“Sir King, welcome in good say, Thy present is welcome to my pay. God has helped me to-day, Unworthy though I were. He shall have part of my prey That I won since I went away. Therefore to thee thou take it may, The tenth I offer thee.” At this moment a horse richly laden with all sorts of precious gifts of gold and silver and jewels was led forward by a page. The beautiful animal had splendid harness and trappings upon him, and he walked proudly as though conscious of the royal presents he brought. Melchizedek accepted the gift and, after further talk with Abraham, rode away, followed by his servants, who led the laden steed. Abraham now wheeled his horse aside to make room for the messenger, who rode into the cleared space, and once more addressed the audience. In a long speech he explained to the people that the scene they had just witnessed was a sort of parable, and meant the Holy Communion, the Bread and Wine commemorating Christ’s sacrifice for the world. So far the pageant or wooden stage had not been used at all. All the characters had come riding in to act their parts. But now the platform which stood waiting in the background, was drawn into the midst of the open space, and the rest of the play took place as usual, upon it. First God the Father appeared, and Abraham entreated Him to send him a child to be his heir. The Almighty promised to grant his request, laid various commands upon him, and told him that his descendants should be as the stars of heaven for number; and the scene ended with Abraham kneeling to bless and thank the Lord for His mercy. The curtains were now drawn, and before they were once more unclosed, the messenger again rode up, and explained to the people how some of the commands which God had just given to Abraham pointed to and foreshadowed the Sacrament of Baptism, which followed the birth of Christ. When he had ridden away, and the curtains of the pageant again swung back, the children grew very excited, for almost the first words of the scene told them that Isaac might soon be expected to appear. “You see,” said Master Gyseburn, “that some years are supposed to have passed between the last scene and this. God’s promise has been fulfilled, and Abraham now has a son. Listen!” Abraham was alone on the stage, but just as Master Gyseburn finished speaking, God’s voice was heard: “Abraham, My servant Abraham!” “Lo, Lord, already here I am,” replied Abraham. “Take Isaac thy son by name,” the voice continued, “And in sacrifice offer him to Me Upon that hill, beside thee. Abraham, I will that it so be For aught that may befall.” Though almost stunned with grief at the command, Abraham at once declared himself ready to obey the Lord. He said that all his household should remain at home except Isaac, with whom he would go to the appointed hill.