THE HOUR IS NEAR MIDNIGHT, THE BRIDEGROOM IS AT HAND! Our Lord is on the way! When we think of the warning Jesus has given, the promises He has made, and the precepts He has delivered, we would almost conclude that His people must be always active and always ready. But when we look around us, or when we look at our own selves, we are obliged to lament that this is not the case. Jesus has gone to receive a kingdom and to return; He has given talents to His servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. But it is said of the wise, as well as the foolish virgins, "They all slumbered and slept." Are we awake to our duties, to our privileges, to our expectations? Are we looking, longing, and preparing for the coming of Jesus? Are we sober and vigilant, because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour? Are we active for God? Do we pass the time of our sojourning here in fear? Is your talent in the napkin, or at the bank? Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober. Behold the Judge stands before the door. It is high time to awake out of sleep!

For Meditation:
Our Lord, He comes to call
The nations to His bar;
And take to glory all
Who meet for glory are:
Make ready for your full reward;
Prepared with joy to meet your Lord.