A Retrospect and a Prospect
IN a Roman prison, a man, made prematurely old by persecution and incessant labor, is painfully and slowly writing a letter to a young friend whom he had been the means of “leading to Christ.” Before the young man are all the cares and anxieties incident to the pastoral oversight of many recently converted from paganism and still surrounded by all the luxuries and temptations of a heathen city. Before the aged prisoner there appears no earthly future. He anticipates almost momentarily the steady tramp and beckoning finger of the executioner, knowing that when he comes, there will be a short tramp outside the city gate, one blow of the flashing blade, and the things of time and sense will be no more. Yet “Paul the aged” is filled with neither regret for the past, nor fear for the future. Looking back over his past life, and noting all the steps by which he has reached the present moment, counting well the price he has paid for his present position, he says three things concerning himself. “I have fought a good fight.” The severity of the struggle was only a fair price to pay for the joys of victory which now delighted his heart. “I have finished my course.” The great athlete, recalling the severity of the training and the strenuousness of the race, has passed the winning post a victor. “I have kept the faith.” Like a soldier on guard, by sleepless vigil and alert strength he has warded off all assaults of the enemy, and realizes that he has kept in all its integrity the treasure committed to his care. As no regret mars the past, so no fear darkens the future. The victor’s triumph is his. The successful runner’s laurel will be placed upon his brow. The reward for duty faithfully done will be meted out to him. Looking into the future, he confidently declares: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” This certainty as to the future must be purchased by faithfulness in the present. The one is the outcome of the other. We often hear the wish expressed that one might die the death of the righteous. This alone can be made certain by living the life of the righteous. The crown of righteousness is for the brave fighter, the strenuous runner, and the patient and faithful guardian of the faith.—Episcopal Recorder.