“Howl, fir tree, for the cedar is fallen.” — Zechariah 11:2

When in the forest there is heard the crash of a falling oak, it is a sign that the woodman is abroad, and every tree in the whole company may tremble lest to-morrow the sharp edge of the axe should find it out. We are all like trees marked for the axe, and the fall of one should remind us that for every one, whether great as the cedar, or humble as the fir, the appointed hour is stealing on apace. I trust we do not, by often hearing of death, become callous to it. May we never be like the birds in the steeple, which build their nests when the bells are tolling, and sleep quietly when the solemn funeral peals are startling the air. May we regard death as…

the most
weighty of all events, and be sobered by its approach. It ill behoves us to
sport while our eternal destiny hangs on a thread. The sword is out of its
scabbard — let us not trifle; it is furbished, and the edge is sharp — let us
not play with it. He who does not prepare for death is more than an
ordinary fool, he is a madman. When the voice of God is heard among the
trees of the garden, let fig tree and sycamore, and elm and cedar, alike hear
the sound thereof.

Be ready, servant of Christ, for thy Master comes on a sudden, when an
ungodly world least expects Him. See to it that thou be faithful in His
work, for the grave shall soon be digged for thee. Be ready, parents, see
that your children are brought up in the fear of God, for they must soon be
orphans; be ready, men of business, take care that your affairs are correct,
and that you serve God with all your hearts, for the days of your
terrestrial service will soon be ended, and you will be called to give account
for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be
evil. May we all prepare for the tribunal of the great King with a care
which shall be rewarded with the gracious commendation, “Well done,
good and faithful servant”

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Producer: Todd Adkins
Voice Artist: Ian Cullen