VERSES UNDER A PRINT, REPRESENTING CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF THE DOCTORS by JOHN BYROM

ENGAG'D, amidst the Doctors here, behold,
In deep discourse, a child of twelve years old;
Who shew'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.

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;
That pensive Rabbi, seeming at a stand;
That serious matron, lifting up her hand.

A group of heads, as painting fancy taught,
Hints at the various attitude of thought
In diff'rent hearers, all intent upon
The wondrous graces that in Jesus shone:
Each aspect witnessing the same surprise,
From whence his understanding should arise.

We know, at present, what the learned 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.

We know that His corporeal presence then
On 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.

Whether his actions, therefore, be pourtray'd
In printed letter or in figur'd shade,
The books, the pictures, that we read or see,
Should raise reflection, in some due degree;
And serve as memorandums, to recal
The teacher JESUS, in the midst of all.

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