abstract of it has come down to us; but it is little more than a
skeleton, lacking the flesh and blood and abounding life of the
original.

Jasper began by describing the apostle John's imprisonment on the Isle
of Patmos. There he was in the Spirit on the Lord's day when he heard a
voice saying unto him: "Write." John took the flaming pen of
inspiration and wrote those wonderful scenes found in the book of
Revelation. But before writing his final "Amen" he gives one last,
universal, gracious invitation to all men to come to the water of life
and be saved. With marvelous unction and power Jasper spoke of the
invitation coming from God's Spirit and from his Church, the bride, to
all thirsty souls: "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life
freely." At this place the preacher reached the climax of his theme.
With the full power of his noble voice he brushed away all artificial
distinctions among men, crying out that God is no respecter of persons,
but that all men are invited to come to him for salvation. In earnest
tones he besought his hearers to know that they are all included in the
great invitation; the blacks as well as the whites, the poor farmer on
the hills as well as the rich planter in the valley, the outcasts from
society, such as moonshiners, horse thieves and gamblers, equally with
the moral citizen who yet needed a personal deliverance from sin. All
that is required is the will to come.

At last his emotions almost overcame him. Like his Master weeping over
Jerusalem, this strong man wept before the people. Throwing into his
voice much tenderness, sympathy, love, and persuasion, he called upon
them to come forward, kneel in the straw, and seek a merciful Savior's
pardon. His appeal was with many most effective; and when the
congregation arose and started a gospel hymn, scores crowded to the
altar seeking forgiveness and peace.

For an hour Jasper, Viola, and the rest who had come from "Mount
Pisgah" labored with the penitents at the altar. At half past nine
o'clock, long before the service closed, they started for home. They
were all lifted to a high plane of spiritual experience, and for some
time each was busy with his or her own thoughts and few words were
spoken. The moon had risen and was throwing her mild light through the
thick trees as best she could. Gradually George LeMonde and the three
girls got into a more talkative and merry mood. Now and then a happy
laugh floated through the forest, a