paper, and told him how I had got it.

'Well, to be sure!' said my grandfather 'So he gave you this, did he?'
and he read aloud:

'On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.'

'Well now, Jem, what does he mean? He kept on saying to me, "You're on
the sand, my friend; you're on the sand, and it won't stand the storm!"
What do you make of it, Jem? did you hear him, my lad?'

'Yes,' said Jem thoughtfully; 'and it has set me thinking, Sandy; I know
what he meant well enough.'

'And pray what may that be?'

'He meant we can't get to heaven except we come to Christ; we can't
get no other way. That's just what it means, Sandy!'

'Do you mean to tell me,' said my grandfather, 'that I shan't get to
heaven if I do my best?'

'No, it won't do, Sandy; there's only one way to heaven; I know that
well enough.'

'Dear me, Jem!' said my grandfather, 'I never heard you talk like that
before.'

'No,' said Jem, 'I've forgot all about it since I came to the island. I