Once I went forth to look for Repentance. I sought her day and night in the City of Man-soul. I asked many if they knew where she dwelt, and they said they had never seen her. I met one, grave and scholarly, who told me what she was like, and bade me seek her earnestly; but he did not tell me where she was to be found. Then, all sad at heart, and wearied with my search, I went forth without the city walls, and climbed a lonely hill, and up a steep and rugged way, until I came in sight of the cross of Him who hung thereon. And lo! as I looked upon Him, there came one and touched me. Then instantly my heart was melted, and all the great deeps of my soul were broken up.

"Ah, Repentance, I have been looking everywhere for you," I said.

"Thou wilt always find me here," said Repentance; "here, in sight of my crucified Lord. I tarry ever at His feet."

Again I went forth to look for Forgiveness. I knocked at many a door in the City of Mansoul and asked for her. And some said they thought she did live there sometimes ; and some said she used to once; and some said she came there occasionally. Then up came one whom I knew by name as Unbelief, with a voice like the croaking of a raven, and he said that Forgiveness never was there and never would be; that she was much too fine a lady to live in so low a place as that and among such a set as they were. So I came forth wearied and sad, and as I reached the city gate I met again the grave scholar, and he gave me much account of her birth and parentage, and he showed me her portrait, and told me of her gracious works, and he bade me seek her earnestly, but he did not tell me where I could find her.

So I went along my way, looking, but well-nigh in despair, when it chanced that I found myself again upon the hill, climbing again the steep and rugged path. And I lifted my eyes and saw once more the cross and Him who hung thereon; and lo! at the first sight of my dear Lord, Forgiveness met me, and filled my soul with holy peace and a rest like heaven itself.

"Oh, I have had a weary search for you," I said.

"I am always here," said Forgiveness; "here, at my Master's feet."

Long afterwards, I wondered within myself where Holiness dwelt, but I feared to go in search of her. I thought she would never be at home in the lowlands and busy streets of Mansoul. All whom I asked about her answered doubtfully. One said that she had died long ago; indeed, was buried in Eden before Adam came out.

One said that she lived away at the end of the Valley of the Shadow of Death; her house was on the brink of the river, and that I must hope to meet with her just before I crossed it. Another argued almost angrily against the notion. "Nay," said he, "she lives farther on still; search as thou wilt, thou shalt never find her till thou art safely across the river and landed on the shores of the Celestial City."

Then I remembered how well I had fared aforetime on the Holy Hill, and went forth again. So up the lonely way I went, and reached the top of it and looked once more upon my blessed Saviour. And, . . . lo! there was Holiness sitting at the Master's feet! I feared to say that I had been looking for her, but as I gazed upon the Crucified, and felt the greatness of His love to me, and as all my heart went out in love and adoration, Holiness rose up, and came to me all graciously, and said:

'' I have been waiting for thee ever since thy first coming."

"Waiting where?" I asked, wondering.

"At His feet," said Holiness; "I am always there."

M. G. Pearse.