THE REFORMER'S PROSPECT.
By S. M. Spicer
Whoever would enter upon the life of a reformer should consider well the undertaking. It is not a “flowery path of ease,” quiet, or worldly honor. On the contrary, when we look back on the page of history, we find this path darkened by the gloom of cruel persecution, moistened, not only with the tears, but the blood of martyrs. Nor is this strange in a sin-cursed world, where fallen human nature tends ever downward, obstinately opposing every influence that would arrest its course; where love of ease and pleasure rules, and the cry of peace and safety lulls the popular ear. Yet we need not be disheartened as we glance at this gloomy picture; for far down that shadowy pathway appears a light—the light of the world—the day-star of hope to fallen man—the long-looked-for Saviour. He traced his mission there, not only as the Saviour, but the great reformer of the world. He marked out this lovely path as the great highway of holiness through a sin-darkened land. And while he walked this path, his every footstep causing the strongholds of sin to tremble, he often encountered the prince of darkness in open conflict. But he was ever victorious, and he left to his followers the warning testimony, “In this world ye shall have tribulation;” but he added the blessed assurance, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Then let the reformer not shrink to tread the way thus radiant with the traces of the Son of God. But while he goes forth in the spirit and love of that Saviour, seeking to reform the world, he must not expect to escape the buffetings of the adversary, who even now never willingly suffers his kingdom to be assailed. Are you called to pluck up the scions of wickedness, expect to receive the deadly arrows of malice and hatred. Are you called to instruct or to lead the people, be not surprised to feel the shafts of envy and detraction. Whoever prunes the vineyard must expect to be torn by the thorns, thus he who would dare to correct the evils of society must come in contact with the bitter prejudices and passions even of those he seeks to benefit. Neither look for remuneration in worldly gain; for though the wicked may flourish, wealth and popularity seldom cheer the lifetime of the zealous reformer. Yet sometimes, after life is worn out and he rests in the grave, time may clear away the mist of prejudice, and then his moral courage, worthy efforts, and useful life, may tower as a noble monument in the memory of a grateful people; and the happy fruits of his labors are manifest, while his works do follow him. The blessed Saviour in his earthly mission had “not where to lay his head;” and while he ever went about doing good, he met at every step the opposition and revilings of the enemies of truth. Then let his followers never complain of hardships, nor falter in view of the slight difficulties and trials of the present time. Remember the cheering promise that even light affliction shall work out for the faithful a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and great tribulation shall make their “robes white,” prepared to stand before the Lamb in the throne of his glory. But even in this life, there is a bright side to the path of the reformer. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Why should it not be bright when illumined with the Sun of Righteousness? Even in the hour of sorest affliction, he has the glorious promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” The truly faithful Christian may continually feast upon heavenly manna—a holy peace, joy, and hope, the world can never appreciate, never “give nor take away;” and this under all circumstances—“as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”