A very necessary protest has been raised against carnal activity in Christian work. A word of warning against the opposite extreme is also often needed, and never more so than at the present time. In too many cases a purely contemplative Christianity has been carried to extremes, resulting in dwarfed energies and spiritual uselessness.
Do we half realize the awful future which awaits the majority of those around us? Do we ever think that some of our acquaintances, with whom we smilingly exchange greetings, will ere long awake in HELL? that many we daily meet in business will shortly find their portion in the lake of fire? I ask, Do we realize this? And do these thoughts added to an intense desire for their salvation, nerve us to brave their vulgar ridicule or polite contempt, and speak with affectionate importunity of the ark of safety in the Christ of God?
This is not time for idleness. The time is short; eternity with silent tread draws daily nearer; the harvest is almost past, the summer is almost ended, and many, many souls are still unsaved.
"Go, labor on while it is day;
The world's dark night is hastening on.
Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away;
It is not thus that souls are won.
"Men die in darkness at thy side,
Without a hope to cheer the tomb;
Take up the torch and wave it wide,
The torch that lights time's thickest gloom."