[1] In nature there is hardly a stone that is not capable of
crystallising into something purer and brighter than its
normal state. Coal, by a slightly different arrangement of
its particles, is capable of becoming the radiant diamond.
The slag cast out from the furnace as useless waste forms
into globular masses of radiating crystals. From tar and
pitch the loveliest colours are now manufactured. The very
mud of the road, trampled under foot as the type of all
impurity, can be changed by chemical art into metals and
gems of surpassing beauty; and so the most unpromising
materials, the most worthless moral rubbish that man cast
out and despise, may be converted by the Divine alchemy
into the gold of the sanctuary, and made jewels fit for the
mediatorial crown of the Redeemer. Let the case of Mary
Magdalene, of John Newton, of John Bunyan, of thousands
more, encourage those who are still in the gall of
bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. Seek to be
subjected to the same purifying process; lay yourselves
open to the same spiritual influences; yield yourselves up
into the hands of the Spirit to become His finished and
exquisite workmanship; seek diligently a saving and
sanctifying union with Christ by faith, and He will perfect
that which concerneth you, and lay your stones with fair
colours (Ps. lxviii. 13).--_Macmillan._