They are not Christians sure, but Turks,
Who build on faith, and scoff at works."
Quoth Jane-While eager Dan reply'd,
By none but heathens faith's deny'd.'
I'll tell you wife,' at length quoth Dan,
A story of a right good man.
A patriarch sage, of ancient days,
A man of faith, whom all must praise.
In his own country he possess'd
Whate'er can make a wise man blest;
Hi was the flock, the field, the spring,
In short, a little rural king.

Yet, pleas'd he quits this native land,
By faith in the Divine command:
God bade him go, and he, content,
Went forth, not knowing where he went.
He trusted in the promise made,
And, undisputing strait obeyed.
The heavenly word he did not doubt,
But prov'd his faith by going out.'

Jane answer'd with some little prideI've an example on my side; And tho' my tale be somewhat longer, I trust you'll find it vastly stronger. I'll tell you Daniel, of a man, The holiest since the world began, Who now God's favour is receiving, For prompt obeying, not believing. One only son this man possest, In whom his righteous age was blest;

And

And more to mark the grace of Heaven,
This son by miracle was given;
And from this child the word Divine
Had promis'd an illustrious line.
When lo! at once a voice he hears,
Which sounds like thunder in his ears;
God says-Go sacrifice thy son!
This moment, Lord, it shall be done.
He goes, and instantly prepares
To slay this child of many prayers.
Now here you see the grand expedience,
Of works, of actual sound obedience.
This was not faith, but act and deed,
The Lord commands-the child shall bleed,
Thus Abraham acted,' Jenny cried;
Thus Abraham trusted,' Dan replied.
Abraham?' quoth Jane, 'why that's my man,
'No, Abraham's him I mean,' says Dan.
'He stands a monument of faith;—

'

No, 'tis for works, the Scripture saith.'
'Tis for his faith that I defend him :'
Tis for obedience I commend him.'

Thus he thus she-both warmly feel,
And lose their temper in their zeal;
Too quick each other's choice to blame,
They did not see each meant the same.
At length good wife,' said honest Dan,
'We're talking of the self-same man.
The works you praise I own indeed,
Grow from that faith for which I plead;

And.

And Abraham, whom for faith I
quote,
For works deserves especial note:
'Tis not enough of faith to talk,

A man of God, with God must walk:
Our doctrines are at last the same,
They only differ in the name.
The faith I fight for is the root,
The works you value are the fruit.
How shall you know my creed's sincere,
Unless in works my faith appear?
How shall I know a tree's alive,
Unless I see it bear and thrive?
Your works not growing on my root,
Wou'd prove they were not genuine fruit.
If faith produce no works, I see,
That faith is not a living tree.

Thus faith and works together grow,
No separate life they e'er can know :
They're soul and body, hand and heart,
What God hath join'd, let no one part."

Z.

77

THE

OLD MAN, HIS CHILDREN,

AND THE

BUNDLE OF STICKS.

A FABLE.

A GOOD Old Man, no matter where,

Whether in York or Lancashire,

Or on a hill or in a dale,

It cannot much concern the tale;
Had children very much like others,
Compos'd of sisters and of brothers,
In life he had not much to give,
Save his example how to live;

His luck was what his neighbours had,
For some were good and some were bad;
When of their father death bereft e'm,
His good advice was all he left e'm.
This good Old Man who long had lain,
Afflicted with disease and pain;
With difficulty drew his breath,
And felt the sure approach of death,
He still had liv'd an honest life,
Kind to his neighbour and his wife;
His practice good, his faith was sound,
He built his hope on Scripture ground;
G 2

And

And knowing life hangs on a breath,
He alway's liv'd prepar'd for death.
He trusted God, nor fear'd to die,
May it be thus with you and I!
Nor let us hope to die content,
Unless our life be wisely spent.
He call'd his children round his bed,
And with a feeble voice he said:
"Alas! alas! my children dear,
"I well perceive my end is near;

66

I suffer much, but kiss the rod, "And bow me to the will of GOD. "Yet ere from you I'm quite remov'd, "From you whom always I have lov'd; "I wish to give you all my blessing, "And leave you with a useful Lesson; "That when I've left this world of care, "Each may his testimony bear, "How much my latest thoughts inclin'd "To prove me tender, good, and kind; "Observe that faggot on the ground, "With twisted hazel firmly bound: The children turn'd their eyes that way, And view'd the faggot as it lay; But wonder'd what their father meant; Who thus expounded his intent, "I wish that all of you would take it, "And try if any one can break it.". Obedient to the good Old Man, They all to try their strength began;

Now