Moon's Light and the Christian's Standing
By Jos. Clarke
THE moon has always that part of her surface enlightened which is next the sun; consequently, one-half her surface is always enlightened; but she appears to us, at times, almost all light; at other times, almost all dark. We say she is now new, or now full. She seems to increase, then decrease, because of her position at such times; showing to us only a part of her light side, or at other times all her light side. So of Christians. We may not always judge of their standing before God; perhaps we do not see all as God sees. We must wait. If the Christian seems to wane, it may be only a seeming. If we could see all sides, we might sometimes come to more correct conclusions. Children of wealthy parents, who never know want of food or raiment, who have all comforts and conveniences, and many luxuries at command, can never realize what toil, and self-denial, and care, their ancestors have experienced, to build up a fortune and a home; but they think it all a matter of course; and often wonder that others do not possess the same. Such children need to go through privation, poverty, and hardship, in order to remind them of what has been endured by the parents, for their sakes. So of the plan of redemption. It might perhaps have been made so as to free man from much labor and self-denial; but God would have his ransomed people appreciate the amazing price paid for their redemption. The love, the infinite love, and agony of grief and pain; the long ages of care and watchfulness, and labor, Heaven has bestowed upon man; all, man can never know; but he must have some idea of this, or he would lightly regard the work of redemption. In this age of selfishness and self-love, it is unusual for any to esteem others more than self. Self-esteem is written upon almost every countenance. How few bow to the man of years. How few respect age. In fact, how few of the aged dare to expose themselves to the jostling of the crowd. They must have an attendant, on the walk, and in the car, lest they receive injury or insult. Almost every countenance seems to say, in a greater or less degree, “Give place.” This feeling tinctures the whole fabric and frame-work of society. Humility and real, disinterested love are rare. “Cheat your friends, your enemies will not let you,” is a maxim often quoted, and oftener practiced. Regard for kindred and friends is weak; death of associate and relative is taken coolly, and soon forgotten; and few have plans of good for others unmixed with self-interest. But, thank God, true love exists in Heaven, and can be awakened in human hearts. The love of God will be in all who enter Heaven. The more we have of this, the better and clearer our evidence of acceptance at the court of Heaven. We are generally most pleased with those principles which do not carry reproof to our own hearts. He who has many talents to improve, must be on the alert, or some will be neglected. The Christian must be a live, wide-awake man. JOS. CLARKE.