"I suppose I could not help it," said Michael. "Let me see the paper."

Mr Martin went to his room, and returned with the document he spoke of.

"I have preserved it," he said, "for I am pleased with the gracious
terras in which it is couched."

Old Michael read the paper with intense interest.

"Yes!" he exclaimed. "I can no longer doubt the fact. Had I not kept
away from those who knew of this, I might long ago have been enjoying
the comforts and pleasures of the home I abandoned, and have again
become a member of civilised society."

"Then, my friend, if an earthly sovereign can be so merciful and
gracious, do you suppose that the King of Heaven, who has so wonderfully
manifested his love to man, is less merciful and gracious in forgiving
those who sin against Him?" said Mr Martin, feeling the importance of
not allowing so practical an illustration of the great truth to pass
unemployed. "Here is God's proclamation to sinful, rebellious man," he
added, lifting his Bible before the eyes of the old trapper. "He
declares in this--not once, but over and over again--that He forgives,
freely and fully all who come to Him; that their sins and iniquities are
blotted out and remembered no more; that `though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool;' that His pardon is a free gift, without
money and without price! You have seen the Queen's proclamation, and
you believe it, and you know that you may return to your home with
perfect safety, provided you take back your grandson, and restore him to
his long-bereaved parents. That they will forgive and welcome you I
know; for they belong to Christ's flock, and I am well acquainted with
them. Now, my friend, let me entreat you to believe God's proclamation,
to trust to the gracious plan He has designed, whereby you can obtain
free pardon, perfect reconciliation, and life eternal."

"But can He ever pardon such a wretch as I am? Oh! tell me, sir, what
shall I do to be saved?"

"I'll answer, as Paul answered the jailor at Philippi, who was, we have
reason to believe, a cruel and bad man, or he was very unlike others in
his occupation in those days: `Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and
thou shalt be saved.' Paul, who certainly knew what God requires, did
not tell him to go and do anything, he was simply to believe with a
living faith. That, my friend, is all you have to do; and, be assured,
the