r
something else, for already he has been praying ten minutes!

Supposing a petition is to be drawn up to the Queen, asking for a pardon
for one of the family, who for his crime, is under sentence of death;
what thought would be given to it? Even the very paper, pens, and ink,
would have to be of the best quality. But hear yonder father praying for
his children's conversion. His son is old enough to have rejected the
gospel, and is condemned already; but how listless the prayer! "Offer it
to thy Governor." Would the Queen be expected to deign to notice such a
petition? Is it any wonder such prayers are unanswered?

Look into this vestry! There is a meeting for prayer. It is held with
great regularity, so that it is well known that a number of persons meet
at a certain hour to ask blessings from One who has said "Knock and the
door shall be opened." Considering that this is the case, one would have
expected the room would be too small; but no, there is never a large
meeting. You see it is only a prayer-meeting. If the Rev. Timothy
Flowerpot was going to preach, there would be a crowd, for he is popular,
and he says things which are supposed to be very superior to the Bible;
besides his prayers are eloquent, very different to what are usually sent
to the throne of grace. He is very sensitive, though, in the matter of
congregations, he will not go a second time where there is only a handful
of people. His work is to speak to large audiences, and he would be very
much offended if the vestry were prepared for his service.

"Offer it to thy Governor." If the Reverend Gentleman would not accept
the congregation that meets for an audience with God, can it be expected
that the Lord of heaven will be well pleased with those who care not to
come when prayer is made?

We shall be glad if these plain words cause some of our readers to look
at the sacrifice before they offer it, and ask, would this kind of thing
be acceptable to man? If not good enough for my equal, will my Superior
look with favour on it? Listen once more to the rough, but sensible
words of the Hebrew prophet:--

"IF YE OFFER THE BLIND FOR SACRIFICE,
IS IT NOT EVIL?
AND IF YE OFFER THE LAME AND SICK,
IS IT NOT EVIL?
OFFER IT NOW UNTO THY GOVERNOR; WILL HE BE
PLEASED WITH THEE, OR ACCEPT THY PERSON?
SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS."

FAITH MAKES THE GRAVE
A CRADLE.

XXIX. "WHAT MEAN THESE STONES?"
JOSH. iv. 21.

[_Preached at a Sunday S