"And why s'ould there not be mercy for you?"
"Because, Jeannie, I hae been, and am still, a great sinner."
"Weel, Rab, it was but yester morn that I read in the gude Book, 'They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick;' and I thought to mysel, here Jesus holds oot hope for the warst o' folk."
"It would seem so, Jeannie, but I ken little aboot sic things."
"And I am nae judge o' thae things either, although I would fain learn aboot them. We will ask Wullie."
Accordingly, after Wullie had returned from his work, and had settled in his favorite corner, with Jamie on his knee, Jeannie began to speak upon the subject uppermost in her mind.
"Wullie, doesna the Bible hold forth hope and pardon to the warst o' sinners?"
"Of course it does. Wha says it doesna?"
"Rab says he doesna feel a'thegither sure aboot it."
Wullie smiled a glad smile, not unmingled with surprise, while he answered, "If you will test the promises, Rab, ye will ken better than to doot them. Only turn to the Lord wi' full purpose o' heart. Tak the promises as your ain, and cling to them, and ye shall save your soul; for the Lord is ever ready to hear all that call upon his name."