March 1

A little while.—Hebrews 10:37.

THOUGH the present conflict may be trying, or even sharp, do I look forward, and strengthen myself with the assurance, that, at most, it is but for a little while? Do I bear with patience the dealings of God's providence, knowing that if I would have an everlasting rest, I must walk in the way to it, and not expect its full blessedness here on earth? Do I long to be fully prepared for that rest, as well as at last to go to it? Do I endeavor to lead others to prize and seek it?

The Jordan is not far off. A few breathings of the air of the wilderness, a few struggles with the difficulties of the way, a few steps across the dreary sands, and then we are at home!—BONAR.

Heaven is a day without a cloud to shade it, or a night to darken it. It is an everlasting hour with Jesus. And we are just as near to it as we are far from self and sin and the world. And it is a solemn and delightful thought, that perhaps nothing but the opaqueness of the bodily eye prevents us from beholding its open gate, and nothing but the dullness of the ear, from hearing its bells of joy, which will soon welcome us to its blessedness.

Only a little longer have we to trust and wait,

Ere we reach the blessed portals, and pass the pearly gate,

And hear the shout of welcome from the loved ones gone before,

In the mansions of our Father's house, our home for evermore!