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 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
THE GOSPEL PARABLES 
 IN VERSE 
 
 BY 
 REV. CHRISTOPHER SMITH 
 
 BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 
 
 835 Broadway, New York 
 
 BRANCH OFFICES: WASHINGTON, BALTIMORE 
 
 INDIANAPOLIS, NORFOLK, ' DES MOINES, IOWA 
 

 Copyright, 191 i, 
 
 By 
 
 CHRISTOPHER SMITH. 
 
 U'^ 
 
 ©Ci.A2J)751)0 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Pearl of Great Price 5 
 
 The Two Debtors 8 
 
 The Good Samaritan 13 
 
 The Importunate Friend 19 
 
 The Rich Fool 22 
 
 The Barren Fig Tree 27 
 
 The Great Supper 31 
 
 The Lost Sheep 35 
 
 The Lost Coin .- 38 
 
 The Prodigal Son 41 
 
 The Unjust Steward 45 
 
 The Rich Man and Lazarus 48 
 
 The Pharisee and the Publican 53 
 
 The Unmerciful Servant 57 
 
 The Laborers in the Vineyard 61 
 
 The Two Sons 66 
 
 The Wicked Husbandman 70 
 
 The Royal Marriage Feast 74 
 
 The Ten Virgins 79 
 
 The Talents ,. . . 84 
 
The Gospel Parables in Verse 
 
 THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. 
 
 :(: * 4: 4: :|c 
 
 Where dwelt in ancient times and lands 
 
 The great Semitic race, 
 The pearl, 'mong all costly things. 
 
 Held first and highest place. 
 
 When one was found in which appeared 
 
 The proper form and shade, 
 Some gladly would, for that one gem, 
 
 Nigh any price have paid. 
 
 'Twas then the business of a class 
 
 To go in quest of such, 
 Men trained to note the slight defects 
 
 Which lowered their value much. 
 
 Thus Jesus of a merchant tells. 
 
 Who travels far and wide 
 In constant search of goodly pearls. 
 
 The best of all beside. 
 
 His keenest int'rest is aroused. 
 
 When told at last of one. 
 The purity and worth of which 
 
 Could be surpassed by none. 
 
 On it the man's experienced eye 
 
 Long lingers with delight, 
 Beauteous to him of shape and hue 
 
 The very rarest sight. 
 
Cfie (Sogpel paraliles in ^erge 
 
 Resolved to win at any cost 
 
 A pearl free from flaws. 
 He even sells his other pearls, 
 
 And everything he has. 
 
 Success rewards the effort made — 
 
 The desperate step he took, 
 And as he homeward wends his way 
 
 There's rapture in his look. 
 
 All men are seeking goodly pearls. 
 
 Things they supremely prize, 
 And think that in possessing these. 
 
 The most enjoyment lies. 
 
 But many in the eager chase, 
 
 The wrong direction take, 
 And the deceitful joys of earth, 
 
 For happiness mistake. 
 
 They grasp the phantom, it is air. 
 
 Yet after it they dart. 
 Their very wishes do not grant 
 
 The wishes of their heart. 
 
 Although along their journey here. 
 With flowers their path be spread, 
 
 They seek where that can ne'er be found. 
 The living 'mongst the dead. 
 
 And though they are by vanities. 
 
 From wisdom's ways decoyed, 
 When moments of reflection come. 
 
 They feel the aching void. 
 
 Thus each indulgence and pursuit 
 
 Give out, one after one, 
 The sad confession that in them. 
 
 True happiness there's none. 
 
 6 
 
Cfje (Sc30pel Parables in Wtt^e 
 
 From disappointments such as these. 
 
 The penitent is freed. 
 He knows exactly what he wants. 
 
 What will supply his need — 
 
 The pardon of his many sins, 
 
 The Almighty's favor sure, 
 And the renewal of his heart. 
 
 All blessings that endure. 
 
 He knows, too, where to search for them. 
 
 Even in the written law, 
 Which God says makes the simple wise 
 
 Because without a flaw : 
 
 And finds it testifies of Christ, 
 
 His well-beloved Son, 
 As having for our ruined race, 
 
 Hope of salvation won. 
 
 A love divine which gave up all, 
 
 His soul's desire to meet. 
 Brings him in wonder and in praise, 
 
 Down at the Saviour's feet. 
 
 Then through the light the Spirit sheds. 
 
 On the unerring Word, 
 He sees God's glory in the face 
 
 Of Christ the Blessed Lord. 
 
 Soon as his matchless grace shines forth 
 
 Before his reverent gaze. 
 He understands why he must quit 
 
 His former sinful ways, 
 
 And is convinced that Jesus will. 
 
 What most he needs impart. 
 Forgive his sins and satisfy 
 
 The longings of his heart. 
 
Cf)e (29O0peI parafilc0 in Wtt$t 
 
 So fade all other charms beside 
 
 The glory of the Cross, 
 And things which once were gain to him, 
 
 He now accounts but dross. 
 
 Nor from the Saviour is he drawn 
 
 By any vain advice ; 
 His spiritual eye at last has found 
 
 The pearl of greatest price. 
 
 THE TWO DEBTORS. 
 
 A Pharisee whom Christ had helped. 
 
 On showing honor bent. 
 Desired to have him as his guest. 
 
 And to his home he went. 
 
 The tidings of his presence there 
 Spread quickly through the place, 
 
 And proved, at least to one who heard, 
 A harbinger of grace. 
 
 This woman bore, within the town, 
 
 An ill-reputed name, 
 Although by him she had been drawn 
 
 From paths of sin and shame. 
 
 While still at table he reclined, 
 
 To him she forward went, 
 And at his feet she placed herself, 
 
 Love's tribute to present. 
 
 Oft did she kiss them reverently, 
 As o'er them tears she shed. 
 
 Which wetting them, she dried again 
 With tresses of her head. 
 
 8 
 
Cfte ao0pel patafileg in Wtt^t 
 
 On purpose she'd procured and brought 
 
 An alabaster cruse 
 From which she poured the perfume out 
 
 And sprinkled them profuse. 
 
 Now Simon was expecting Christ, 
 
 All through this strange display. 
 In scornful accents to demand 
 
 That she be sent away, 
 
 And therefore much displeasure felt. 
 
 As he the while perceived 
 With what serenity and grace, 
 
 Her homage he received. 
 
 Then rose the thought within his mind. 
 
 If Christ a prophet were, 
 He would have known who touched him thus. 
 
 And found no good in her. 
 
 For a belief prevailed like this : 
 
 A prophet who was true, 
 The human spirit could discern 
 
 And read it through and through. 
 
 Christ had discerned both his and hers. 
 
 Though Simon knew it not, 
 And told this story in reply 
 
 To his unuttered thought : 
 
 A certain man had debtors twain. 
 
 Who ill their burdens bore ; 
 One owed him fifty Roman pence. 
 
 The other ten times more. 
 
 Yet not a farthing either had 
 
 Wherewith their debt to pay, 
 So when the money was required 
 
 Imagine their dismay ! 
 
Cfje 0o0pel parables in ^etse 
 
 But as the creditor was kind, 
 
 Their case he frankly met, 
 And 'stead of sending them to gaol. 
 
 Forgave them all their debt. 
 
 What a surprise must theirs have been, 
 
 What joy fulness of heart. 
 On finding they were free at last. 
 
 And homeward could depart. 
 
 No question do we need to raise, 
 
 Whether they both were moved 
 With gratitude and love to him 
 
 Who their good friend had proved. 
 
 Christ took for granted all of that, 
 
 And asked his doubting host 
 To say which one of them would love 
 
 The benefactor most. 
 
 Quick was he to perceive the point, 
 And this opinion gave, 
 "That man would most be loved by him 
 Whom he the most forgave." 
 
 About this verdict Jesus said 
 
 That he had judged aright, 
 The debtor who had loved the most 
 
 Stood there before his sight. 
 
 Proceeding further to explain. 
 
 He mentioned one by one 
 The things which she through love to him 
 
 Had so devoutly done. 
 
 While pointing out in words that told 
 
 How far his host had gone 
 In his neglect of courtesies 
 
 Then generally shown. 
 
 10 
 
Cf)e (Do0pel patalJles in Wtt^t 
 
 He'd given no water for his feet 
 
 The time he entered there, 
 But she had wet them with her tears, 
 
 And dried them with her hair. 
 
 He had withheld the kiss of peace. 
 Him on the cheek to greet, 
 
 But she since coming had not ceased 
 To kiss his very feet. 
 
 He had not used even common oil 
 With which to anoint his head. 
 
 But she, a perfume costing much. 
 Upon his feet had spread. 
 
 How was it that the Pharisee, 
 With Christ as his chief guest. 
 
 Had in these ways neglected him. 
 While she had done her best? 
 
 Alas ! he had not felt the weight 
 
 Of sin's accursed load, 
 Nor yet the gratitude and joy 
 
 When pardon is bestowed. 
 
 Thus in his ignorance he thought 
 'Twould only have been right 
 
 If Jesus had commanded her. 
 Forthwith to leave his sight. 
 
 But what the need that he condemn 
 
 This sinner so severe ? 
 Already she'd condemned herself. 
 
 No sinner more sincere. 
 
 And thankful that the Saviour's grace 
 Had drawn her from the lost, 
 
 She showed her ardent love to him. 
 As one forgiven most. 
 
 II 
 
Cf)e ao0pel paralJle0 in mtst 
 
 Wherefore to Simon he declared, 
 
 In language passing new, 
 To whom but little is forgiven 
 
 The same loves little, too ! 
 
 But as for her whose acts throughout 
 
 His host would have reproved. 
 Her sins, though many, were forgiven, 
 
 Because she greatly loved. 
 
 The guests, offended at his words. 
 
 Had questionings within ; 
 Who was the man that claimed the power 
 
 To even pardon sin? 
 
 But to the penitent he said, 
 
 "I all thy sins forgive, 
 Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace. 
 
 And in God's favor live." 
 
 A Priest now seated on his throne, 
 
 A Saviour ever blest. 
 He calls the heavy laden soul 
 
 To come to him for rest. 
 
 No matter though the sinner's guilt 
 Should tower like mountains high. 
 
 To none who in his Word believe, 
 Will he his grace deny. 
 
 Yea, 'tis his glory to forgive, 
 
 Because our need he met, 
 And suffered in our room and stead, 
 
 To pay our mighty debt. 
 
 May it be ours to realize 
 
 The joy of pardoning love, 
 And have the sweet assurance now, 
 
 We're born from above. 
 
 12 
 
Cfje (Gospel parables in mt^t 
 
 THE GOOD SAMARITAN. . 
 
 While to disciples Jesus spoke 
 
 About his Gospel's cause. 
 This question he was asked by one 
 
 Well skilled in Jewish laws : 
 
 "What, Teacher, shall I have to do. 
 Or how myself prepare, 
 That I with all the blest of God, 
 Eternal life may share?" 
 
 This lawyer, hearing of his fame, 
 
 Would now his measure take, 
 And judge his knowledge of the law 
 
 From answers he should make. 
 
 But Christ made no direct reply, 
 
 Referring him instead 
 To what was written in the law 
 
 Or what therein he read. 
 
 For why did he require to ask? 
 
 The answer which he sought 
 Was given in the very law 
 
 Himself both searched and taught. 
 
 The scholar quoted words he knew. 
 
 How he should love his God, 
 And what the just extent of love 
 
 He to his neighbor owed. 
 
 Christ told him that his words were right. 
 
 Advised him thus to do. 
 And he would live the blessed life, 
 
 The only life that's true. 
 
 13 
 
But unaware of what neglect. 
 For this advice gave cause 
 
 He, wishing now to clear himself, 
 Asked who his neighbor was. 
 
 The law concerning neighbor-love. 
 
 Had he not strict obeyed, 
 In serving every brother Jew 
 
 Whom he the least could aid? 
 
 This parable is Christ's reply. 
 As best he could be shown 
 
 That neighbor-love is limited 
 By powferlessness alone. 
 
 About the wild and dusky spot 
 At which this scene was laid. 
 
 Banditti of a savage class 
 Pursued their lawless trade. 
 
 There, on the road 'twixt Jewry's gate 
 
 And famous Jericho, 
 A traveller was attacked by such. 
 
 With many a cruel blow. 
 
 They stripped the man of his attire, 
 His blood remorseless shed, 
 
 In haste departed with the spoil. 
 And left him well nigh dead. 
 
 Some time thereafter, as in pain. 
 Bleeding and bruised he lay, 
 
 His case was seen by one, a priest 
 Then going down that way. 
 
 But though the voice of nature cried. 
 
 Go quickly and assist, 
 This golden opportunity 
 
 Of doing good he missed. 
 
 14 
 
CJ)e (Gospel parables in Wtt^t 
 
 Although, too, by his own law bound. 
 
 To meet his brother's claim, 
 He passed by on the other side, 
 
 Nor thought himself to blame, 
 
 A Levite afterward came up, 
 
 A helper to the priest, 
 But help to that poor sufferer. 
 
 He rendered not the least. 
 
 Nay he, in a hard-hearted sense. 
 
 The priest somewhat outran, 
 Since for a moment brief he paused. 
 
 And looked upon the man. 
 
 What then he saw decided him. 
 
 And spite the victim's state, 
 He passed by on the other side. 
 
 And left him to his fate. 
 
 No doubt those servants of the church 
 
 Believed their reasons good 
 For leaving thus a brother Jew, 
 
 Then lying in his blood. 
 
 But that they broke the Lord's command. 
 
 Their conduct plainly showed. 
 For neither were they merciful, 
 
 Nor did they walk with God. 
 
 After the startling incidents 
 
 Which had that day occurred. 
 Next came a member of the race. 
 
 By Israelites abhorred. 
 
 And as that race so alien, 
 
 With double zest returned. 
 The hostile feeling toward them which, 
 
 In Jewish bosoms burned. 
 
 15 
 
He might have easily steeled his heart 
 
 Against a hated Jew 
 With whom by custom he was bound, 
 
 Not to have aught to do. 
 
 But when he saw the prostrate forrn. 
 
 He halted where he was. 
 Dismounting from his patient b^ast, 
 
 To ascertain the cause. 
 
 Down by the hapless traveller, 
 
 Inquiringly he knelt, 
 And at the woeful spectacle, 
 
 A great compassion felt. 
 
 With use of oil and wine he dressed 
 
 The wounds still bleeding so, 
 Because the injured was a man, 
 
 No matter if a foe. 
 
 And there he stayed till he observed 
 
 Some signs of strength begin, 
 Then setting him upon his beast. 
 
 Conveyed him to an inn. 
 
 Nor when he reached that sheltering house. 
 
 Did his compassion rest, 
 To others gave he not the man. 
 
 But made him his own guest. 
 
 There he attended to his wants. 
 
 And when the night had fled, 
 He charged himself with his expense. 
 
 And to the keeper said : 
 
 "The journey which this case of need 
 
 Required me to delay. 
 Although on urgent business bent, 
 
 I must resume to-day. 
 
 i6 
 
 J 
 
Cfje ao0pel Paral)le0 in l^er0e 
 
 upon your watchful care of him, 
 
 I wholly now depend, 
 And will myself, when I return, 
 
 Repay what more you spend." 
 
 The lawyer being thus prepared, 
 Christ asked him now to tell 
 
 Which one was neighbor unto him 
 Who 'mongst the robbers fell. 
 
 He with his Jewish prejudice, 
 
 Apparently forbore 
 To utter the detested name 
 
 The benefactor bore; 
 
 But spite of that he spoke the truth. 
 
 And said it was the man 
 Who pitying the sufferer, ^ 
 
 To his assistance ran. a 
 
 Then Christ exhorted him like this T 
 
 "Go thou and do the same. 
 Upon y6ur active sympathy, 
 
 The helpless have a claim 
 
 Look round about you and behold 
 Your neighbors everywhere, 
 
 Those sorrow stricken, burdened souls 
 Whose griefs you ought to share. 
 
 Begin to work without delay, 
 And pity toward them show. 
 
 By doing what you can to lift 
 Their heavy load of woe. 
 
 Far broader views than you have now 
 Will thus possess your mind, 
 
 And you will own yourself at last 
 A neighbor to mankind." 
 
 17 
 
Cfte <^o0pel pata{ile0 in IPerse 
 
 He who now closely walks with God, 
 
 An interest deep will take 
 In what concerns his fellowmen 
 
 And loving efforts make 
 
 To lessen the appalling sum 
 
 Of human want and woe. 
 Till in his help for dying souls 
 
 He can further go. 
 
 The Good Samaritan's great work 
 
 Presents a picture bright. 
 Of that which Jesus did for men 
 
 To scatter all their night. 
 
 By the profoundest pity moved. 
 
 He left the heavenly host. 
 And journeyed here from place to place 
 
 To seek and save the lost. 
 
 With words of comfort he upbound 
 
 The wounds of the distressed, 
 And yet himself, by bitter foes, 
 
 Was wounded and oppressed. 
 
 His precious life, of his own will. 
 
 He on God's altar laid, 
 And those who trust in him will live. 
 
 Because their debt he paid. 
 
 May his amazing love to us, 
 
 Our love to him constrain, 
 And full redemption crown our joy 
 
 What time he comes again. 
 
 i8 
 
Cfje (^ogpel paralile0 in ^tt$e 
 
 THE IMPORTUNATE FRIEND. 
 
 With such a holy fervency 
 
 Had Christ been offering prayers. 
 
 So different from the formal mode 
 Of many Jews in theirs, 
 
 That a disciple who had heard. 
 
 Struck by his words or way 
 Requested him as Lord to teach 
 
 His followers to pray. 
 
 In answer he supplied a guide. 
 
 That perfect prayer of prayers 
 Which, coming from himself direct. 
 
 His blest name ever bears. 
 
 But he still more instructed them. 
 
 And showed them how to pray. 
 What spirit and persistency 
 
 They should in prayer display. 
 
 This through a parable he did, 
 
 A fitting instance used, 
 And asked them what they would have done 
 
 Had they been so refused. 
 
 Where in an Eastern village street, 
 
 A humble dwelling stood, 
 A neighboring friend at midnight came 
 
 To plead as best he could. 
 
 When he began to speak or knock, 
 
 A voice within inquired. 
 Who wanted him at that late hour. 
 
 What was it he desired? 
 
 19 
 
C^e ao0pcl paral)le0 in mti$t 
 
 He said a weary traveller 
 Had come to him for rest, 
 
 Who yet had nothing in the house 
 To set before his guest, 
 
 And as a special favor begged 
 That he three loaves would lend, 
 
 Enough to meet the present wants 
 Of his belated friend. 
 
 Sharp came the answer that his door 
 Had for the night been barred, 
 
 To open which, when fastened thus, 
 Was troublesome and hard ; 
 
 Himself and children were in bed. 
 All of them sleeping sound, 
 
 And a disturbance of the sort. 
 To waken them was bound; 
 
 It would become a friend of his. 
 
 No further to molest, 
 Since he from bed could not arise 
 
 And grant him his request. 
 
 But such excuses and advice, 
 The neighbor did not heed, 
 
 Absorbed completely in the thought 
 Of how extreme his need. 
 
 The sacred duty which he felt 
 
 Was then upon him laid, 
 To render hospitality. 
 
 All sense of shame outweighed; 
 
 So he continued to entreat 
 
 The favor he desired, 
 Till, of his importunity. 
 
 The churlish man grew tired; 
 
 20 
 
Cfte (Gospel Patalile0 in l^erge 
 
 And though he would not as his friend 
 
 Himself the least have tasked, 
 Yet to be done with him he rose 
 
 And gave him all he asked. 
 
 From such a case herewith retold 
 
 Our Lord the inference draws. 
 That men in their appeals to God 
 
 Should never flag or pause. 
 
 For if a surly man like this, 
 
 Whose heart was cold and hard, 
 One who in selfishness was wrapped 
 
 And would no plea regard. 
 
 Was yet by pertinacity. 
 
 Prevailed upon at last 
 To rise, unbar the door and give 
 
 Whatever he was asked; 
 
 Much more may we expect that God, 
 
 The merciful and wise, 
 Who, on his people everywhere. 
 
 Looks with complaisant eyes. 
 
 Will be prevailed upon to grant. 
 
 As with a father's care. 
 The wishes they express to him 
 
 In frequent, fervent prayer. 
 
 Although the answer oftentimes. 
 
 In coming will be slow, 
 God's reason for delay is not 
 
 Reluctance to bestow, 
 
 But lies in our unreadiness. 
 
 Or in designs he has 
 Pertaining to our real good. 
 
 Or to his kingdom's cause. 
 
 21 
 
We therefore may be well assured 
 
 That every true request 
 Will at the time appropriate 
 
 Be answered for the best. 
 
 So Jesus to encourage us, 
 
 In prayer to persevere, 
 Despite denials or delays, 
 
 As these to us appear. 
 
 Declares that all who ask in faith, 
 
 Abundance will receive; 
 That all who diligently seek. 
 
 Successes will achieve ; 
 
 And that there will, to all who knock. 
 
 Be opened heaven's door, 
 For them to enter and enjoy 
 
 Life's fulness evermore. 
 
 THE RICH FOOL. 
 
 While to a throng our Lord discoursed, 
 
 A hearer forward pressed, 
 And asked him settle a dispute 
 
 Which cost him much unrest. 
 
 Eager he plead that Christ would cause, 
 
 For he in power excelled, 
 His brother to divide with him. 
 
 The inheritance withheld. 
 
 Doubtless his brother really owed 
 • This troubled soul a share. 
 Else he would hardly have complained. 
 Before so many there ; 
 
 22 
 
But choosing for his ends a time 
 
 Inopportune and rude, 
 He showed the worldlimindedness 
 
 With which he was imbued. 
 
 The sordid grievance which he nursed 
 So full his thoughts engrossed, 
 
 He took no interest in the truths 
 The wise appreciate most. 
 
 Whether he wanted but his own, 
 Our Lord no question raised, 
 
 The just refusal given him, 
 On other grounds was based. 
 
 "Man, who appointed me," he said, 
 "Divider over you? 
 The settlement of such affairs 
 Is not the work I do." 
 
 To warn against that spirit which. 
 Grasping at things of earth, 
 
 Does not lay treasure up in heaven. 
 Wealth of enduring worth. 
 
 He spoke this vivid parable 
 Of one who breathed his last 
 
 Telling his soul to now enjoy 
 The riches he'd amassed. 
 
 This prosperous farmer had become 
 The envied man of wealth, 
 
 Of which no part had been obtained 
 By any kind of stealth. 
 
 Thus having after years of toil 
 
 Great affluence acquired, 
 The man decided it was time 
 
 That he from work retire, 
 
 23 
 
Cfte (So0pel parables in Wtt^t 
 
 Just then the state of his affairs 
 
 Brought up a question grave, 
 What ways and means should he employ, 
 
 His precious crops to save. 
 
 Inadequate his store rooms now 
 
 To meet the full demand, 
 Such the ahundance of the yield 
 
 Upon his fertile land. 
 
 After considering all the plans 
 From which he could select, 
 "I'll pull those barns down," said he, 
 "And larger ones erect. 
 
 In them my grain and other goods 
 
 I'll safely store away, 
 And when this heavy task is o'er, 
 
 I to my soul will say, 
 
 'Plenty for many years to come, 
 
 You've now laid up secure, 
 So take your ease, and all the joys 
 
 That riches can procure.' " 
 
 A long career of earthly bliss 
 
 Stretched out before his view. 
 And as the prospect magnified, 
 
 So his exultance grew. 
 
 But while this vision he indulged, 
 
 With gaiety of heart. 
 At that same time a blow was struck. 
 
 Doomed all his hopes to thwart; 
 
 For God who tries the thoughts of men, 
 
 The whole of his had read, 
 And in his awful Providence 
 
 To this self-lover said, 
 24 
 
Cfte <^o0pel patal)!c0 in Wtt$t 
 
 "O foolish man who dost forget 
 The certainty of death, 
 And thy dependence upon me 
 Who gives thee every breath, 
 
 Know that yon setting sun's the last 
 
 That thou wilt ever see, 
 For of thy numbered hours on earth. 
 
 But one remains to thee. 
 
 Thou who dost boast thyself of years 
 
 Hast not a single night. 
 So soon thy soul will be required, 
 
 And all thy dreams take flight. 
 
 What then of that long life of ease. 
 
 To live thou didst intend? 
 Those sumptuous daily feasts o'er which'. 
 
 Thine hours thou wert to spend? 
 
 And whose will be those hoarded goods 
 Which thou dost prize so much? 
 
 Or what to thee the worth of wealth 
 Which thou canst never touch ? 
 
 Ah, what indeed, since thou therefrom 
 
 No greater good can have 
 Than to provide thy funeral charge, 
 
 Thy solitary grave?" 
 
 That night the worldling was removed. 
 
 By God's exaction just, 
 From everything he cared about, 
 
 And put therein his trust. 
 
 Supposing that his priceless soul 
 
 On earthly things could live ; 
 That amplitude of wealth in store 
 
 Could real enjoyment give; 
 
 25 
 
Cfte (25o0pel parables in l^etge 
 
 Whose interest in acquiring wealth 
 
 Went not beyond his own ; 
 Devoting all his time and care 
 
 To selfish ends alone; 
 
 Not ever seeking while on earth 
 
 Inheritance in heaven, 
 Nor loving God whose bounteous hand 
 
 All he enjoyed had given. 
 
 This man the chiefest was of fools 
 
 In his Creator's eyes, 
 And will be in his own when called 
 
 Before the great Assize. 
 
 But had he first God's kingdom sought. 
 
 His righteous laws obeyed. 
 Upon the Saviour of the world, 
 
 His heart's affection stayed; 
 
 And in accordance with his love. 
 
 Had let his light so shine 
 That others seeing might thereby 
 
 Have praised the Name Divine; 
 
 Then rich toward God and prudent he. 
 His choice 'bove all the best, 
 
 And his reward when work was o'er. 
 The saints' eternal rest. 
 
 Let us Christ's solemn warning mind. 
 Which in this tale he gave, 
 
 And flee the mournful fate of him 
 Who so to riches clave. 
 
 Soon will the transient things of earth 
 
 Forever disappear. 
 And empty all will be but those 
 
 Whose right to heaven is clear. 
 
 26 
 
Cf)e (3o0pel PaialJle0 in I^er0c 
 
 The soul's true portion is the Lord, 
 
 If in our heart he reign, 
 For us to live will then be Christ, 
 
 To die will then be gain. 
 
 THE BARREN FIG TREE. 
 
 Some Galileans had provoked. 
 
 So greatly Pilate's wrath, 
 That he impetuous arose 
 
 To sweep them from his path. 
 
 Unknown to us what act of theirs, 
 
 The retribution drew. 
 But all, while offering sacrifice, 
 
 He mercilessly slew. 
 
 Our Lord of this event was told 
 By some who wished to learn 
 
 If he in their calamities 
 
 God's judgment could discern. 
 
 "Do you imagine," answered he, 
 
 "That they more wrong had done, 
 Than all the sinners of their race 
 Whom you would proudly shun? 
 
 Or those unhappy eighteen who. 
 
 When fell Siloam's tower, 
 Were crushed to death beyond the help 
 
 Of any human power; 
 
 Think you that this misfortune came. 
 Because worse sinners they, 
 
 Than all the city's residents 
 Who are alive to-day? 
 
 27 
 
Cf )e (^Qgpel paralileg in mm 
 
 Instead of judging them so hard, 
 
 Your own deservings view. 
 And turn in penitence to God, 
 
 Else you will perish, too. 
 
 But if yourselves you will not see. 
 
 And quick your lives amend. 
 Disasters similar to these 
 
 Will on your heads descend. 
 
 For just as you are now involved 
 
 In Israel's common guilt, 
 Then will you likewise be involved 
 
 When seas of blood are spilt." 
 
 A parable he further spoke, 
 
 To bring the truth to bear. 
 As to a fig tree planted once 
 
 Within a vineyard fair. 
 
 Its owner had supplied the tree 
 
 With all that was required 
 To make it grow and plenteous yield 
 
 The fruit that he desired. 
 
 But though for three successive years 
 
 He seeking fruit had gone, 
 The issue always was the same. 
 
 He found no fruit thereon. 
 
 Persuaded that the time was past 
 
 For any being found, 
 He said it was a barren tree, 
 
 Injurious to the ground, 
 
 And told the dresser of the vine. 
 
 At once to cut it down ; 
 But by him was beseeched to wait 
 
 Till one more year had flown. 
 
 28 
 
Cf)e (^O0pcl Pata!jlc0 in Wtx^t 
 
 The gard'ner every means would use 
 
 To fertilize the soil, 
 And trusted that the produce gained 
 
 Would justify the toil. 
 
 But if, when next the master came, 
 
 There was no fruit to show, 
 He could not reasonably object 
 
 To lay the fig tree low. 
 
 Of Israel's lengthened barrenness. 
 
 Thus Christ in figure spake. 
 And of the near approaching time 
 
 When justice should awake: 
 
 When God, to whose right hand of power. 
 
 She owed her high estate. 
 Who'd vainly waited long for fruit 
 
 Should then no longer wait; 
 
 No longer, from the chosen race, 
 
 The threatened doom avert, 
 But as they had forsaken him, 
 
 So would he them desert. 
 
 Jesus, however, intercedes, 
 
 And God's intention stays 
 Till he exhorts them to repent 
 
 And turn to upright ways. 
 
 But should they still disown their King, 
 
 And slight his gracious calls, 
 Then he can only acquiesce 
 
 When judgment on them falls. 
 
 God now the lives of sinners spares. 
 
 In mercy rich and free 
 That they may hear and heed his voice. 
 
 And from destruction flee. 
 
 29 
 
Cf)e <^o0pel pata&!e0 in ^erge 
 
 For them the Saviour shed his blood, 
 With them the Spirit strives, 
 
 To them God's messengers devote 
 Their consecrated lives. 
 
 Thus thought about, provided for, 
 
 And tended more or less, 
 Should they not give themselves to God, 
 
 Their former sins confess, 
 
 In grace and Christian knowledge grow. 
 
 Respect his righteous laws. 
 And by good works of faith and love 
 
 Be helping on his cause? 
 
 But there are those within his house. 
 
 Christians in name and word. 
 Who do not true believers live, 
 
 Or love the blessed Lord. 
 
 If, therefore, when he comes and finds. 
 
 That they are barren yet. 
 What ample reason will he have 
 
 All mercy to forget. 
 
 His long forbearance then will cease. 
 
 Their day of grace be past, 
 And they will own that he is just 
 
 In dooming them at last. 
 
 O may we fruitful have been found, 
 
 When we before him stand, 
 And with the ransomed host receive 
 Life's crown from Jesus' hand. 
 
 30 
 
Cfje (^O0pel pataiiles in mt^st 
 
 THE GREAT SUPPER. 
 
 The host, a Pharisaic chief, 
 And guests of kindred mind, 
 
 Were being counselled by our Lord, 
 In terms wise and kind. 
 
 On hearing of rewards to come, 
 A guest broke in and said, 
 "Blest he who in God's kingdom shall, 
 That glorious day eat bread." 
 
 No doubt the man who utterance gave 
 
 To words so true and fair, 
 Believed that he among the rest, 
 
 The coming feast would share. 
 
 But through this story Jesus showed 
 That when that period came. 
 
 They would, as if with one consent, 
 God's gracious call disclaim. 
 
 A man of affluence resolved. 
 
 For reasons of his own. 
 So great a banquet to provide. 
 
 The like had ne'er been known. 
 
 While preparations under him 
 
 Were being duly made, 
 Those he had cause to think would come, 
 
 Full many a friend he bade. 
 
 To them at supper time he sent 
 
 A messenger to say, 
 All things are ready for the feast. 
 
 Come then without delay." 
 
 31 
 
Cl)e ao0pel paralileg in I^er0e 
 
 The servant, when his mission closed. 
 
 Was much surprised to find 
 That every guest on some vain plea, 
 
 The honor had declined. 
 
 One said that he had bought a field, 
 
 To see which he must go. 
 For with the last proprietor, 
 
 He had arranged it so. 
 
 To this engagement he adhered. 
 As what concerned him most ; 
 
 His worldly interests were at stake, 
 And but a feast was lost. 
 
 The next rejoined that he'd of late, 
 
 Five yoke of oxen bought, 
 And was upon his way to try 
 
 Exactly how they wrought. 
 
 That he required to go that day, 
 
 He did not even pretend. 
 But solely wished to please himself. 
 
 Regardless of his friend. 
 
 A third man to the message sent, 
 
 Point blank responded No : 
 *I recently have wed," said he, 
 
 "And therefore cannot go." 
 
 Had not this man a feast himself 
 
 For an event so great ? 
 Why then about another feast 
 
 Disturb him as he ate? 
 
 The pleasures and the cares of life 
 
 So full his mind engrossed, 
 He thought no more about the feast 
 
 Of his discarded host. 
 
 32 
 
C[)e ao0pel paralilcg in mt st 
 
 On being- told to what extent 
 
 His friendship had been spurned. 
 
 The master, from these worthless men, 
 In righteous anger turned. 
 
 "Go forth," said he, "and go at once. 
 
 Bring all the afflicted here, 
 The blind, the lame, the destitute 
 For them there shall be cheer. 
 
 "And bear in mind as you proceed. 
 That we must work until, 
 No matter how forlorn they be. 
 My house with guests we fill."' 
 
 The servant all these classes brought. 
 
 From city streets and lanes. 
 And then reported to his lord, 
 
 "Much room there yet remains." 
 
 "Well," said his lord, "since you have failed 
 My purpose to complete, 
 Now must your labors be pursued 
 Outside of every street. 
 
 "This time to hedge and highway go. 
 
 To those who have no home. 
 
 To even the lowest of mankind, — 
 
 Constrain them all to come." 
 
 "For I assure you," added Christ, 
 
 Who to his hearers spake, 
 "That none of those invited men 
 
 Shall of my feast partake." 
 
 By this, his own abundant feast. 
 
 He meant the grace so free 
 Which, through his great redemption work, 
 
 All nations are to see. 
 
 33 
 
An earnest of the coming grace, 
 
 To Abram's children fell, 
 And where the sacred tent was pitched 
 
 There did Jehovah dwell. 
 
 But all such tokens of his grace. 
 
 They only used with pride, 
 As ranking them superior 
 
 To every race outside. 
 
 When likewise from the Father's home, 
 Christ with his message came. 
 
 They neither heeded its demands. 
 Nor recognized his name. 
 
 For the Messiah they desired 
 
 Was not a man like this. 
 But one whose prowess would restore 
 
 Their kingdom's ancient bliss. 
 
 They dreamed of worldly renown. 
 Of splendor, power and ease, 
 
 And an abundance of the things 
 Which so the senses please. 
 
 Indulging earth-bound hopes like those, 
 They his salvation spurned. 
 
 And for his manifold good works. 
 Only abuse returned. 
 
 So from the nation favored long, 
 The promised blessings passed 
 
 To even the hated publican, 
 The wretched and outcast. 
 
 O'er many a Gentile tribe as well. 
 The joyful news was spread. 
 
 And those who stood outside came in, 
 And ate the children's bread. 
 
 34 
 
Cf)e ^o$pcI Ptirablc0 in l^erge 
 
 Convicted souls, through every age, 
 Have come to this great feast, 
 
 And found their spiritual needs supplied, 
 From greatest to the least. 
 
 Unnumbered millions are to-day 
 Deep sunk in sin's dark grave, 
 
 And what they have or seek can ne'er 
 Enlighten, lift and save. 
 
 So God requires his messengers 
 
 To tell in every place, 
 About the feast of Jesus' love 
 
 And satisfying grace. 
 
 Observing this divine command. 
 
 To those outside they call, 
 "Come share the rich provision here. 
 
 There's room for you, for all." 
 
 Let us vi^ork on that Jesus' guests 
 
 In numbers aye may grow, 
 Until the countless throngs of earth. 
 
 His loving kindness know. 
 
 THE LOST SHEEP. 
 
 One time in Jesus' ministry. 
 There oft to him drew near. 
 
 The outcasts of the Jewish race. 
 His precious words to hear. 
 
 But for the welcome, full of grace. 
 He gave to all who came, 
 
 The hostile Scribes and Pharisees 
 Had only words of blame, 
 
 35 
 
Cfje C5o0pel parables in Wtt^t 
 
 And murmured that he ever did. 
 
 With all such fraternize — 
 A class they deemed earth's very scum, 
 
 And could not more despise. 
 
 To show his seeking, yearning love, 
 
 This parable he told, 
 Which also the succeeding two 
 
 Essentially unfold. 
 
 The owner of a hundred sheep, 
 A man who watched them close, 
 
 Perceived that from his flock had strayed, 
 One he was apt to lose. 
 
 The residue he therefore left, 
 
 Where they before had been, 
 Upon a wide extended plain, 
 
 All clothed in pastures green. 
 
 And followed that unwary sheep 
 O'er rough and trackless ground. 
 
 Not ceasing his laborious search 
 Till he the lost had found. 
 
 The which, with gladsomeness of heart, 
 
 He on his shoulders placed, 
 And gently bore his burden home, 
 
 Safe from the arid waste. 
 
 His friends and neighbors then he called 
 That they his joy might share, 
 
 A joy o'er his success too great 
 For him alone to bear. 
 
 So Jesus asked those carping Jews 
 If 'mongst them there was one 
 
 Who would not, in that shepherd's place. 
 Have done as he had done. 
 
 36 
 
Cf)e <^o0pel Parafi!e0 in WttH 
 
 Was not concern for his own 
 
 Which from his care had strayed, 
 
 Sufficient reason for the search 
 He anxiously had made? 
 
 If then 'twas fitting that a man, 
 Such pains as these should take, 
 
 In seeking to regain a sheep 
 Whose safety was at stake, 
 
 How much more fitting that the Christ 
 
 Should seek in similar ways. 
 To save the soul that's lost to him 
 
 In sin's bewildering maze. 
 
 For every soul now lost to him 
 
 Is more a loss by far 
 Than that of many sheep would be 
 
 To him whose own they are. 
 
 So from the heavenly hosts he came. 
 
 To rescue them from sin. 
 And bring them to himself again. 
 
 Renewed and pure within. 
 
 Pursuing thus a Saviour's work, 
 
 Might he not well expect 
 The warmest sympathy from all 
 
 Of any rank or sect. 
 
 Wherefore he said, to shame the Jews 
 For all the taunts they'd given. 
 
 That o'er each penitent outcast 
 There will be joy in heaven; 
 
 More joy o'er one repentant soul, 
 
 From sin's dominion freed 
 Than over many who are just. 
 
 And no repentance need. 
 
 37 
 
Cfje (^O0pel paral}!c0 in l^crse 
 
 Implying- these were not his foes, 
 
 He left them, if they could, 
 To place what other class obeyed 
 
 God's precepts wise and good. 
 
 That such a class there really was, 
 
 He did himself suggest, 
 The brother of the prodigal 
 
 At no time had transgressed. 
 
 Yet in possessing ninety-nine. 
 
 All of them safe and sound, 
 Less joy is felt than when but one 
 
 Who had been lost is found. 
 
 THE LOST COIN. 
 
 A woman owned ten silver coins. 
 
 Her whole possessions those. 
 But was unfortunate enough, 
 
 One piece from them to lose. 
 
 Distressed by such a serious loss, 
 
 She purposed in her mind 
 To even use her last resource. 
 
 The missing coin to find. 
 
 'Mongst other means which she employed, 
 
 A lighted lamp she took, 
 And held it so she could inspect 
 
 The very darkest nook. 
 
 Her dwelling's dusty earthen floor. 
 
 She then began to sweep, 
 And when she quit the scattered dust 
 
 Was gathered in a heap. 
 
 38 
 
Cf)e (^O0pel paralJle0 in Wttst 
 
 Aside she cast her useful broom, 
 
 Bent down upon the floor, 
 And with her hand that heap of dust 
 
 She turned o'er and o'er. 
 
 Thus searched she till her diligence 
 Had with success been crowned. 
 
 And great the gladness of her heart 
 That she her lost had found. 
 
 Now she expected all her friends. 
 
 In her delight to join, 
 For she'd have felt the loss severe. 
 
 Of even so small a coin. 
 
 How much more, then, should Christ expect, 
 
 Men's sympathies to win, 
 Since 'tis the lost, the priceless soul 
 
 He longs to save from sin. 
 
 Thus he, while in his lowly form. 
 
 The sinner's friend became, 
 And labored with untiring zeal. 
 
 Even outcasts to reclaim'. 
 
 His love no change can undergo, 
 
 The worst he still receives, 
 And from the guilt and power of sin, 
 
 The contrite soul relieves. 
 
 Soon as a penitent is saved, 
 
 Soon as the lost is found, 
 Joy fills his heart because so far 
 
 His seeking love is crowned. 
 
 Nor does he thus rejoice alone, 
 
 But has assurance given, 
 That when one sinner here repents, 
 
 There's joy o'er him in heaven; 
 
 39 
 
Cfje (^D0pel paralile^ in Wt$t 
 
 A joy that is immediate, 
 
 As souls, one after one, 
 From out our fallen human race. 
 
 Are for God's kingdom won ; 
 
 A j6y that's felt by angel hosts 
 
 Before the great supreme. 
 Him who the only fountain is. 
 
 Of true joy's living stream. 
 
 Happy, immortal spirits they, 
 
 In radiant beauty glow, 
 Yet from their bounteous Maker 'tis 
 
 That all their glories flow. 
 
 First, therefore, joy o'erflows the heart 
 
 Of heaven's omniscient Lord. 
 As unto him, child after child, 
 
 In amity's restored. 
 
 And then goes forth from him till it. 
 Throughout his courts has run. 
 
 For now one jewel more adorns 
 The crown of Christ, his Son. 
 
 So ought that marvellous event 
 
 Which causes joy above, 
 To rouse as great a joy below, 
 
 The scene of Jesus' love. 
 
 Sure, he who from his sins has turned. 
 
 And knows the grace of God, 
 Will be rejoiced when that same grace. 
 
 On others is bestowed, 
 
 And will exert his utmost powers 
 
 That others may be saved. — 
 Even those for whom the Lord of Life, 
 
 Death's fiercest horrors braved 
 
 40 
 
C|)e ©O0pel Para6Ie0 in I^er0e 
 
 THE PRODIGAL SON. 
 
 This youth desired to leave his home. 
 
 And all its ways so strait, 
 Hence asked that he receive at once 
 
 His part of the estate. 
 
 The aged sire who loved his son, 
 
 To yield consent was fain. 
 For what advantage would it be, 
 
 The unwilling to retain ? 
 
 Estranged already from his home, 
 
 'Twould for himself be best 
 To learn by hard experience 
 
 How foolish his request. 
 
 Glad he had now obtained his share. 
 And from restraints was free. 
 
 Soon. afterward he gathered all 
 And left the old roof-tree. 
 
 In search of what would please him most, 
 
 He traveled many a day. 
 And only stopped when he had reached 
 
 Some country far away. 
 
 There, with the prospect gratified 
 And with much wealth in store, 
 
 A bright career must sure be his, 
 For him no troubles more. 
 
 But if he purposed well at first. 
 
 Astray he early went. 
 And with corrupt associates. 
 
 His time and treasure spent. 
 
 41 
 
Cfje (S)O0peI parafile0 in Perse 
 
 Lord of himself continued he, 
 
 This vicious Hfe to lead. 
 Until his whole estate had gone, 
 
 And left him poor indeed. 
 
 Just then swept famine o'er the land. 
 With untold suff'ring fraught, 
 
 And hunger sharpened the distress. 
 His lavishness had wrought. 
 
 Though warned thus hy Providence 
 
 To make for home at once, 
 He would, with j'ct unconquered pride. 
 
 His own resources chance. 
 
 So to a near-by citizen, 
 
 His trembling steps he bent, 
 And bound himself for any work 
 
 To which he might be sent. 
 
 But from this ill-considered choice. 
 
 No help to him arose, 
 The rather did it aggravate 
 
 And multiply his woes. 
 
 O degradation that a Jew 
 
 On unclean beasts should wait, 
 
 And should be longing to devour 
 The very husks they ate ! 
 
 For cruelly that master dealt 
 Who gave him, not his bread, 
 
 But scant the sorry provender 
 Which to the swine he fed. 
 
 The people, also, knowing well 
 
 How he had come to grief. 
 About a stranger nothing cared, 
 
 And gave him no relief. 
 
 42 
 
Such dire extremity of want. 
 
 Subdued his pride at last, 
 And he awoke as from a dream 
 
 To see his wretched past. 
 
 He called to mind his father's home. 
 And servants whom he hired, 
 
 All furnished with enough to eat. 
 And more than they required. 
 
 "Why then," he reasoned with himself, 
 
 "Stay here to perish so? 
 From this vile drudgery I'll rise, 
 
 And to my father go. 
 
 I'll at his feet confess the wrong, 
 'Gainst Heaven and him I've done. 
 
 And own myself no longer fit 
 To be esteemed his son. 
 
 But with the menials whom he hires, 
 
 I'll beg that I may serve, 
 Although such grace I deeply feel 
 
 Is more than I deserve." 
 
 Then giving rein to this intent. 
 He rose from 'mongst the swine, 
 
 And soon was on the homeward track. 
 His waiting sire to join. 
 
 While yet far off, a figure gaunt 
 
 Toiling his way along, 
 The father recognized him quick. 
 
 In his affection strong. 
 
 He saw him hesitate and pause. 
 
 Like one of courage reft, 
 And ran to welccane his return 
 
 To all that he had left. 
 
 43 
 
Regardless of his tattered garb, 
 
 His squalor or disgrace. 
 He threw his arms around his neck. 
 
 With tenderest embrace. 
 
 Ere, for a servant's humble post, 
 His son's request was made, 
 
 He, breaking in upon his words, 
 To those beside him said : 
 
 "Bring forth the best robe in the house, 
 Which on his shoulders place. 
 
 His finger with a ring adorn. 
 His feet with shoes encase. 
 
 A royal feast prepare and spread. 
 And let good cheer abound, 
 For this my son once dead now lives. 
 Once lost has now been found." 
 
 Then to be merry all began. 
 Like their distinguished host. 
 
 Because he'd now received his son 
 Whom he had mourned as lost. 
 
 Thus in the Paradise above, 
 
 The mighty angels there. 
 When ev'n one sinner here repents, 
 
 With God rejoicings share. 
 
 Let us a cheerful welcome give 
 
 To each inquiring soul. 
 And teach him how the Saviour's grace 
 
 Can make the sin-sick whole. 
 
 44 
 
 / 
 
C!)e ©O0pel para&Ieg in ^ec0e 
 
 THE UNJUST STEWARD. 
 
 When Christ had shown the hostile Jews 
 
 Why he a welcome gave 
 To those outcasts they so despise, 
 
 But he so longed to save, 
 
 And while still nigh his listeners. 
 
 The prejudiced and fair, 
 He told this story of mistrust 
 
 To his disciples there: 
 
 Not only to the chosen twelve, 
 
 But many more besides, 
 Whom he had taught to shun the false, 
 
 And for the true decide. 
 
 Against a steward there was charged, 
 
 A serious breach of trust. 
 As oft he spent his master's goods 
 
 For sel5sh ends unjust. 
 
 Obliged to credit such reports 
 
 By facts before him laid, 
 His lord at once dismissed the man 
 
 Who false with him had played. 
 
 And truly might that man have seen. 
 
 In his beclouded face, 
 Forebodings of the fatal words 
 
 Which lost him power and place : 
 
 "What are those statements made to me 
 How you my substance waste, — 
 
 The steward in whom my confidence 
 Was so entirely placed ? 
 
 45 
 
Cf)e <^o0pel patables in IPetge 
 
 Of all the business you've controlled, 
 
 A full account submit, 
 For duty to myself demands 
 
 That you my service quit." 
 
 Upon receiving his discharge, 
 
 The man's first question was, 
 What should he do to help himself 
 
 If ever there were cause. 
 
 To earn his bread by heavy work, 
 
 He had not tried before ; 
 And in his pride he felt ashamed 
 
 To beg from door to door. 
 
 Upon a daring enterprise 
 
 At length he fixed his mind, 
 By which he might whene'er in want, 
 
 A home and succour find. 
 
 His master's debtors, one by one. 
 
 Before him he would seat, 
 And, as his lease of power was short. 
 
 His purpose there complete. 
 
 He therefore called them and inquired. 
 How much they owed his lord. 
 
 And sums far smaller than confessed 
 Bade each of them record. 
 
 By less'ning in this manner debts 
 
 Which had been long unpaid, 
 He on these men a weighty sense 
 
 Of obligation laid. 
 
 Thus winning friends prepared to help 
 
 When driven from his post. 
 And snatching still another boon 
 
 At his employer's cost; 
 
 46 
 
Cfje 0o0pel patalileis in WttH 
 
 So openly and boldly, too, 
 
 Does he the gift dispense, 
 No wonder that his injured lord 
 
 Should hear of his offence: 
 
 Who being with details supplied. 
 
 The wily steward commends. 
 For the adroitness he had shown 
 
 In compassing his ends. 
 
 Our Lord from this the lesson points 
 
 That men thus worldly wise, 
 Whose aims and projects and pursuits. 
 
 Than self no higher rise, 
 
 In these things much more prudence show. 
 
 Than do the Sons of Light, 
 In matters far superior 
 
 To those of sense and sight. 
 
 While worldlings as they deal with men. 
 
 Act shrewdly and alert. 
 The enlightened, called to higher work. 
 
 Less energy exert. 
 
 What golden chances do they miss 
 
 Of laying up in store, 
 The heavenly riches that will last 
 
 When time shall be no more ! 
 
 But though the world's slaves know well 
 
 How wealth to gain or earn. 
 Yet of its real worthlessness 
 
 No wish have they to learn. 
 
 They grasp the gold which pierces them 
 
 With sorrow or with shame; 
 Or else they see it fly away 
 
 As quickly as it came. 
 
 47 
 
Cbe (Gospel parables in Wttu 
 
 To those who put their trust therein, 
 
 Wealth only proves a foe. 
 Brings many fears and troubles now. 
 
 And then enduring woe. 
 
 Hence Christ advises that we all, 
 
 Unselfishly should make, 
 With our precarious earthly means 
 
 Friends that will not forsake. 
 
 This blessing ours, if with the means, 
 To our brief charge consigned, 
 
 We seek the glory of the Lord, 
 And welfare of mankind. 
 
 For when our earthly treasure fails. 
 
 And this life's end has come. 
 Then God himself will welcome us 
 
 To his eternal home. 
 
 And all the friends who had been blest 
 
 By that which we had given. 
 Will welcome us to share with them 
 
 The pure delights of heaven. 
 
 THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. 
 
 Of Christ's recorded parables, 
 
 This one appears alone, 
 Wherein he partly draws aside. 
 
 The veil from worlds unknown. 
 
 As a rebuke to Pharisees, 
 
 'Twas first of all designed. 
 Not for a lavish way of life. 
 
 But worldliness of mind. 
 
 48 
 
On earthly things and not on God, 
 Did those proud Jews depend, 
 
 Theirs was the sin of unbelief. 
 And terrible its end. 
 
 Within a stately palace dwelt, 
 
 A man of wealth immense, 
 Whose highest aim was to enjoy 
 
 The things of carnal sense. 
 
 This worldling was attired in robes 
 
 That any king would wear. 
 And plentiful his table spread 
 
 With viands choice and rare. 
 
 But while in splendor feasted he, 
 
 As day succeeded day. 
 At that same time outside his gate, 
 
 A wretched beggar lay. 
 
 The help provided by his friends, 
 At length they'd ceased to grant 
 
 And there had laid him to be kept 
 From utter, grinding want. 
 
 What better place could there have been 
 
 Than at a rich man's door. 
 Who with such plenty would refuse 
 
 To pity one so poor? 
 
 How long the beggar there had lain. 
 
 The record does not tell. 
 The rich man though, had time enough 
 
 To see and mark him well. 
 
 For when their states had been reversed. 
 
 He saw and recognized. 
 The poor man he had passed unhelped. 
 
 And in his heart despised; 
 
 49 
 
Cl)e (Gospel paralJlesi in Mtst 
 
 But here, tormented by disease, 
 
 Of every comfort reft, 
 Desiring ev'n the very crumbs 
 
 That selfish sinner left. 
 
 Besides all this the unclean dogs 
 
 Which roamed the streets at will 
 Came up and licked his painful sores. 
 
 More pain inflicting still. 
 
 Thus weakened, Lazarus pined away 
 
 Till all his strength was gone. 
 And then without regret he died 
 
 Forsaken and alone. 
 
 Yet not alone for angels near 
 
 Breathed messages of love, 
 And wafted him to that bright land 
 
 Of peace and rest above. 
 
 Not without cause did Jesus give 
 
 The title that he bore 
 God was his help, so God became 
 
 His portion evermore. 
 
 The rich man's name though known on earth. 
 
 Was quite unknown in heaven. 
 None in the Book of Life are writ, 
 
 Whose sins are not forgiven. 
 
 At last the numbered hour arrived 
 
 When death with icy touch 
 Dismissed his soul and parted him 
 
 From all he prized so much. 
 
 There was a costly funeral, 
 
 A decorated tomb, 
 And toward it hirelings slowly moved 
 
 In well affected gloom. 
 
 50 
 
When from the cavernous abode 
 To which his soul was driven, 
 
 He Hfted up his saddened eyes 
 Inquiringly to heaven, 
 
 Lo ! there a scene ineffable 
 
 Met his astonished gaze, 
 There Lazarus and Abraham 
 
 Communing face to face. 
 
 The beggar who, then full of sores. 
 
 Had at his gateway lain, 
 Exalted now and glorified. 
 
 In Paradise to reign; 
 
 While he from his proud eminence. 
 
 Had sunk to depths below. 
 With nothing there or anywhere 
 
 To mitigate his woe. 
 
 For in the anguish of his soul. 
 
 To Abram he had prayed 
 That his so fiery torments there 
 
 Might be the least allayed ; 
 
 And what was strange, by having him 
 
 Perform that kindly deed, 
 Whom he had cruelly ignored 
 
 When in extremest need. 
 
 But Abram asked him to reflect, 
 
 And then admit he must, 
 That all things happening to him 
 
 Were suitable and just. 
 
 Besides, there was a yawning gulf 
 Which could by none be crossed. 
 
 Between the mansions of the saved 
 And dungeons of the lost. 
 
 51 
 
Cfte Gospel parables in mtH 
 
 Himself beyond all help and hope, 
 
 He thought upon his kin, 
 Who on the earth were walking still 
 
 The fatal paths of sin. 
 
 So to his ancestor he cried, 
 
 "I pray thee Lazarus send, 
 That he may warn them, full and clear. 
 
 Against my fearful end." 
 
 In this request there lurked a hint 
 That God was much to blame, 
 
 Not warning him enough to flee 
 That place of grief and shame. 
 
 But Abram with decision said, 
 "God's book is in their hands. 
 
 And they your doom can well avoid 
 By heeding His commands." 
 
 More eager yet did Dives plead, 
 "If from the dead one went 
 
 Then would my brethren be convinced, 
 And then they would repent." 
 
 As Abram knew that none in heaven. 
 O'er that great gulf could pass, 
 
 While one might come again to earth. 
 His solemn answer was: 
 
 If they are not convinced enough 
 
 By what the prophets said, 
 Not even persuaded would they be. 
 
 Though one rose from the dead. 
 
 This story of the future life. 
 Was told by Christ to show. 
 
 That in that life we all shall reap 
 As in this life we sow. 
 
 52 
 
For those who live to good account. 
 
 In love to God and men, 
 A rich reward has been reserved 
 
 Beyond all mortal ken. 
 
 But those who live ungodly lives. 
 
 And in the world trust, 
 Ere long will meet an dread award. 
 
 Beyond all question just. 
 
 O let us choose the better life, 
 And forward press to heaven, 
 
 Sure light enough to guide us through 
 God in His Word has given. 
 
 THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN. 
 
 Christ spoke this parable to some. 
 
 As a deserved reproof. 
 For thinking they were righteous men. 
 
 From sin who held aloof: 
 
 Yet such a grave misuse had made, 
 Of truths which he had taught. 
 
 That in their spiritual pride, 
 They others set at naught. 
 
 But while before them he condemned, 
 
 The views they had imbibed. 
 He, also, for their soul's disease, 
 
 A perfect cure described. 
 
 The case he put was of two men 
 
 Who to the temple went, 
 Both going at the same fixed hour. 
 
 And with a like intent. 
 
 53 
 
Cfje ao0pel ParatJle0 in ^ec0e 
 
 But different was the frame of mind 
 They upon entering showed, 
 
 And very different the prayer 
 They offered up to God 
 
 One was allied with Pharisees, 
 
 Religious men outside, 
 Who in their self-esteem despised 
 
 All other men besides. 
 
 Advancing to some favorite spot, 
 There to be seen he stands. 
 
 Without a thought of wrong in him. 
 His heart with pride expands. 
 
 Around the sacred court he looks, 
 And sees with scornful eye 
 
 The lowly, downcast Publican, 
 Above him yet so high. 
 
 His prayer begins, as prayer should, 
 
 He renders thanks to God, 
 Yet there's no thankfulness in him, 
 
 For benefits bestowed. 
 
 The tribute of indebtedness 
 Which to the Lord he pays. 
 
 Is but a thinly veiled excuse, 
 Himself alone to praise. 
 
 He boasts that while the rest are bad. 
 
 From all sin he is free. 
 That not in this wide world exists 
 
 So good a man as he. 
 
 In further eulogy of self. 
 
 His thanks to God are said 
 For his unlikeness to the man 
 
 Who shamed hangs down his head. 
 
 54 
 
Cf)e ao0pel paratile0 in mt$t 
 
 And for superior zeal displayed 
 
 In every pious deed: 
 His doing all the law requires. 
 
 And more than he has need. 
 
 Did not the ancient law prescribe 
 
 A fast once every year? 
 He fasts as oft as twice a week, 
 
 Nor thinks that too severe. 
 
 Enjoined to consecrate to God 
 A tenth from herds and fields, 
 
 He, tithes all that's got by him, 
 To God ungrudging yields. 
 
 Thus though he had observed the Law, 
 And done much more beside, 
 
 Its precepts he misused to serve 
 His self-conceit and pride: 
 
 While no acknowledgment of need, 
 
 Into his prayer is brought. 
 If that can be considered prayer 
 
 Wherein there's nothing sought. 
 
 The Publican, however, came 
 
 A suppliant sincere, 
 So does not use the least pretext 
 
 To gloss his past career. 
 
 Nor does he glance around to see 
 
 What characters are there; 
 His thoughts are centred on the heart 
 
 He carries everywhere. 
 
 For he has seen within himself 
 
 What made his life a curse. 
 And his convicted soul is wrung 
 
 With sorrow and remorse, 
 
 55 
 
C6e (gpgpel patatilcg in mt^t 
 
 Not venturing through very shame, 
 His eyes toward heaven to raise. 
 
 But better lifting up his heart, 
 In penitence he prays : 
 
 And as the words fall from his lips 
 
 He ever smites his breast, 
 A sign how poignantly he feels 
 
 To what lengths he transgressed. 
 
 His prayer so simple and so short 
 
 As found in Holy Writ, 
 Is wise enough and long enough. 
 
 His deepest need to fit: 
 
 "O God, be merciful to me, 
 
 A sinner vile and base; 
 I know that hope for me there's none, 
 
 Save in Thy sovereign Grace." 
 
 The other thinks that he is pure. 
 
 Earth's only living saint, 
 But this man thinks no hues too black 
 
 In which his guilt to paint. 
 
 The other is not seeking grace. 
 
 And therefore he has none. 
 But this man begs it earnestly. 
 
 And all he asks is done. 
 
 For Christ declared that he who thus, 
 
 Such self-abasement showed, 
 Departed to his home, forgiven. 
 
 His heart set right with God. 
 
 Him whom the haughty Pharisee, 
 Scarce 'mongst his dogs would place, 
 
 God put 'mongst his adopted sons 
 And will yet higher raise. 
 
 56 
 
Cf)e (So0pel parafile$ in mt$t 
 
 While he who seemed to pray to God, 
 
 Yet on God did not call, 
 Showed such dependence on himself 
 
 As spoiled and blasted all. 
 
 So that man who exalts himself 
 Will surely be brought down. 
 
 While every humble contrite soul 
 With honor God will crown : 
 
 Will listen to his fervent cry, 
 
 "Be merciful to me," 
 And save him through the precious blood 
 
 Poured out on Calvary's tree. 
 
 THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT. 
 
 Christ had explained in weighty words, 
 What measures should be used 
 
 With one who 'gainst another sinned. 
 Yet to confess refused. 
 
 Then his disciple Peter came, 
 With thoughts in kindness meant 
 
 Toward others who might do him wrong 
 And afterward repent. 
 
 "How oft," saith he, "must I forgive 
 
 The brother who offends? 
 As many even as seven times. 
 
 Before my favor ends?" 
 
 He put this question as a scribe. 
 
 In view as scribes' advice. 
 That none should ask forgiveness more 
 
 Who had offended thrice, 
 
 57 
 
Cfte (^O0pel Pataljle0 in Wxh 
 
 And from that narrow rule supposed 
 
 He'd made gigantic strides, 
 Yet really lacked the spirit which. 
 
 To true forgiveness guide. 
 
 With him forgiveness had its bounds. 
 And soon as these were reached, 
 
 His brother he might then deny, 
 However he beseeched. 
 
 Wherefore our Lord in parable, 
 
 The truth divinely speaks, 
 That we our brother should forgive. 
 
 When he forgiveness seeks. 
 
 A king, who wished, as he was wont, 
 
 To make his income sure, 
 Called for the ofificcrs of state, 
 
 Their records to procure. 
 
 When he this business had begun. 
 
 Before him one was set, 
 Who showed reluctance to appear. 
 
 By reason of his debt. 
 
 The money of his sovereign lord, 
 He with loose hand had spent, 
 
 And thereof sev'ral million pounds. 
 In ways blameworthy went. 
 
 Required to settle his account, 
 
 He not a word essayed, 
 Whereby the monarch found how much 
 
 His trust had been betrayed. 
 
 Then ordered he the culprit sold 
 Who'd wronged him so severe, 
 
 His wife, his children and his goods. 
 The debt in part to clear. 
 
 58 
 
Cfje (So0pel paralJleg in mtat 
 
 By this dread sentence, lawful there, 
 The man was almost stunned, 
 
 For pity vehement implored, 
 And promised to refund. 
 
 The gracious sovereign, deeply moved 
 
 By this impassioned crave, 
 Not only freed him from his bonds. 
 
 But all his debt forgave. 
 
 With liberty recovered thus. 
 
 He passed into the street, 
 And one who also served the king. 
 
 Chanced opportune to meet. 
 
 A sum of but one hundred pence. 
 
 He'd lent this man in need, 
 Compared with that forgiven him, 
 
 A paltry sum indeed. 
 
 Without the greeting of a friend. 
 
 Yea, rather as a foe, 
 He seized him by the throat and said, 
 
 "Now pay me what you owe !" 
 
 Using the very words in which 
 Himself had just then prayed, 
 
 This hapless debtor plead with him 
 And sim'lar promise made. 
 
 All that he owed his creditor. 
 
 He fully meant to pay, 
 And this he could have eas'ly done, 
 
 If granted some delay. 
 
 But heedless of his own fell plight. 
 
 His previous crushing load. 
 And the amazing leniency 
 
 The king to him had showed, 
 
 59 
 
Cfje <^o0pel patablesi in Wtt^t 
 
 That servant, from the pleading voice. 
 
 Relentless turned away, 
 And threw his fellow into gaol, 
 
 Till he the debt should pay. 
 
 Some other servants sorely grieved 
 
 At these unfeeling acts. 
 Secured an audience with the king, 
 
 And told him all the facts. 
 
 The king, by indignation stirred, 
 
 Commanded his arrest. 
 And in such solemn words as these. 
 
 The guilty man addressed: 
 
 "Did I not on your prayer remit 
 
 That debt of yours so vast? 
 Why this small debtor then have you, 
 
 Into a prison cast? 
 
 His prayer for patience, was it not 
 
 The same as yours to me? 
 Yet you with unforgiving heart 
 
 Refused to set him free. 
 
 No more for mercy can you hope, 
 
 Now justice you'll obtain; 
 Till all your debt to me is paid. 
 
 In prison you remain." 
 
 And as he ne'er could find the means 
 
 To pay so great a sum, 
 He, from that fearful den of woe, 
 
 Alive would never come. 
 
 Who now, the prayer for mercy's boon, 
 
 With cold denial treat. 
 To them will mercy be denied. 
 
 Before God's judgment seat. 
 
 60 
 
Cf)e 0o0pel parables in ^ttst 
 
 But pond'ring o'er the wondrous grace 
 
 Which he on us bestowed, 
 When sought we pardon through his Son, 
 
 Who paid the debt we owed. 
 
 Let us, ourselves forgiven much, 
 
 Forgiveness aye extend, 
 So shall we to our earthly lives 
 
 A heavenly beauty lend. 
 
 THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD. 
 
 A rich young man had asked our Lord, 
 
 By what good act of his 
 He could obtain eternal life. 
 
 When all was o'er with this; 
 
 But being told to give the poor 
 
 The whole that he possessed, 
 To wealth he clung and went away 
 
 Dejected and distressed. 
 
 Then Peter who had heard and seen. 
 
 To Jesus gravely said. 
 "Lo ! we've left all and followed thee, 
 
 What shall we have instead?" 
 
 Had they not made the sacrifice 
 
 That youth refused to do; 
 What should they have as a reward 
 
 Proportionate thereto? 
 
 In his reply our Lord declared 
 
 That they his chosen sheep, 
 And all who did the same for him 
 
 A great reward would reap. 
 
 6i 
 
Cfte ao0pd ParaliIe0 in Wt$t 
 
 But through this tale pronounced them wrong 
 
 To think he should regard 
 The exact amount of work they did 
 
 In making his reward. 
 
 The owner of extensive lands, 
 
 A good man and astute, 
 Within his grounds a vineyard had, 
 
 Well trained for bearing fruit. 
 
 Soon as the vines began to scar, 
 
 And gathering time had come. 
 He needed many laborers 
 
 To pluck the grapes therefrom. 
 
 In quest of those prepared to work. 
 
 At break of day he went. 
 Where such in village market-place, 
 
 Their waiting moments spent. 
 
 Then he, to those thus early found, 
 
 A promise made by which, 
 For one day's labor he would pay 
 
 A Roman penny each. 
 
 They, with the terms satisfied, 
 
 Into his vineyard went, 
 And to the work appointed them. 
 
 Due perseverance lent. 
 
 After three busy hours had passed 
 
 He needed more men yet, 
 And going to the market-place, 
 
 Some unemployed he met. 
 
 All these he told that they, too, might. 
 
 Into his vineyard go, 
 And that which he considered fair, 
 
 He would on them bestow. 
 
 62 
 
Cjje ao0pel paraliles in Wtt^t 
 
 They heard the promise he had made, 
 
 Believed him unreserved, 
 And for the work-time that remained, 
 
 In his great vineyard served. 
 
 At noon day and three hours beyond, 
 
 He still more men required, 
 And said to all what he had said 
 
 To those who last were hired. 
 
 Now rapid toward the western wave, 
 Drew nigh the sinking sun, 
 
 Till one short hour alone was left 
 Ere work there could be none. 
 
 Yet with the night so near at hand. 
 The former scene he sought, 
 
 And there, even then, some others found. 
 Who still were doing nought. 
 
 "Why stand ye idle all day here?" 
 
 Of these men he inquired; 
 And somewhat grimly was informed 
 
 That they had not been hired. 
 
 "Tlien to my vineyard go," said he, 
 "No time have you to waste" ; 
 
 And they without a moment's pause, 
 The welcome chance embraced. 
 
 Thus did his operations end 
 
 Until the eventide. 
 When he to every lab'rer hired. 
 
 Due payment would divide. 
 
 Beginning with the last employed. 
 Their space of work so small, 
 
 They could not dream but to receive 
 The lowest sum of all, 
 
 63 
 
Cfte (gogpel paratileg in ^erge 
 
 He in the presence of the rest, 
 
 By trusted overseer, 
 Upon them generous conferred 
 
 A full day's wages clear. 
 
 When in their turn forward went 
 
 The lab'rers first employed, 
 They seeing how the master dealt. 
 
 With airy hopes were buoyed: 
 
 Hopes that a larger recompense 
 
 Would now to them be paid, 
 But getting not a farthing more. 
 
 By jealousy were swayed. 
 
 "Those men who only worked an hour. 
 
 Alike with us you treat, 
 Who bore the burden of the day, 
 
 And its intensest heat." 
 
 Not only had the length of time 
 In which they'd worked been less. 
 
 But also when the day was cool. 
 And work did not oppress. 
 
 But he replied to one who seemed, 
 
 The loudest to complain, 
 "No wrong, my friend, in any way. 
 
 Do you from me sustain. 
 
 Have I not properly fulfilled 
 
 The engagement made with you. 
 
 Thus murmuring and finding fault. 
 As though still more was due? 
 
 What then if I in recompense, 
 
 Gave all an equal sum, 
 Down even to the laborers 
 
 Who were the last to come? 
 
 64 
 
Cfje Gospel parat)!e0 in IPerse 
 
 May I not give to whom I choose 
 That which is mine by right? 
 
 Is then the good I choose to do 
 An evil in thy sight? 
 
 Now take the money you have earned, 
 And with your comrades go. 
 
 Nor suffer envy to misjudge 
 Your master's kindness so." 
 
 This parable of work and wage 
 Christ told to make it known 
 
 That Heaven's rewards will be bestowed 
 By his free grace alone. 
 
 Yet with respect to these rewards 
 
 There will degrees appear, 
 Though in the Kingdom of the Lord 
 
 The service be sincere. 
 
 For such the spirit some possess, 
 They think themselves aggrieved, 
 
 Not having got the greater gifts 
 That others have received. 
 
 Or since their portion is to spend 
 The whole of each year through. 
 
 In toil more burdensome by far 
 Than that which others do. 
 
 Or since, at nearly every turn. 
 
 They are obliged to bear 
 Afflictions so much more intense 
 
 Than come to others' share. 
 
 All such with envious temperaments. 
 
 May lose in the reward : 
 'Tis the content and thankful soul 
 
 That God will most regard. 
 
 65 
 
Ci)e Gospel Paral5le0 in Wtt$t 
 
 Then some have opportunities, 
 
 The Gospel's cause to serve, 
 Which either they allow to slip, 
 
 Or wholly from them swerve, 
 
 These may not reach the higher place 
 
 That others will have won, 
 Who, though with fewer benefits 
 
 Yet greater work had done. 
 
 As in a vineyard cultured well 
 
 Much fruit some branches bear. 
 While others of a similar kind 
 
 Have fruit that's small and spare; 
 
 So in the church of God are those 
 
 Who in good works abound. 
 And those who take but little pains 
 
 To shed their light around. 
 
 Wherefore a service may be brief. 
 
 Yet higher honor win, 
 Than that which through a lengthened life 
 
 Went scarce beyond routine. 
 
 Thus many who had worked for God 
 
 With dauntless faith and love, 
 But who had ranked the la.st below 
 
 Will yet rank first above. 
 
 THE TWO SONS. 
 
 While Jesus in the temple taught 
 The eager listening crowd. 
 
 Went up the priests and elders who 
 His utter ruin had vowed. 
 
 66 
 
Cfje (!5ci0pel paialJlc0 in mt$t 
 
 A captious question now they put, 
 
 As his determined foes, 
 By what and whose authority 
 
 He did such things as those. 
 
 From whom and whither came his right. 
 
 He promised to make known, 
 Provided they would answer first 
 
 A question of his own. 
 
 "What origin do you ascribe 
 
 To John's baptismal rite? 
 By human warrant or Divine 
 
 Did he the mass invite?" 
 
 Perplexed, they at each other looked. 
 
 As if from each they'd ask, 
 How their dilemma to surmount. 
 
 Their real nature mask. 
 
 To answer that it came from heaven. 
 
 Would in effect concede. 
 What Jesus always claimed to be, 
 
 The Christ in very deed. 
 
 'Twas hazardous to say of man. 
 
 For they the people feared, 
 Who, holding John a prophet true, 
 
 His memory revered. 
 
 Yet scarce could they continue mute. 
 
 Without reproach and shame; 
 So in the last resort they said, 
 
 "We know not whence it came." 
 
 His enemies confounded thus, 
 
 Our Lord upon them turned. 
 And made them judges 'gainst themselves. 
 
 Since they John's message spurned. 
 
 67 
 
Clje (So0pel parables in Wtv^t 
 
 The case he put was of a man 
 With two grown sons at home ; 
 
 Youths who it seemed had strong desires. 
 Outside at will to roam. 
 
 One morning bright he calls the first, 
 
 And bids him work "to-day," 
 For in his vineyard, honest work 
 
 Will fruitfully repay. 
 
 He, to all sense of duty lost, 
 
 In words far out of place. 
 Soon as he hears his sire's command. 
 
 Denies him to his face. 
 
 Ere long, however, conscience speaks. 
 
 Its warning voice he heeds, 
 And, sorry for his daring words. 
 
 To work at once proceeds. 
 
 The father then in similar terms, 
 
 Commands the second son. 
 His service also is required. 
 
 So much has to be done. 
 
 He, in the langiiage of respect. 
 
 Gives instant, frank consent, 
 lYet to the vineyard spite of all, 
 
 That day he never went. 
 
 When to those leaders Christ had told, 
 
 This tale of light and shade, 
 He asked them which of these two sons 
 
 The father's will obeyed. 
 
 If in their minds arose the thought 
 That somehow they'd been chid, 
 
 No choice had they but to reply, 
 "It was the first who did." 
 
 68 
 
Cf)e ao0pcl parafileg in Wttst 
 
 Against themselves they'd judgment given. 
 
 The second son were they; 
 Professing much to honor God, 
 
 Him they would not obey. 
 
 They with the mouth drew nigh to him. 
 
 While far from him the heart, 
 And in his kingdom's blessedness 
 
 Had neither lot nor part. 
 
 Thus when our Lord's forerunner came 
 
 And preached to them direct. 
 The very righteousness they claimed. 
 
 So highly to respect, 
 
 In him as one divinely sent, 
 
 Those men would not believe. 
 For all their boasted righteousness 
 
 Was practised to deceive. 
 
 Ev'n when they saw the outcast ranks 
 
 Who no profession made, 
 Repent at his arousing words, 
 
 As he their sins inveighed. 
 
 They yielded not themselves to God 
 By whom such souls were saved. 
 
 But still impenitent remained, 
 To self and sin enslaved. 
 
 Wherefore that loud profession which. 
 
 With practise disagrees. 
 Is unacceptable to him 
 
 Who every motive sees. 
 
 A man may daily read his Word, 
 
 Teach his most holy will, 
 And practise every sacred rite, 
 
 His sin's unpardoned still. 
 
 69 
 
Cfje 0o0pel paralJleis in emerge 
 
 lie may comply with many things 
 
 His chosen church demands, 
 And yet be one who in his heart, 
 
 The claims of Christ withstands. 
 
 Welcome he may with open arms 
 
 The ministers of God, 
 And yet the way of Life they point 
 
 His feet may ne'er have trod. 
 
 But every sinner ev'n the chief, 
 
 Who to repentance moved. 
 Relinquishes and hates the sins 
 
 He previously had loved, 
 
 Will into his blest kingdom go, 
 
 Before those men of pride 
 Who trust in merits of their own, 
 
 And therefore are outside. 
 
 But for the proud there still is hope. 
 
 The door still open stands. 
 And they may follow those who led 
 
 In doing God's commands. 
 
 THE WICKED HUSBANDMAN. 
 
 A willing ear to John's appeals, 
 
 Those elders never lent. 
 Although no wise could they deny 
 
 That he from God was sent. 
 
 By Christ's reproof for their deceit. 
 
 So much were they abased, 
 That they'd just then have gladly closed 
 
 Discussions they had raised. 
 
 70 
 
C{)e ao0pel paralJleg in Wtt^st 
 
 But well he knew their frame of mind, 
 
 Not yet must they depart, 
 More words had he of sharp rebuke 
 
 And warning to impart. 
 
 Hear now another tale, he said. 
 
 For it concerns you ; 
 And quick will every conscience show 
 
 That what I speak is true. 
 
 The owner of extensive grounds, 
 
 A goodly vineyard made, 
 And to fulfil its usefulness, 
 
 A winepress in it laid. 
 
 Around it all a fence he put, 
 To guard from beasts that spoil, 
 
 And also raised a high watch-tower. 
 The robber tribe to foil. 
 
 He then to husbandmen consigned 
 
 Its management and care, 
 That of the fruits he might receive 
 
 An equitable share. 
 
 This business done he took his leave. 
 
 And went his way abroad. 
 There with a num'rous retinue 
 
 Prolonging his abode. 
 
 Some servants, near the vintage time, 
 
 He ordered to the field. 
 That they for him might gather in 
 
 His portion of the yield. 
 
 But when the tenants saw them come. 
 
 They gave their passions rein. 
 And drove them empty-handed off, 
 
 With vi'lence and disdain. 
 
 71 
 
Cl)e 0o0pel parables in Wtt^c 
 
 The owner, though profoundly grieved 
 
 By this outrageous deed, 
 Had hopes that they would yet repent, 
 
 And to their ways take heed. 
 
 Selecting men of higher rank, 
 With these good hopes in view. 
 
 He told them to depart at once, 
 And urge his claim anew. 
 
 But barely had they reached the spot 
 
 And their appeal begun, 
 When furious the tenants rose, 
 
 And slaughtered every one. 
 
 Keen as the owner felt the force 
 
 Of this severer blow. 
 One further efifort he would make. 
 
 One crowning favor show. 
 
 He had a son, an only son, 
 
 The darling of his heart. 
 From whom he scarcely could endure 
 
 Even for a while to part. 
 
 This son so loved, his pride and joy. 
 
 To these base men he'll send. 
 Him surely they will reverence, 
 
 And to his words attend. 
 
 Yet even this most gracious act, 
 
 As ineffectual proved, 
 The tenants needing but a chance 
 
 To have his son removed. 
 
 For they'd agreed among themselves 
 
 That if the heir were slain. 
 The property they then could seize 
 
 And as their own retain. 
 
 72 
 
Cf)e (^o^pel paialileg in IPetse 
 
 Him, therefore having roughly caught. 
 
 They from the vineyard threw, 
 And there, outside his heritage, 
 
 In hate and envy slew. 
 
 Thus far our Lord the story told, 
 Which has been here rehearsed. 
 
 Designed for those who 'gainst himself 
 Were counselling the worst. 
 
 Then to the priests who stood around. 
 
 He put this question plain, 
 "How will the owner deal with those. 
 
 When home he comes again?" 
 
 "Those wicked men," they answered sharp, 
 
 "He'll miserably destroy. 
 And others paying him his share, 
 
 Will in their stead employ." 
 
 They little knew that on themselves 
 
 This sentence they had passed; 
 That heaven's vengance oft denounced. 
 
 Was now to fall at last. 
 
 Unconsciously they had foretold 
 
 The doom of Israel's race, 
 Because so grossly they abused 
 
 God's long-continued grace. 
 
 On them his blessing he had showered, 
 
 From them no good withheld. 
 Yet they through all the centuries 
 
 Ungratefully rebelled. 
 
 The various messengers He sent 
 
 To speak as He'd command, 
 They mocked, insulted or despised. 
 
 Or banished from the land. 
 
 73 
 
Cf)e (^O0pcl parables! in ^erge 
 
 The prophets also, who declared 
 
 His wise and holy will, 
 They rose against with one accord. 
 
 To beat or stone or kill. 
 
 And when, past means availing not, 
 
 Their stubborn hearts to break, 
 He sent his well-beloved Son 
 
 For faithful Abram's sake, 
 
 To win his children back to God 
 
 In penitence and love, 
 And bring to them Salvation's joys 
 
 For earth and heaven above. 
 
 They hated him without a cause. 
 
 Accounted him as dross, 
 Dragged him before a heathen judge, 
 
 And nailed him to a cross. 
 
 Rejecting Christ, they were themselves 
 
 Rejected of the Lord. 
 And gospel blessings, full and free 
 
 On others he outpoured. 
 
 Let us to whom redemption love 
 
 Has clearly been revealed. 
 Adore his grace and unto Him 
 
 Our life's best service yield. 
 
 THE ROYAL MARRIAGE FEAST. 
 
 As Jesus' Ministry of Love 
 Approached its earthly close, 
 
 The wrath of adverse Jewish chiefs. 
 To highest pitch arose. 
 
 74 
 
For they who openly denied 
 
 His right to all he claimed, 
 Saw clearly that his pungent words, 
 
 Against themselves were aimed, 
 
 And would have ordered his arrest 
 
 But felt they did not dare. 
 Well knowing how he was esteemed 
 
 By all the people there. 
 
 When, to lay plots against his life. 
 
 They'd left the sacred place, 
 Christ told this tale which suited so, 
 
 Apostate Israel's case. 
 
 There lived a king who for his son, 
 
 A wedding banquet made, 
 And sent his various servitors 
 
 To call the guests he bade. 
 
 But they without the least excuse. 
 
 Or any cause assigned, 
 The gracious invitation royal 
 
 Ungraciously declined. 
 
 The king, though doubtless much provoked. 
 
 Great good-will yet displayed, 
 By hast'ning other servants out. 
 
 The unwilling to persuade. 
 
 "Ask them to come at once," said he, 
 
 "And urgent speech employ. 
 Tell them my dinner's now prepared. 
 
 And ready to enjoy." 
 
 But for this second call of his 
 
 They showed no more regard, 
 Wrapped wholly in their own affairs. 
 
 They scarce the message heard. 
 
 75 
 
Cf)e ao0yel parables in mt^t 
 
 One to his farm hurried off, 
 
 Another to his trade, 
 Their business, even for a royal feast, 
 
 Aside could not be laid. 
 
 And other subjects went so far, 
 
 That with dark passions filled. 
 The sovereign's messengers they took, 
 
 Used shamefully and killed. 
 
 This deed of violence unprovoked 
 
 Aroused his righteous ire; 
 Those murderers his armies slew, 
 
 Their city set on fire. 
 
 Then he, the crisis meeting prompt, 
 
 To trusted servants said : 
 "Since I the banquet have prepared, 
 
 But guests unworthy bade, 
 
 Now therefore to the highway go. 
 
 Or open thoroughfare. 
 And every one alike invite, 
 
 Whom you encounter there." 
 
 The servants, active and acute. 
 
 Did as their lord had willed, 
 And with a mass, both good and bad, 
 
 The bridal hall they filled. 
 
 As soon's the throng had taken seat 
 
 The gracious host went in, 
 None more concerned than himself 
 
 To see the guests within. 
 
 While he with penetrating eye. 
 
 O'er the assemblage looked. 
 Amongst them there was one he feared 
 
 Might need to be rebuked. 
 
 76 
 
Cf)e 0o0pel ParalJle0 in mt^t 
 
 By waiting servants unobserved, 
 
 In common raiment dressed, 
 This man had entered with the crowd 
 
 As through the door they pressed. 
 
 To him the king moved up and asked 
 
 In tones that all could hear, 
 "Without a wedding-garment on, 
 
 My friend, how came you here ?" 
 
 Did then this guest an answer give, 
 
 And in amaze declare 
 'Twas out of reason to expect 
 
 That he that robe could wear — 
 
 One who from forth the public road 
 
 Had been constrained to come, 
 Without sufficient time to go 
 
 And get that robe at home: 
 
 Or one who was too poor to buy 
 
 The wedding robe required, 
 However much to please the host^ 
 
 The man himself desired? 
 
 No, there he sat before the king, 
 
 All speechless and confused, 
 So conscious he that his offence 
 
 Could never be excused. 
 
 For he had ventured to intrude, 
 
 In his own raiment clad. 
 Though knowing that the king supplied 
 
 A robe he could have had. 
 
 Refusing thus the sovereign's robe, 
 
 Thinking his own would do, 
 He poured contempt upon the gift, 
 
 And on the giver, too. 
 
 77 
 
Clje (S5o0pel parables in Wtt$t 
 
 This caused the man to be expelled, 
 
 Unwelcome and disloyal, 
 From all the plenty, light and joy 
 
 That crowned the palace royal. 
 
 Into the outer darkness deep, 
 
 Where desolation reigned, 
 Bewailing the tremendous loss 
 
 That ne'er could be regained. 
 
 Thus spoke our Lord to Abram's seed, 
 
 Who one in stubborn will. 
 Blind to the glory of his works, 
 
 God's call rejected still. 
 
 By twelve apostles, saintly men. 
 
 Once more would he invite 
 But in his servants' blood would they. 
 
 Their own destruction write. 
 
 These prophecies ere many years, 
 
 The Roman troops fulfilled, 
 When they the Holy City fired, 
 
 And tens of thousands killed. 
 
 With flaming temple, crumbling walls, 
 
 Fierce internecine strife. 
 And rage of sanguinary foes, 
 
 Expired proud Israel's life. 
 
 God in his wrath the Kingdom took 
 
 From this one priv'leged race, 
 And o'er the Gentile nations shed 
 
 The blessings of his grace. 
 
 So to the gospel feast have they. 
 
 In countless millions poured, 
 And full salvation have received, 
 
 Be his blest name adored. 
 
 78 
 
Cft e (^Qgpel parafcleg in l^etge 
 
 Yet not the whole who in his house, 
 
 Or at his table sit 
 Possess, for fellowship with him, 
 
 The qualities that fit. 
 
 Not all who come to hear the Word, 
 
 Or talk of gospel grace. 
 Delight themselves in his commands, 
 
 And long to see his face. 
 
 What he requires from every one 
 
 Is faith in Christ, his Son, 
 A contrite heart, a holy life, 
 
 And work for him well done. 
 
 'Mongst those who thus obey his will. 
 
 Are found the insincere. 
 And in the Church they'll aye be found. 
 
 Till Christ himself appear. 
 
 These diverse classes he will then. 
 
 Each from the other part, 
 And banish from his love and joy 
 
 The false to him in heart. 
 
 But such as have been true and loyal. 
 
 With gladness he will greet. 
 And at the Lamb's great marriage feast. 
 
 Appoint them all a seat. 
 
 THE TEN VIRGINS. 
 
 Three days before his work was done, 
 Christ told this graphic tale, — 
 
 Based upon customs in the East, 
 Which partly yet prevail. 
 
 79 
 
Cfte <$o0pel IparaliUsi in Wttst 
 
 There, when a wedding day arrived, 
 
 And as its evening neared, 
 The bridegroom and his chosen men 
 
 At the bride's home appeared. 
 
 Later he brought her to his own. 
 
 Her maidens joining in. 
 And they with an assemblage shared 
 
 A banquet spread within. 
 
 From which house the ten virgins came, 
 
 The record does not say, 
 But all of them went forth to meet 
 
 The bridegroom on his way. 
 
 Streets in the ancient Eastern towns 
 
 Were unsupplied with light. 
 And those had need of burning lamps 
 
 Who went abroad at night. 
 
 The ten maids therefore took their lamps, 
 
 But only five were wise. 
 For they in vessels carried oil, 
 
 Lest some mishap should rise. 
 
 The rest, though they had oil in lamps. 
 
 Yet none in vessels took ; 
 They for the present had arranged, 
 
 Beyond that did not look. 
 
 Provided thus they all began 
 
 A steady watch to keep, 
 But as the bridegroom tarried long, 
 
 They drooped and fell asleep. 
 
 At last, at midnight's silent hour, 
 
 There rang an echoing shout, 
 "Behold ! the bridegroom is at hand. 
 
 To meet him come ye out." 
 
 80 
 
Cbe (Gospel paralile$ in Wttfit 
 
 Either this thrilling cry was raised 
 
 By the invited throng, 
 Or the rejoicing multitude 
 
 Who there had waited long. 
 
 The sleepers heard it and awoke. 
 
 Around them all was dim, 
 They started up and set themselves 
 
 Anew their lamps to trim. 
 
 Then did the foolish maids perceive 
 
 The error they had made. 
 And turning to the prudent five. 
 
 Thus wistfully they said : 
 
 "Our every lamp is going out. 
 
 And now we are in need, 
 Pray give us from the oil you brought. 
 
 Wherewith we these may feed." 
 
 But this request they could not grant, 
 
 Although it seemed so fair, 
 For they might find when all too late. 
 
 That they had none to spare : 
 
 "We fear there might not be enough 
 
 For you and us as well, 
 Far rather with your vessels go 
 
 And buy from those who sell." 
 
 The prudent felt that they must first 
 
 To their own pledge be true. 
 And thus advised because the best 
 
 Which for them they could do. 
 
 But as the midnight hour was passed 
 
 And merchants had retired. 
 How very slender was the chance 
 
 To get the oil required. 
 
 8i 
 
Cfte (Gospel parafileis! in Wtt$t 
 
 Those maids, however, left in hopes 
 
 Of being able still, 
 By exercising diligence, 
 
 Their promise to fulfil. 
 
 But while upon their way to buy, 
 
 And the mistake repair, 
 So chargeable to their account 
 
 For lack of thought and care, 
 
 The long-expected bridegroom came 
 
 When he was looked for least, 
 And those whose lamps were burning bright 
 
 Went with him to the feast. 
 
 The grand procession of his friends. 
 
 All having passed within, 
 Immediately the door was shut 
 
 No more could entrance win. 
 
 Both for security at night 
 
 Had this at once been done, 
 And that their harmony and joy 
 
 Might be disturbed by none. 
 
 The foolish maids secured no oil. 
 
 Despite an anxious quest. 
 Yet with the courage of despair 
 
 Their supplication pressed, 
 
 That he would open then the door, 
 
 Now 'gainst all troublers shut, 
 Only to hear his voice reply, 
 
 "In trutli I know you not." 
 
 This parable's chief purpose was 
 
 Before our minds to bring 
 Our obligation to await 
 
 The coming of the King, 
 
 82 
 
Cf)e aospel parables in l^erse 
 
 Never to doubt or be confused 
 
 Because of his delay, 
 But with the greater earnestness 
 
 Always to watch and pray. 
 
 For when he spoke of his return 
 
 His words revealed it clear, 
 That swift as came the flood of old 
 
 So sudden he'll appear. 
 
 Descending with the clouds of heaven, 
 
 The day and hour unknown, 
 To judge the world in righteousness, 
 
 Before the Great White Throne. 
 
 Since his awards will then decide 
 
 Our final state and place, 
 What need to make our calling sure 
 
 In this our day of grace : 
 
 And since none know how soon that day 
 
 Will have forever passed, 
 Wisdom demands that we each day 
 
 Be ready for the last. 
 
 He who desires a place in heaven 
 
 Will every day in prayer. 
 With Jesus glory to commune. 
 
 As though he now were there. 
 
 His faith will thus receive new strength. 
 
 And he will calmly wait 
 The full fruition of his hopes, 
 
 Inside the pearly gate. 
 
 No happiness the world supplies 
 
 Can be with ours compared. 
 Who walking in his light and love. 
 
 To meet him are prepared, 
 
 83 
 
With songs of praise to him we'll go, 
 Whose blood our souls has bought, 
 
 And in whose presence there are joys 
 That witlier human thought. 
 
 THE TALENTS. 
 
 When Christ had shown how we should wait. 
 
 And watch for his return, 
 By having oil for every need. 
 
 And lamps that brightly burn. 
 
 He in this tale renews the theme. 
 
 And shows that while we wait, 
 We ought to do good work for him, 
 
 Even if it be not great. 
 
 A man who purposed travelling far, 
 
 To other scenes and lands, 
 Called for his servants and conveyed 
 
 His money to their hands. 
 
 This he required them to employ 
 
 While he from home was gone. 
 So he might reap some benefit 
 
 From work which they had done. 
 
 And he apportioned it in sums 
 
 Which differed more or less, 
 Each getting what he judged him fit 
 
 To manage with success. 
 
 He then upon his journey went. 
 
 And they were left behind 
 To use their several amounts 
 
 Each as he felt inclined. 
 
 84 
 
Cije (^O0pel parafile0 in Wtt^t 
 
 Thence went the man who first of all 
 
 Five talents had received, 
 And by his industry and skill. 
 
 With them five more achieved. 
 
 So also went the man who next 
 
 Two talents had obtained, 
 And by his diligence and care 
 
 With them two others gained. 
 
 The third man viewed his smaller trust 
 
 As of so little worth, 
 That he with his one talent went 
 
 And hid it in the earth. 
 
 After long time their lord at last 
 
 Comes back to his domains, 
 And settles what was due from them, 
 
 According to their gains. 
 
 Those who had doubled their amounts 
 
 With boldness forward go, 
 For they had each engaged in work, 
 
 And could some profit show. 
 
 The two thus faithful to their trusty 
 
 He equally commends, 
 And speaks to them as one would speak 
 
 To his familiar friends. 
 
 Well had they done with those few things 
 
 Committed to their charge. 
 He therefore will award them rule 
 
 O'er many things and large. 
 
 From the inferior state in which, 
 
 As servants they were there. 
 He'll raise them to a higher rank, 
 
 His own full joy to share. 
 
 8S 
 
Ci)e aogpel para&Ieg in mt$t 
 
 Meanwhile they'll join the other friends 
 
 Who to the banquet come, 
 With him to celebrate the day. 
 
 He safely reached his home. 
 
 This tribute to their value paid. 
 
 The third man forward goes, 
 And all the blame for his offence, 
 
 Upon his master throws. 
 
 "You as a man austere and hard 
 
 I all along have known, 
 Whose common practice is to reap 
 
 Where you have never sown. 
 
 Moreover, where you did not ^traw, 
 
 To gather you are bound, 
 So I in fear went and concealed 
 
 Your iTkoney in the ground. 
 
 Thus you can see I've done my best 
 
 That sum for you to save, 
 And how in reason can you claim 
 
 More from me than you gave?" 
 
 "Grant," he replied, "that I am hard. 
 
 And all you've said is true. 
 Yet ought you to have rendered me 
 
 The justice that was due. 
 
 With little trouble and less risk, 
 You might good work have done. 
 
 Or have at least obtained for me 
 The interest on mine own. 
 
 Wherefore the reason you allege 
 
 For saving me from loss. 
 Ought rather to have warned you 
 
 'Gainst negligence so gross." 
 
 86 
 
C{)e (Gospel parables in mt$t 
 
 These stern words of censure passed, 
 
 His doom is then declared, 
 Who for his master's benefit 
 
 Had nothing done or dared. 
 
 The talent which he had not used 
 
 Is from his hand removed, 
 And given him who with much more 
 
 Had so trustworthy proved. 
 
 Then he, to outer darkness deep, 
 
 Is driven from the door, 
 Left, with a loss irreparable. 
 
 His folly to deplore. 
 
 By illustrations such as these, 
 
 Our Lord would have us learn 
 The need to serve him faithfully 
 
 In view of his return. 
 
 He has conveyed His Word to us, 
 
 With which while he is gone, 
 His Kingdom's interest to advance, 
 
 As that can best be done. 
 
 Whatever gift we can improve. 
 
 Or in some way abuse, 
 Or which we have, and may neglect 
 
 For any good to use. 
 
 That Jesus gives us as a trust 
 
 Which may be small or large. 
 But which he knows us competent, 
 
 With credit to discharge. 
 
 Hence more will be required from those 
 
 Whose influence is great, 
 Or who are rich in powers of mind. 
 
 Or in this world's estate, 
 
 87 
 
Cf)e (^Qgpel patatileg in Wtt$t 
 
 Than will from those whose spheres in life 
 
 Are narrow and obscure, 
 Or from the miserably taught 
 
 Or the afflicted poor. 
 
 And when the Day of Reckoning comes, 
 
 Rewards will then conform 
 To the intrinsic worth of work 
 
 His servants now perform. 
 
 Thus they whose gifts are small will hear 
 The joyful words, "Well Done," 
 
 Alike with those whose greater gifts 
 More brilliantly had shone, 
 
 Provided they had each displayed 
 
 The same devoted zeal 
 In all their service for the Lord, 
 
 And man's eternal weal. 
 
 But those who now refuse to serve 
 
 Because so small their tiust, 
 From their own mouths condemn themselves 
 
 As to their God unjust. 
 
 They, though not living vicious lives. 
 
 With envy are aflame. 
 And for their negligence and sloth, 
 
 The Lord himself they blame. 
 
 That they so little had received. 
 
 They don't consider fair. 
 And call his wise commands too strict, 
 
 Plis yoke too hard to bear. 
 
 But privileged to dwell amid 
 
 The blaze of Christian light. 
 What fearful consequences theirs. 
 
 Who thus their blessings slight. 
 
Cfje ^O0pel patal)le0 in IPerge 
 
 Deprived, when life has ended here. 
 
 Of all that God had given, 
 Excluded, in his righteous wrath, 
 
 From all the joys of heaven, 
 
 And left in prisons of despair. 
 
 The outer darkness deep. 
 Their unforgiven sins' deserts 
 
 They evermore will reap. 
 
 Such then their doom who minded not 
 That Christ would come again. 
 
 And judge them whether they had lived 
 To profit or in vain. 
 
 May we who owe our all to him, 
 
 Our powers for him employ, 
 And hear his gracious call to us, 
 
 Come ye and share my joy. 
 
 END. 
 
 89 
 
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