His Calling. 21 



shelf, entitled "Luther on Galatians;" he read and 

 re-read ; the book sent him to his Bible, with prayer ; 

 new, higher, and holier aspirations, arose in his 

 youthful soul Jesus Christ, through St. Paul and 

 Luther, had sent him a special message. He had 

 often read, " Thou art no more a servant, but a son, 

 an heir of God through faith;" but, to-day, the 

 inspired words move his soul as they had never 

 done before. 



The next morning he opened his law-book, but 

 could not fix his mind upon the subject ; throwing 

 it aside, he took his Bible and Luther on Galatians, 

 and went into the woods. As he read and communed 

 with his own heart, he saw no vision and heard no 

 voice, save the still, small voice of his God. He 

 said, " Speak, Lord ; here am I," and the message 

 came to his soul, "Go thou and preach. to others 

 the glad tidings that have set you free." Say to 

 every prisoner of hope, " The just shall live by 

 faith." 



God had a definite work for him, and the glory 

 of his life, henceforth, was to do the will of Him 

 that sent him. 



His mother was the first to mark histhoughtful 

 brow, and before long, his parents and Pastor 

 Braun were made acquainted with his hopes and 

 aspirations. All approved heartily, and rejoiced at 

 his decision. He was confirmed, and became 

 Pastor Braun's student. The early part of his 

 student-life was spent under the roof of this faith- 

 ful friend and pastor. But, after a time, John 



