Another joy in this work is that of seeing immediate results from his labors. He labors for this, and looks for it if he is right himself— without a doubt, and is not disappointed. Here the reaper overtakes the sower, and both rejoice together.

Every month of his labor he is, perhaps, permitted to see hundreds of precious souls gathered into the kingdom of Christ, and the churches greatly revived and strengthened.

Who can describe the joys that rise
Through all the courts of Paradise;
To see a penitent return,

To see an heir of glory born?"

But the greatest joy connected with the work of a faithful evangelist is in reserve for him until his labors are ended, and he has passed within the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem.

Then, when the glories of that wondrous world have fully burst upon his enraptured vision; when his feet have really pressed its gold-paved streets, and the bright, beautiful banks of its flowing river; when the music of the harps of gold, and of angel voices have thrilled his soul; when he has really seen and bowed himself before the Savior; when he begins to realize the blessedness and peace of such a home, who shall describe the joy of his heart, as, from that white-robed throng there come many thousands, gathering around him, grasping him by

the hand in gratitude and love, and lead him to the Redeemer, saying, "Jesus, we have believed or thee, and been led to this beautiful world through this one whom thou didst appoint to do the work of an evangelist' in thine earthly kingdom!" O, the joy of such an hour! And as the endless ages roll on, and his expanding mind ranges in wider fields of knowledge, and comprehends more and more the glories and wonders of the "inheritance of the saints," that joy will be ever growing deeper and sweeter, as he meets from time to time those who were brought there through his labors.

There may be greater trials in other departments of ministerial labor than in that of the evangelist, but there cannot be greater joys. And he whom God calls to this work may well rejoice and give to it all his strength and powers.

"O, faint not in the day of toil,

When harvest waits the reaper's hand;

Go, gather in the glorious spoil,

And joyous in His presence stand."

CHAPTER XVIII.

UNION MEETINGS.

NOR a number of years past I have endeavored,

FOR

when convenient, to have all evangelical denominations, who were willing, unite in meetings in which I have been called to labor, believing it to be better for the Redeemer's cause in the world, and for the salvation of lost men, that Christians of every name should work together in these special efforts. And although I have often labored with single churches of my own, and also of other denominations, yet I have usually felt satisfied that it would have been as well for that single church, and much better for the cause of Christ generally, had all the churches within a reasonable distance united in the work.

I have never seen, or heard, or read anything to change my views on this subject, but, on the contrary, my experience and observation have been constantly strengthening them.

I have no sympathy with denominational quar

rels. All Christians ought to exhibit towards each other the spirit of their Master; they should be one in him, and love one another as brethren.

This they can do, and still differ in their opinions. Their highest interests are one; they have the same Savior, and journey towards one home, so that however dissimilar their views of some of the ordinances in the church, they can love as children of the same Father, and unite heartily in work for him. Nor does this compel them to hold their opinions loosely and half-heartedly; such a thing would be dishonorable and unmanly in any one. I respect and love a Christian the more for being firm in his denominational views; it is his duty, as it is that of every man, fully and decidedly to believe what he professes, and to practise what he believes.

My own denominational sentiments have ever been dear to me, and never more so than now; and so I think it should be with every one.

But, as I have labored, and wept, and prayed with thirteen or fourteen different denominations, in our own country and the British Provinces, I have learned to love all in whom I find the spirit of Christ. And, as I cannot and must not be the judge of their hearts, I concede to them, what I ask them to concede to me - the credit of entire sincerity.

I never allow myself, when holding union meetings, to compromise what I believe to be true; but intend to preach, and pray, and labor just the same as when alone with my own denomination.

If, as some maintain, the churches strive wrongfully to secure for themselves the new converts, the blame must rest where it justly belongs. But I see no reason for unkind feeling between the different denominations, although each preach and practise what they believe to be right.

I am accustomed, in every revival, to urge the converts carefully and prayerfully to search the Scriptures, that they may learn the will of Jesus, and, having learned it, to go and do what they believe he would have them.

Beyond this it does not seem necessary for me to go, nor can I think it would be wise; because, believing it best to leave the work in the hands of the pastors while the interest is rising instead of waning, my stay in any revival is usually short, closing while many, frequently hundreds, are still inquiring the way of life. Further and more particular direction, if needed, is left with the pastors and churches. I may have erred; but this has been my usual course, and probably will be in the future.

I will mention a few reasons for my confidence in the usefulness and propriety of union meetings,