The "Hour Of Test".

The imminent ordeal of the "hour of test" (1)
will befall human souls inhabiting the earth.
Righteous ones who kept the word of Christ with
endurance, will be excused because of their worth.

Though persecuted by word and deed and
ostracized (2)    they shall inherit a holy crown.
For the lowly and afflicted are rewarded from heaven
by The One True God of Holy renown.

They shall be kept safe from the coming ordeal as
the Spirit of The Lord tests people of every land. (3)
For Christ will judge, not by what he sees, or hears,
but the poor and humble with equity as planned. (4)

While millions commemorate their faithless years,
and celebrate with wild and drunken sprees,
The "thief" (5) will reward those contemptuous
   Of God with a righteous "wasting disease". (6) (7)

                                                                3/10/98.

SOURCES.
 

	(1)		Rev 3:10 NWT & NEB.	(2)  Isaiah 66:5.
	(3)		Isaiah 66:15,16 NEB.	(4)  Isaiah 11:1-4 NEB.
	(5)		Luke 12:39,40.	(6)  Isaiah 10:16,17 NWT.
	(7)	"Wasting with sickness, yet overflowing with righteousness."  (Isaiah 10:22 NEB & footnote).