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be their condition when the good news of grace is withdrawn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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