A family of children who live in a city, had been making preparations for some time, to spend a day in the park. Notes were written to several of their friends, inviting them to join their company. When the morning of the appointed day arrived, they all arose with bright and happy faces; and hands and brains, from the oldest to the youngest, were busily engaged in arranging the dinner in baskets, and getting together various games they wished to take along, with which to amuse themselves.
As soon as everything was ready, they all started off for the street car, delighted at the prospect of a whole day to run and romp, laugh and tumble as much as they wished on the beautiful green grass. Just after reaching the park, some of the company noticed a dark cloud rising in the southwest, and almost before they were aware of it, the whole sky was covered with dark, threatening clouds. Soon it began to rain very hard, and the dear children, who had but a few moments before, set their baskets and bundles down; unpacked their games, and hung their hats on the bushes close by, had to quickly gather everything together, and run to the car, through the torrents of rain which were now falling.
By the time they reached the car, they were dripping wet. Such a disappointed lot of children! The good time they had looked forward to for such a long time, was changed to sadness and disappointment.
So it is, and will always be, dear children, with pleasures in this world. They appear great in anticipation, and while they last; but disappointment is sure to follow.
We all seek for pleasures, but which shall they be; pleasures that only last for a short time and are soon gone? Or pleasures that are not only for the present time, but will last forever?
Moses chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. 11:24-26.
This world can give pleasures which last only for a season, and end in disappointment.
I trust that our young friends will seek for pleasures that last forever. Do you ask, Where are they to be found? I will tell you:
“In Thy presence is fullness of soy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Ps. 16:11.
All lasting pleasures are to be found
in Christ. A.
ML 05/27/1900