CHRISTIANA AND FAMILY AT THE WICKET GATE. BY BERNARD BARTON. With that the keeper of the gate did marvel, saying, 'What! is she now become a pilgrim, who but a while ago abhorred that life?' Then she bowed her head, and said, 'Yea, and so are these, my sweet babes, also.'" Is she on pilgrimage now led, Who late that life abhorr'd ? The humble suppliant bow'd her head, "And these, my precious babes, also, Deign, then, our onward path to show, And ope thy wicket-gate." Her prayer was heard—the humble prayer Of Faith, success must win; The gate was open'd to them there, And weak and helpless as might seem They followed no delusive dream, Seeking that better land. |