and when He says, `God so loved
the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,' He means by
`whosoever,' everybody, good people and bad people."

"But do you think if I was to try and please God and serve Him He would
pardon me?" asked Bell.

"He doesn't say that," said Peter. "He promises to forgive only those
who trust in Jesus Christ, because Jesus was punished instead of them,
and if one person was punished instead of another He will not punish
that other; it would be unjust to do that. Oh, Bell, why don't you take
God at His word, and believe on Jesus, and then you would be able to
obey Him and serve Him, because He will send you the Holy Spirit to help
you as He has promised?"

Much more to the same effect the young boy urged on his friend, while he
read numerous portions of Scripture to him to prove his words.

The boys were now called off to their duty on board, and the
conversation was interrupted. Owen seemed very quiet and serious; but
he had no opportunity of speaking to Peter for some days. At last, when
they were alone together again he said to him:

"I am sure you are right, Peter; I never before understood that Jesus
died instead of me on account of my sins, and therefore if I believe on
Him I shall be helped to overcome my sins, and shall not be punished for
them, but shall go to heaven, and live with Him in happiness; I see it,
and believe it now. The Bible is no new book to me, Peter, I have heard
it read often and often at home, and have read it myself too, though I
could not understand its meaning."

After this, Owen Bell took every opportunity of reading with Peter, and
as he was as strong as a man, and respected by the crew, no one
interrupted them.

One evening they had been reading together, when Owen turned suddenly to
Peter, and said:

"Do you think if I was to die to-night I should go to be with Jesus?"

"I know you would, for I am sure you believe on Him."

"That I do, with all my heart and soul," exclaimed Owen Bell. "And I
wish that I could serve Him and make known His love to others. I feel
it myself, and I have been trying to speak to Emery about it, and though
he is little better than a heathen, he said he should like to know more
about one so good and kind as Jesus must be who died to save others; and
Bill, the cook, was ready to listen. I think, Peter, if you offered to
read to them they