establishment of Christ's kingdom than the power of the Holy Ghost.

Such a custom-house officer was Matthew Levi, when the voice of our Lord, striking to

the inmost depths of his heart, summoned him to far different work. It was a wonder that

the Holy One should speak to such an one as he; and oh! in what different accents from

what had ever fallen on his ears. But it was not merely condescension, kindness,

sympathy, even familiar intercourse with one usually regarded as a social pariah; it was

the closest fellowship; it was reception into the innermost circle; it was a call to the

highest and holiest work which the Lord offered to Levi. And the busy road on which he

sat to collect customs and dues would now no more know the familiar face of Levi,

otherwise than as that of a messenger of peace, who brought glad tidings of great joy.