prevent their entering, for they looked over the gate instead of passing under it. Some stooped their heads a little, but disliked the dust. Some few took off their hats, but finding that not to be sufficent, gave it up, and went away.d

C

I observed many who were so nicely dressed, that they turned in disgust from the dusty passage. Some went a little way till they saw the dirt on their clothes, and then came back evidently offended." There were others again who could not contrive to get through, because they were carrying baskets of fine things along

c If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Hell. Matt. v. 29.

d This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John iii. 19.

e Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Matt. xi. 6.

f

with them; and the gate was too narrow

to admit more than a person without incumbrances. A few, seeing this difficulty, tried to push in their treasures first, but it would not do.

h

I saw one man very eagerly pressing forward, but he was hampered by an iron chest full of money and title deeds; " I asked him to let me take it while he passed, but he would not give it up, and so he lost his pains.

and went away.

Many, just peeped in,

A vast number tired

f For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John ii. 16.

g Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. 1 John ii. 15.

h It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matt. xix. 24.

i Strive to enter in at the straight gate; for many I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke xiii. 24.

themselves, and fell asleep on the bank, near the spot where I was sitting. Some got clear through, but I saw they were all over dust.k

Well, I thought to myself, all this is not very inviting; I had better give it up. Not that I am too tall,' for I should not require to stoop much; and as to the dust, that does not signify; and I have nothing in particular that I wish to take with me. But it is a great exertion, and after all I am sufficiently comfortable outsidem "but not safe," whispered something in my ear. I hastily rose, went up to the wall, and leaned over it.

k Before honour, is humility. Prov. xv. 33.

There

1 Now ye rejoice in your boastings; all such rejoicing is evil. James iv. 16.

m Thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Rev. iii. 17.

was always a thick mist within," which prevented one from seeing far; but as I looked, it cleared away here and there, and I thought the peeps I got were very beautiful. Such partial discoveries of a pleasant landscape only made it seem the more delightful, and once for a few minutes, such a vista opened up, as made me long to be there. P

But I am ashamed to say, I turned back, and walked away, and for many

n

૧

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit. 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10.

• And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. The man whose eyes are open hath said, How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! and thy tabernacles, O Israel! Num. xxiv. 2-5.

P Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! Num. xxiii. 10.

If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Heb. x. 38.

days remained on the wrong side of the wall,' persuading myself that it was good to be there, and that I could pass the gate as well at some future period. Besides, I thought of all the kind friends. I must leave behind, and it seemed hard to give them up." My prospects in life also, must be abandoned, for they lay entirely in the outer kingdom, and at any rate it was advisable to realize them, before I left the region where alone they could be followed.*

r When I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Acts xxiv. 25.

S

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. vi. 2.

t Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke xiv. 33.

u He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. Matt. x. 37.

* Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. vi. 33.