Classic Poem

PARABLE XLV.

The Whole need no Physician.

One day when Christ had took his seat
In his own house his food to eat,
Then also publicans came in
With sundry branded for their sin,
And with Christ Jesus sat in view,
With his disciples not a few:
(For having for a little space
An home, his flock increas'd apace)
But as the Scribes, and sect severe
Of Pharisees, beheld him here,
They ask'd of his disciples then,
With publicans and sinful men
His bread why has your master broke?
When Jesus thus in answer spoke,
‘The healthy no physician seek,
‘Who's needful to the sick and weak;
‘Not for the righteous was I sent,
‘But for the sinners to repent’