A GREAT statesman received some high mark of royal favor as he lay on his dying bed. With a cold glance he gazed upon it, and only remarked, "This is a mighty fine thing in this country, but I am just going to a country where it will be of no service to me." O what vanities are these earthly distinctions "in soul." "Flattery" then has no power "to soothe the dull ear of death." The life-long dream of the gallant General Niel had been to obtain the little ribbon and baton of Marshal of France. He could not sleep after seeing it bestowed on McMahon, as a reward of valor on the field of Magenta. On the eve of the next engagement he told his friends that this time he would win the honor he so much desired. When the battle was over, he was found on the field almost crushed beneath his dying war-horse, himself mortally wounded. The Emperor was sent for, and with his own hand placed the badge of Marshal of France on his follower's bosom. One moment the dying eye lighted, and throwing his arms about the neck of his sovereign, he died in the act of expressing his gratitude. It was of no use in that country he was going to. And we are all bound to the same eternal shores. No matter how widely diverse the paths are, will all lead to the same country from which there is no return. How we distract our souls from the great purpose of life to follow phantoms which, when our greedy hands do clutch, we find only empty shadows. But Jesus Christ holds out to us a crown which fadeth not away. He offers us a glorious place in his Father's house, which will more than satisfy our soul's179hunger. There is no disappointment, no satiety in the joys of his heavenly mansion. Christ has paid for them a priceless sum, so that he may offer them to us without money and without price.