A HAPPY New Year! Such is the greeting many will receive at the commencement of this month. The old year has passed and gone—we lay aside its burdens and cares — its fleeting pleasures and passing joys. A new era is entered on — new plans are made — new resolves formed.
Friends gather round and say, “A Happy New Year to you,” and all bids fair to be bright. But in the midst of all there comes a voice saying, “Is it well with thee? “It may be well with thee as regards this life — you may be surrounded by all you desire. Kind friends, a good home, ample means, dutiful children, a prosperous business, and all else you want, but the voice still says, “Is it well with thee?” It may be well for time, but is it well for Eternity? Have you thought only on this life, and had no care for the welfare of your soul? Have you been living only for time, and having no thought of or regard for Eternity? If so, you cannot say, “It is well.”
Oh, dear reader, I exhort you to be careless no longer. Think now upon your sins — remember now that you have to meet God — the Holy God — and while yet it is the day of His grace “Repent ye and believe the gospel.”
God knows all about you — your manner of life — your many sins; but yet He loves you with an “everlasting love.” He has proved that love in the gift of His only begotten Son; and the Lord Jesus has died, that sinners “dead in trespasses and sins” might live. And now from the glory He speaks to you and beckons you to Him. “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:2828Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)), are His words. Do start this New Year with Him as your Saviour! Do respond to His loving call! Prove now the efficacy of His precious blood, which cleanseth from all sin, and know that it is well with thee for time and for eternity; so shall you be able to say, “Happy New Year, Jesus is mine, and I am His!”
“Oh! let thy years be spent,
Thy life to Me be given,
Time’s fetters all be rent,
Then endless life in heaven.
Leave thou thy worthless all,
Follow the Saviour’s call.”
P. H. B.