Who were "the Father and the Son"

Who were "the Father and the Son"
We pondered when a child,
And what had they to do with us --
And when portentous told
With inference appalling,
By Childhood fortified,
We thought, "at least they are no worse
Than they have been described."

Who are "the Father and the Son"
Did we demand today,
"The Father and the Son" himself
Would doubtless specify,
But had they the felicity
When we desired to know,
We better Friends had been, perhaps,
Than time ensue to be.

We start, to learn that we believe
But once, entirely --
Belief, it does not fit so well
When altered frequently.
We blush, that Heaven if we achieve,
Event ineffable --
We shall have shunned, until ashamed
To own the Miracle.