"It is time to seek the Lord." --Hosea 10:12
This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb
aperio, which signifies
to open, because all the buds and blossoms
are now opening, and we have arrived at the gates of the flowery year. Reader,
if you are yet unsaved, may your heart, in accord with the universal awakening
of nature, be opened to receive the Lord. Every blossoming flower warns you that
it is time to seek the Lord; be not out of tune with nature, but let your
heart bud and bloom with holy desires. Do you tell me that the warm blood of
youth leaps in your veins? then, I entreat you, give your vigour to the Lord. It
was my unspeakable happiness to be called in early youth, and I could fain
praise the Lord every day for it. Salvation is priceless, let it come when it
may, but oh! an early salvation has a double value in it. Young men and maidens,
since you may perish ere you reach your prime, "
It is time to seek the
Lord." Ye who feel the first signs of decay, quicken your pace: that hollow
cough, that hectic flush, are warnings which you must not trifle with; with you
it is indeed time to seek the Lord. Did I observe a little grey mingled with
your once luxurious tresses? Years are stealing on apace, and death is drawing
nearer by hasty marches, let each return of spring arouse you to set your house
in order. Dear reader, if you are now advanced in life, let me entreat and
implore you to delay no longer. There is a day of grace for you now--be thankful
for that, but it is a limited season and grows shorter every time that clock
ticks. Here in this silent chamber, on this first night of another month, I
speak to you as best I can by paper and ink, and from my inmost soul, as God's
servant, I lay before you this warning, "
It is time to seek the Lord."
Slight not that work, it may be your last call from destruction, the final
syllable from the lip of grace.
Morning and Evening Index
