Classic Poem

PARABLE LIV.

The Advent of Christ's spiritual Kingdom.

Christ, by the Pharisaic train
Requir'd to shew them of his reign,
And at what time it should commence,
Thus answer'd their impertinence:
‘That great event comes not about
‘By observation from without:
‘Lo! here, lo! there, they shall not cry,
‘And point it to the human eye;
‘For, as the Lord his grace imparts,
‘The heav'nly kingdom's in your hearts.’
Then said he to the twelve again,
‘The time shall come when ye would fain
‘Behold a glorious day, like this;
‘But then ye shall have no such bliss
‘And if, See here! See there! they say,
‘Attend them not or word or way
‘For as in heav'n the light'ning shines
‘From one side to th'opposing signs ;
‘So shall the SON, array'd in light,
‘On his own day, divinely bright,
‘Shine quicker than a mortal's thought,
‘And be by no observer caught.’