ay precious advantage for his appeal and
misses the psychological moment.

So much for the seasons and their memories. We have experience, also,
of the way in which the watchful and tactful preacher will profit from
the occurrences of his time. In the events of the day much material
for the pointing of appeal may often be found. The calamities which
befall; the happenings which arrest the attention of the multitude and
often hush a whole nation with the hush of awe--he will find in these
things an opening to be entered on behalf of the enterprise he has in
hand. Very watchful must he be, for everything that touches the heart
may mean "a way in" which it were a misfortune to miss. He must look
for the very slightest change of mood in his people, for so his
long-hoped-for chance may come. With all he may do; after every plea
he may still find that the victory is unwon. He has gained the
intellect it may be or moved the heart; but the stubborn will still
holds out against him.

Yes, notwithstanding all he may do the will may resist him still, but
this fact, instead of causing the preacher to give up in despair,
should move him to still greater efforts. The more difficult the task,
the greater the honour laid upon him who is sent to attempt it. This
is the understanding of military life, and this should be the
understanding of the preacher. He will not fail with _all_. Some
there will be who will ground their arms at Jesus' feet; some who will
give themselves to the living of the new life, who will accept the
invitation to climb the hills of God. In every one of these the
preacher will have ample reward for all his "work of faith and labour
of love"; for he who "converteth a sinner from the error of his ways
saveth a soul from death and hideth a multitude of sins." To know that
he has done these things for one brother man will be better than the
breath of popularity. Sweeter than all the compliments of men will be
the far-echoing "Well done" of Christ in that day when the messenger
lays his commission at His feet.

CONCLUSION

"And ye are witnesses of these things.

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in
the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.

"And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands
and blessed them.

"And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them,
and carried up into heaven."--_Luke