Classic Poem

PARABLE XXXVI.

The Kingdom of Christ compared to a Little Child.

With little children certain went
To Christ our Saviour, to th'intent
That he should touch them and should bless,
To whom the twelve deny'd access,
And those that brought them there, aggriev'd.
Which, when the Lord himself perceiv'd,
It did his anger much provoke,
‘Permit (he cry'd) the little folk
‘To come to me, and check them not,
‘For to such vot'ries I allot
‘The honour of Christ's blest demain
‘For of a truth I tell you plain,
‘The man, whoe'er shall not receive
‘(In strict attention to believe)
‘Christ's kingdom, as 'tis preach'd by me,
‘With all a child's simplicity,
‘Shall in that kingdom find no place.’
The children then did he embrace,
And on their heads his hands impress'd,
And with divine good-nature bless'd.