"Be Ye Therefore Ready.
By Mary E. Guilford
"The great day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly." The signs which Christ gave of his second coming have been fulfilled, and we are living near the close of time. The few remaining hours of probation are fast passing away; and whatever remains to be done, to be ready for the coming of Jesus, must be done quickly. Now is the time for preparation; the time in which to form holy characters for eternity; that we may be sealed with the seal of the living God, and be able to stand before the Son of man at his appearing. Truly, we are living in solemn times. The Judgment hour has set. The last message of mercy is being given to the world. Soon will the loud cry go forth in mighty power, to gather up the honest-hearted and bring them into the fold of Christ. Then, speedily will the work be closed up. Jesus will leave the heavenly sanctuary, where he now stands interceding for us. The door of mercy will be closed, and there will be no more pardon for sin. "He that is filthy," must so remain and receive the reward of his iniquity. The wrath of God will be poured out upon the wicked. But, for those who have kept the law of God and done righteousness, there is laid up a "crown of life," which the Lord will give them at his appearing. Oh, who would fail of being ready in that day, to meet his Lord in peace? Then, if we desire to have a part with God's people, and be accounted worthy to escape those plagues which are coming upon the ungodly, let us make haste to get ready while the hours of probation still linger. The Lord will have a pure people, "in whom is no guile." Then, let us earnestly seek after godliness, purifying ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, by a proper living, that we may be able to present our bodies to the Lord, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable; and having our conversation pure and holy, free from that spirit of levity and jesting which is unprofitable and savors too much of the world. And may we be daily found walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. The perils of the last days are upon us. The world is full of iniquity. We need to guard every avenue of our hearts and souls against the temptations and allurements which surround us. Oh, then let us "watch and be sober;" be fervent in spirit; and diligently serve the Lord, that we may "be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due time we shall reap if we faint not." Jesus will soon come. Let us "watch unto prayer," be faithful to the end, and receive a crown of life. MARY E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.