An explanation was also made to the effect that, though God is pleased to see people humble themselves before Him, there was no virtue in the wooden altar; it was simply a more convenient place to bow for prayer than their seats would be.  The services were shorter than usual; and when the invitation to come forward was given to those who desired to yield their hearts to God, John was ready.  He longed to go; but although he had learned a great many things, he was still uncertain just what was meant by bowing at the altar; and as he wanted to do the right thing, he decided to wait until he saw how the others would do.  He did not have long to wait; for a girl in front of him arose, went forward, and knelt down beside the altar.  This was enough for John, because it taught him just what he desired to know; and he was soon kneeling beside her.  That night was indeed a wonderful time.  One by one the people flocked to the front part of the room; and John afterwards learned that many of his friends and even those whom he thought would ridicule and make fun of him, were among the number that, as himself, had sought and found pardon for their sins.

The invitation lasted a long time; and when it was ended, the ministers knelt down among the penitent seekers, thanked God for the tender mercies he had extended to the lost world, and prayed that those who were at the altar might understand what true salvation is.  After praying, they explained carefully what it meant to be redeemed from all sin, and told the seekers how God looked upon the sin-cursed world and its awful wickedness, but also how He was so moved with tender love and compassion that He sacrificed the brightest Gem of glory—­even His only begotten Son—­to be a Redeemer for all who would believe on Him and turn from their evil ways.

The redemption price, they said, was great; but nothing less could have proved so well God’s great love for mankind.  And they quoted from the Bible, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16, 17); also, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  These words were as a soothing balm to John’s aching heart.  Having been fully awakened to his awful condition and made to long for the way of deliverance, he rejoiced as these rays of hope came streaming down into his soul.

One by one he recalled his sins—­smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking whisky and beer, stealing, lying, card-playing, betting, gambling, and many other things; but these he had already given up.  One thing only came to his mind that caused him a struggle, and for a few moments it seemed that he could not give that up.  John loved to dance, and it had seemed to him that there was nothing wrong with that pastime.  Since he knew none of the pleasures