earnest of the other. How can they be otherwise than joyous over every sinner that repenteth? And the practical proof of their joy is given in this, that they are all ministering spirits, doing manifold and willing service to those who thus become heirs of salvation.

But now let us consider further, The purpose for which our Saviour made this particular state

ment.

From the context it is plain that it was given. in answer to the accusation made against Him by the captious Jews. They denounced Him as a bad man because He received sinners and ate with them; and this was part of His answer to that charge. And a just and very complete answer it was. Were not the holy angels good? And if it is a matter of joy to them when even "one sinner" repents, why should He be blamed and regarded as profane for welcoming these poor despairing outcasts, who came flocking to Him, eager to hear His gracious words, behold His merciful works, and share His saving goodness?

But it was further meant as an argument to convict and shame these heartless malignants. It was as much as to say to them: "If God's holy angels rejoice over one repenting sinner, what unheavenly creatures are ye to condemn My kindness to these burdened souls so anxious to be taught the way to eternal life." It was the citation of a heavenly truth which not only vindicated His conduct as embodying the very spirit of heaven, but revealed the base uncharity of their

hearts and the shameful injustice of their hostility.

It is not worth while for men to undertake to fault the Christ, nor to reason out a case to convict Him of a mistaken goodness; for they are sure to get the worst of it.

It was also intended by this citation to show the heavenly dignity of the work of bringing sinners to repentance. It may seem foolish to the philosophy of this world to lay so much stress on the preaching and the efforts made to win careless sinners to Christ and salvation; but it is a work in the spirit of angels and in the spirit of Jesus, a work which gladdens heaven by every item of its success.

Much is made in this world of advancement in knowledge, art, commerce, and civil liberty,—of the glory of wise statesmanship, the honoring of heroes, and the upbuilding of empires. But these are not the things that most enlist the contemplations and sympathies of angels. According to our sublimest Guide and only Saviour, the bringing of a single soul to genuine repentance is a greater achievement, and more delights heaven, than all any worldly savant, statesman, or philosopher ever accomplished or can accomplish. Earth's heroes and sages may for the time gladden nations here; but he who succeeds in winning a sinner to God gladdens heaven and eternity.

Nay, still more was this citation meant to assure us, and all burdened and guilty souls, how ready and willing Jesus is to receive sinners.

It

really proclaims Him the special friend of the sinful, ailing, and needy, who seek His favor. It re-echoed as well as vindicated His word: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He knows what sin is, -what corrosions it begets in the heart,-what an evil thing and bitter it is to depart from God and righteousness,-what utter hopelessness obscures the outlook of the guilty without His redeeming mercy,-and hence it is His pleasure, and the delight of angels, when even one of these alien and sorrowing ones is brought to repent

ance.

See, then, dear friends, what wonderful interest is felt for us sinful mortals, even in the highest worlds. All heaven is concerned and anxious to have every one of us turned from our sins,-our unbelief,—our neglect of God,—our prayerlessness, our indifference to the great and pressing wants of our souls. The everlasting Father in His goodness and mercy, the everlasting Son in His unceasing love and compassion, the eternal Spirit in His ever-gracious ministrations, and the holy angels in anxious sympathy, are profoundly concerned for us. And the toiling Church, in untiring activities of instruction, admonition, entreaty, prayer, and every variety of endeavor, is moved by the one great and absorbing wish to have us turned from the evil that is in and about us to Him who alone can save. Nor can we thoughtfully contemplate the facts without feel

ing that here is matter so momentous in significance that it is supremest madness and supremest crime for any one to disregard it.

O ye prayerless neglectors of your souls and your God, regarding your own selfish ease and pleasure more than to be in accord with heaven and participant in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Is there nothing in all this to make you think upon your careless ways? It is now, by divine grace, within your power to make the holy angels glad and to secure a destiny the equal of theirs. Your own earnest and heartfelt repentance out of your negligence and unconcern will do it. And why not imitate the prodigal as he came to himself, and say, "I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son?" Saying and doing this, with a good and honest heart, you will send a thrill of joy through celestial orders, and put you on the way to become like them. And now is your time.

God help us all to be genuine penitents!

The Munificent Saviour.

Fourth Sunday in Lent.

When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?—JNO. 6: 5.

HE first thing I note in this text is a great crowd of people greatly interested in Jesus. He had just come from a severe conflict with the captious and malignant Jews, and had retired with His disciples into a desert place to "rest awhile." But His movements were watched, and the people from the towns and villages along the shores of the sea of Galilee joined each other in a general movement to follow Him into His retreat. About five thousand men were in the crowd, jostling each other in their hurry and press to come where He was, that they might see and hear Him.

Some, doubtless, were moved by mere idle curiosity, or by the general stir. The community always abounds with people ready to run and gape whenever something unusual occurs, although seldom profited by what they learn. Having seen and told their story, they are ready for the next new sensation. Some people can hardly live ex