Parenthood L.M.

Inspired by 'Shawmut' (page 535 in The Sacred Harp, 1991). The poetry is based on a teaching of Jesus' found in Matthew 7:7-11.

Ask, and it shall be given you;
Seek, and your souls shall surely find;
Knock, and with earnestness pursue,
The door shall open to your mind.

Which of you all that had a son,
That asked of you, his parent, bread,
Pray, would you mock him with a stone,
On which you knew he could not feed?

Nature revolts at such a thought;
No man alive could practice so;
Though men are evil, they will not
Refuse such favours to bestow.

And will your heav'nly Father, then,
The wise, the holy, good, and kind,
Deny his blessings unto men,
Who seek them with an earnest mind?