Five Hnndred Fold.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1893, 23 August 1884, Page 6 (Supplement)

Five Hnndred Fold.

One morn in bis study knelt apart Michael Feneberg good and gray ; His lips moved not, but his thankful heart Sang the song of St. Barnabas day. And hia joy was not for the world's reward (Poor village pastor, his purse was lean), But in humble silence he praised the Lord For health, and grace, 'and a conscience clean. " What shall I render, dear Lord,?to Thee For thy kindness], blessing me more and more ?" Did he dreani the answer so near could be ? Who knocks at Michael Feneberg'a door ? There stood a traveller soiled and lame, Face to face with the poor man's friend, Begging three crowns " in Jesus' name," To help him to his journey'Siend. A thrill thro 1 the pastor's bosom ran, And his face was grave, — but still sereng. He welcomed and fed that hungry man, And plied him with questions kind but keen, Till pitifyiog faith his'dbubt controls, And he chides his heart with a promise sure, " Michael Feneberg, shepherd of souls, He lends to the Lord who helps the poor." He gave to the stranger weary and sad Three crowns, and smilingly sped him on. 'Twas all that the good old pastor had, But he thought of his prayers and hia fears were gone— " I honor God's bounty-best," he said, " To spend it free for a brother's needs : For piety thrives wherd the psor are fad, And charity thanks the Lord in deeds, "They serve not heaven whose souls are bound ; Their prayers are pagan \ whose hearts are froze ; And praise is shallow and selfish sound From him who nothing in love bestowa. The helping hand is a test of grace, And giving the measure of gratitude, And they live in the light of Jesus' face Whose joy is the joy of doing good." Days passed, and tho' for better or worse, Michael still on the Lord relied, Empty so long was the good man's puree That his .soul was sad and his faith was tried ; And he knelt, and apake in hia childlike way, "Dear Master, I lent three crowns to Thee ; Thou knowest I need them; Lord, I pray In tby mercy give them back to me." Did he dream the answer could be so near ? There came a letter that very night ; Heavy and large — and bold and clear Was the writing that showed in the candlelight. Who sent it ? Only the post- mark told It had borne its burden through twenty towns, But, soon as he broke the seal, behold, There fell at his feet five hundred crowns ! O'er the Bavarian highlands, west, Half way from tho Danube to the Ehine, One little deed to a sufferer blessed Had gone, like a tender star to shine. For the weary stranger the story spread Of Michael's gilt as he homeward came, And a pious rich man heard and paid The beggar's debt in the Saviour's name. So God in bounty His promise kept To the kind of heart and the free of hand ; — Michael Feneberg gazed, and wept At the blessing he scarce could understand. "Ah, Lord," he murmured, "one drop I sought, And heaven rains, till my hands o'erflow ; It is like Thee, Lord ; — I dare ask naught Of Thee, for Thy goodness shames me so." — TJieoron Brown in Youth's Goinponioti.