"THERE REMAINETH A REST."
By A. Allen John
I NEVER realized the comfort which these words afford, until late in the afternoon one "preparation day" I found myself weary and unemployed—at rest. After a short interval, the pencil and paper were again involuntarily in hand, but there were no thoughts to indite, the mind seemed to be blank.56That very condition of repose, though but brief, seemed in its passiveness to invite thought, and in an instant the beautiful text, "There remaineth a rest," flashed into mind. It was a restful thought, so delightful and refreshing that it seemed as though heaven were a little nearer than ever. The few intervening moments were full of joyful expectancy, and as the sun passed from sight, and twilight quietly merged into darkness, the whole being was at rest. That Sabbath day was one of true delight, a blessed antepast of the rest that remaineth for the people of God. It has not always been thus; but that one moment of perfect rest, and that one restful thought, have left a longing which nothing but "full assurance of faith" can satisfy, in obedience to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have since learned that the restful thought of that moment's rest was only typical of the blessed experiences in the life of trust and consecration which it is the privilege of believers to enjoy day by day. In its rapture well could the Psalmist exclaim, "A day in thy courts is better than a thousand!" And, again, "I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart." "Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
"Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love."