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But whether we think of it or not, whether we prepare for it or not, that great Day is most surely coming. Perhaps it may not come for a great many years, perhaps it may come in a few days. We know not. But one thing we do know that it will come suddenly. It will come probably when people are going about their daily duties just as usual, when men are going to the shop or the market, to the warehouse or the field ; when women are doing their daily work, washing or baking, teaching, minding the children, or working in the shop or factory. It will come suddenly. There will be no time to prepare then, we must do that now.

Sometime ago I was returning home with some friends to the house in which we were staying in a small town in Ireland. It was a dark winter's night, and we were so much occupied with finding our way, that we did not notice anything unusual going on. As we approached the town, however, we noticed groups of people standing at the corners of the streets, talking earnestly. Some were at their doors, others with their heads out of the window, speaking eagerly to those below,

and all were pointing anxiously towards the sky. We asked what had happened. “Look up," cried several voices at once, "it may be the end of the world is coming, for we are told that there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars."

Looking up, I saw indeed one of the most beautiful sights I ever witnessed.

The dark winter's sky was suddenly illuminated with red lights of the most glorious colouring, varying from deep crimson and flame colour to the palest rosy tints. The sky seemed on fire, and the light threw a lurid glare on all around, and on the upturned faces of the crowd.

It was the Aurora Borealis, the great northern lights, a sight often seen, but rarely with the same brilliancy. Many of those who witnessed it were fully persuaded that the end of the world was coming, and they seemed terrified at the prospect. It reminded us of the words, " Hide us from the face of Him that sitteth upon the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of His wrath is come, and who may be able to stand?"

"Oh! on that day, that dreadful day, When man to judgment wakes from clay, Be Thou, O Christ, the sinner's stay, Though Heaven and earth shall pass away."

What and if the day is breaking,
Day so long by seers foretold,
When, from slumbers deep awaking
Saints their Saviour shall behold.
Are you ready? are you ready?
Or is still your bosom cold?

Is it cold to Him who sought thee
In this wilderness forlorn?

Cold to Him, the Friend who bought thee
Nor complained of nail or thorn?

Are you ready? are you ready?
Or do you His yearning scorn?

Are you clothed in bridal raiment,
Woven by anointed hands :
Given thee without thy payment,
Pledge of Love's attracting bands?
Are you ready? are you ready?
See the portal open stands.

My Redeemer nd my Lord - beseech Thee. I ever The •Goode me in each act and vordà What bereafter I may met De Wanting waiting, brging yearing.

Te my lang wel minned and tuming

IV.

THY WILL BE DONE."

"I DELIGHT to do Thy will, O my God."— Psalm xl. 8.

'Teach me to do Thy Will, for Thou art my God."-Psalm cxliii. 10.

"Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit