“Those Galilæns”

Of Sudden Judgements.

(The Gospel History, Section 101)

Now there were some present at that very season which told him of the Galilæans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilæans were sinners above all the Galilæans, because they have suffered these things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

“Those Galilæns”

(The Saviour of the World, Vol VI Book IV Poem LVI)

Ah, happy men, to walk with One who knows,
To question Him of things that vex the soul,
To ask,—If penalties, beyond control
Of a man’s wit and judgment, be for those

Who have displeased the Lord who rules the whole?
“Those Galilæans, surely, their fate shews
Them sinners more than most?” Will Christ, the roll
Of God’s decrees to curious men, disclose?

’Twere a sad world might neighbours estimate
A man’s offences by his griefs and pains,
Might measure by afflictions he sustains
How God doth every man’s transgressions rate!

“Nay,” saith the Lord, “what are ye more than they?
Would ye escape their fate, repent and pray!”

St. Luke xiii. 1-5.