cast a thin veil of metaphor; but I shall be very sorry if it has obscured my meaning: for even in these humble pages, there are truths which, if you believe and embrace, you need envy no man's millions, and many a wealthy worldling is poor compared with you.

The thing which I have been most anxious to show, is the kind tone in which the Saviour speaks to you, and the boons which, in the Bible, he transmits to you. Judging by some sermons and tracts, you might fancy that the Bible is a severe and angry book, or, at the very best, that it is a book of good advices. This is a mistake. The Bible has many a solemn passage, and it abounds in good advices; but you miss the very best of it if you think that this is all. I shall suppose that a young man has left his home in Scotland or the north of England. He comes to this great London, and in a little while falls in with its worst ways. In the theatre and the tea-garden and the tavern-parlour he spends all his money, and gets deep in debt; and then he turns ill, and is taken to the hospital. And when there he begins to bethink him of his foolishness : "I wish I once were well again. I wish I once were home again. But 'tis no use wishing. I know that my father's door is shut. They would not take me in. And if once I were able to creep about, they would have me up for debt. It would just be out of the hospital into the gaol." And, whilst bemoaning his misery, a letter comes from his father, telling him that he has heard of his wretched plight, and reminding him of the past, and all he had done for his wayward child-and glancing his eye over it, the sick

news.

youth crumples it up, and crams it away under his pillow. And by and by a comrade comes in, and among other things the invalid tells him, "And here is a letter of good advice just come from my father,"and that other runs his eye over it, "Good advice, did you say? I think you should rather have said, good Don't you see, he makes you welcome home again? and in order that you may settle your accounts, and return in peace and comfort, he has appended this draft for twenty pounds." Most people read the Bible carelessly, or with a guilty conscience for the interpreter, and they notice in it nothing but reproofs and good advice. They miss the main thing there. The gospel is good news. It tells us that God is Love, and announces to every reader that the door of the Father's house is open, and that this very night he may find a blessed home in the bosom of his God. And as we have all incurred a debt to Divine justice, which, throughout eternity we never could pay; and as it needs a righteousness to recommend us to the favour of a holy God-in every Bible there is enclosed a draft on the Saviour's merits, to which the sinner has only to sign his believing name, and the great salvation, is his own. By exhibiting the cross of Christ,—by directing to that precious blood which cleanses from all sin, and by presenting a perfect righteousness, to every awakened conscience, the Bible comes a benefactor and a friend in need. And when rightly understood, the angelic anthem, "Glory to God in the

highest; on earth peace; good-will toward man,"-is

the cheerful but stately tune to which the gospel goes, and to which in Heaven itself they sing it.

And, reader, try to catch that tune. Pray that God would this very night by his own Spirit teach it to you. Fear not to believe too soon, nor to rejoice in Christ Jesus too much. Let the love of God your Saviour tide into all your soul, and, as it makes your feelings happy, so will it make your dispositions new. Peace and joy will keep you from some sins, gratitude and loyalty will preserve you from the rest. No cheerful glass will be needed to raise your spirits then; for a soul exulting in the great salvation forgets its poverty, and remembers its misery no more. No sinful lust nor forbidden joy will enthral you then; for you will have discovered deeper and purer pleasures. And there will be no fear of your growling and cursing through your daily task, or filling with consternation your cowering family; for the peace of God will make you pacific, and, scattering on every side kind looks and friendly feelings, you will come and go a sunshine in the shop, a fire-light in the home.

No: do not sit so sullenly. I am a stranger, but it is the truth of God I tell. In all your life you may never have got a costly gift; but here, at last, is one. It is the gift of God, and therefore it is a gift unspeakable; but, accepted as cordially as it is graciously offered, it will make you blessed now, and rich for all eternity. Oh, my dear friend, do not eye it so coldly; suffer it not so tamely to pass away. This night has brought you good news. It has told you of the Saviour's

costly purchase and wondrous present. Let it also bring good news to heaven; let it tell that the love of God has broken your heart, and made you sorry and ashamed for all your sins; let it tell that with tears of thankfulness you have surveyed the "unsearchable riches of Christ," and have given yourself to Him who once gave himself for you; let it tell that your history has taken a new turn, and that, breaking off from your worthless companions and evil ways, you have begun in lowliness and love to follow Jesus.