we "leave our burden at his feet and bear a song away"; the felicities of communion with him, are like grapes of Eshcol, which stimulate a deeper hunger for the vineyards further on. We speak of heaven; but how little we know of it! The figures used in Scripture, such as golden streets and gates of pearl, are but vain efforts to make clear the glories of the infinite to finite minds; they are like the outlines on the smoked glasses through which we must needs look when gazing at the sun. It is written in the Pilgrim's Progress that while Christian and his companions were journeying on toward the Celestial City they had glimpses now and then, in the distance, of shining domes and pinnacles; and lying down at night "they talked much in their sleep," just as we murmur brokenly of heaven. At length they saw those who had crossed the river drawing nigh to the city; the gates rolled back, the light came streaming forth, there were songs of welcome and the gates were closed. "Then did we wish ourselves among them." All thanks for the joy of living and serving here and now; but there is something more and better coming. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be." "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." In the sacerdotal prayer of Jesus he offered one petition in terms which could be used by no mortal man: "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory," "the glory which I had with thee before the world was." Observe the imperative wish: "Father, I will!" And mark the burden of his prayer. His disciples had seen him in his humiliation, had known him in his workshop and toiling wearily along the highways; they were about to see him in the judgment hall, scorned and derided, wearing his crown of thorns, dying on the accursed tree. But his will, the will of Jesus, as expressed in this great prayer, was that they should know him in different guise, exalted on his throne in glory! Nor is this all. The glory of the Christian is not simply to behold the glory of his risen and glorified Lord. Oh, marvelous grace, he is to participate in it! For the same Christ who made that imperative prayer in the upper room gave this promise also, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne; even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne." Think of that, follower of Christ! This is the fulness of the glory that awaits us. To sit with him in his throne! Give your imagination room to interpret it. The hope of glory can no further go. To one who has no part nor lot in this matter it will doubtless appear, from the foregoing, that Christians have a great opinion of themselves. Surely; and why not? The half has not been told. Is it not written, "All things are yours; whether life or death or things present or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's"? Great is the Inventory of Grace! Are others rich? We more. The Golconda of grace is ours. Are others honored? We more. Not only are we called "the children of God," but a but a crown of righteousness awaits us. Do others have pleasure? We more. "In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." "Vast is the inheritance; and vast is the earnest of the inheritance that comes to us in reversion, here and now. Let it be remembered, however, that we make no claim of personal merit. Whatever we have or hope for, we deserve no whit of it. The very garments that we wear, "fine linen, clean and white," as we sit at the table of grace, are ours only by the imputation of Christ. Our righteousness is his. Our peace is his gift. Our boasting is in him. O gift of gifts, O grace of faith, That thou, who hast discerning love, How many hearts thou mightst have had How many souls more worthy far Of that sweet touch of thine! Ah, grace, into unlikeliest hearts It is thy boast to come; And let it be remembered furthermore that the possessions which are ours are offered freely to all. The door of the House of Grace is open, and whosoever will may enter. The sole condition is faith in Christ. What is mine may be yours. If If you have no part in the inheritance of the saints, it is only because you will not have it. 8. PRAYER O thou blessed God, who hast enriched me with grace, help me not only to rejoice in my spiritual wealth but to share it with others. Thou hast broken for me the living Bread; help me to give the hungry to eat. Enlarge my heart. Save me from selfishness. Use me to thy glory; and thy Name shall have the praise. Amen. 9. HYMN: "O happy day that fixed my choice." 10. BENEDICTION Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. NINTH SERVICE 1. INVOCATION I COME to thee, O Father, for the benediction of thy grace. And thou art more willing to give than I to ask. Out of thine infinite riches bestow a blessing that shall sustain and strengthen me for the bearing of burdens and the discharge of duty in coming days I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen. 2. HYMN: "Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve.' 3. SCRIPTURE LESSON Proverbs 8:1-17. 4. PRAYER O God, I thank thee for thy Word. I thank thee that thou hast not left me like a shipwrecked mariner clinging to a spar, but hast given me a staunch craft with chart and compass to sail by. Help me to value the Scriptures aright and to follow them as a trustworthy rule of faith and practice. I thank thee that, in addition to thy written |