Spiritual Things by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1872

Spiritual Things.

By Jos. Clarke

“WHILE we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18. Faith in God and in his word opens up a theme of great and sublime realities; subjects vast and comprehensive appear before our eyes as realities, bringing peace and joy to the heart.

No earthly treasures or fortune can compare in importance with the considerations which faith presents to our view. The hope of eternal life, ripened into assurance, is a treasure, compared with which, all earthly pomps, and honors, and treasures, sink into insignificance.

Nor do we here undervalue earthly blessings; but we rate these things at their full value, as blessings of great worth; gifts from our Heavenly Father, gifts which, if well improved, may not only give us much comfort here, but may afford us many opportunities of doing good.

Earthly treasures are not to be viewed as small favors, to be despised and made light of; to be wasted or mismanaged, but as talents committed to us, for which we must finally give an account to the Lord of Heaven and earth.

But the unseen things which faith sees are heavenly, they are infinite and lasting.

Connected with everything earthly, we find uncertainty and care, labor, weariness, and pain; but connected with heavenly things are no such contingencies; but there all is permanence, all is purity and perfect peace, freedom from pain, freedom from weariness and sorrow.

There will no shadow of sin cast itself across our pathway, no labor there will fail of its reward, no fires will consume, no waves overflow, no lightnings scorch, nor earthquakes terrify, the peaceful inhabitants of paradise.

There will no ingratitude or pride magnify itself. There will be no stings of conscience, no remorse, no impure act, nor wanton look will shock the heart of virtue; no sharp trader will banter, nor adroit thief will break the bond of confidence. There will be no bolts or locks, no prisons or hospitals, no lunatics or idiots, no alms-houses, or courts of justice, or houses of correction.

No physicians or surgeons, no sheriffs or police, no armies or navies, will be needed there. No poisonous drugs, no death-dealing arms, powder, or balls, will be called for in that happy realm.

No long-complicated system of law will cast its pall of uncertainty over both just and unjust. No conflicting systems of medical science will wrap up the truth in a knot of uncertainty. No clouds will cast their gloomy shades, no tornadoes, or whirlwinds, will scatter the works of man.

Faith brings to view realities. She carefully weighs evidence, and is satisfied with sufficient and abundant proof. She does not gloomily survey the dark side of things, and then avert her eyes from the bright glory of God; but she opens her heart and mind to his sweet influence. JOS. CLARKE.