Jesus holds the keys to paradise! Before every believing soul, he sets an open door that no human being or devil can slam shut. What joy to discover that faith in him is the golden key to the everlasting doors! But my soul, do you carry this key close to your heart? Or are you trusting some deceitful pick-lock that will fail you at last?

Hear this parable of the preacher, and remember it. The great King has prepared a banquet and proclaimed to all the world that only those who bring the fairest flower that blooms may enter. By thousands, souls advance to the gates, each carrying what they believe to be the queen of the garden. But in crowds they are driven from the royal presence—they never enter the festive halls.

Some bear in their hands the deadly nightshade of superstition. Others clutch the flaunting poppies of Rome. Still others grip the hemlock of self-righteousness. But these are not dear to the King! The bearers are shut out from the pearly gates.

My soul, have you gathered the rose of Sharon? Do you wear the lily of the valley in your bosom constantly? If so, when you come up to heaven's gates, you will know its value. You need only show this choicest of flowers, and the Porter will open—not for a moment will he deny you admission! To that rose the Porter opens ever.

With the rose of Sharon in your hand, you shall find your way up to the throne of God himself! For heaven itself possesses nothing that excels its radiant beauty. Of all the flowers that bloom in paradise, there is none that can rival the lily of the valley.

My soul, get Calvary's blood-red rose into your hand by faith! By love wear it, by communion preserve it, by daily watchfulness make it your all in all. Do this, and you shall be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream.

Jesus, be mine forever—my God, my heaven, my all.