LET THOSE WHOM GOD HAS CHOSEN BEAR THE ARK.
By M. P. Styles
In tracing the path of ancient Israel, one is forcibly impressed with two things which may be of importance to us to notice: 1. That God does not overlook small offences; 2. That he does not excuse on account of ignorance; which is illustrated by his severe dealing with Uzza for laying his hand on the ark to steady it. We can judge of the magnitude of the offense by its punishment, which was death. Now, bearing the ark of God was a peculiar work, and he had chosen ones to bear it, and though they were ignorant at the time of any wrong, it was of God's order, and did not lessen the offense, and his anger was kindled against them in consequence. Who shall say that God has not now a truth he guards with as jealous care, and which it is the peculiar work of chosen ones to bear? Oh, who of us would dare brave Almighty displeasure, by presuming or wishing to take their work or any portion of it, out of their hands. Though many of us have never met with those whom the Lord has chosen to bear his especial burden in these days, yet to doubt that they are such, would be to doubt that our God is a God of order, and that he is the same that led Israel through the wilderness, and that he is one in whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Though we are all unworthy, yet God hath called us, from darkness into his marvelous light, to be just what he wills. We are members of the body, and no member can say to another, I have no need of thee. It is a great work that God is calling upon us to do, and one that will require all our exertions. To fit up and strengthen our own life-boat, to sail on rough seas amid rocks and quicksands; though the way seems perilous to the unconsecrated, yet we have an unerring Pilot. Jesus, our beloved master, is at the helm, all-wise, all-powerful, in Heaven and earth, he is able, he is willing, he will protect us, he will save us. “He will guard us and he will guide us;
Guide us to the better land.”
Let us trust all; give all to him; all our earthly treasure, our worldly wisdom, our manhood's strength. Let us bend our stubborn will to his, and bring every thought in subjection to Christ, casting on him our every care, calmly and sweetly resting in him. Dear Brother! blessed Friend! to whom none need ever come in vain. We will trust our frail barque to thy keeping. The treacherous waves can never engulf us while thou art at the helm, our God, our Saviour, our Deliverer.