THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LIFE.
By W. W. Prescott
We are often perplexed by questions which seem to propose themselves, but which we find it very difficult to answer satisfactorily. What is the object of our existence? What is the purpose of our life? Of what benefit are we or can we be to our fellow-creatures? Why are we placed here at all? There are probably but few who have not at some time been puzzled with queries of this nature. If, however, we look at life in its true light, not as an end, but only as a means, then do some of these questions lose their power to perplex and puzzle us, and we see and understand the real significance of life. The beauty of a landscape is often greatly marred or entirely lost because it is viewed from the wrong position; so with life: only from that height above the common level which is attained by the true Christian can be obtained that far-extending and comprehensive view of life which can indicate its source and its end. To those who have not availed themselves of the helps which God has given to us all for understanding the meaning of our existence, what indeed is the object of life? Days, months, and years come and go, and find them the same, yet not the same; for every day brings them nearer their journey’s end. To provide for their bodily wants seems to be their only care. Food, clothing, and lodging, are with them the great objects of living; so they spend their years as a tale that is told: the morning and afternoon of life pass quickly by; the night of death is at hand, and after death is the Judgment. Now, that food and clothing are necessary things, and that the obtaining of them often demands a very large share of a man’s time, are facts not to be denied. The trouble is not here, but because in this case so often the means are made the end, and that by which we should live becomes that for which we do really live. It is right and necessary that we should attend to these things, but not to the exclusion of service to God. The two go together: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” This life is given to us as a means of attaining the life beyond, and if we do not so use it we shall make a mistake which eternity cannot set right; nay, which even God himself (I say it reverently) cannot correct. But if we rightly employ the means thus placed at our disposal, then have we solved the great problem aright; and life will be a success, although it may not appear so for the present. What do we say? Did not he achieve greater success in life who was in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by his own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness, than he who conquered all the then known world, and wept because there were no more worlds to conquer? The former ended his life as a prisoner, yet who would not prefer Paul’s success in life to that of Alexander? But when we view it aright, how grand a thing it is to live! To be a man among men! To be in the service of Him who will give a crown of life! Who shall say that there is no object in life? Not he who thus looks at it.