The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-12-27

tined to follow in the same manner. But
under all circumstances, the kingdom of tn
blessed Redeemer is safe.
''Time which doth all things else impair,
Still makes this flourish strong and fair"
The seat of this holy kingdom is in heaven
There is the royal city, There are tn
throne and the palace of the King. Their
his happy subjects are assembled and as
sembling, as they are trained and fitted IL
different parts of the Universe, to take pos
session of the mansions prepared for then
from the foundation of the world. And as
years roll away, that branch of the genera
kingdom of Christ which is planted in this
lower world, is casting deeper its roots, anc
spreading wider its shade, and is destined
before long to fill the earth. Who would
not be a member of this holy kingdom? who
would not Aee from the ranks of the wicked
and take his lot and position with the people
of God, the very elite of the Universe?
The present occasion also requires US to
look back upon the way in which we have
been led, that we may rejoice in the goodness
and faithfulness of God, while we cheerfully
submit to the needed corrections of his hand.
1t requires us to look into the secrets of our
own characters, to mourn over opportunities
lost, duties neglected, evil affections INDUCED,
sins committed, and see how our account
stands with God, and what is our prepara-
ton for his judgment bar. 1t prompts US
also to look forward into the untried future
and whilst past blighted hopes and withered
expectations may teach US how little we can
depend on the world, we should resolve to
stand in our lot whatever it may be; seize
opportunities of usefulness as they may be
presented; and do with our might what our
hands find to do. "The night cometh when
no man can work" We shall rest from our
labors,-when we arrive at heaven. There
only is rest-how sweet it will be-
The departure of days and years, and the
consequent approach of death, are to most
people subjects of painful thought. They
see the current rolling with a rapidity which
nothing can resist or arrest, and themselves
borne downwards in the midst of the stream
towards that eternity into which myriads are
ever pouring; and the prospect terrifes
them. They shudder and shrink back. But
why should the flight of time or the approach
of death be unwelcome to the Christian, who
is diligently engaged in his appointed work,
and waiting the expected hour of release? ?
What has such one to fear from death, or
from anything which lies beyond it? True,
he is going to the judgment;-but the Judge
is his adored RedeemEr, and his best friend.
He is going into the eternal world; but in
that world are treasured all his hopes
There is heaven-the end of his pilgrimage
and the home of his heart There is the
eternal resting place, which Jesus has gone
to prepare for his people. There are "the
innumerable company of angels, and the
general assembly and Church of the first
born, and God the Judge Of all, and the
spirits of just men made perfect"
"There his best friends and kindred dwell;
There God his Saviour reigns.'
Why then does the Christian mourn over
his departing years, and the consequent ap-
proach of the eternal realities? How much
rather does it become him--as he looks
backward upon scenes which never can re-
turn, and forward to those towards which he
is hasting-to say, and to sing, "WelcOme
flying time! Welcome departing hours and
years. 1 am ready to be offered up! Ide-
sire to depart and be with Christ" How
inestimable is that religion, which inspires
hopes and presents prospects such as these !!
which gives its po8Sessor the victory over
time and death, and prompts him to "sing
himself away to everlasting bliss.
Reader, is this religion, with all its hopes
and consultations, yours? Are you an en-
listed soldier and follower of Christ, an en-
rolled member of his family and Kingdom
Do not forget, then, your high obligations.
Do not forget your solemn responsibilities.
The work before you is indeed great; but
the cause in which you labor is glorious
Our divine Master expects every servant to
do his duty, and, for our encouragement, he
is addressing US individually from the skies,
I"Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will
give thee a crown of life. He that over
cometh shall sit with me on my throne, as |
have overcome, and am seated on my Faith
er's throne.
But does the eye which falls on this col
umn beam with no such heavenly illumina'
ton? Does the conscience of the reader
admonish him, in terms too significant to be
mistaken, that he has neither part nor lot in
the matter, because his heart is not right in
the sight of God? Let him resolve then, in
the strength of the Almighty, before he lays
down this paper, or rises from the seat on
which he sits, that this year shall not be
spent as the last-that this shall be Nea
Year to his soul. Do not put off this reso
luton and having made it, take care and
do not trifle with it. Begin the year with
God, and spend it in his service. Spend ii
in such manner, that should you be sum
moned away before its close, your end may
be happy, and your Immortality glorious.
D. L.