SOME time ago I was staying in a house that faced a large public school.
From the windows we could see the children assembling twice a day, often coming early enough to have a game before the bell summoned them to come in.
One morning I saw two little boys arrive very early. Evidently, they meant to be in good time, and soon after, being joined by others, a game of marbles was started.
By-and-by the bell began ringing, and children gathered from all directions and disappeared one after another through the open door.
But the little group of boys still went on with their game, although the quick, sharp notes of the bell continued to warn them that time was going. Suddenly, as the clock struck nine, the bell ceased ringing, and at the same moment the school door was shut.
But what about those two little boys who had come so early? Ah, they had lingered so long over their game that, although within sight of the open door, they got too late to go in after all!
And now as they stand outside, the sound of children’s voices singing the opening hymn comes to them, and they wish they had gone in while the door was open, because they know that punishment awaits those who are not in their places when school begins.
This incident led me to think of another door and another call to come in, one that you have heard, my reader, many times, and now once again it comes to you through the pages of this magazine.
The Lord in His grace has brought us to the present month, and still the door of salvation stands wide open; but we know that time is quickly taking us on to the moment when it will be shut.
We read that after Noah and his house had entered the ark, the Lord shut him in. What a contrast that is to being shut out, but such must be the eternal portion of those who neglect the gospel invitation.
“Whosoever cometh must not delay;
Now the door is open, enter while you may:
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way,
‘Whosoever will may come.’”
ML 06/08/1902