Saved by His precious blood."
"That is true—we are saved by His precious blood. He died on the cross that He might draw us to Himself. He wants you to go to Him—yes, all of you, even the most sinful. He has said, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.' Oh, if there are any amongst you who have not found Him, go to Him to-night, trusting only in Him, and He will give you forgiveness for your sins and peace for your souls. The blood of Jesus Christ, the blood shed on Mount Calvary on that first Good Friday so long ago, cleanseth from all sin."
The little gentleman ceased speaking and stepped off the platform, whilst the vicar, who had been working the lantern from the centre of the hall, took his place and offered up a short earnest prayer, after which the evening hymn "Glory to Thee, my God, this night" was sung very heartily, and the assembly began to disperse.
Mrs. Berryman insisted on lingering till the hall was nearly empty, as she did not like to be pushed about in a crowd, she said, and the consequence was that Mr. Blackmore caught sight of her and Melina as they rose from their seats, and, leaving the vicar, to whom he had been talking, overtook them before they reached the door.
"I am so glad you came," he said, as he touched Melina on the arm to attract her attention; "did you like the pictures?"
"Oh yes, sir," she answered, "they were beautiful! I—this is my grandmother, sir," she added, as his glance turned to Mrs. Berryman.
He held out his hand to the old woman, who, rather reluctantly it appeared, shook hands with him.
"I have often thought that I should like to know you, Mrs. Berryman," he said kindly; "I have known your granddaughter some time, as I dare say she has told you?" He spoke inquiringly.
"Yes," the old woman assented.
"She was the first friend I made in Hawstock —I shall always remember that. You know I am helping the vicar in the parish? Yes. I wonder if I may call upon you some day? I am acquainted with your neighbour, Mrs. Jones—"