tinker. If we had a telescope which would enable us to look
into heaven as Stephen did, I can imagine we should see the thief,
who believed in Jesus while on the cross, very near the throne. Ask
him how he got there; and he would tell you it was through the grace
of God. See how the grace of God could save a Mary Magdalene
possessed of seven devils! Ask her what it was that melted her
heart: and she would tell you that it was the grace of God. Look
again at that woman whom Christ met at the well at Sychar. The
Saviour offered her a cup of the living water: she drank, and now
she walks the chrystal pavement of heaven. See how the grace of God
could change Zaccheus, the hated publican of Jericho! Now he is in
yonder world of light; he was brought there by the sovereign grace
of God.

You will have noticed that many of those who were about the most
unlikely, have, by the power of God's grace, become very eminent in
His service. Look at the twelve apostles of Christ; they were all
unlettered men. This ought to encourage all whose education is
limited to give themselves to God's work. When our earthly work is
ended, then, like our Master, we shall enter into glory. It has been
well remarked: "Grace is glory militant; and glory is grace
triumphant. Grace is glory begun; glory is grace made perfect. Grace
is the first degree of glory: glory is the highest degree of grace."

"Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it--
Prone to leave the God I love--
Here's my heart, oh take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above."

CHAPTER VIII.

A CHIME OF GOSPEL BELLS.

IN Baltimore, a few years ago, we held a number of meetings for men.
I am very fond of this hymn; and we used to let the choir sing the
chorus over and over again, till all could sing it.

"Oh, word of words the sweetest,
Oh, word in which there lie
All promise, all fulfillment,
And end of mystery!
Lamenting or rejoicing,
With doubt or terror nigh,
I hear the 'Come!' of Jesus,
And to His cross I fly.

Come! oh, come to me!
Come! oh, come to me!
Weary heavy-laden,
Come! oh, come to Me!

O soul! why shouldst thou wander
From such a loving Friend?
Cling closer, closer to Him,
Stay with Him to the end
Alas