JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST.
By Evander
Such is one designation of the followers of Christ. Theirs is not an inheritance of which the world thinks much. It has little to do with time. It nearly all lies out beyond it. But it is an inheritance of which Christ himself partakes. It is a portion of his portion. Christians are to "enter into the joys of their Lord"—to partake of the same joy of which he partakes; rich, enduring, heavenly, unspeakable as it is. They are to "eat and drink at his table, in his kingdom." So he says, "Where he is, they are to be also." Not only so, but the nature of their happiness is to be the same as his. If his is to be great, so is theirs. If his is to be eternal, so is theirs. Such declarations startle the dull understanding and unbelief, from out its secret lurking place in the heart, lifts up its voice in seeming denial of the assertion. And the heart of even God's trusting people desires to be re-confirmed respecting promises so amazing. So slow are they, at times, to believe all that prophets and apostles have revealed concerning the plans, and greatness, and grace of the mediatorial work of our Saviour. Poor, grovelling worms, in truth, we are. What we see not, we are disposed to believe not. With natures prone earthward, we are become "willingly ignorant" of truths, adapted to raise us heavenward. We ask not, therefore we receive so little. We seek not, therefore our faith is so feeble, and we are ready to stumble, even at what God himself has said. But might it not be reasonably expected that when God spoke of himself, and his plans of grace, he would sometimes speak in a manner likely to excite our amazement? His ways and thoughts are above man's. "His judgments are a great deep." Were it not better then to bow before him and adore, than to yield to the suggestions of blind unbelief? This, at least, is but just, that the doubter search, long and diligently, and with mind disposed to seize upon the enriching jewels of truth wherever met. If God speaks, let all the world hear. Let his words be searched, again and again. If what claims to be his revelation is but of doubtful authority, then it is but just that its demands be sifted. Let learning, and criticism, and candor be brought to the work, for it is for the interest of no man to be deceived concerning his spiritual welfare. But the work of criticism and sifting comparison and exposition has been in progress for these many centuries; and yet, like a mountain of adamant amid an ocean, where lashing tempests rave and foam out their fury, so has stood the Word, which claims, and by its own indestructibility thus far, proves itself to be the Word of God. On this Rock then, we plant our feet, and listen, if hopefully, we may hear a voice amid the waving elements that tells us of a more peaceful abode, and tells us what we are, why we are here, whether our existence is to be ephemeral, or eternal; and if it is to be long drawn out, where and how it must be passed away. Our souls long for such a voice. "If God is," they cry, "if he is just and good, he will speak to his creatures. He will reveal himself to them, and tell them somewhat of the present and future." And they listen not long in vain; for he does speak. THE VOICE COMES! Amid the surging waters, and above the murmur of all earthly tongues it speaks. And prophet-like it becomes every son of man to wrap his face in his mantle, and bow to earth in adoration, while a voice from heaven falls on his ear. For such a voice declares itself. The Word of God is its own proof. Laboring and sighing from her deepest self, the soul of man answers back, "It is the voice of God!" And what should it reveal, next to the existence of God himself, if not man's spiritual wants and prospects? And shall it be thought strange, or incredible, if its revelations bring great and glorious things to light? Are not these just the things for which the restless spirit longs? It is disgusted with the mere dogmas of men. It has "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars." It returns heart sick, and in anguish from "the spirits of devils working miracles." And yet such is the power of unbelief, that the soul yet unrenewed starts back, and broods in unbelief over the very lines that reveal its own career. Oh! wretched, suicidal unbelief! It fetters the spirit in which it inheres. It drives its peace away. Over all that God has made beautiful and truthful, it would fling the dark pall of doubt and distrust. The "glad tidings" of the redeeming work of "God manifest in the flesh," and of eternal heirship with him, it would scout as the wild vagary of dreaming enthusiasm. But man must trust in something. This cannot be in unaided human wisdom. Our hope must have anchorage somewhere. But it cannot be on the quicksands of time. We must be led, or we are sure to fall. But on what arm are we willing to lean except of omnipotence? We must have instruction. But for these thousands of years man has been listening to man, but he has only groped from shade onward to deeper shade. No light springs up from below. Then let God be our sun. This world has looked everywhere else, but has only wearied itself by gazing out upon the thick darkness that has mantled over the abodes of men. Except those portions where the light of the Sun of Righteousness has fallen, all is still darkness profound. "The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." We are then "shut up to faith in the gospel." If that is not true, then it is certain no confidence can be placed in aught else that man has ever found; and touching our present, and still more touching our future, we are enveloped in darkness that may be felt. It is something worse than mockery to point us to the old wives fables, of profane babblings of necromancers, or any other effete, dug up and galvanised doctrines of heathenism. The father of lies has long enough tantalized the children of men with "signs, and lying wonders, and deceivableness of unrighteousness." Back then to the Word which claims and substantiates its own claims to be the Word of God, we will command our hearts. All else is certainly dark. Here are gleams of light. Nay, here is glorious day. Experience proves that nought else ever really pacifies the soul. Here God has revealed himself, as the confiding soul feels, in a manner consonant with his own greatness, holiness and truth. From the "kingdom which cannot be moved," the believer19exclaims, "Neither sophistry of man, nor machination of devil, shall ever drive me, God being my help!" Here the joint heirship of Christ's people with God, and joint heirship with Christ himself is made certain. Such joys as dwell in the Saviour's mind, such will be those of his people. If his fellowship is with the Father, so will be theirs. That of which he partakes, will be their portion. His blessedness will be also theirs. The Spirit that dwells in him, will also dwell in them. Most amazing thought! Who would dare to give it utterance, had not the holy Spirit first uttered it? But here it is, written out by the finger of God, "If children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." EVANDER.—[Gen. Evangelist.