strength, "without Christ," "without hope," and "without God in the world," described my true condition. What then? Was I sinking? Nay, truly I was sunk! ripe enough for hell, and just bad enough for Christ,-the reverse of my dark thoughts about Him,-for He came not "to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." And when I heard that God's love was worldwide, encircling every sinner, and the measure of that love for such the gift of His only begotten Son, I saw that for Jesus, God's salvation, I had nothing to pay, the gift was free, so I stopped reasoning, and took God at His word, thanking Him for His unspeakable gift. And my faith became stronger as I searched His Word,-assurance becoming unclouded, because God had written : 'For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Rom. v. 10). 66 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. viii. 1). "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John v. 13). Dear reader, whither are you bound? Dare you not stop to look eternity in the face? Are you counting the cost, as you sail under false colours, not knowing such a refuge will fail you? In contrast with the false, God's refuge "from wrath to come" stands open for you now; by faith enter in, as you hear the voice of the blessed Son of God through His precious Word, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John xiv. 6). P. D. O. ROCK OF AGES. ROCK of Ages! hid in Thee, I am now from judgment free; Thou hast borne the cross and shame; Rock of Ages! hid in Thee, Chosen in the Well-beloved, Lo the earthquake's fearful shock Death and ruin threaten all ! Though man's hopes prove sinking sands Persecution's fires blaze high, Blest are they who, lost, undone, They, by truth, are thus made free, H. M. FAITH COMETH BY HEARING. YOUNG Christian frequently visited the wards of a lunatic asylum, being deeply interested in those mentally afflicted. On one occasion she was trying to comfort a poor woman, who declared that there was no hope whatever for her, she knew she was utterly lost and forgotten of God. The lady replied immediately, "You are then the very one that Christ Jesus came to save; for has He not Himself affirmed, 'The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost'?" But In not knowing such a refuge will fail you? "I am the way, and the truth, and the life man cometh unto the Father, but by me ( xiv. 6). P. D ROCK OF AGES. ROCK of Ages hid in Thee, Thou hast borne the cross and shame; Chosen in the Well-beloved, Whose perfections God hath proved, Lo the earthquake's fearful shock Death and ruin threaten all ! Though man's hopes prove sinking sands re tha |