p. 102 | The Tearful Bride

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 28, 1878

The Tearful Bride.

"At the marriage of King Alfonso of Spain the music was a notable feature, Lucea, Tamberlik, Faure and Gayarre singing in the choir. The crown, which the new queen is to wear, is composed of nearly five thousand diamonds, besides other precious stones. The bridegroom wore a bright and joyful look, while the bride was pale, and her dark eyes were moistened with tears."

Whether they were tears of joy or sorrow we are not told; but in this world of ours, where the causes of grief are so numerous, it would not be surprising if they were the latter. A costly crown cannot cure every heart-ache, nor music always drown the throbbings of a sorrowful soul. Queen Mercedes is probably not the first bride that has felt tearful by the side of a kingly bridegroom.

But there is one bride who shall know no sorrow on the day of her nuptials—the bride of Christ. Her marriage will take place "in the morning;" and with the passing night and fleeing shadows her tears shall forever disappear. Ps. 30:5. Raised from the bed of death, robed in righteousness and immortality, amidst the music of the heavenly hosts, she will take her place by the side of Him who loved her and gave himself for her. No star-gemmed crown of earth can compare with hers in that day.

Every one who reads these lines may form a part of that august body, called by the eternal Spirit, "the bride, the Lamb's wife." The invitations have been sent out—the wedding call has been given: "All things are now ready; come unto the marriage." Matt. 22:1-14; John 3:16; Rev. 22:17. What answer will you give? "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.—Herald.