"IT IS HIGH TIME TO AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP," and to face reality. We cannot know the future, but we may know the present. Indeed, we ought to know it. What is its character? It is the time of Satan's power; he is active, restless, and determined. It is the time of the world's danger; it is asleep, or deluded, or enraged against the cause of God. It is the time of God's forbearance; justice now waits, grace sits enthroned, mercy kindly warns, and it is called the accepted time, the day of salvation. It is the time of the Church's duty, for it is working time, it is evening time, and precious time. It is a singular time: we have such facilities for doing good, so many calls to action, so many encouragements to persevere, and our responsibility is so deep and solemn. Let us therefore know the time. We may learn its character, partly from God's word, and partly from observation. Let us improve our knowledge and turn it to good account by stirring up others who are drowsy, and let us embrace every opportunity of doing good ourselves. Let us employ every talent and improve every opportunity to the utmost for the gospel. We should be wakeful, watchful, energetic and urgent. The time to serve the Lord is now.

For Meditation:
Divine Instructor, grace bestow,
Teach me the present time to know;
Help me each talent to improve,
And serve my God in faith and love.