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diff --git a/11083-0.txt b/11083-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..910f2d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/11083-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,991 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11083 *** + +[Illustration: Cleansing the Leper.] + + +THE GOOD CHILD'S LIBRARY. + +TENTH BOOK. + + +THE PARABLES OF THE SAVIOUR, + + +IN EASY VERSE. + +WITH BRILLIANT ILLUMINATIONS, FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS + + +1851. + + + +PREFACE. + + +The object of the "GOOD CHILD'S LIBRARY," is to encourage a taste for +Scripture reading, by presenting some of the most interesting portions +of the New Testament narrative, in the attractive form of verse. While +the children read these verses, they will not only become acquainted +with the principal events in the lives of our Blessed Saviour and His +Apostles--their travels, their sufferings and their death,--but they +will see that the Bible is a readable book, and a book that may be read +every day, without any fear of becoming the unhappy being that some +persons suppose; and besides this, the tone which is given to the +affections, the minds, and the morals of children by such reading, is of +almost infinite value. + +In order to combine things pleasing and things useful, to the greatest +possible extent, the publishers have gotten up at a great expense, +especially for this work, some of the most beautiful Scripture designs +that have ever been published. These pictures are printed in Oil +Colours--an expensive, but a finished and highly artistical process, of +which the publishers are the originators in this country. Each history +is illustrated handsomely with them. + +There is in all twelve books; each book being complete in itself, and +containing a full history. + +The "GOOD CHILD'S LIBRARY" is composed of the following books: + + Scenes in the Life of the Saviour. + Scenes in the Life of St. Peter. + Scenes in the Life of St. John. + Scenes in the Life of St. Paul. + Scenes in the Lives of St. Matthew, + St. Jude, and St. Simon. + Scenes in the Lives of St. Stephen, + Timothy, St. Mark, and St. Luke. + Scenes in the Lives of St. Philip, St. + Bartholomew, and St. Thomas. + Scenes in the Lives of St. Andrew, + St. James, and St. James the Less. + The Sermon on the Mount. + The Parables of the Saviour. + The Miracles of the Saviour. + Texts for Children. + + +The Publishers have in preparation another series, embracing Scenes in +the Lives of the Patriarchs, Prophets, and Kings, illustrative of the +Old Testament Scriptures, to be gotten up in the same style as the +present series. + + + + +THE PARABLES OF THE SAVIOUR. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +I. The Sower +II. The Tares and the Wheat +III. The Unmerciful Servant +IV. The Good Samaritan +V. The Rich Fool VI. The Lost Sheep +VII. The Barren Fig Tree +VIII. The Unjust Judge +IX. The Pharisee and the Publican +X. The Rich Man and Lazarus +XI. The Prodigal Son +XII. The Ten Virgins +XIII. The Judgment +XIV. Conclusion + + + + +THE PARABLES OF THE SAVIOUR. + + + + +I. + + +OF THE SOWER. + + Behold a sower going forth + To scatter o'er his field, + The seed that in the harvest time + A rich return will yield. + + And as he sow'd some precious seeds, + Were by the way-side thrown; + The fowls of heaven descried them there, + And soon the seed were gone. + + And other seeds fell from his hand + On stony places round, + And forthwith they sprung up, because + They had no depth of ground. + + But when the sun came up, and warm + Sent forth his beaming ray, + Because they had no root in earth, + They wither'd all away. + + Among the thorns some others fell, + Of these there was no hope; + The seeds were choked, they droop'd and died, + Soon as the thorns came up. + + But others fell into good ground, + And yielded, as we're told, + Some of them thirty, sixty some, + And some an hundred fold. + + The seed that by the wayside fell, + Is wisdom in the heart + Of him who heareth words of truth, + But understandeth not. + + And he who is the stony place, + Is one who hears the word, + Anon with joy receiveth it, + And follows after good. + + But tribulation soon assails, + And persecutions rise, + He then forgets the word of truth, + And all his goodness dies. + + The thorny place is one who hears, + And does the truth receive; + But finds that cares of life and wealth, + His mind and heart deceive. + + The good and fertile ground is he + Who hears and understands; + And shows his, life obedient to + All that the truth commands. + + + + +II. + + +THE TARES AND THE WHEAT. + + My kingdom I will liken to, + A man who in his field + Sow'd good seed, and expected soon + A harvest it would yield. + + But while his servants slept, there came + A wicked enemy, + And sow'd his _tares_ among the wheat, + And then went on his way. + + And when the good seed did appear + The tares began to show; + The servants wonder'd much, and said, + "Why, master, thou didst sow + + "The best of seed all o'er the field, + From whence then come these tares?" + "An enemy," he said, "hath come + Upon us unawares, + + "And scattered forth his evil seed;" + The servants said to him, + "Wilt thou then, that into the field + We go and gather them?" + + The master answer'd them and said, + "Let both together grow, + Until the time of harvest, lest + Ye pluck the wheat also. + + "And when the time of harvest comes, + The wheat shall in my barn + Be gather'd; but the tares I'll bind + And in the fire burn." + + The children of the kingdom are + The good seed that is sown, + The tares that came up with the wheat + Are of the evil one. + + The enemy who sow'd the tares, + Is he who fell afar; + The harvest, when the world shall end; + The angels reapers are. + + The righteous shall be gather'd home + Forever with the Lord; + And as the tares are burn'd, so shall + The wicked be destroy'd. + + + + +III. + + +THE UNMERCIFUL SERVANT. + + Once Peter said, "How oft shall I + My brother's sin forgive? + How oft shall I, if he confess, + His penitence receive?" + + "Till seven times?" The Saviour said, + "_This_ is the law of Heaven, + Thou shalt thy brother's sin forgive, + Till seventy times seven. + + My kingdom, therefore, I will like + Unto a certain king, + Who said that he his servants all + To an account would bring. + + The first who came was one who did + Ten thousand talents owe; + And when he could not pay his lord, + His heart was fill'd with wo." + + The lord unto his servants said, + "This debt must now be paid, + Go sell his wife and children too, + Let payment now be made." + + The debtor to his master came, + And at his feet did fall, + "Have patience with me, lord," he said, + "And I will pay thee all." + + His heart was with compassion moved, + He freely did relieve + His heart of sorrow, for at once + He all the debt forgave. + + This servant then went out and found, + One of his fellows near, + Who owed to him an hundred pence; + And spake to him severe. + + He took him by the throat, and said, + "Now what thou owest, pay, + I'll wait no longer for the debt, + But it must have to-day." + + This servant then with grief and wo, + Down at his feet did fall: + "My fellow servant, patience have, + And I will pay thee all." + + He would not; but with hardness did + His own sad case forget; + His debtor into prison cast + Till he should pay the debt. + + His fellow servants heard the tale, + And all with one accord, + To show his base ingratitude, + Came sorrowing to their lord. + + And told him all the servant did; + And he was very wroth, + And to those present said, "Go call + The wicked servant forth." + + He to him said, "Thou wicked one, + Did I not thee forgive + Ten thousand talents? Couldst not thou, + Thy fellow's debt relieve? + + "Couldst thou not mercy show to him, + As I did show to thee, + Forgiving thee at once the debt, + As thou desiredst me? + + Now therefore pay me all the debt, + I will not thee forgive, + Because thou didst not let him go, + And all his we relieve." + + That mercy then that you would have, + You must to others show; + merciful and kind to all, + And you will mercy know. + +[Illustration: The Good Samaritan.] + + + + +IV. + +THE GOOD SAMARITAN. + + + A certain lawyer came to Christ, + With mind and words of strife, + And said, "Master, what shall I do, + To have eternal life?" + + The Saviour said, "'Tis written in + The Sacred Law at length, + That thou shalt love the Lord thy God, + With heart and mind and strength; + + "And thou shalt love thy neighbour too;" + He still with Jesus strove; + "But tell me who my neighbour is, + That I may show him love." + + The Saviour said, A certain man, + Would come to Jericho; + He started from Jerusalem, + And on his way did go, + + Until there came some _thieves_, and stripp'd + And wounded him and fled, + And took with them the traveller's clothes, + And left him there half dead. + + It was not long before a priest + Did happen down that way, + He look'd, pass'd on, and not a word + Unto the man did say. + + After the priest had gone, there came + A Levite passing down, + He also look'd, and pass'd along, + And went into the town. + + There soon, however, came along + A good Samaritan, + His heart was with compassion fill'd; + He went up to the man, + + And found him wounded, bruised and sore, + And pour'd in oil and wine, + He placed him safe on his own beast, + And brought him to the inn. + + For one night he took care of him, + And when about to leave + The inn, he said unto the host, + "You shall from me receive + + All that is needful for your pains, + If you of him take care; + I will repay you all the cost; + Let him your kindness share." + + The Saviour asked him, "Which of these + Was neighbour to the man + Who fell among the thieves?" He said + "The good Samaritan." + + The Saviour said, "Go do likewise, + The suffering ones relieve, + Go show them love, and you indeed, + Eternal life shall have." + +[Illustration: MISSING] + +[Illustration: Son of the Widow of Nain raised.] + + + + +V. + + +THE RICH FOOL. + + There was a certain man who had + A very large, rich ground, + Which, when the harvest time came on, + With plenty did abound. + + His barns were small, and they were fill'd; + He said, "What shall I do?" + He thought within himself and said, + "I know what I will do, + + "I will tear down these little barns, + And build them larger still, + And with the fruit my ground doth yield, + Abundantly I'll fill. + + "And I will then say to my soul, + 'Thou hast much goods laid up; + Now therefore take thine ease, and fill + Thy thoughts with earthly hope." + + But God said unto him, "Thou fool! + I will require of thee + This very night thy soul; then say + "Whose shall this plenty be?" + + The fool is he who layeth up + For himself treasure here, + And calleth earthly pleasure, gain, + And earthly riches, dear. + + + + +VI. + + +THE LOST SHEEP. + + The publicans and sinful poor, + Did come to Christ the Lord + When He was on the earth, that they + Might hear his gracious word. + + The Scribes and Pharisees complained, + That He did these receive; + And murmur'd loud to all around, + And would not Him believe. + + "This man receiveth sinful ones, + And talks and eats with them;" + When Jesus heard it, He did speak + This Parable to them: + + If you should have an hundred sheep, + And one of them astray + Should go, would you not leave the rest, + And go out on your way, + + To find the one that's lost, and bring + It on your shoulder home? + And when you've found it, you would say, + "Go, bid my neighbours come, + + "That they may all rejoice with me, + For I have found that one + Of all my sheep, that left the fold, + And wander'd off alone." + + "E'en so," said Jesus, "there is joy + In Heaven when sinners come; + The angels strike their harps anew, + And welcome sinners home." + + + + +VII. + + +THE BARREN FIG TREE. + + A certain man a fig tree had, + He look'd for fruit thereon, + And year by year he came and sought, + But still it yielded none. + + He said unto his servant, "Wait + No longer, cut it down; + I've sought these three years here for fruit, + And finding there is none, + + "Why cumbereth it the ground?" "O, no, + Let it alone this year," + The servant said, "I'll nurse it well, + Perhaps it then will bear. + + "But if it will not bear, when I + Have dug and dress'd around, + Why, cut it down, it will not yield, + It cumbereth the ground." + + Just so it is with those who hear + The Saviour's welcome voice; + Who still refuse His grace to know, + And make the world their choice. + + The Saviour will not always bear + With those who from Him stay; + And those who long His grace despise, + Will grieve His love away. + + + + +VIII. + + +THE UNJUST JUDGE. + + He spake another Parable, + To show that men should pray + And never faint, but pray in faith, + And plead from day to day. + + There was a judge, who fear'd not God, + Nor yet regarded man; + There came to him a widow poor, + His judgment to obtain. + + "Avenge me of mine enemy," + She cried from day to day; + And though he did not her regard, + Yet she did daily pray. + + And soon he said within himself, + "Though I regard no man, + And fear not God, yet to her words + Resistance is in vain. + + "For if she thus, with pleadings loud, + Besets my door each day, + Her coming soon will weary me, + I'll send her then away. + + "I will at once grant her request, + And judge her enemy, + And then she will depart in peace, + And no more trouble me." + + Now hear what the unjust judge saith; + And will not God regard + His children when to Him they cry, + Depending on His word? + + He will regard their humble prayer + Their simplest, feeblest sigh, + And stooping down, will bless them from + His gracious Throne on high. + + + + +IX. + +THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN. + + + Now some the Saviour spake to there, + Were good in their own eyes, + Who look'd with scorn upon the poor, + And did their life despise. + + He spake to _these_ a Parable, + And said, There were two men, + One of them was a Pharisee, + And one a Publican, + + Who went into the Temple once + To offer solemn prayer, + The one did show a haughty face, + The other shed a tear. + + The one, he pray'd, "I thank Thee, God, + I'm not as other men, + I am not an extortioner, + Nor as this Publican." + + The other did not dare so much + As lift his eyes to heaven, + But smote upon his breast and pray'd' + That he might be forgiven. + + The Pharisee went to his house, + Elated with his pride; + The Publican turn'd towards his home, + The rather justified. + + For those who do exalt themselves, + Shall feel humility; + But those who are abased on earth, + Shall high exalted be. + + Now when you come to God in prayer, + Confess your every sin; + And if you humble are, He'll give + To you His love Divine. + +[Illustration: Christ Stilling the Tempest.] + +[Illustration: MISSING] + + + + +X. + + +THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. + + There, was a certain rich man once + Who sumptuously did fare, + His form was clothed in purple fine + And costly linen rare. + + There also was a poor man laid, + Down at the rich man's gate, + The crumbs that from the table fell + Were given him to eat. + + It came to pass the poor man died, + And he was borne away, + In Abraham's bosom, to rejoice + In an eternal day. + + And soon the rich man also died, + His death was one of gloom, + But he was robed in pomp, and laid + Within a costly tomb. + + In hell he lifted up his eyes, + And seeing Abraham, + With Lazarus in his bosom, cried, + And call'd him by his name, + + And said, "O! father Abraham, + I am with anguish wrung, + Send Lazarus, that with water, he + May cool my parched tongue." + + But Abraham said, "Remember, son, + That thou hadst thy good things, + When thou didst live, and Lazarus + Had nought but evil things. + + "And now he's comforted, and here + He shall forever live, + But thou art cast away and shall + Great pain and sorrow have. + + "And there's the gulf impassable + 'Tis placed 'twixt thee and me, + I cannot call thee out from thence, + Nor send him down to thee." + + The rich man said, "I therefore pray + That thou wouldst Lazarus send, + Unto my brethren five at home, + To warn them of my end." + + He answer'd, "No, they have the Law + And Prophets often read; + If they're not warn'd, they'll not believe + Though one rose from the dead." + + How sad it is to live in sin, + And spend our fleeting breath + In vanity, so when God calls + We're unprepared for death. + + Let us love God with all our hearts, + And lean upon his Word, + That after death we all may reign + Forever with the Lord. + +[Illustration: MISSING] + + + + +XI. + + +THE PRODIGAL SON. + + "There's joy divine," the Saviour said, + "Among the bless'd in Heaven, + When one on earth of sin repents, + And feels his sin forgiven." + + There was a man who had two sons; + The _younger_ to him said, + "Give me the share that falls to me;" + And he division made. + + And soon the younger son prepared + To leave his father's home, + And all the comforts he enjoy'd, + Out o'er the world to roam. + + How many children leave their home + To wander far and wide, + To roam o'er hill and desert far, + Or on the foaming tide. + + But still they feel, whate'er they do + Wherever they may roam, + Whatever pleasures they may have, + _There is no place like home._ + + The younger son took all he had, + And soon the whole was spent; + A famine rising in the land, + He soon began to want. + + He therefore went and hired himself + Unto a citizen; + And out into the field he went + To feed his master's swine. + + And he was hungry; hunger came + So pressing that he fain + Would have partaken of the husks + With which he fed the swine. + + And there he came unto himself, + And thought upon his home, + "I plenty had when I was there, + To what am I now come? + + "My father's hired servants have + Great plenty and to spare, + While I am perishing for food, + And with the swine do share. + + "I well remember father's house, + And brother too so kind; + Why did I leave them, here to die, + This poverty to find? + + "I am determined what to do; + I will at once arise, + And to my father's house will go, + And there, with streaming eyes, + + "Will say, 'O! father, I have sinn'd, + And wander'd from thee far, + Call me not _son_, but make me as + Thy hired servants are." + + He rose and wander'd towards his home, + With grief and tearful eye, + But when he was a great way off, + His father did him spy, + + And ran and fell upon his neck, + And kiss'd him o'er and o'er; + Rejoiced that he had found the son, + He thought he'd see no more. + + "Go call the neighbours, send the word + Of joyful news around, + This son, once dead, now lives again, + Though lost, he now is found. + + "Go call my servants, bid them here + The costliest raiment bring; + Bring shoes to put upon his feet, + And on his hand a ring. + + "And let us kill the fatted calf, + And all rejoice around; + My son, though dead, now lives again, + Though lost, he now is found." + +[Illustration: Healing the Blind.] + + + + +XII. + + +THE TEN VIRGINS. + + My kingdom I will liken to + Ten virgins, who to meet + The bridegroom, with their lamps went forth, + With welcome him to greet. + + Now five of them were counted _wise_, + For they provision made, + To fill and trim their lamps by night; + The others no oil had. + + The bridegroom tarried very long; + This they did not expect, + Their eyes with watch had heavy grown, + They laid them down and slept. + + At midnight a loud cry was heard, + "The bridegroom cometh; go + Ye out to meet him with your lamps, + And to him honour show." + + The virgins rose to trim their lamps; + The wise ones took their light, + The foolish ones who had no oil + Were found in gloomy night. + + They said unto the virgins wise, + "Of your oil, give us some;" + They answered, "We have but enough; + But to the city come, + + "And buy of oil, and trim your lamps;" + So while they went to buy, + A voice was heard which said aloud, + "The bridegroom draweth nigh." + + Those virgins wise who trimm'd their lamps, + Went forth to meet the guest, + And hail'd him with delight, and went + With him into the feast. + + The foolish virgins came and knock'd, + Admittance to obtain; + The bridegroom answer'd them, and said. + "Ye cannot entrance gain. + + "I know you not, then hence depart, + Your coming is too late, + Those only with me enter in, + Who for my coming wait." + + The coming of the Son of Man, + Is like a thief at night, + Let us be watchful, that we may + Be children of the light. + + That when He coineth, we may have + Abundant entrance given, + Into the glorious, happy feast, + The feast of love in Heaven. + +[Illustration: The Ten Virgins.] + + + + +XIII. + + +THE JUDGMENT. + + The Son of Man--the Son of God, + Shall in His glory come + To judge the world, and then to bring + His faithful children home. + + And when He comes, around His throne + Bright angels shall appear, + Who to their harps shall sing, while saints + The heavenly music hear. + + All nations shall be gather'd there, + And with His waving hand, + He'll them divide; some on His right, + Some on his left shall stand. + + Just as the shepherd doth divide + The sheep and goats apart; + The Saviour will divide the good + From those of evil heart. + + Upon His right, the saints array'd + With robes of white shall stand; + The wicked, who refused His word, + Are placed on His left hand. + + Then to the righteous He will say, + "Ye blessed children come, + Because ye have my will obey'd, + I'll bring you to my home, + + "Which I prepared for you before + The spacious world was made; + Ye are my children, and shall be + With glory bright array'd." + + But unto those on His left hand, + He'll say, "Depart from me, + I know ye not, ye always sin, + And do iniquity. + + "Depart from me, ye cursed ones, + To everlasting fire, + Because ye did not keep my word, + Receive my vengeful ire, + + "When I was hungry, and did ask + For bread, ye did deny; + When I was parch'd and sick and faint, + Ye _then_ did pass me by. + + "My children fed and clothed me too, + When I was sick and faint; + They came to me, and did with love + Supply my every want + + "But ye refused me, and did mock + My little children too, + Now therefore _hence, depart from me,_ + For ye I never knew." + + God doth require of us to show + In _deed_ as well as word, + To all around, that we indeed + Are children of the Lord, + + By doing good to others' woes + Relieving their distress; + Supplying all their wants, and thus + Their heavy spirits bless. + + And he hath promised, that if we + This kindness show to them, + He will our every act regard, + As kindness done to Him. + + + + +XIV. + + +CONCLUSION. + + How simple were the Saviour's words, + How great the truths He taught; + How much He suffer'd here below, + What rich salvation brought! + + O! let us hear His gracious word, + His Heavenly law obey, + That we may rise and reign with Him, + In an eternal day. + + The pleasures of the world are vain, + And swiftly pass away; + And those who trust in them, in death + Can have no cheering ray, + + Of hope or faith, to brighten up + The path of gloom and dread, + But they with fear, must enter in + The regions of the dead. + + Now in the youthful time of life, + Lean on the Saviour's word, + And think how happy it will be + To love and fear the Lord. + + Then when your days on earth are past, + You'll be forever blest; + Your joys will then eternal flow + From Jesus' loving breast. + +THE END. + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Parables Of The Saviour, by Anonymous + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11083 *** |