September 7

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.—2 Corinthians 5:10.

DO I bear in mind continually that this world is but a state of probation, and the future world one of retribution? Do I realize the certainty of the final judgment, that we must be judged; its universality, that all must appear; its nearness, that at any hour we may be called to it, and at farthest, very soon? Do I rest my hopes of acceptance there on any merit or works of my own, or only on Christ? If I love and trust him, need I have any fears as to the great and final day?

Here on earth we are placed as stewards: soon we must give an account of our stewardship. Here we are gradually forming characters and fixing habits soon we shall pass the point beyond which neither can be changed except in degree. Here we are on probation: there an endless retribution awaits us. And how soon we may go to it, no one of us knows. We only know it will be soon

May we all walk in humble faith, and holy chastening fear,

And see with calm and steadfast eye, the Judge of all appear:

Prepared to join the adoring throng before the throne of God,

Redeemed and freed from sin and death by Christ's atoning blood.