I LOVE TO HEAR THEM SPEAK.
By B. F. Merritt
When in our social meetings, how encouraging and cheering it is to hear the aged pilgrims who long have borne the cross, speak, and tell how the Lord has dealt with them while they have been sojourners here, and of their confidence in Him whom they have so long trusted, and of their hope of deliverance from the evils of this world, when the Lord comes. I love to hear them talk to glorify God and encourage those younger to earnestly strive to faithfully do the Master's will. What a comfort to them to look back over a life well spent in the service of the Lord, and to feel that “he doeth all things well” for them, and that they are resigned to his will. They are happy, although the prospect before them is to be laid beneath the sod, to sleep a short sleep before they go home; for they know that their reward is sure. And then I love to hear those speak who are of middle age, who are contending with the stern realities of life, and upon whom devolve the principle responsibilities of the church; who, while their cares are so many and duties so various, try in all they do and say to honor God, and to acknowledge him in all their ways. They are the happiest men and women of earth who acknowledge the guiding hand of the Lord in all their affairs in life. I love to hear those speak who are just entering upon the stage of active life, who have made the profession before men that they are disciples of Christ, and who are trying to bear their cross and follow him through evil as well as good report. With what joyful emotions do we hear them tell of the peace they feel in believing on him, and of their hopes of spending a life of usefulness in his service, and of being permitted, finally, to share in the joys of the faithful. And to hear the children speak. Oh! how glad I am to hear little boys and girls confess the name of Jesus, and call him Master and Lord—to tell that they love that dear Friend who has done so much to open a way of salvation for us, and that they ever desire to do his will. Happy are they who early seek the Lord, and endeavor to be guided all along the journey of life by his word and Spirit. Jesus loves to have little ones believe in him and speak to his praise. Dear friends, we may all do some good by trying to speak to our Master's praise. Let us not withhold that glory which is due him from us. Let us remember that he has said, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God.” Then let us all speak often to each other, and encourage, instruct, and comfort one another, as we see the time approaching for the coming of our Lord.