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I. This call DOES NOT ALWAYS EXPRESS ITSELF IN WORDS, BUT IS THE SPEECH OF THE SPIRIT, and is well understood by the heavenly Father, who seeks to hear those who worship Him in spirit and in truth.

II. It is NOT AN ARTIFICIAL CALL. The mere saying of prayers is an act of gross superstition; the form is useless unless your heart feels and prompts the expression.

III. It is NOT A CALL FOR FORM'S SAKE, BUT A DYING CRY FOR HELP. A Frenchman going to the chapel to pray, found that workmen were in the chapel, and the altar covered up with a dirty cloth. So walking quietly up the centre of the chapel and making a courteous bow, he placed his card upon the altar and retired. But there was also in the place a poor woman, who had been led, perhaps by poverty and cruel temptation, into sin. Crouching upon the floor, her tears fell upon the sawdust, and her soul cried to God. In the one case it was a matter of form, in the other it was an earnest desire for the forgiveness and peace of God.

IV. It is A CALL THAT IS INTENSELY EARNEST. The call that shall move God to save us is not a mere chaunted prayer, but the cry within the heart, "God, be merciful to me a sinner."

V. It is THE CALL OF THE HELPLESS ONE, who is broken down under the load of sin.

VI. It is THE CALL OF THE EASILY TEMPTED. VII. It is THE CALL OF A CAPTIVE. VIII. It is A CALL OF THE DESPAIRING SOUL.

(W. Birch.)

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KJV: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

WEB: For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."