Classic Poem

PARABLE XVII.

The Seed cast into the Ground secretly.

Christ form'd his kingdom on a plan
Of liberty. As if a man
Should cast some seed into the ground,
Then go his way, and sleep profound,
And rising duly night and day,
Direct his course another way,
Until the seed should spring and grow,
But in what wise he does not know.
For earth, productive by degrees,
Brings forth spontaneous fruit with ease:
And first the blade, and then the ears,
And last the perfect corn appears.
But, when the fruit mature is found,
He brings his sickle to the ground,
Nor longer at a distance keeps,
But when 'tis harvest, then he reaps.
?The Lord descends and gives his charge,
Then leaves the human will at large;
Withdraws himself, and winks a while
Mean time in hearts, devoid of guile,
Spring forth his grace, and saving health,
Whose first exertions act by stealth;
But soon from such an hopeful root
Arise the blades, and bid for fruit,
And flourish, till the Lord dismiss
The ripen'd soul to endless bliss,
And at his harvest-home comes down,
And brings his sickle, and his crown.