160 IN CHRIS T; FOR EVER WITH CHRIST.

with a loud voice he prayed," Lord, lay not this sin to
their charge." And then, "he fell asleep." No more
could he feel the blows, their fury could no longer harm
him.
 When the guilty men slunk away, tired and worn
out, and left the bleeding body among the stones by the
wayside wall, holy men and brethren who loved the same
Lord, came with loving hands, and with sobs and tears
slowly carried him away, and buried him.
 This seems a strange, sad story to tell you whose
homes are happy, and who in kindness and love are helped
to know Jesus. But it is not so sad after all: remember
whom Stephen saw in the opened heavens, and that He
will some joyous day welcome every one who loves and
trusts in Him here. Remember Stephen's two dying
prayers, before he fell asleep-prayers heard and answered
because he knew how to pray in life and health; and when
you close your eyes at night, your head on a soft pillow,
thank Him who "giveth his beloved sleep," and softly
whisper, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." So will He
accept your soul offered in love, and keep it safe from evil,
if you will trust Him day by day and year by year, filling
your life with love and happiness whatever else may come.