ONE day, when riding in a street car in one of our large cities. I saw a black horse trotting along contentedly with his load; on his back stood a little white dog turning his head this way and that, and barking vociferously at the passersby, while the driver looked on with evident satisfaction, as people were attracted by the strange sight.
The horse did not seem at all annoyed by his noisy little rider; and the dog seemed to have all confidence in the horse.
This scene led my thoughts to the happy time when the fierce wolf and the gentle lamb shall dwell together; when the timid little kid shall lie down by the leopard and not be hurt; when the bear instead of destroying the cow, shall feed with it; and when a little child shall lead the young lion and the calf and the fatling, side by side; and when even the poisonous serpent shall lose its poison. Do you not think, dear children, that will be a very blessed time? Not only will the wild, ferocious animals be gentle and tame, and go kindly on together, and be subject even to a little child; but the barren, desert places of the earth will be made to rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It will be a time when there will be great joy and peace and happiness.
When I was little, as some of the readers of this paper now are, I was charmed with this beautiful picture that God’s word brings before us; and in my childish heart, I wondered if I would live to see that wonderful and blessed day.
May be some of my little readers are ready to ask, When will these things be? I will tell you, It will be when Jesus comes. The curse that was brought in through man’s sin will then be lifted from the earth and man and beast will be made glad and happy. But before Jesus comes to bring about this better state of things, He will come into the air with a shout and call all who believe in Him up to meet Him, and will take them to the Father’s house, there to learn wondrous things; and then He will bring them with Him to the earth, and will reign in righteousness over a redeemed earth and people.
Are you ready for Jesus to come? If not, do not rest until you can say, Jesus is my Saviour. Then when Jesus calls, you will go to meet Him, and when He comes to reign, you will reign with Him over a glad and rejoicing earth.
R.
ML 03/25/1900