 4. See page 45. 
 This chapter it will be perceived is written in a some- 
 what different style and manner from the rest of the 
 work. I may here add in explanation, that it was the 
 first chapter written; nor had I at the time (which was 
 some years ago) so far as I now recollect, the least idea 
 of writing a book. In the varied turnings of the hand of 
 Providence upon me, I was visited with a season of deep 
 affliction: I seemed to myself swallowed up in an ocean 
 of misery, and I sunk beneath the tempest-wrought bil- 
 lows of affliction, and for a season I had no hope or ex- 
 pectation of deliverance. But the Ruler of the tempest 
 had compassion, and in his own good time bid the waves 
 be still. In the calm which succeeded, this chapter was 
 conceived and written; and if it should ever meet the 
 eye of one for whom 
 
 " Satan hath struggled as he hath for me," 
 I have a living hope it may do him some good. 
 
124 NOTES. 
 
 Note 5. See page 67. 
 Some may think that I dwell with strong* emphasis on 
 those portions of the gospel where the Jews accused the 
 Divine Master of breaking" the sabbath, with the view to 
 reflect upon the reverence with which professors regard 
 that day: Such may be assured they are mistaken. I 
 should be very sorry indeed to say or do any thing-, that 
 should in the least degree lessen in any one their genu- 
 ine holy regard or reverence for the sabbath day. But 
 the fervent desire of my mind is, that they may regard 
 with equal reverence every other day in the week. The 
 religion of Jesus is an every -day holiness, strongly incul- 
 cated on every page of the New Testament. Its law is 
 love; and love is the fulfilling of the whole law. These 
 are the promises of the gospel; and their attainment is 
 through faith in Jesus. "Having therefore these pro- 
 mises, dearly beloved, let us lay aside all filthiness of the 
 flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness" every day "in the 
 fear of God." 
 

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