SABBATH EVENING MUSINGS.
By A. H. H.
As the Sabbath commenced, a feeling of loneliness stole over me; but I came comforted from prayer with the assurance that I was not alone, having claimed the promise of the Holy Spirit, and asked for the companionship of the holy angels. Surely with these to keep up a communication between my soul and Heaven, I need not be lonely. As the evening shadows deepen around me, in fancy I go to the homes of Sabbath-keepers. I think of those I know and love, who have taken me into their sympathy, who number me with their little band, and remember me at the throne of grace. From these my heart goes out to the household of faith scattered like salt all over the land. I see them around their family altars, bringing with glad hearts their tribute of praise to the Author of all good. Later, I see them gathered at the place of prayer, unitedly presenting at the throne of grace their thank-offerings, and humble, fervent petitions for the Holy Spirit to aid them in their acts of devotion. And they speak one to another of the blessed hope, and the joys that await them in the “city of the holy.” They tell of the wonderful love, and tender, watchful care that has been bestowed upon them as they have come along the narrow, perilous way. They speak loving words of that faithful Friend who has walked beside them, sharing every burden, every care, saying, when dangers pressed them sorely, “Fear not, I am with thee.” They renew their vows of faithfulness to him, and express their determination to press bravely on, through evil and through good, facing the foe, turning a deaf ear to the wily tempters who would lure their feet from the narrow way. They know that perils thicken around them; that Satan’s hosts, well skilled in strategy, are laying deep plans for their overthrow; and they gird on the whole armor anew. The conflict will be severe, but they expect to conquer. The Lord is their strength, whom should they fear? His angels encamp around them. “The Lord preserveth the faithful.” Oh, love the Lord, all ye his saints. Again, I think of those who are lonely walking the path that Jesus trod. Some of them are toil-worn and weary, but they are looking calmly upward. Light from the heavenly sanctuary shines upon them, and bright angels minister unto them. They have learned by a blessed experience, that “all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant, and his testimonies.” They have gone forth to him without the camp. Heb. xiii, 13. They have left the gay, thoughtless world behind them. They care not for its love or hatred now. They heed not its scornful laugh, or pitying sigh. The beautiful city with its pearly gates and its mansions all prepared, lightened with the glory of God, lures them onward. ’Tis but a little time, and with renewed youth, and immortal vigor, they will walk its golden streets. Will they turn aside to seek an easier way, or rest here on the enemy’s battle-field? No! never; “With a brave heart and steady eye,
We onward march to victory.” Then I think of the faithful messengers of truth, who are sent with the last warning message to a guilty world. In the great coronation day, their crowns will be set with many stars. To-night, perhaps they are sad, as they think of their household jewels far away. Perhaps for many weeks or months they have not clasped them to their hearts. But they are safe with a covenant-keeping God. Toil on! Your mission is glorious, and soon shall you hear the welcome, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. “There, hand in hand, firm linked, at last,
And heart to heart enfolded all,
We’ll smile upon the troubled past,
And wonder why we wept at all.”