solemn is the thought! Day after day, passing into eternity, bears its
burden of records for the books of heaven. Words once spoken, deeds once
done, can never be recalled. Angels have registered both the good and the
evil. The mightiest conqueror upon the earth cannot call back the record
of even a single day. Our acts, our words, even our most secret motives,
all have their weight in deciding our destiny for weal or woe. Though they
may be forgotten by us, they will bear their testimony to justify or to
condemn.

As the features of the countenance are reproduced with unerring accuracy
on the polished plate of the artist, so the character is faithfully
delineated in the books above. Yet how little solicitude is felt
concerning that record which is to meet the gaze of heavenly beings. Could
the veil which separates the visible from the invisible world be swept
back, and the children of men behold an angel recording every word and
deed, which they must meet again in the judgment, how many words that are
daily uttered would remain unspoken; how many deeds would remain undone.

In the judgment, the use made of every talent will be scrutinized. How
have we employed the capital lent us of Heaven? Will the Lord at His
coming receive His own with usury? Have we improved the powers intrusted
us, in hand and heart and brain, to the glory of God and the blessing of
the world? How have we used our time, our pen, our voice, our money, our
influence? What have we done for Christ, in the person of the poor, the
afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God has made us the depositaries of
His holy word; what have we done with the light and truth given us to make
men wise unto salvation? No value is attached to a mere profession of
faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine.
Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value.
Whatever is done from love, however small it may appear in the estimation
of men, is accepted and rewarded of God.

The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of heaven.
There is the record of unfulfilled duties to their fellow-men, of
forgetfulness of the Saviour's claims. There they will see how often were
given to Satan the time, thought, and strength that belonged to Christ.
Sad is the record which angels bear to heaven. Intelligent beings,
professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement of worldly
possessions or the enjoyment of