TOO LATE.



GEORGE, it's no use trying; don't you see that they are closing the gates? Don't run; there is no need of hurrying, we shall be in time for the train. But George doesn't stop. 

Waiting is out of the question. He sees there is a possibility of gaining the opposite side before the draw is taken off, and presses forward with men, women, and children, toward the still opened gates. 

He exerts every nerve, strains every muscle, in his young body, that he might gain an entrance through the gates and across the bridge before it is drawn off to allow a vessel to pass through, and while George is running as for dear life, fully determined not to be shut out, his companion walks along quite leisurely and arrives at the gates in time to have them closed in his face.

But George was successful. He crossed the bridge, and arrives at the depot where he waits, and looks very anxiously for his friend to appear in sight. Soon the conductor's voice is heard: "All aboard for New York," and George takes his seat in the car, still hoping his friend and Companion will yet be in time. But the bell rings, the whistle blows, the gate is dropped, and George realizes for the first time that his friend is too late.

So will it be in our cases, my young friend, unless we are in earnest, and exert every nerve, strain every muscle, and, like George, be fully determined to secure a passage on board the gospel train, bound (not for New York, but) for that holy city whose builder and maker is God, we shall be too late. Did you ever think what a dreadful thing it would be, to see your friends enjoying the pleasures of Heaven and you yourself thrust out? My dear young friend, the time is hastening when we shall be admitted in through those pearly gates or forever excluded. Which shall it be? It is our privilege to walk those golden streets, to eat of the tree of life, and drink of the water of life; to become citizensof the New Jerusalem, to dwell in the presence of God, to sit down on the throne with Jesus.

Oh! How glorious will that period be when all the elect of God shall be gathered in, when not a grain of the precious seed will be lost, when even the feeblest lamb shall be housed from the storm.

There no tears bedew the cheeks, no sorrow  rends the hearts of its blissful inhabitants. In those celestial regions there is no pain, neither painful separation of fond friends all is blooming health and immortal vigor. There death shall strike its dart no more, for death is swallowed up in victory.

Let us commence anew, and seek a closer walk with God, cut loose from the transitory things of this life and seek earnestly the sweet graces of the spirit, love, humility, and purity. These will make us like Jesus, whose whole character bore these sacred features, and whose gentle command is, "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

 



M. WOOD.