Classic Poem

PARABLE LXI.

Spiritual Affinity

While yet the people he detain'd,
As he his blessed will explain'd,
Behold, his mother stood apart,
And brethren, who had set their heart
A joint-petition to declare,
Which was to speak with Jesus there.
Then certain did the Lord remind,
Behold, thy mother stands behind,
And brethren, something have to say.
But he th'informer kept at bay,
And ask'd, ‘My mother, who is she,
‘And brethren in the first degree?’
And then his blessed hands he spread
To his disciples, and he said,
‘My mother and my brethren view;
‘For who my Father's will shall do,
Are mothers, brethren, sisters, all
‘That truth and tenderness can call.’
?Connections form'd with God above,
Are not by carnal claims, but love,
And to the Lord, through goodness, dear
Saints soul to soul in heav'n adhere.