Of the hidden lamp

Parable of the Lamp. The Tares. The Seed. The Mustard Seed. The Leaven.

(The Gospel History, Section 51)

And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put on the stand, that they which enter in may see the light? For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret, that shall not be known and come to light. If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you: and more shall be given unto you. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he thinketh he hath.

Of the hidden lamp

(The Saviour of the World, Vol III Book II Poem XVI)

None brings lamp under bed to hide,
Nor under bushel lets it bide;
But, worthily on stand decrees
To place that light by which he sees.
Thou think’st to screen My word with care
Lest any see it shining there
In secret place of thy close heart?
The ostrich takes as wise a part:
Thou hast a secret none may keep;
The truth to all men’s eyes shall leap,
And all the folk who pass thee by
Shall scornful to each other cry,—
“Lo, here a man who hath the light,
And thinks to keep it out of sight!”
Dishonour hath he done to Me,
And in men’s slight regard shall be,
Who holds the truth, nor makes it known,
As it were for his wealth alone.
The flame goes out, deprived of air;
And, live wick smothered, shall he dare
Move forward on his perilous way
Unlightened by that friendly ray?
Now let that man hath ears to hear
Exalt the Word and have no fear.

St. Mark iv. 21, 22.
St. Luke viii. 16, 17.