“My father is dead: my brothers and sisters are dead. My mother and I are left alone to help each other. But she is not strong, and I wish to do all I can for her. It will please her, sir, that you have been so kind to me, and I am very much obliged to you.” And then leaving his name and residence with the gentleman, he made a bow and retired. It was not long before the president of that bank called to see this boy and his mother. He cheered their hearts by telling them that he had a situation for the boy, who found a warm friend in him as long as he lived. God’s blessing followed that boy, and he rose to occupy an important position in the bank. And God’s blessing will always follow those who learn and practise the lesson Jesus taught us on the cross—of honoring our parents. The third lesson we may learn from the crucifixion is about—_the power and willingness of Jesus to save_. This lesson is taught us by what took place between Jesus and the dying thief, as they each hung upon the cross. Jesus was crucified between two thieves. One of them cast reproaches upon Jesus, as he hung by his side. The other rebuked his fellow thief; and then, turning his eyes towards Jesus, said—“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus at once heard and accepted his prayer, and told the thief that he should be with him in paradise that day. This was one of the most wonderful things that took place in connection with the crucifixion of our Saviour. There were many wonders in it. It was wonderful that this dying thief should have understood so clearly as he did the true character of Jesus. It was wonderful that he should have had faith to trust the salvation of his soul to one who was dying what seemed to be a criminal’s death. It was wonderful that he should have repented truly of his sins, and have prayed earnestly, as he did, while hanging on the cross. It was wonderful that Jesus was able and willing to pardon him, to change his heart, and make him fit for heaven at the last hour of his life. And it was wonderful that Jesus was so ready to help and save another at the very time when he was suffering so much himself. The apostle Paul tells us that “he is able to save unto the _uttermost_, those who come unto God through him.” Heb. vii: 25. There could not be a more striking illustration of the power and willingness of Jesus to save sinners than we have here in the case of the dying thief. But illustrations of the same kind, though not so striking as this, do often occur. “The Cleansing Fountain.” There was once a man who had been a very great sinner. He had long been in the habit of committing all sorts of wickedness. But at last he grew weary of his evil ways, and wanted to become a Christian. But he thought his sins were too great to be forgiven. A Christian man talked and prayed with him. To encourage him he repeated the first verse of the hymn, which says: