made, stating that the bench was to serve as an altar, where
those who desired to be converted and who wanted to consecrate their
lives and services to God could gather for prayer.

An explanation was also made to the effect that, though God is pleased
to see people humble themselves before Him, there was no virtue in the
wooden altar; it was simply a more convenient place to bow for prayer
than their seats would be. The services were shorter than usual; and
when the invitation to come forward was given to those who desired to
yield their hearts to God, John was ready. He longed to go; but although
he had learned a great many things, he was still uncertain just what was
meant by bowing at the altar; and as he wanted to do the right thing, he
decided to wait until he saw how the others would do. He did not have
long to wait; for a girl in front of him arose, went forward, and knelt
down beside the altar. This was enough for John, because it taught him
just what he desired to know; and he was soon kneeling beside her. That
night was indeed a wonderful time. One by one the people flocked to the
front part of the room; and John afterwards learned that many of his
friends and even those whom he thought would ridicule and make fun of
him, were among the number that, as himself, had sought and found pardon
for their sins.

The invitation lasted a long time; and when it was ended, the ministers
knelt down among the penitent seekers, thanked God for the tender
mercies he had extended to the lost world, and prayed that those who
were at the altar might understand what true salvation is. After
praying, they explained carefully what it meant to be redeemed from all
sin, and told the seekers how God looked upon the sin-cursed world and
its awful wickedness, but also how He was so moved with tender love and
compassion that He sacrificed the brightest Gem of glory--even His only
begotten Son--to be a Redeemer for all who would believe on Him and turn
from their evil ways.

The redemption price, they said, was great; but nothing less could have
proved so well God's great love for mankind. And they quoted from the
Bible, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16, 17); also,
"The Son of man is come to seek and to save