April 5

Prepare to meet thy God.—ALOS IV. 12.

DO I realize that I must soon enter the unseen state, and there meet God in judgment? And have I made the preparation that must be made before I can meet him in peace? By sincere repentance for sin, and a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, am I prepared for the final day? And were my soul this day required, should I meet death, not as a dreaded enemy, but rather as my Father's messenger and a friend?

There are not many who finish their lives before they die. Very few go willingly; most are forced, and not a few dragged to the grave. Instead of leaving the world, they are hunted out of it.—GOTTHOLD.

Death, to the good man, is but passing through a dark entry, out of one little dusky room in his Father's house into another that is fair, large, light-some, glorious, and divinely blessed. In the language of heaven, and to the heir of heaven, death means everlasting life.—CLARKE.

Thou canst make death's awful summons,

Angel whispers to mine ear,

Chilling blood and breaking heartstrings,

Thrills of joy if thou art near!

Waiting, working, praying, hoping,

While the shadows creep apace,

Clinging to thee—resting on thee,

Death is but thy crowning grace!

—BRUNOT.