A Little Time of Peace.
By H. T. Phelps
A SHORT time since, the cry of war resounded over our land, and multitudes left home and friends, to defend their country against hordes of armed rebels. The thunder of the cannon and the roar of battle was heard in all its grandeur; brothers stood in battle array, and steel clashed to steel. What terrible carnage followed! What heroic, manly suffering! Death followed in all its horrid forms, in the field, in the camp, and in the hospital. Almost every household was called to mourn, if not for a first-born, for one perhaps as near: for father, brother, son, or a friend. War went on till it seemed to threaten the peace of God's people, and the progress of his truth. At this point came the prayer to hold the four winds, "that they should not hurt the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." How signally was the prayer of God's people heard at that time. How soon peace with her balmy wings hovered over our land. War ceased. Armies disbanded. Friends long absent returned to greet loved ones at home. Peace has returned, but how long to stay we cannot tell. We know it is but a little time. The sealing time is speeding on. Satan is at work. He is anticipating. He is doing all he can to get the unwary into his snares. Are we awake? Now there is little time given us to work. Shall we improve it? Are we laboring for our own soul's salvation, and the salvation of those around us? Are we preparing for the mighty struggle that is just before us? May the Lord help us to realize these things as we ought, and be up and doing, that we may have our work well done.