Classic Poem

PARABLE XI

The Father and his Two Sons.

A Certain man, whose sons were twain,
Who had a vineyard to maintain,
Address'd the first ‘My son, away,
‘To work, and prune my vines to-day.’
He said, I will not go, but went
When wrought by conscience to repent.
The second had the like command,
And said, ‘I go, sir, out of hand,’
But did not stir—which of these two
Had grace the father's will to do?
They answer, Lord, the first—if so,
The Lord reply'd, for certain know,
As touching Christ's eternal meed,
Harlots and publicans precede
You, elders—for when John express
Came in the way of righteousness,
Him whom nor priest nor scribe believ'd,
Harlots and publicans receiv'd.
And when his ways and works were known,
Yet would ye not amend your own;
Nor did your froward hearts dispose,
Nor unto faith repentance chose.
?Christ in the parable decries
A mere professor's life of lies,
Who's bold to preach and reprimand
In words magnificent and grand,
The pompous self-applauding saint,
All inward filth and outward paint;
But conscious meekness, which appears
To give the glory voice and tears,
At once uncloaking all offence
By duty and by diffidence,
Not only brings the pardon down,
But gains th' incorruptible crown.