THE PRESENT MOMENT.



THERE is no moment like the present, for there is no moment but the present. The past we cannot change; the future we cannot control; the present is our time for action and high resolve. He who will not act on the fresh impulse of a present resolution, will find his purposes lost in the hurry of the future, or sunk in the slough of indolent delay. The present is our hour of strength. Our feet stand on reality today. If we miss this footing, we may be swept away by the current, and never gain another.

Experience, inspiration, and wisdom counsel us to seize the present hour. It flies like an arrow; it passes like a shadow. 

Once gone, and in its stead may come only fruitless endeavors and vain regrets. God calls us now. His time is the present moment. "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart." "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor wisdom, nor knowledge, in the grave whither thou goest." 




MINNIE J. CURRIE.




THE PLAIN PATH.



'T IS a narrow, rugged pathway 

That leads to the heavenly hill;

But it winds through fresh green pastures, 

By waters cool and still.

There are other paths, just lying

On either side the way, 

Where the feet of the unwary

Oft times are led astray.

So smooth are they, so pleasing,

The narrow way in sight, 

Beware! Those paths end only

In rayless, hopeless night.

Only the "plain path" choosing, 

We may pass life's dangers by,

And enter the "many mansions" 

Of our Father's house on high.




"HE THAT WORKETH, RECEIVETH WAGES."



LABOR was wisely ordained for mankind, and we believe those are happiest who have a certain amount to perform each day. But none of us like to toil for naught; we expect some benefit will   accrue from our labors, either to ourselves or others. From whom do the family receive recompense for their services? Perhaps you respond, "We don't do much;" or, "We don't work for wages."

Well, it is true that you don't do much compared with what your parents and others do for you; and if they do not give you a fixed sum of money for the little offices you perform, you are daily receiving many more benefits from them than your little hands could provide were you dependent upon your own efforts.

It is in another sense, however, that we meant the question, Who pays you for your labor? Whether you are aware of it or not, you are all engaged in service which will bring wages; for the Book of books says, "He that worketh, receiveth wages;" also, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  If you are Christ's faithful servant, your wages will be eternal life through him; but if you are in the service of Satan, and thus remain, your wages will be the second death.  When we work for man, we are at liberty to refuse wages if we wish; but it will avail us nothing to refuse the wages of sin. 

If these are the wages we have earned, they will be forced upon us.

Dear reader, Satan is a hard master, and for our services will leave us to suffer the second death. Why not be wise, and quit his service? The service of Christ gives joy and peace in this life, and the reward of an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. Who does not rather choose Christ, and live? 




M. J. C.