Classic Poem

PARABLE XXII.

The Spiritual OEconomist.

Christ call'd the throng—These things ye hear,
But do ye comprehend them clear?
They say unto him, ‘Lord, we do.’
Then did he his discourse renew—
‘On this account each learned scribe,
‘That can Christ's heav'nly truths imbibe,
‘Hence shall his ghostly charge subsist,
‘And act the good œconomist,
‘While new and old, from all his store,
‘He gives each guest, that haunts his door.’
?The Lord would here his converts teach
How his good saints should read and preach,
By copying all his faith and force,
As he sets off his plain discourse;
Brings forth new truths, the old he cites,
Puts diff'rent things in various lights;
Disposes all things for the best,
And treats his hearers as his guest.