character dawns on the soul, a new ideal, a
revelation which changes all thoughts of living. The friendship of
Jesus is most inspiring.

Some months passed, and then came a formal call which drew Simon into
close and permanent relations with Jesus. It was on the Sea of
Galilee. The men were fishing. There had been a night of unsuccessful
toil. In the morning Jesus used Simon's boat for a pulpit, speaking
from its deck to the throngs on the shore. He then bade the men push
out into deep water and let down their net. Simon said it was not
worth while--still he would do the Master's bidding. The result was an
immense haul of fishes.

The effect of the miracle on Simon's mind was overwhelming. Instantly
he felt that he was in the presence of divine revealing, and a sense of
his own sinfulness and unworthiness oppressed him. "Depart from me;
for I am a sinful man, O Lord," he cried. Jesus quieted his terror
with his comforting "Fear not." Then he said to him, "From henceforth
thou shalt catch men." This was another self-revealing. Simon's work
as a fisherman was ended. He forsook all, and followed Jesus, becoming
a disciple in the full sense. His friendship with Jesus was deepening.
He gave up everything he had, going with Jesus into poverty,
homelessness, and--he knew not what.

Living in the personal household of Jesus, Simon saw his Master's life
in all its manifold phases, hearing the words he spoke whether in
public on in private conversation, and witnessing every revealing of
his character, disposition, and spirit. It is impossible to estimate
the influence of all this on the life of Simon. He was continually
seeing new things in Jesus, hearing new words from his lips, learning
new lessons from his life. One cannot live in daily companionship with
any good man without being deeply influenced by the association. To
live with Jesus in intimate relations of friendship was a holy
privilege, and its effect on Simon's character cannot be estimated.

An event which must have had a great influence on Simon was his call to
be an apostle. Not only was he one of the Twelve, but his name came
first--it is always given first. He was the most honored of all, was
to be their leader, occupying the first place among them. A
true-hearted man is not elated or puffed up by such honoring as this.
It humbles him, rather, because the distinction brings with it a sense
of responsibility. It awes a good man to becom