But she followed him, nevertheless, into the spacious and dimly-lighted vestibule.
"It was only this evening," said the old clerk, "that I was thinking of you, and wondering whether the tender and loving Saviour, who is not willing that any should perish, but rather that they should come unto Him and be saved, might not have a word for his poor wandering sheep, and if so, whether He would be pleased to send it by me."
"You brought me a message once before," said the girl. "A hard message about the wrath of God. I have been trying to forget it ever since, but I can't. I don't want to hear any more."
"Poor child!" murmured the old clerk. "It was a pity that you did not also remember the way of escape of which I told you."
"Yes, I remembered—but it did not seem meant for such as me."
There was a moment's pause—just long enough for the brief prayer,—
"Lord, help me,"
And the speedy answer, "I will," to ascend and descend between heaven and earth. And then the old clerk spoke again, using his Master's words in preference to his own.
"'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!' * 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—even the chief! ‡ And lest any poor trembling sinner, notwithstanding these gracious promises, should be afraid to come to Christ, our blessed Lord Himself adds, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.'" †
* 1 John i. 8, 9. ‡ 1 Timothy i. 15. † John vi. 37.