Too Late! Too Late! by L. E. Millne

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1866

Too Late! Too Late!

By L. E. Millne

RANG in my ear, as I sat in the cars that were to bear me swiftly along to my own beloved home. Aroused by the cry I looked out of the window, and saw a company swiftly approaching, but ere they reached the train, the bell sounded, and away we went as fast as the chariots could carry us on, and the cry was still borne on the breeze, Too late!

Ah, this methought is the picture of many a sad life here. They start on the journey of life, with fond hopes and bright anticipations of the future, intending to take passage on the line that leads to the Celestial City. They think of the glories of the better land, and begin to make some provision for the journey. Yea, they enter upon the road with great alacrity and delight; but as the way grows narrow and trials arise, they fondly think that the Lord will exempt them from a life of self-denial. Thus they glide along down the stream of time, even to the shining shore, fondly expecting to enter the pearly gates, and meet with the dreadful sound, Too late! Then will they have to take up with the sad lamentation, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. No shelter is found in that dreadful day. All hope of mercy is lost; probation is ended; and still the startling cry rings in their ears, Too late!

Dear reader, mercy is still extended, and Jesus invites you to-day. His arms are open wide, and he cries, "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; yea come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." Oh will you not open the door of your heart and let the lovely Jesus come in a welcome guest before it shall be too late? Time hastens on with rapid flight. Soon Jesus will come in his kingly attire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel. Oh let us be wise and choose the better part that shall never be taken from us, and then we can look up with confidence and say, "Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us."

The glad call is sounding, oh hear the loud cry, To robe and prepare, His coming is nigh; Oh break the strong fetters which Satan has bound, Nor tarry too long on this dangerous ground.

L. E. MILLNE.

Shabbona, Ill.