A Moral Wrong. A Poem

848 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

base, were his simplicity and serenity. He was always natural; you could understand him; he did not say one thing and mean an- other. His conversation was yea, yea, nay, nay. His disciples did not have to watch for any duplicity in his nature. Every- where he was the same simple, true, transparent, strong soul; no cunning, no double-dealing, no iniquity and crookedness. In all his wonderful life, there was nothing to hide.

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. —Acts 5: 1.

He was sure of his way, because he knew his footsteps were guided by the Father; he was strong in his orders to men, because he received his orders from God, and this made him serene in the midst of all the unrest that surged about him. Just contrast the quiet of Christ and the feverishness of Pilate, of the High Priests, of the shouting rabble. What was Pilate's fear but that he might lose his position? the priests', but that Christ might live, and so they might lose their offices? But the shouting rabble were car- ried about by any passing emotion of the hour, by which they were ready to crown him yesterday, and today to nail him to the cross. But in the quiet, strong and serene figure of our Savior shone forth the spirit that is unperturbed by passing whims and ephemeral position, lighted by the inspiration that sees the end from the beginning. The spirit of Jesus is the spirit of peace — and power a basic principle of character.

To be patient is sometimes better than to have much wealth. — The Talmud. .

It is in length oj patience, and endurance, and forbearance, that so much oj what is good in mankind and womankind is shown. — Helps.

Again, we notice the patience of Christ. How he accomo- dated his speech and illustrations to the capacity, ignorance, im- patience, and often selfishness of his disciples, and to that of the people whom he came to save. How, notwithstanding he ex- claimed, "0 fools, and slow of heart to believe," he yet waited on them, and bore patiently with their lack of love, devotion and