Was it so even in the beginning? Did light and darkness divide the realm of time in the first day? Then little wonder if I also have changes in my circumstances—from the sunshine of prosperity to the midnight of adversity!

It will not always be the blaze of noon in my soul. I must expect seasons when I mourn the absence of my former joys, when I must seek my Beloved in the night. Nor am I alone in this—all the Lord's beloved ones have sung the mingled song of judgment and mercy, of trial and deliverance, of mourning and delight. This is God's arrangement: day and night shall not cease, either in the spiritual or natural creation, until we reach the land where "there is no night."

What our heavenly Father ordains is wise and good. What then, my soul, should you do? First, learn to be content with this divine order. Be willing, with Job, to receive evil from the Lord's hand as well as good. Next, learn to make the outgoings of the morning and the evening rejoice! Praise the Lord for the sun of joy when it rises, and for the gloom of evening as it falls. There is beauty both in sunrise and sunset—sing of it, and glorify the Lord!

Like the nightingale, pour forth your notes at all hours. Believe that the night is as useful as the day. The dews of grace fall heavily in the night of sorrow. The stars of promise shine forth gloriously amid the darkness of grief.

Continue your service under all changes. If in the day your watchword be "labor," at night exchange it for "watch." Every hour has its duty—continue in your calling as the Lord's servant until he shall suddenly appear in his glory.

My soul, your evening of old age and death is drawing near. Dread it not, for it is part of the day! And the Lord has said, "I will cover him all the day long."