University of Virginia Library


11

PARABLE VI. The Kingdom of Heaven compared unto a Merchantman seeking goodly Pearls.

Again—'tis like a man that made
The search of precious stones his trade,
Who when he found a pearl indeed,
Of price all others to exceed,
He chose from all his wealth to part,
And bought the jewel of his heart.
All parts must center in the whole.
This pearl's salvation of the soul,
And he that stedfastly denies
To deal in pomp and vanities,
Shall gain by tenure not to cease,
His Saviour and eternal peace.