A noble indifference

(James Meikle, "Converse with the Unseen World")

The brevity of time, and the near approach of
eternity--give to the rightly-exercised soul a
noble indifference about everything here
on earth.

What does it matter whether I dwell in a palace
or a prison--since it is but for a day, an hour, a
moment! What disappointment should grieve
me in time--if I shall possess God for eternity?

I look around me, and see multitudes eager on
the chase, keen in the pursuit of created vanities,
forgetful that this world is passing away. I look
forward to the invisible world, and see multitudes
in their eternal state, astonished at the stupidity
men--that the 'trifles of time' should preponderate
so much with them. I also find myself in the
deluded throng of triflers, and condemn my
own vain conduct.

An hundred years ago, the earth was filled with
inhabitants, who are now in eternity. They then
straggled along the road of human life with care
and concern, with burdens and bitterness--but
now are forever at their journey's end.

I am now traveling the thorny path, and shall
also shortly arrive at my eternal home. The
interim is so short, that nothing that can befall
me should either give much pain or pleasure.
I am on the wing to the celestial paradise, and
no blasts in my face shall hinder my flight to
the city of God!

The brevity of time may be bitter to the sinner,
because torment and eternity seize him in the
same moment! But it must afford me joy, for
the shorter my time, the nearer to my endless
felicity! All the complicated afflictions of time
must disappear when time is no more. Why,
then, take deep concern, or heavy sorrow; or
much joy, or lasting delight--at the ill or good
of the few flying moments on our journey to
eternity? My soul is immortal, and God is eternal.
Therefore in God below, and in God above, in
God in time, and in God in eternity--shall my
soul find boundless pleasures and unfading bliss!