ON the Firth of Forth lived an old ferryman, a man of much thought and observation, but of few words; a constant student of the Bible, and a firm believer in its truths. Among his patrons were two loquacious companions, whose business led them across the river on the same day once a-week. One of them was, as he supposed, a high-toned Calvinist (but was really an Antinomian), while the other imagined himself a sound Arminian. Their conversation always turned upon some doctrinal point. The ferryman was frequently annoyed by the repetition of faith on one side and works on the other, because they were used in a sense so different from their real import, and so destructive of their Scriptural harmony.
At length the patience of the old man failed him; he felt that he must interfere. He said nothing, but fell upon the following expedient: Upon one of his oars he painted “Faith,” and upon the other, “Works.” It was not long before the zealous but friendly disputants applied for a passage over the Forth. Upon entering the deepest part of the river, the ferryman took in “Faith,” and pulled away upon “Works,” with all his might. The boat went round and round, much to the annoyance and terror of the two passengers.
“Put out the other oar,” said one of them in a loud and angry tone.
“Very well,” was the calm reply of the old man, at the same time taking in “Works,” and putting out “Faith” alone, upon which he pulled.
The experiment with this oar produced the same result, and drove the witnesses of it to the conclusion that the ferryman was “out of his head.”
The old man, however, continued his “practical demonstrations” on the water, until he thought the friends were prepared to see two things in connection. He then called their attention to the names painted on his oars. “I have tried your way,” said he, “and yours; and you have seen the result. Now, observe my way.” And giving a steady hand to each oar, the little boat soon acknowledged the power of their harmonious strokes, by the straight and rapid flight which she took for the landing.
—Extract.