A Parable.
IN a certain city a terrible famine prevailed, and multitudes were dying of hunger. The angel of Mercy beheld the sufferings and destitution of the citizens, and, moved with pity, determined to prepare a banquet to which all the poor should be received without demur.
The tidings soon spread throughout the city that Mercy’s banquet was ready, and report was made of the richness of the provision.
But what caused the greatest astonishment was that the terms were― “Without money and without price.”
As may be supposed the needy came in great numbers from every quarter.
Seeing so many wend their way to Mercy’s banquet hall a certain gentleman named Presumption thought he would like to pay the place a visit. Accordingly he drove thither in his chariot of righteousness drawn by his six horses of pride, and bade his servant ring the bell.
Mercy herself graciously opened the door, and, beholding his horses and chariot, she questioned him thus: ― “Art thou poor?”
“Oh, no,” said Presumption, “I am rich, and increased with goods.”
“Art thou miserable?” said Mercy.
The gentleman colored to the roots of his hair. “Miserable,” quoth he, “I have need of nothing.”
Then did Mercy sigh, and said, “Art thou blind?”
“Blind!” replied Presumption, “wouldest thou insult me? No; I can see clearly.”
Mercy questioned once again, “Art thou naked?”
Presumption could no longer conceal his anger, and, sitting erect in his chariot, said, “Naked! didst thou say? Seest thou not the goodly Babylonish garment in which I am clothed?”
At this answer the angel of Mercy sadly replied, “This banquet is not for thee; it is prepared only for the destitute.”
Presumption now drove away in a great rage; but, notwithstanding the rumbling of his chariot wheels, I could hear the voice of Mercy crying in solemn and plaintive tone― “Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
“And the door was shut.”
Then did I remember that it is written: “He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.”
C. H.