Charming, more Charming, most Charming.
By John Matteson
This earth contains many a charm, although it has lost its Eden glory. And if most of the people were good, the earth would be a more desirable place to dwell in. 1. The many wonderful discoveries of this age charm the minds of millions, and lend enchantment to the world. The adversary also does all in his power to make worldly interests and enterprises more interesting, and consequently the world itself charming. But there is a far greater and truer enjoyment, even in this world, when we find peace in God, are contented and happy in him, and are enjoying sweet communion with Jesus from day to day, live in the blessed hope and anticipation of joys eternal. Yet the most glorious of all, the consummation of that hope, still remains, when faith shall be turned into sight, prayer into praise, and hope into glad fruition. When God will remove all sin, and sorrow, and death; neither shall there be any more pain. How sweet these last words, “Neither shall there be any more pain.” Let them ring continually in our ears. God will make all things new. And his tabernacle shall be with men; and he will be their God, and they shall be his people; and God himself shall dwell among them. 2. There are charms in friendship. This is right, for it is God's own order. Love and friendship bind hearts together in those more endearing relations of husband and wife, parents and children. And when they have endured trials together, and been purified together by heavenly truth, such relationship becomes indeed more charming. But what is all this compared to a Saviour's matchless love and beauty. He indeed is most charming. In Christ shine forth so many heavenly virtues, such loveliness of character, such beauty and grace, that the more I become acquainted with Jesus, the more I can love him. The more I consider his life, his sufferings and death, his wonderful work of intercession, staying the judgments of God, and causing sweet mercy to linger, opening up an exhaustless fountain of love and compassion to all who will come unto him, the more he becomes to me the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. Blessed prospect! In the glorious kingdom these perfections will appear to the happy saints with thousandfold power and beauty, causing their hearts to swell with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 3. There is a charm in looking forward through the distance of time to the fulfillment of duty and accomplishment of certain great achievements. Yet very often this is nothing but the enchantment of the enemy who would draw away our minds from present duty, and bring us shame and disappointment in the future when our plans fail. There is far more true enjoyment and moral excellence in fulfilling present duty day by day, and accomplishing what good we can now, in the humble sphere that may open up to us daily. And thus we will be prepared for that perfect and heavenly state, where our happy employment will every day be most glorious and exalted. May God enable us to distinguish between false and true charms, and to fix our eyes and heart steadfastly upon that most charming crown of eternal excellency and glory.