Without considering these words in their prophetical connection, let's regard them as the invitation of our great Forerunner to his sanctified people. In due time there shall be heard "a great voice from heaven" to every believer, saying, "Come up here." This should be to the believers the subject of joyful anticipation. Instead of dreading the time when we shall leave this world to go to the Father, we should be panting for the hour of our emancipation. Our song should be— "My heart is with him on his throne, And ill can brook delay.

Each moment listening for the voice, Rise up and come away.'" We aren't called down to the grave, but up to the skies. Our heaven-born spirits should long for their native air. Yet should the heavenly summons be the object of patient waiting. Our God knows best when to bid us "Come up here." We must not wish to antedate the period of our departure.

I know that strong love will make us cry, "Lord of Hosts, the waves divide, And land us all in heaven;" but patience must have her perfect work. God ordains with accurate wisdom the most fitting time for the saved to abide below. Surely, if there could be regrets in heaven, the believers might mourn that they didn't live longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my Lord's garner!

more jewels for his crown! But how, unless there be more work? True, there's the other side of it, that, living so briefly, our sins are the fewer; but oh! when we're fully serving God, and he is giving us to scatter precious seed, and reap a hundredfold, we'd even say it's well for us to abide where we're. Whether our Master shall say "go," or "stay," let's be equally well pleased so long as he indulges us with his presence.