MARCH 31.
 
Behold, I come as a thief.
Revelation 16:15
 

JESUS will come suddenly when he is little expected.
 
His coming will fill many with alarm and surprise.
 
His coming in the flesh was the hope
  of the Old Testament saint;
  his coming with power and great glory,
  to reign before his ancients,
  is the hope of the New Testament church.
 
Until then, the Church will be like the betrothed bride,
  waiting for the marriage day.
Until then, believers will groan,
   being burdened.
Until then, the old serpent will deceive
   the whole world.
Until then, the souls of the martyrs
  under the altar will cry,
   “How long, O Lord, will thou not avenge our blood
     on them that dwell on the earth.”
Until then, the gospel must be preached
    among all nations for a witness.
 
But when Jesus comes, he will take
  his bride to himself;
  he will silence the groans of his saints;
  the old serpent will be bound and shut up;
  the blood of martyrs will be avenged;
  and the gospel will have accomplished its object.
 
Beloved, let us not sleep as do others,
  that let us watch.
 
Daily let us act as if we expect him
  to come before the evening, and
  let us lie down at night with the thought,
    Jesus may come before morning.
 

Let all who Jesus know

To meet their God prepared.

And pass their every hour below

In watching unto prayer.

 
James Smith 1849