Fear Not, Little Flock.
By Mrs. A. K. Hersum
THE worldly-minded and lovers of pleasure may fear and tremble as the storms and pestilences of the last days thicken around us like gathering clouds, but the little flock of God's true people have no cause for alarm from this source, but, since the dear Saviour has taken special pains to inform us of those signs which were to tell when the glorious event of his coming was near, will feel like making the preparation which must be made to get ready for the coming of the Lord. In Luke 21, Christ tells us that there shall be in many places earthquakes, famines, pestilences, fearful sights, and great signs, with distress upon the earth among nations; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. But to his faithful, trusting people he says, "Be not terrified, but look up and lift up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh." As we read the precious word of God and then look at the world around us, we can see these signs rapidly fulfilling, and we know that what we do must be done quickly; and as the world around us is lying in wickedness, we should feel like girding on the armor anew, and connecting very closely with the "living Vine" so that our efforts to save the perishing may be crowned with success. God will bless our efforts to save our fellow-men, in proportion to our devotion to his cause and the sacrifice we make for the good of others. I feel that we must be terribly in earnest if we would be among the little flock at last. Deering, Maine. MRS. A. K. HERSUM.