Fit for the Kingdom
Samaritan Villagers. Three Answers to Disciples.
(The Gospel History, Section 84)
And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord; but first suffer me to bid farewell to them that are at my house. But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Fit for the Kingdom
(The Saviour of the World, Vol VI Book I Poem IX)
The Kingdom closes in while it expands!
For alien peoples and for other lands
Mayhap its bounds shall widen, but, to-day,
How narrow is the entrance, strait the way!
The populous road, where many pilgrims went
Towards Jerusalem on festive thoughts intent,
Affords one party diff’ring from the rest,—
The Twelve who follow Him they have confess’d.
The folk regard that group with curious eye;
And one, averse to let such chance go by
Without some certain word should fix his faith,
Approacheth Christ, and with due reverence saith,—
“Lord, Thou constrain’st me! I would follow Thee,
Would hear and keep Thy words, those wonders see,
Thou workest on Thy way; but let me go
And bid a kind farewell to them I know!”
The Lord beheld him with that Judge’s eye
Which doth a man’s most secret things espy;
He knew him quick to feel, to act as prompt;
As water, unstable, in just accompt!
This candidate for Heaven found no place;
Of nature slight, unready for the race
Which calls for loins upgirded, what could he
In Kingdom where the violent victors be?
“Who puts his hand, My son, to that great plough
Which furroweth the nations even now,
Yet looks regretful back, not fit is he
A steadfast labourer in My fields to be!”
Doth Christ reject? Methought, for all who came
Was a sure welcome, and for each the same!
St. Luke ix. 61, 62.
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