The Fate of the Fearful.
By M. J. Bahler
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” Rev. 21: 8. There are some dear souls among the people of God who are constantly worrying, fearful that those at the head of the work will make some wrong move, and when an advance step is taken, they hold back, fearful that it is not in the right direction. They doubt and tremble—fearful. Now there is no need of this. God has set his hand to the work, and he has chosen certain ones to lead out, and if we cannot trust that he is guiding this people, whom we acknowledge are giving the last warning to a perishing world, is there not danger of our being classed among the unbelieving, murderers, liars, &c., who are to have their portion, not in the city of God, but in the lake of fire? Yes, there is danger. The fearful head the sad list. Do we realize, when we give way to these fearful forebodings in regard to those whom God in wisdom has chosen, that we are grieving his tender Spirit from us, and opening our hearts to the evil legions of darkness? Oh! it is dangerous for us to question the chosen servants of the living God. Look at the fearful judgments which came upon Miriam because she murmured against Moses, and look at the dreadful death of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who questioned the motives of this holy man. Consider the terrible affliction of the whole congregation of Israel, which came upon them because of their fearful distrust, and consequent rebellion. They were, first, fearful, then, distrustful, and next, rebellious. May the Holy Spirit help us to put away all fear in this direction. The Lord will not leave his heritage to reproach. Let us turn our fears to our own hearts and homes, and see to it that our part is properly done, and leave the rest with God. This cause is destined to a glorious triumph only a little in the future, but the fearful will not join the glad shout of victory. No, their portion is elsewhere.