The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-01
The CISsea Door,.

Seiected Tor The Advertiser.
 The "rhe door Ss st. was "a shut",Matt KY; 10. words in our language. There are many different times and circum- stances when the meaning of these fat al words come home to us.
 A man starts to catch a certain train; great results depend upon his travelling by it--a mans life, a wo- mans honor, vast fortune, perhaps, are involved. He arrives to find the barrier closed against him--he is too late, the door is shut.
 A son has left home. in disgrace; he has bowed his fathers head with sor- row and shame. One day the message comes to him that his father is dying; if he would see his face once more he must hasten back. The prodigai turns receive his fathers forgiveness and blessing. He finds the home silent and the blinds drawn--he Is too latei
 There is time to get and time to lose; time when the door stands open and a time when it is shut. and this time comes to all.
 At one time the door of youth stands open. with all Its opportunities of learning and advancement. its strength, its hopes. it's prizes. If we neglect our chance then. if we spend our youth in idleness and folly and dissipation, the time will come when we find the door is shut.
 How often we hear man say: T wish I had my life over again. If ] were but young once more would lead very different life" But 1t may not be; time returns no more: the op- portunity is gone--the door is shut.
 Oh! young men and maidens. be- seech you to know and use your op- portunity!
 At one time the door of health and strength stand open. We have vigor- neglect our health, or injure by ex. cess-what then? The strong arms are limp and feeble now; the nimbie feet drag painfully along the ground; the once clear brain is clouded and un- certain---the door is shut.
 So it is with all earthly opportunities The door stands open for us to enter and succeed. and then the time comes when it is too late--the door is shut.
 Over and oveY again doors have been opened for us; chances given us of going up higher, of forsaking sins, of leading purer, better lives. Some- times the voice of conscience spoke and a door of escape was opened. Sometimes a terrible warning was sent us. Struck down by sudden illness, we were brought very low. All that long, weary time of weakness and pain, laid aside from all work, was Gods oppor- tAnity for you. He was opening a door for you to pass through and begin a new life.
 Some loved member of the family was suddenly called away by death in the midst of health and strength Sure ly that grave which opened so unex- pectedly at our feet was sent as an open door ot warning that we might remember how short life is, and learn eo apply our hearts unto wisdom. Every blessing. every sorrow, every gain, every loss that God sends us is a door of opportunity by which we can come nearer to God and to Heaven.
 The day comes for all when the door of this earthly life, with all It's op- portunities and chances is shut finally. You see people 1 nthe street shutting their poor and putting up the shutters in their place of business when night comes The dor Is shut because the days work Is over. But sometimes you see them putting up the shutters and closing the door while 1t is still mid day The owner of the business is bankrupt; he can no longer carry on his work. So 1t Is with the death of the righteous and the careless. The one dies when his life's work is done; the ether leaves his work undone-and the door is shut.
 Watch, and be prayerful every day! So shall you be ready for the sum- mons. Daily seek the oil of Gods grace that your lamp may burn clear and steady; so men may glorify your Fa- ther in Heaven. and you go forth with joy to meet the Bridegroom.