Morning, October 4
Go To Evening Reading
“At evening time it shall be light.”
Zechariah 14:7
Oftentimes we look forward with forebodings to the time of old age , forgetful that at eventide it shall be light. To many saints, old
age is the choicest season in their lives. A balmier air fans the
mariner’s cheek as he nears the shore of immortality, fewer waves ruffle his
sea, quiet reigns, deep, still and solemn. From the altar of age the
flashes of the fire of youth are gone, but the more real flame of
earnest feeling remains. The pilgrims have reached the land Beulah,
that happy country, whose days are as the days of heaven upon earth.
Angels visit it, celestial gales blow over it, flowers of paradise
grow in it, and the air is filled with seraphic music. Some dwell
here for years, and others come to it but a few hours before their
departure, but it is an Eden on earth. We may well long for the time
when we shall recline in its shady groves and be satisfied with hope
until the time of fruition comes. The setting sun seems larger than
when aloft in the sky, and a splendour of glory tinges all the clouds
which surround his going down. Pain breaks not the calm of the sweet
twilight of age, for strength made perfect in weakness bears up with
patience under it all. Ripe fruits of choice experience are gathered
as the rare repast of life’s evening, and the soul prepares itself for rest.
The Lord’s people shall also enjoy light in the hour of death . Unbelief laments; the shadows fall, the night is coming, existence
is ending. Ah no, crieth faith, the night is far spent, the true day
is at hand. Light is come, the light of immortality, the light of
a Father’s countenance. Gather up thy feet in the bed, see the waiting bands
of spirits! Angels waft thee away. Farewell, beloved one, thou art
gone, thou wavest thine hand. Ah, now it is light. The pearly gates
are open, the golden streets shine in the jasper light. We cover our
eyes, but thou beholdest the unseen; adieu, brother, thou hast light
at even-tide, such as we have not yet.