COUNTING THE COST.
There are some curious stories respecting Fra Rocco, the celebrated preacher of Naples. On one occasion, it is related, he preached a penitential sermon, and introduced so many illustrations of terror that he soon brought his hearers to their knees. While they were thus showing every sign of contrition, he cried out—
"Now, all of you who sincerely repent of your sins, hold up your hands."
Every man in the vast multitude immediately stretched out both his hands.
"Holy Archangel Michael," exclaimed Rocco, "thou who with thine adamantine sword standest at the right of the judgment-seat of God, hew me off every hand which has been raised hypocritically."
In an instant every hand dropped, and Rocco, of course, poured forth a fresh torrent of eloquent invective against their sins and their deceit.
[True repentance is given by Jesus Christ, the exalted Prince and Saviour. All other is but mere show, and unavailing before God.—Ed.]
A heart without a gift is better than a gift without a heart.