FOOD FOR YOUR JOURNEY

2 November

CRITICISM OF THE BIBLE

Last evening I passed beside the Blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring its familiar chime;

When looking down I saw upon the floor,

Old hammers worn with use in former time.

“How many anvils have you used” said I,

“To wear and batter all these hammers so?”

“Just one!” He said, and then with twinkling eye,

“The anvil wears the hammers out you know!”

Just so – thought I – the Anvil of God’s Word.

For ages sceptic blows have beat upon;

Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The Anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.