The Poems of John Byrom Edited by Adolphus William Ward |
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VERSES WRITTEN UNDER A PRINT REPRESENTING CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF THE DOCTORS. |
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 | The Poems of John Byrom |  |
VERSES WRITTEN UNDER A PRINT REPRESENTING CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF THE DOCTORS.
I
Engag'd amidst the Doctors, here beholdIn deep Discourse a Child of twelve Years old;
Who show'd, whatever Question they preferr'd,
A Wisdom That astonish'd all who heard,
And found in asking or in answ'ring Youth
Of Age so Tender such a Force of Truth!
II
Observe His Mild, but Penetrating Look;Those bearded Sages poring o'er their Book;
That meek old Priest, with placid Face of Joy;
That pharisaic Frowner at the Boy;
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That serious Matron, lifting up her Hand!
III
A Group of Heads, as painting Fancy taught,Hints at the various Attitude of Thought
In diff'rent Hearers, all intent upon
The Wond'rous Graces That in Jesus shone;
Each Aspect witnessing the same Surprise,
From whence His Understanding should arise?
IV
We know, at present, what the learnèd Jew,Disputing in the Temple, little knew:
That, thro' this Child, in every Answer made
God's Own Eternal Wisdom was display'd;
That their Messiah, then, the Truths instill'd,
Which, grown to Man, He perfectly fulfill'd.
V
We know that His Corporeal Presence thenOn Earth, as Man, was requisite for Men;
That, by His Spirit, He is present still,
And always was, to Men of upright Will.
To saving Truth, whatever Doctors say,
His inward Guidance must assure the Way.
VI
Whether His Actions therefore be portray'dIn printed Letter or in figur'd Shade,
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Should raise reflexion in some due Degree,
And serve as Memorandums to recall
The Teacher Jesus in the Midst of All.
| The Poems of John Byrom | |