We are living in the most solemn period of this world ' s history . The destiny of earth ' s teeming multitudes is about to be decided . Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue . We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth . Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire : " Lord , what wilt Thou have me to do ?" We need to humble ourselves before the Lord , with fasting and prayer , and to meditate much upon His word , especially upon the scenes of the judgment . We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God . We have not a moment to lose . Events of vital importance are taking place around us ; we are on Satan ' s enchanted ground . Sleep not , sentinels of God ; the foe is lurking near , ready at any moment , should you become lax and drowsy , to spring upon you and make you his prey .
Many are deceived as to their true condition before God . They congratulate themselves upon the wrong acts which they do not commit , and forget to enumerate the good and noble deeds which God requires of them , but which they have neglected to perform . It is not enough that they are trees in the garden of God . They are to answer His expectation by bearing fruit . He holds them accountable for their failure to accomplish all the good which they could have done , through His grace strengthening them . In the books of heaven they are registered as cumberers of the ground . Yet the case of even this class is not utterly hopeless . With those who have slighted God ' s mercy and abused His grace , the heart of long-suffering love yet pleads . " Wherefore He saith , Awake thou that sleepest , and arise from the dead , and Christ shall give thee light . See then that ye walk circumspectly , . . . redeeming the time , because the days are evil ." Ephesians 5:14-16 .
When the testing time shall come , those who have made God ' s word their rule of life will be revealed . In summer there is no noticeable difference between evergreens and other trees ; but when the blasts of winter come , the evergreens remain unchanged , while other trees are stripped of their foliage . So the falsehearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian , but the time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent . Let opposition arise , let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway , let persecution be kindled , and the half-hearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith ; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock , his faith stronger , his hope brighter , than in days of prosperity . Says the psalmist : " Thy testimonies are my meditation ." " Through Thy precepts I get understanding : therefore I hate every false way ." Psalm 119:99 , 104 .
" Happy is the man that findeth wisdom ." " He shall be as a tree planted by the waters , and that spreadeth out her roots by the river , and shall not see when heat cometh , but her leaf shall be green ; and shall not be careful in the year of drought , neither shall cease from yielding fruit ." Proverbs 3:13 ; Jeremiah 17:8 .
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