faith was simple, but in proportion to its simplicity it was
strongly-rooted in her nature. 'Tis not infrequent to find it
so. Lengthy creeds and confessions of faith are apt to extend
the strength and fervor of belief over too wide a surface. In
the close frame of some single article will be concentrated the
whole energy of the soul. The first formula, "Repent and believe
in the Lord Jesus Christ," was maintained with a heat that became
less intense, though more distributed, in the insertion of an
Athanasian creed. Mrs. Ginx's creed was succinct.

Mrs. GINX'S PRIMARY CREED.

I believe in God, giver of bread, meat, money, and health.

This she maintained, with indifferent ritual and devotional
observances. But there was to Mrs. Ginx's faith a corollary or
secondary creed, only needed to meet special emergencies.

Mrs. GINX'S SECONDARY CREED.

1. I believe in the Church of England.
2. I believe in Heaven and Hell.
3. (A negative article) I hate Popery, priests, and the Devil.


When her husband made his fatal gift to the nun, this third
article of his wife's belief, or unbelief, stirred up and waxed
aggressive.

Said the Lady Superior, "My good woman, your child thrives under