p. 420 | A HEAVEN ON EARTH by E. Hilliard

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 11, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 27.

A HEAVEN ON EARTH

By E. Hilliard

THE earth is teeming with the evidence of God's measureless love to man. Our heavenly Father has the tenderest solicitude for all His creatures. Man, beast, and bird are abundantly supplied with the bounties of heaven so essential for the maintenance of life.

In view of these blessings so freely bestowed upon mankind, what could be more appropriate and more pleasing in the sight of Heaven than for the head of the family to gather his loved ones about him in the early morning, and after reading a portion of God's word, unite in praise and thanksgiving! A home of prayer is a heaven on earth. Angels of God gather around that hearthstone, and breathe peace and happiness into every heart. Such a home is the special object of God's care and infinite love.

Those who do not learn to praise God on earth will never praise Him in heaven. The gates of the city will be forever closed against prayerless families. In fact the wrath of God is proclaimed upon them: “Pour out Thy fury upon the heathen that know Thee not, and upon the families that call not on Thy name.” Jer. 10:25. But the desire of the heart is granted to the penitent soul who asks in faith. “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. There is nothing on earth so dear to God as His praying people. “The Lord's portion is His people,” and He keeps them “as the apple of His eye.” Deut. 32:9, 10.

E. HILLIARD.