y the shedding of his precious blood on the Peter says, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver gold, from your vain conversation received by ition from your fathers; but with the precious d of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and hout spot; Who verily was foreordained before e foundation of the world, but was manifest in these st times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." Christ says, "the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls; who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Eternal salvation from sin and its consequences is the supreme good of men, should be sought after above all things, and prized beyond all that God has made.

CHAPTER II.

THE SPIRITUAL JEWEL.

N the Scriptures various names and titles are given to the Saints. They are called, "children of God," "children of Zion," "children of light," "the elect of God," "epistles of Christ," "a chosen generation," "a royal priesthood," "a holy nation," "a peculiar people." "Faithful brethren in Christ," "fellow citizens," "fellow heirs," "fellow servants," "and friends of God." "Heirs of God," "joint heirs with Christ," "heirs of salvation," "Kings and Priests unto God." "Lights of the world," "a city set on an hill," "and the excellent of the earth." They are also compared to trees because of their growth and fruitfulness. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psa. i. 3. "The righteous shall flourish like the Palm tree: he shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon.” Psa. xcii. 12. Christ

ians must grow and be fruitful. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter iii. 18.

They are called "Pillars in the temple of God;" and "the ransomed of the Lord," they are God's "special people," "vessels unto honour," and witnesses for God."

In Daniel xii. 3. They are compared to the stars. "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever."

In Matt. xiii. 43., they are compared to the sun. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father."

In another place they are compared to the sparkling dew drops, that stand so thick on the flowers of the garden, on a fine summer's morning, making the whole garden look so fresh and beautiful. The Lord when speaking by the prophet Micah says, "And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew drop from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man nor waiteth for the sons of men." Micah v. 7.

bold.

But

Again, they are compared to the dove, because it is harmless; and to the lion because it is bold. in Malachi iii. 17. God compares His people to Jewels. "And they shall be mine saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels:" This teaches

us that the Great Head of the Church has something, even in this evil world, on which he sets a high and peculiar value, and which is more precious to Him than shekels of silver or measures of the finest gold.

She

Ellen, was one of God's spiritual Jewels. She was the second daughter of Anthony and Jane Webster, and was born May 11th, 1857, at Linton-on-Ouse, a small village situated about ten miles from the ancient city of York. Her parents were very industrious and respectable. Her father's motto was, diligent in business and fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." When Ellen was a little child she was remarkably intelligent and interesting. She began to attend the day school at the early age of five years; she soon won the affections of the scholars, and became a general favourite among them. loved her books, and took a special delight in learning her lessons. She mastered her lessons with considerable ease; daily manifested a great desire for reading, and her thirst for knowledge became intense. She soon made considerable progress, and was able to read the New Testament when young. And when she became more familiar with the teachings and doctrines of the Bible, she made it the guide and companion of her life. She not only read the precious book for her own personal edification, but she delighted to read it for the spiritual benefit of others. Sometimes, when her father was reading the Scriptures, she would come