p. 324 | Coming Late to Church

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 20, 1880

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 21

Coming Late to Church.

Suppose an earthly prince should condescend To bid you to his banquet, as a friend; Would you not try all means within your power To be in court at the appointed hour?

Shall such attention to a worm be given, And be refused to the God of Heaven? Who can expect to be by Jesus blessed, If absent when he comes to meet his guest?

My brethren, this would never be the case, If we were lively in the Christian race; Then every hindrance would be laid aside, To see and hear of Jesus crucified.

If you complain you have so far to come, Set out a little sooner from your home; But those who dwell hard by have no excuse, Except in idleness, or sleep, or ease.

A little less indulgence in the bed, A little more contrivance in the head, A little more devotion in the mind, Would quite prevent your being so behind.

I grant, lest I should seem to be severe, There are domestic cases here and there; Age, illness, service,—things quite unforeseen, To censure which I surely do not mean.

But such will not (unless I greatly err) Among the prudent very oft occur; And when they do, you surely should endeavor To come at last; ’tis better late than never.

—Selected.