Set Your Affections on Things Above.
By John Matteson
THE Jews were very proud of the temple and of their city. It appears that the disciples partook some of these feelings. It seemed to them that Christ did not notice the temple enough. He manifested no signs of admiration for this idol of the Jews. Said they, “See what manner of stones, and what buildings are here.” Mark 13:1. “Some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones, and gifts.” Luke 21:5. “His disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple.” Matt. 24:1. As though they would say, Master, why don’t you notice these things? Everybody else talks about it, but you don’t seem to have one word of praise to bestow. Here was a favorable opportunity to deeply impress their minds. “See ye not all these things?” Now look at the great buildings and goodly stones which you admire so much. “Verily I say unto you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Christ looked beyond the present into the future. He knew that these beautiful buildings soon would perish. Therefore he did not think much of them. And he instructed his disciples to look upon earthly things through the light of prophecy. Then they would not set their affections upon visible things, which are all destined to perish; but upon invisible things, which remain. In the last days, the admiration and affection of men’s hearts is generally drawn out after the works of men’s hands. New discoveries, new inventions, new railroads, new cities, new farms, new improvements, are the theme of conversation. Men are ready, like the disciples, to rebuke those who will not with them admire the new fashions and wonderful improvements of every kind. Such a town is growing up and developing itself as by magic. Such a building is almost finished, and will be a real ornament to our city. Such an orchard is the finest and best-producing one in the county. Such a machine is invented, and is said to be a real success. Haven’t you heard? Aren’t you interested in it? Don’t you want to invest some in it? Try your fortune. Don’t stand there, so old-fashioned and dull. The world is progressing; and soon the light of science will burst so abundantly on this favored world as to make it almost a paradise. Well, now look at all these wonderful things. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, . . . . the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” And they that love these things shall perish with their idols. Set your affections on things above. JOHN MATTESON.