Every second, every movement of the heart, every beat of the pulse, every breath we draw, every tick of the tireless clock witnesses an immortal soul departing this life.
Every minute, as the second hand turns around upon the dial-plate in its circuit and testifies that sixty seconds are passed and gone forever, it witnesses the solemn procession of more than sixty souls leaving this earth, and through the article of death entering into eternity.
Every hour, as the minute hand describes a circle around the dial-plate, upwards of four thousand people leave the habitable earth and enter the unseen world, never to return till the resurrection of the dead.
Every day of twenty-four hours, a multitude of men, women and children, comprising an army of about ninety thousand people, leave this world where they were born and where they lived. They go through the gates of death, pass through the dark waters and enter the next world, there to abide forever. In addition to this, consider also that time is short, "swifter than a weaver's shuttle." Job 7:66My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. (Job 7:6). "It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:1414Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14).
"The days of our years are threescore years and ten;... for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." Psa. 90:1010The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10). And if we deduct from the allotted period the days of childhood and of sickness and the hours of sleep, how very brief are our conscious moments, the season of opportunity here on earth!
Eternity furnishes us with an immense contrast: the very thought baffles the greatest intellect. Millions and millions of years may roll on, as we count time, yet the vastness and immensity of eternity abides the same, and becomes no shorter. None can fathom nor measure its duration—it will abide forever and forever.
How great the contrast then between time and eternity! One, the present, with all its golden opportunities and blessings—rich provisions from the good hand of a Savior-God, who is rich in mercy and tender in love towards all the creatures of His hand. With divine accuracy, He measures the sinfulness of man's heart. Yet, notwithstanding His perfect knowledge of our sinfulness, He offers to all, whether Jew or Gentile, young or old, rich or poor, a free, present and eternal salvation. And this rich gift of His love and grace is all embraced and enshrined in the one all-glorious Person of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Weigh well in your mind, dear reader, these facts of vital importance. Let them exercise your conscience; let them reach your heart; and, as I ask a solemn question, be prepared to answer. If you should join that number who will pass away this day, this hour, or the very next moment, where would you spend eternity? Upon what shore would you land? What would be the name of your eternal abiding place? Would it be heaven, with Christ the Savior, who died to save sinners—or hell, with the devil and his angels, and all who refused the Savior, refused to repent and believe the gospel, and have turned every one to his own way?
Friend, as you read these lines, let eternity be to you a subject of immense importance. Time is short, and life uncertain. Be not careless. Be not deceived. Your everlasting blessing and happiness, or your eternal shame and misery, hang in the balance. God calls today; the Savior waits upon you, the Spirit strives. This may be your last opportunity, the last earnest appeal. There may be but one step between you and death (1 Sam. 20:33And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death. (1 Samuel 20:3)). You may be standing upon the very last inch of time, and at the very verge of eternity. A God of love and grace, "not willing that any should perish," calls you, my reader, my friend. Make this day, this hour, this moment, the time of your turning to Christ.