The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-15

is there about that CLASP" he thought as
he went along 81 don't see anything
ever but just my own face, just as
should in any looking-glass. Don't see
that's any magic. "Tisn't very hand
some Wonder if l do look like that
much Of the time. Wonder if shouldn t
look better if kept pleasant"
Once admitted, that last thought was
not to be easily banished. 1t took firm
hold of Rob, and resulted in a stout re-
solve that he a0ould keep pleasant hence
forward. Poor boy when any one has
habit of being cross, that resolve is not so
easily kept. He fell into the habit of
peeping into his glass on all occasions
not now to look for magical results; he
had forgotten all about that-but to see
if he looked any better Of course, it
was not long before the boys noticed this
and began to laugh at him; and then, of
course, poor Rob was furious, and forgot
his good resolve. So, day after day went
by. Rob thought he had never passed
so unhappy week. By Saturday night
he was utterly discouraged. He had
been very cross that day, and he cried
himself to sleep. Sunday morning he
told the whole story to his mother, with
many chokings and stray tear-drop or
two, in spite of Roh's efforts at self-con-
troll. And there 7aever were so many
things to vex me" he added, Gas since 1
tried to be pleasant; and-oh, dear it
isn't one bit of use.
Robbie" said his mother, once there
was man in boat floating down a river.
He did not have to work at all. But
after while he took up his oars to row
back. He tugged and tugged, but still
the current drifted him along. 'Whyr
said the man, the current was not half
so strong before l began to row.
"How foolish" said Rob. cit was
Just as strong, only he didn't feelit when
he was floating the same way"
yes, said his mother; then she stop
ped.
But why"-began Rob. 40 yes;
see You mean things were Just as bad
before I tried only didn't notice. But
that doesnt make it any easier-does it,
mother? And I can't be good; it's no
use at all, " walled poor Rob.
" No, my darling; you can 't-all alone"
she answered and there the conversation
dropped, for Rob's father called that it
was time for church 1t would be use
less to tell Rob that the sermon he heard
was not made for him. He k7aew it was,
though how his minister found out about
him he could not guess. And think he
was right. To be sure, the minister did
not know about Rob, but God knew
and he sent the message, didn't he? A
part of what Rob took home was this
Some of you are trying to do the work
yourselves. Yeu are asking, What shall
| dog and you think that you are to
make yourselves better, before you can
come to Jesus. But Christ's work is fin
ished. You cannot add to it. All he
wants of you is to take it, and own that
1T is his work, not yours. Here is
great advantage which Christian has
over others. Others try to cover up their
sins, or pretend to think them not OF
much consequence; but a Christian knows
he may bring them all to Jesus, for Jesus
has borne them all. He may confess to
Jesus what others dare not own to them
selves, and in Jesus presence he dares
face himself"
"That's what I want" thought Rob,
with glad bound of heart. I'm will
ing I know I'm willing to have Jesus do
1t all. So the great load was lifted.
ANOO manly I'd JS dlJeI Cdlue ISOD DlTGu-
day, such a happy onel His presents
delighted him. From his mother there
was an Illuminated text "My grace is
sufficient for thee" from his father, the
much desired new ball and little Bible.
On the fy-leaf Of the latter were Rob's
name, the date, and below, this text:
" But we all, with open face beholding as
IN glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory
to glory, even as by the Spirit OF the
Lord, @ Cor. iii: 49,
40 father" cried Rob, with sparkling
eyes, "now know what you meant by
saying there was magic in my little glass
But | don't think it is bit like the Ara
bian Nights"
No matter" said his father, smiling;
" your face already shows the magical eff
feet"
II hope it will go on till I am changed
into the same image, Rob whispered
very low-SWnday School Tunes.
TT was Aunt Mary's Practising"
1t is the power Of consistent Chris
tian example-the power of holy life
As oOod old Matthew H., 49,.