HOPING IN THE MERCY OF GOD.
By E. Hilliard
The eye of the Lord surveys the entire universe. His infinite gaze penetrates every corner of his created works. The millions of worlds freighted with unfallen beings are seen by him, and cared for. There is one world among the many, the most of whose inhabitants are at enmity with its Maker. But, notwithstanding this, its Maker has created circumstances congenial to its inhabitants, and these circumstances are the only conditions under which they could exist. The brightness, beauty, and glory of other worlds could not be endured by the people of this sinful earth. “Cursed is the ground for thy sake,” said the Author of the world. It was for man’s sake that the curse which has blighted our world was pronounced upon it. While the care of God is over other worlds, his eye is especially upon this world of sin. As he looks over its teeming millions, his eye is especially fixed upon certain ones. Who are they? Why does he notice some more than others? Does not the Bible teach us that God is no respecter of persons? It certainly does. Let us see, then, who it is that he looks to so closely, and why he regards them. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.” Ps. 33:18. Why is his eye upon them that hope in his mercy? The answer is, “To deliver their soul from death [second death], and to keep them alive in famine.” Verse 19. God loves to do this for those who dare to hope in his mercy. He takes great pleasure in such. Hear his words, “The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Ps. 147:11. The meaning of the word “mercy” is, “disposition to overlook injuries, or treat an offender better than he deserves.” If God takes pleasure in treating the penitent sinner better than he deserves, why should not the sinner rejoice to be so treated? When the sinner knows that he has merited the punishment of death, it is impossible for him to realize that he is to be treated with life, is to be fed in famine, and delivered out of trouble, until he views the character of God aright. God’s eye is upon the people of this world to see who will trust in his mercy, to see who will turn from their wicked ways, and believe they will be treated better than they deserve. This world is the most interesting place of the Creator’s universe. All of the inhabitants of heaven are looking upon it. It is the place where the Creator of innumerable worlds expired. He made his grave among the sinful people of this sin-cursed earth. In bodily pain and mental agony Christ breathed out his life on the cross. The Garden of Gethsemane and the little mount of Calvary are the most memorable and attractive spots of God’s universe. Satan has misrepresented the character of God. He has caused people to think that God’s decrees are arbitrary; that he is angry with men, and loves to destroy them. When the mind is disabused of this Satanic deception, the individual sees that the reverse is true; that God is full of compassion, and loves to have men repent, hope in his mercy, and trust his power to save them. Sinner, will you do it? Will you hope in his tender compassion? Dare you believe that the great God is as kind and good as he says he is? Listen to his word, and then look with a believing heart toward heaven. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18, 19. Look up, believe, and live. Tonga, Friendly Islands, South Pacific Ocean.