Now, as He went forth in the way,
A certain ruler came:
“What shall I do,” he frankly asked,
“That I may heaven claim?”
* * *
“Why callest thou me good?” the Lord
Inquired in gentle tone.
“There is none good in earth of heaven
But God, and God alone.
* * *
“Thou knowest the Commandments;
Keep them in deed and truth,
He answered and said “”Master, I’ve
Observed them from my youth.”
* * *
Then Jesus looked at the young man,
And loved him in His heart,
And said: “One thing thou lackest yet,
Thou with thy wealth must part.
* * *
“Go sell, and give all to the poor,
And stored in heaven ’twill be,
Then come and cheerfully take up
The cross and follow me.”
* * *
But the young man was sad at heart,
Unwilling to obey;
His riches he would not give up,
So, grieved, he went away.
* * *
And then to His disciples
The Lord said, grave but kind :
“How hardly shall the rich their way
Into God’s kingdom find?
* * *
“It is easier for a camel
Through a needle’s eye to go
Than he who loves his wordly goods
The bliss of heaven should know.”
