THE CLOSING HOURS OF TIME.
By Jos. Clarke
How solemn the thought, that we are living in the period spoken of by the prophet Daniel, as the time of the end. The earth makes its accustomed daily revolution, and its annual circuit. Moons wax and wane, and, to the careless observer, it appears it will always be the same. As the seasons regularly recur, and crops are yearly gathered, as merchandise and commerce, and the arts and sciences flourish and increase, men's hearts grow callous, and they say, “Where is the promise of his coming?” Startling signs in the heavens are viewed from the scoffer's seat, and prophecy is neglected or disbelieved, and faithful warnings are despised by most. A few look up with faith and humility. Heaven grants them a view of the sacred truths of inspiration; in the sanctuary they view the solemn work now in progress. Oh! solemn work, the closing up of this dispensation! Can I realize it? Oh! my hardness of heart! Can I be indifferent now? As a people, what indubitable evidence we have that Jesus is soon coming to save the faithful and pure, who have heeded all the testimonies. Yet are we all heeding them? Oh! how often, in the wearing labors and cares of life, do we forget the solemnity of the time, and become stupid and lukewarm. Shall I forget? Shall I for a moment forget the dread reality? Awake, oh! my soul, and let the spirit of truth sink deeply into thy heart. Oh! solemn, gathering time! The scattered, the straying, ones are now being sought. Soon the last sheaf will be gathered home. Rejoice oh! humble, contrite one, and praise God that not a grain of wheat will fall; not a jewel will be lost. In view of the solemn work now going on, in view of the terrible distinctness of prophecy, Why is not Christendom hushed into silence, on every recurring Sabbath? Why are not all ears and hearts open and attentive to the words of truth? Simply because men are skeptical, and do not, in fact, believe. A few believe; they become more considerate, and solemn; yet they are inwardly joyous; but it is associated with such weighty considerations, that joy is mingled largely with solicitude and pain; not the pain of a troubled conscience, but the throes of an agonized world are in prospect; friends, relatives, neighbors, are interested in this matter, but refuse, in many instances, to interest themselves about it; and even the righteous often fear lest they be carried away by the current. Evil influences all around conspire to afflict, to seduce the righteous from his steadfastness, and, like Lot, from day to day his soul is vexed within him. That day approaches, oh, my soul! bear it constantly in mind. It will make thee solemn, but thy solemnity will, ere long, be turned into joy, if thou art faithful. Lonely one, thou who, from week to week, and, perchance, from year to year, sittest alone, with no fellow-pilgrims to cheer thy lonely way, encourage thyself in the Lord. Soon the work will close; be faithful unto the end. Sorrowful, fatherless, and orphan, homeless, and destitute, crippled, deaf, dumb, and blind, look up, your redemption draweth nigh. Even now relief is speeding. Even here homes and warm hearts await you. Oh! my friends, is not this a joyful, yet solemn, time? Oh! let all prove worthy of such love and kindness. Mercy calls for the last time, in this third message. Who will heed the last, gathering call?