THE DAY OF THE LORD HASTETH GREATLY.
By Mary L. Brown
Do we as the professed followers of Christ fully realize the import of these words? I fear that many of us do not. If we did, would we allow ourselves to be so languid in spirit, and feel so content with our hands folded in idleness, thinking, and saying, Time enough; I do not know that I have any duty to do in that direction? What direction? Why, in circulating the precious truths of God's word, and in expressing to the world by our actions and energies that the cause in which we have enlisted is everything, or it is nothing. Is it not wise and well to count the whole cost before taking the decisive step? that when once enlisted, we may prove a help, and not a hindrance to the work that is so gloriously onward. We need more of the spirit of sacrifice; the importance of the present time demands it, and every individual who professes to be a lover of truth should be prompted to action by this spirit. Although our efforts may seem to be fruitless, and we meet with difficulties at times which cause our most earnest prayer for help, we should not become discouraged, and leave the work unfinished, but still seek by patient labor to do something for Jesus. Peter says, “But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” I find we are living in a time when we need to watch. The enemy of our souls is working with great power, knowing that his time is short. Our strength to resist him comes alone from God. That we may meet him successfully, we are bidden to watch unto prayer. We must do our part of the work, if we would secure the Lord’s help, which alone can give us victory. A day of grand and awful realities is at the door—a day of great joy to the saints of God; for the long-looked for deliverance will have come. Immortality and eternal life will be given and will await them, and they shall forever enjoy the presence of the Lord. But that day will bring no joy to the sinner, no bright rays of hope will encircle him; his day of probation will be forever past. The second death is before him, and he must feel its awful terrors. Dear readers, you and I will be in one of these classes in that solemn and eventful day for which we are bidden in the word of God to prepare. A brief period in the future remains in which we may decide whether we will be found with the saved or the lost. May each one of us make the wise choice. “Hold up thy light, O child of grace;
Be not afraid to let it shine
On all around, but rather fear
To hide this precious light divine.”
Adams Center, Jeff. Co., N. Y.