THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE FALLING LEAF.
By Lulie F. Davis
CHANGE is written on all below the heavens. Only a few short months ago, and forest and field were fresh with the beauties of spring. I had scarcely taken in its loveliness before it was heightened by flowers of every form and hue. But what a change! Although the autumn is lovely, still we see decay stamped on every leaf. The year has grown old; its freshness is gone; and what remains is ready for the grave, to which it is hastening. And is it possible that the earth too has grown old? Yes; it is true. Time will soon find his grave. Eternity, with all its mysteries, will soon be ushered in. Eternity! Who can comprehend its meaning? Yet in a little from this, all must know its realities. I shall be there. You, reader, must also be there. What a fearful thought, that we must all stand before the living God, without a mediator! Shall I be able to stand? I pray God to fill my soul with earnest longings for help from above to enable me to stand blameless before the Judge. Or else,—fearful thought! I must be driven away, never to receive his smiles, but vainly to seek a shelter in the caverns of the earth, or beneath the fleeing rocks. But if we are wise for ourselves, and make all needful preparation by laying up our treasures in Heaven, then we can hail with rapturous joy the glorious morning of eternity. May this be our happy lot.