Classic Poem

PARABLE LV.

The Harvest and Labourers.

And Jesus journey'd to survey
Each town and village in his way,
And did in synagogues maintain
And preach the gospel of his reign,
And did all pain and sickness cure
Amongst the people rich and poor:
But when he saw their throngs so great,
He did the men compassionate,
As sheep that wander'd far and wide,
And had no shepherd for their guide:
Then to his followers he cries,
In truth, we have before our eyes
An harvest which does much abound,
But how few labourers are found!
Press then the Lord by pray'r and song,
(To whom both toil and fruit belong)
That he more labourers would send
With you to reap, and make an end.
?REDEMPTION! how immense the plan
Which first the Lord with twelve began!
But soon he seventy men ordain'd,
Yet ordination was restrain'd
Until the Holy Ghost was sent,
When ev'ry where th'apostles went,
They bishops, priests, and deacons made;
But some deserted, some betray'd
The Lord, ev'n in the purer times,
When wond'rous grace enhanc'd their crimes.
O Lord! we pray, by thy command,
Send thou more lab'rers to thy land.
Let us not spare to spread thy name
Abroad; nor brook the mighty shame,
That the poor infidel and blind
Are still the more part of mankind.