by love to our fellows.

XLIII. OPPORTUNITY: BEING THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR.
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE.

We have heard a story told of a celebrated sculptor who had a statue in
his studio of a beautiful veiled figure with winged feet; when asked what
he called it, he said "Opportunity." "But why is it veiled? And why has
it wings on its feet?" "Because," said he, "it is not recognised, and
never stays long."

How true this is! The New Year, which comes to-morrow, brings with it
opportunities for becoming better, and being of greater use than we have
ever been. But, alas! how few of us will recognise the good chance till
it has passed for ever.

Some of us have special opportunities for growing better with age. We
live with those who have always shewn us a good example, and have the
privilege of listening every Sabbath Day to those who explain the Book of
God, so as to feed our souls with bread Divine. Those of us who are not
so fortunate, who, it may be, have our lot cast among the ungodly; yet
we, though at Patmos, may have revelations which some do not enjoy who
have more help from friends and good influences.

But does not the past admonish those of us who are Preachers and
Teachers? How many opportunities are past, to return no more! How much
more useful we should have been had we made use of them! How we might
have preached Christ instead of our own selves! How we might have
encouraged and stimulated our hearers, if only we had caught more of the
spirit of Jesus! How much power from above there would have been in our
addresses, if we had spent more time alone; and how many more souls would
have been converted, if we had not restrained prayer!

* * * * *

But the past is past. The future dawns, and in its kindling light let us
re-consecrate ourselves to the work God has set us to do. We shall have
appointments to preach. Shall we not look on each appointment, however
distant the place, or small the congregation, as

A HEAVEN-SENT OPPORTUNITY?

Let us make the most of it. Shall not the new opening for usefulness
find us prepared to enter in? Must it ever be said again that the pulpit
was open to us, but we were not ready to fill it as it ought to be
filled? Could an angel from heaven desire anything better than the
opportunity which will come to so many, next Sunday, of preaching, or it
may be, of teaching a class of young people out of the Word of God?

If we need a stimulus, let us a