THE GLORY BEGUN BELOW
November, 1881

By Stephen H. Tyng, Jr. D.D.

 In our present meditation we propose to suggest, as the words of the Spirit shall guide us, some of the practical effects upon Christian character and life, of a steadfast anticipation of the appearing of the Lord. With its sad consequences to the world lying in the wicked one, we have nothing to do. They who send messages into the far country, saying, “We will not have this Man to reign over us” Luke 19:14, may well dread the sudden conclusion of this dispensation of grace. It is only a knowledge that there is now a possible way to escape from damnation, which keeps godless men from despair.

Procrastinators quiet their consciences with the insincere promise that, at some more convenient season, they will appropriate the salvation preached by the gospel. How lamentable will be their condition when the good news of grace is withdrawn from the world, and the witness of the Holy Ghost is finished! . . . The Master pleads: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares” Luke 21:34.

The believer’s expectation of the appearing of the Lord is “full of glory.”
We are bold to assert, on the testimony of the saints, that the anticipation of the second coming of Jesus Christ, is a pre-eminent, if not the sole motive of Christian life. Like Simeon, “devout before God,” in reference to the Lord’s first manifestation, are they that look for His second coming. With St. Peter, we are constantly reminded by it, “what manner of person ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” 2 Peter 3:11.

The exalted Jesus is the true Sovereign of our lives. Our Submission is rendered to Him. Every mercy is recognized as His gift. Appeal from injustice is made to His throne. The homeliest duty has this high motive: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23.

Rutherford, in these choice words, expresses the experience of the Christian, “waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ:” “O, when shall we meet? O, how long is it to the dawning of the marriage day! O, sweet Lord Jesus, take long steps. O, My Lord, come over mountains in one stride! O, that He would fold the heavens together, like an old cloak, and shovel time and days out of the way, and make ready in haste the Lamb’s wife for her Husband! Since He looked upon me, my heart is not my own, He hath run away to Heaven with it. How sweet is the wind that bloweth out of the quarter where Christ is! Every day we may see some new thing in Christ, His love hath neither brim nor bottom.

“Let not my eyes with tears be dim,
Let joy their upward glance illume;
Look up, and watch, and wait for Him –
Soon, soon the Lord will come.
“What will it be with Thee to dwell,
Thyself my everlasting home!
Oh bliss, oh joy inexpressible!
Lord Jesus, quickly come!”