Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-11

they die in each others arms. Selling the
last sigh the bride breathes. the Peri makes
her way back with 1t to the gates of light.
Again she is denied. Disappointed, the
the north of Palestine an innocent boy
playing among the flowers by the side of a
spring.
A man on horseback approaches, dis
mounts and drinks at the spring. His brow
is haggard and fierce and his aspect that of
one who has spent very wild and sinful
life. Then she hears from the distant city
mnarets the evening call to prayer; and
instantly the boy llneels down and prays,
with his face to the south. The man looks
on; the quiet eventide and the face of the
boy turn his thoughts back to his own in
nocent childhood, and the contrast between
what he is now, and was then, brings tears
of repentance to his eyes He throws him
humble prayer, the first time for many
years The angel above smiles down upon
the scene and her smile glistens upon the
tear that courses down the mans cheek;
that she has gained the boon at last and
soars aloft. singing:
Joy joy forever! my task is DONE
The gates are past and heaven is won!
while
Hymns of joy proclaimed through heaven
The triumph of soul forgiven
The reason. then, for joy among the an
gels when a sinner repents is because of
the priceless value of the soul.
The conduct of some seems to intimate
that men attach little Importance to the
souls eternal interests. They desire all
things in this life and fail to recognize the
unspeakable value of the soul, or train 1t
for religion, virtue and heaven. When the
sheep was found It, no doubt, was torn by
thorns and briers, and wnen the coin was
recovered it was furnished, but its value
was undiminished. So God values the soul
and saves it, although poilutions cling
about it, The penitent sinners is precious
ever in its impurity. The angels realize the
unspeakable value of the soul and there
fore rejoice in it's salvation for these rea-
sons
First-Its spiritual nature and it's facul-
ties. The soul is an immaterial creature.
The body is beautiful, but only matter. The
soul is capable of thought and reflection, 1t
possesses faculties of understanding, judg-
ment. will, the affections, and is therefore
immortal.
The second reason that angels rejoice
when soul is saved is frou Gods great
regard for and marvellous interest in 1t.
His infinite power and wisdom formed it.
Man was originally made in the image of
God. 1t was in knowledge, righteousness
and true holiness. In intellect. affections
and will, in the likeness of the Almighty.
The infinite blood of Christ redeemed it.
We value things by what 1t takes to re-
deem them and the soul must be of price
less worth. when it has been redeemed not
with corruptible things, as silver and gold,
but with the precious blood of Christ, as
Of "a lamo without blemish and without
spot
Then, the infinite Spirit commands His
resources to apply the redemption pur-
chased by Christ, to regenerate. nlumlne
and guide 1t into all truth. And then, again,
the infinite glories prepared for 1t in heaven,
mansions in the Kings imperial palace
await the repenting sinner who has turned
away from sin unto God with full purpose
of and endeavor after new obedience. The
language OF scripture Is beautiful and strik-
ing in connection with the heavenly home
of the ransomed soul. The Lord did not
leave his disciples until He had dropped
pearls OF comfort in the secret store house
of their sad hearts and assured them that
in His Fathers house there are many man
sions, and again he prayed, Father. viii
that they also, whom thou hast given me,
be with me where I am; that they may be-
hold my glory" And then it is said, 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."
In view of the souls priceless worth, it
is no wonder that angels are moved with
regard for penitent sinners and their zeal
for Gods glory and holiness thrills them
at each regeneration. Each saved soul is
a focus of His glory. a monUm, mt of love
and redeeming grace.
The thought of saving souls should
quicken mans zeal and thrill the being with
sweet rapture. The good shepherd seeks
and finds his lost sheep. The Father in
heaven regards with infinite concern each
erring child and His love goes after the
lost ore. Blessed are they who help Him
in the works, for they that be wise shall
shine the brightness of the armament
and they that turn many to Righteousness
as the stars forever and ever"