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Mountain Spring and Other Poems

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<h2>ZACCHÆUS</h2> Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.—Luke 19:1-10. <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> City of palms! whose ancient name Suggests a line of scarlet hue, Type of thy glorious Guest who came And passed with crowds thy borders through, Did aught foretell that on that day, The Lord of life would favor thee, And centuries ring the novel way A soul was made both glad and free? </div> <div class="stanza"> Zacchæus knew that through thy gates Came One he oft had longed to see; Alas! how adverse were the fates— So dense the throng, so small was he! Considering, he ran before And climbed into a wayside tree, And ever since the sycamore Is blended with his history. </div> <div class="stanza"> While peering eagerly below, Above the tumult of the town That soothing voice to mortal woe Bade him to hasten quickly down. "Come," Jesus said, "I must abide And tarry at thy house with thee." Zacchæus the honor swift applied, And entertained him joyfully. </div> <div class="stanza"> The people frowned that Christ should dine With a rich sinner publican, Nor knew his act of grace would shine, A star of hope, to fallen man. Zacchæus assured his royal guest, "Lord, half my goods I give the poor; And if I falsely have opprest, Fourfold I unto men restore." </div> <div class="stanza"> His listener reads the human heart And all its thoughts unerringly; Alone such wisdom can impart And judge of its sincerity. Jesus received this sin-sick soul, Salvation to his house was given; And while time's cycles onward roll, His faith and works will point toward heaven. </div> <div class="stanza"> "I came," the Lord of glory said (Nor did he count the pain and cost), "To feed the hungry soul with bread, To seek and save that which was lost." </div> </div> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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