FROM a casual glance at our picture you would perhaps think it looks more like winter than spring. It is true there are no leaves on the trees yet; but then trees are very wise and careful, and do not push out their buds, except some of the very hardy ones, if there is much likelihood of more frost and snow to come. But springtime it is, as a careful look again, and a little thought, will tell you. It is not likely, if it were really winter, that our little friend would be sitting out on a stile knitting. No, it is one of those days in early spring when the air is mild and soft, and gives one the feeling that
Winter is over and soon the time of flowers and sunshine will be with us again. Already the celandine is blooming in the woods, and on the railway banks and roadside the coltsfoot has opened its dandelion-like flowers to the sun, although no leaves will appear till the flowers are over. Primroses are flowering freely in the gardens, and now and then we detect the sweet scent of a wallflower.
Which do you like best, spring or autumn? This question reminds me of a conversation which took place during a railway journey some years ago. It was late in October.
I had taken my seat at a London terminus, and soon after an elderly man got in and sat opposite me. We exchanged a few remarks once or twice, when by-and-by as we were passing through one of the prettiest parts of Surrey, I drew his attention to the beauty of the autumn tints. There were hills on each side of us, and the beech and oak woods had put on their most gorgeous coloring, which the sinking sun lit up to perfection. It was a beautiful scene, and we both enjoyed it together. Then I remarked, "But I like spring best!" "Why?" said he. "Because it speaks to me of resurrection," I replied. To which he said, "You've got something behind that!" "Yes, I have," I said; and went on to speak of what a joy it was in the spring-time, when everything in nature had seemed to be dead for months, it suddenly broke into life and beauty; and how this always seemed to me A Wonderful Picture of what God was going to do when the Lord Jesus returns; the dead in Christ are going to be raised, and the living believers in Him are going to be changed, and we all shall be given glorious bodies, like Christ's; what a grand day that will be! "That is what spring-time reminds me of!”
My companion's face lit up as he listened, and he exclaimed, "Then you are a Christian, too!" For the rest of the time we had happy conversation together; and when I had to get out we shook hands heartily, being quite sure that, though we had never met before, and probably will never meet again on this earth, we shall be together forever in the presence of our Savior.
Two ladies at the other end of the carriage seemed very surprised that we-strangers to one another before-should so quickly become friends; but we had found out that we were both children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, and therefore belonged to the same family; our love to God our Father made us love one another. (1 John 5:11Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 John 5:1))
Now, dear boys and girls, what about that wonderful resurrection day? How will it fare with you when that time comes? Only those are going to share in it who are believers in the Lord Jesus. "If we believe," it says. (See Thess. 4:14.) Are you letting the days and months slip by, unbelieving still? Jesus waits to receive you. "Come unto me," He says. What will you answer Him? It is for you to believe, and to come.