'though He was rich, yet for our sakes He
became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich.' He 'pleased
not Himself.' And we, if we are His servants, must be ready to give
_everything_, if need be, even our lives also, to the work He calls us
to do. We must buy up opportunities with all our might, paying not only
time and money, but love, and patience, and self-denial, and
self-abasement, and labour, and pains-taking. We cannot be right
servants of God or happy servants, and keep back anything. 'Let a man
so account of us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries
of God;' and let us see that all the grace He gives us we use to the
very uttermost for His glory, in 'works, and love, and service, and
faith, and patience, and works.' My dear friends, if we have only
_love_ in our hearts, love will buy up opportunities as fast as they
come; and always have the right money."

Mr. Richmond said no more, but after another hymn and a prayer
dismissed the assembly. Maria and Matilda presently found themselves
side by side in the street.

"Maria," said the younger one, "don't you think you and I will go and
read to those two poor people in the lane?"

"I guess I will!" said Maria, "when I get done being chief cook and
bottle-washer to Mrs. Minny Candy."

"But before that, Maria?"

"When shall I go?" said Maria, sharply. "When it is time to get
breakfast? or when the potatoes are on for dinner? or when I am taking
the orders for tea? Don't be a goose, Matilda, if you can help it."

"We haven't much time," said Matilda, sighing.

"And I am not going to Lilac Lane, if I had it. There are enough other
people to do that."

"O Maria!"

"Well, 'O Maria,'--there are."

"But they do not go."

"That's their look out."

"And, Maria, you see what Mr. Richmond thinks about the Dows."

"I don't see any such thing."

"You heard him to-night."

"He didn't say a word about the Dows."

"But about trying again, he did. O Maria, I've thought a great many
times of that Dows' house."

"So have I," said Maria; "what fools we were."

"Why?"

"Why, because it was no use."

"Mr. Richmond doesn't think so."

"He's welcome to go and try for himself. _I_ am not going again."

"What is the matter, Maria?"

"Nothing is the matter."

"But, Maria, ever since you joined the Band, I cannot remember once
seeing you 'buy up opportunities.' If you loved Jesus, I think you
would."

"I wouldn't preach," said Maria.