By land, by sea, and by air people are carried today from one to country to another—from the old countries of their birth to new ones, for better or for worse. And as thousands thus move out and on to new fields, they make room for others who rise up to fill their places.
But there is another movement, far more extensive and important than the one just mentioned. Thousands move away from this planet every day and emigrate from time into eternity. We are informed that every twenty-four hours about 100,000 leave thus. What a stupendous thought—100,000 men, women, and children leave this world every clay! It includes the wealthy as well as the poor, and they go from the courts of kings as well as from the dwellings of the lowly.
Have you not observed how anxiously emigrants search the maps of the new countries and read up on their history? Then, again, how anxiously they study the soil and climate! They do wisely in all these things. They carefully decide upon their destination; then they get ready, and move on.
Let me ask my reader: "Where are you emigrating to? Where do you expect to spend eternity?"
How important these questions—how serious the answer! We would earnestly ask the reader not to rest until they are settled.
That "new world," to which vast numbers are daily passing, is divided, as the Bible shows, into two separate places, and a great contrast exists between them and their inhabitants: one, called heaven, is the home of the blest; the other, called hell, is the abode of the lost—of all that is evil. To which of these two places are you bound, my reader?
The masses are steadily moving out every day, and your turn is surely coming. Good health is no assurance that you have plenty of time, and wealth will not prevent your ship from leaving port for the other shore. "I cannot, I will not die," said one who, shortly after, had to leave. Determination and willpower cannot keep one here when the hour arrives to depart.
The passport to the home of the blest is free, and its inheritances also are a free grant, "without money and without price." The blood of Christ, shed upon the cross—the Substitute suffering for the guilty—was the payment rendered to God to secure both the inheritance and the passport there. And not only this, but that precious blood canceled also every debt those emigrating had contracted. Oh, what grace is expressed in this, dear reader!
How happy is the emigrant as he looks back—not a debt left unpaid! New prospects rise up before him; new friends and old await him on another shore! So with those who put their trust in Jesus: they will see the Friend who in love and grace canceled all their debts, secured the passport, and holds the inheritance in reserve for them.
They are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Pet. 1:5.
The emigration agents are anxious that people moving out should be on the right ship, and that their tickets read correctly. So, my reader, we would ask you, Have you entered the true ark of safety? Here it is: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." Rom. 8:1. Have you the true passport? This is it: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.
A hearty welcome also will be accorded to all the redeemed on the other side. The country is a delightful one. The inhabitants are all united, peaceful, and happy. The King there is the precious Lord Jesus Himself, who gave His own life for us. There He is loved and revered by all.
As for sickness, disease, and death, they are never heard of there. No sin is there, and its happy people live forever and ever! What a blessed country! And what a blessed hope!
Will you come to this blest land? Jesus Himself invites you. "Come unto Me," He said, and "I will give you rest." The Holy Spirit urges you—Cornet "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22:17.