The Baker and His Oven

*’ The baker watcheth when his oven is hot, and then pittieth in his breadP Thus should we seize the best opportunity for a good work. Let us pray most when we feel we can pray best; and labour most in our holy calling when God is giving us precious opportunities, for the old proverb bids us make hay while the sun shines. To everything there is a season, and much depends upon seizing that season, and utilizing it. Oh, worker for God, take the tide at its flood, and the occasion at its full I

Preach the gospel at all times, but specially bring it in when men s minds are tender through affliction or thoughtfulness. If the oven be cold, heat it; but when it is heated, do not lose your fuel. Work up the conversation till it reaches a fit stage for bringing in the Lord Jesus and saving truth; but be sure that you never get men’s minds ready, and then fail to do that which you are aiming at. As the baker would not forget to put in the bread, so never forget to introduce the word of faith, the gospel of our salvation, before the interview is over. Have we not already suffered many a hot oven to cool? Let us mend our ways, and be more diligent in our Master’s business.