souls. 'Repent,' said he, 'for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"

"If the people heard more of this preaching," said Fabens, "they would
rouse from their indifference, and live a heavenly life."

"The world has been denounced for indifference," said the Minister;
"but the world is not all to blame. The gospel it hears is too seldom
of the inviting kind, adapted to its wants, addressed to its affections
and reason. Men have been fed on the letter, while needing the spirit
and truth which the letter conceals. Preachers have spun too much
gossamer and tinsel; and woven too little solid bang-up and beaver for
wear and comfort. The people have been served with too many custards
and candies of entertainment, while hungering hotly for the bread of
life."

"Very true," said Fabens. "I have felt this hunger myself, though our
preacher here has given us very good fare."

"In consequence of this error," said the Minister, "many good people
have taken the impression that there is nothing in religion worthy of
their first concern. That it has not a spirit which will act on a week
day; and neither food nor clothing for the soul can be found among its
provisions.--Why, sir, religion is a legacy of infinite love to a world
groaning in sin. It has power to change this earth to a paradise, and
transfigure its inhabitants to angels. It is the one thing needful for
every-day life; the principal requisite for a true integrity and honor;
the actual virtue; the legitimate hope; the perfect charity; the
paramount peace; the kingdom of heaven at hand. As men permit its warm
influence to stream down into their hearts, they will kindle and rise
to a new and noble life, and walk and live in heaven."

"I am confident of that," said Fabens, "and I am glad you are out on a
mission of this gospel. I am sure we need it enough in this
neighborhood."

"Christians should be all on fire with the spirit of this religion
now," said the Minister. "They should give it forth to the world as a
vital heat warming up the temple of the heart like a furnace; a light,
flooding every niche and cranny of that temple with full illumination;
a fountain, watering all its sanctities and graces; and music, filling
it to overflow with the voice of heavenly song."

"Give me that religion," said Fabens, "and I shall be rich and high
indeed. But I cannot hope to enjoy it in such full and actual life."

"The world is like you," said the Minister. "It want