WE live in a period of tragic interest. Great events tread on the heels of each other as though they were in haste to be accomplished before the knell of time shall sound. Christians are fast falling asleep, and ministers are rocking the cradle and singing the lullaby of repose. This being true, as all can see it is, we see the need of the Saviour's instruction and caution for these last days, when he says, after giving the signs of his second coming, "Take ye heed, watch and pray; . . . lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping." With all the plain signs before us, it seems strange that those familiar with the evidences of the Lord's coming should go to sleep; but it is evident that these are the very ones who need the caution; for those who do not believe the Saviour is coming soon, will not prepare for the marriage of the Lamb, and hence will not heed the warning. "The indications are striking that God is about to arise and shake terribly the earth. Let us open our eyes. . . . Predictions, in our opinion, now fulfilling, seem to show that the opening scenes of the last great drama of the world have already commenced." Thank the Lord that some of us see the signs of the times, and are beginning to sound the note of alarm to a sleeping church and a careless world. How little they realize the dangers of this hour. Let those who are awake, "cry aloud" and spare not. Well, dear friends, we are doubtless rapidly nearing the glad hour of our deliverance. The signs that have accumulated for the last few years, and the condition of the elements, to the waiting, watching, praying ones, are all that we could desire. It is true the political horizon looks dark, gloomy and threatening. Doubtless the distress and perplexity will become intensified. But cheer thee, dear waiting one; beyond the cloud, beyond the gloom, beyond this soil trodden by the oppressor, ruled over by Satan, and gory and drunk with the blood of the slain, and the martyrs of Jesus, is the free soil; the placid serenity of eternal rest and peace, and the clear noontide of perpetual day. The Red Sea must soon be crossed. The destruction of transgressors shall soon be accomplished. O! what a painful, overwhelming consideration it is to my oft-distressed mind, as I anticipate the scenes of the great and terrible day of the Lord. Jeremiah, viii, 18, in view of God's judgment upon his people, exclaims,—"When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me," and who that loves Jesus, his word and perishing sinners, in prospect of the final storm of indignation, can feel otherwise? 'Tis true David says, "Fret not thyself because of evil doers;" but in the 73d Psalm, as he viewed their end, their dreadful end, it was too painful for him. Let us do all that lieth in our power to save mortals from perishing, in these closing moments of probation. Come, dear brethren, let us wake. We are environed with the perils of the last days. O! strive to convince sinners of their danger and only remedy, before it is too late. And be found waiting, watching, and longing for redemption, at the appearing of Jesus.—Crisis, California.