The Invitation

When college president Leonard Woods was in France, he was invited to dine with the king. He presented himself at the palace, and was met by the king with his accustomed courtesy, who said, "We did not know that we were to have the pleasure of your company today. You did not answer our invitation." Leonard Woods said, "I thought the invitation of a king was to be obeyed, not answered."

When the Spirit says "Come," it is equal to a command, and we would better put off all other engagements and come. No matter how gently and winsomely the invitation comes, let us never forget that there is a voice of royal, imperial urgency and authority behind it.

—John McNeill