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the good news of grace is withdrawn from the world, and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!”
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