At the close of the days of the predicted tribulation of the church, the signs began to appear--the sun was darkened, the moon withheld its light, and the stars of heaven fell. The series began at the time specified, the signs came in the order given in Christ's prophecy. The record of history bears witness that the prophecy was fulfilled. It may be that on a yet more awful and universal scale these phenomena will be seen again in that last shaking of the powers of heaven which is to attend the rolling back of the heavens as a scroll, the immediate prelude to Christ's glorious appearing. But Christ's prophecy, at this point, was not giving a description of events at the very end of the world, but signs by which it might be known when the end was drawing near. As the signs should be recognized, the Saviour intended that those who loved His appearing should be quickened with hope, and inspired to hasten to the world with the gospel message preparing the way of the Lord. The Lord's word for His children was, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28. Long ago these signs began to come to pass. Now may the Lord's believing children well look up and rejoice, knowing that the day of eternal redemption is indeed nigh at hand. He Will Come for His Own In the glad time of the harvest, In the grand millennial year, When the King shall take His scepter, And to judge the world appear, Earth and sea shall yield their treasure, All shall stand before the throne; Just awards will then be given, When the King shall claim His own. O the rapture of His people! Long they've dwelt on earth's low sod, With their hearts e'er turning homeward, Rich in faith and love to God. They will share the life immortal, They will know as they are known, They will pass the pearly portal, When the King shall claim His own. Long they've toiled within the harvest, Sown the precious seed with tears; Soon they'll drop their heavy burdens In the glad millennial years; They will share the bliss of heaven, Nevermore to sigh or moan; Starry crowns will then be given, When the King shall claim His own. We shall greet the loved and loving, Who have left us lonely here; Every heartache will be banished When the Saviour shall appear; Never grieved with sin or sorrow, Never weary or alone; O, we long for that glad morrow When the King shall claim His own! --_L.D. Santee._ [Illustration: SATAN OFFERS GOLD, AND THE WORLD STAMPEDES TO ITS DESTRUCTION "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you." James 5:1.] FOOTNOTES: