SHOULD Jesus Christ once more to earth return— The Christ of old in every way the same, Would He attend a church or wear a gown? Intone long prayers or light an altar-flame? Would He expound our doctrines? say the creed? Walk in procession? curtesy and bow? Desire our priestly honors and our gold? Would He take orders or assume a vow? Nay, would He not despise what most we prize? Consort with some who scarcely bear his name? And pour contempt on sect, and priest, and creed? And count our loud pretensions only shame? We think our fine distinctions please Him well, That He approves the selfish strifes we wage,— Strifes that have stained the "Christian" world with blood, And changed the love of God to churchly rage. Go to, ye bishops, priests, and preaching men! Your forms are idle and your words are vain; When all your craft and worldly praise are dead, The Son of Mary will return again. |