Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
XCI: Samaria explained
The poem defends the Northern kindred against scorn, comparing them to Samaria—a people who lost the apostolic line but still receive Christ's overflowing love.
What happens
The poem defends the Northern kindred against scorn, comparing them to Samaria—a people who lost the apostolic line but still receive Christ's overflowing love. It suggests that divine grace and the Word can reach even those outside the established Church, as seen in the prophets' ministry to Shunammites and the preservation of a faithful remnant.
Themes in this chapter
The Church and Tradition
Explores the tension between a self-formed priesthood and the apostolic line, questioning the boundaries of divine grace.
Sin and Redemption
Acknowledges the sins of the fathers that led to loss of grace, yet affirms Christ's redemptive love that reaches beyond human limitations.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“O rail not at our kindred in the North, Albeit Samaria finds her likeness there; A self-form’d Priesthood, and the Church cast forth To the chill mountain air.”
Do not condemn our Northern relatives, even if they resemble Samaria—with a self-appointed clergy and the Church driven out into the cold mountains.
Defends those who have lost the apostolic succession but still seek God, comparing them to the Samaritans.
“Israel had Seers; to them the Word is nigh; Shall not that Word run forth, and gladness give To many a Shunammite, till in His eye The full Seven-thousand live?”
Israel had prophets who were close to God's Word; surely that Word will spread and bring joy to many faithful ones, until the full remnant of seven thousand is seen by Him.
Asserts that divine revelation and grace are not confined to the official priesthood but reach the humble and faithful.