BRIGHT and witty, was M. V., the youngest daughter of rich parents. But she loved this world, with its verities and pleasures. Her parents were very fond of her, for she was the only daughter at home. Until the age of twenty-three she had enjoyed good health, but one day, while getting out of her carriage, she stumbled, and bruised her knee.
Some parties were to be held in the neighborhood not long after this accident happened, and to them she had made up her mind to go. She went, and danced until late into the night.
A few short months after this, her parents saw that her strength was failing. Skillful physicians were called in, but they said that consumption had set in, and that her days were numbered. Then, if never before, it must have dawned on the soul of poor M. V., how unsatisfying, in the face of death and eternity, the pleasures and vanities of this world are. Also, she was surrounded by those who, like herself, loved the world and its passing joys.
Shortly afterwards the solemn fact was announced that M. V., was dead, and that she had died in the greatest agony.
Dear young reader, if you are living for this world, pause and consider. If God should call you away as He did poor M. V., would He find you ready? Remember He says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,” (2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2).) and “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” (Prov. 28:11The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1).)
In a town a few miles away from the one in which M. V. lived, we knew another young lady called L. N.
Consumption had already made rapid progress on a frame never very robust. Her alarmed mother took her to a very clever doctor. After making a thorough examination of the case, he very gravely said,
“My dear young lady, I am very sorry for you. You are in a serious state of health. I am afraid there is no hope of your recovery.”
To his intense surprise, she replied, with a smile, “Do not be sorry for me; I am soon going to be with Jesus, which is far better than living down here.” Not long after, we heard that dear L. N. had gone to be forever with the Lord.
Reader, why should there be such a contrast between these two young girls? They were about the same age, they died of the same disease, yet they were so unlike. Not that L. N. led a very religious life, and did a great many good works in order to reach heaven. No! She took God at His word She believed His verdict, that the world and its so-called pleasures last but “for a season.” and accepted for time and eternity the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. God grant that you may do the same!
ML 07/14/1918