As the question evidently perplexed many of the customers, the visitor smiled, and addressing the landlord, said, "If I can't circulate your bills for you, I will make good use of them by acquainting your customers with the full meaning of your sign. Well, you all know that a crown is a kind of golden cap set with jewels and set upon the head of kings. Now a sceptre is a golden stick, about so long (showing the length with his hands), and is a badge of kingly authority with which to govern and to show mercy. I have seen the Queen's sceptre in the Tower, and its top is richly ornamented and studded with precious stones. In this Book (producing the pocket Bible) there are beautiful things about the sceptre, and if you like I will read you two short passages. 'All the king's servants do know, that whosoever shall come unto the King into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the King shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live.' 'And the King held out to Esther the golden sceptre which was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.'" Then closing the Bible, he continued, "And now, landlord, I have to tell you that the crown and sceptre brought me here. After the Lord Jesus died to save us, He rose from the grave and ascended into heaven. He is there crowned King of kings, and He has the sceptre of righteousness and mercy in His hand. He holds out that golden stick to each of you sinful men. By faith in Him you can touch it and be saved;" and then placing several tracts upon the bar, he stepped towards the door. He however turned back as an Irish labourer, who was standing with several of his countrymen, exclaimed,-- "Och, sure and it's the rail truth; and it's meself that will do it, as I niver did that, and I'm intirely wretched."