Selected for REVIEW by Wilberforce

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 26, 1858

Selected for REVIEW.

By Wilberforce

If the principles of love, and gratitude, and joy, and hope, and trust, are not utterly extinct within us, they cannot but be called forth by the various corresponding objects which the contemplation of our blessed Redeemer would gradually bring forth to our view. Well might the language of the Apostle be addressed to Christians, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Pet. i. 8.

Our blessed Saviour, if we may be permitted so to say, is not removed far from us; and the various relations in which we stand towards him seem purposefully made known to us, in order to furnish so many different bonds of connection with him, and consequent occasions of continual intercourse. He exhibits not himself to us "dark with excessive brightness," but is let down as it were to the possibilities of human converse. We may not think that he is incapable of entering into our little concerns, and sympathizing with them; for we are graciously assured that he is not one "who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, having been in all points tempted like as we are." Heb. iv. 15. The figures under which he is represented are such as convey ideas of the utmost tenderness. "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isa. xl. 11. "They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them." Isa. xlix. 10. "I will not leave you orphans," was one of his last consolatory declarations. John xiv. 18.

The children of Christ are here separated from the personal view of him; but not from his paternal affection and paternal care. Meanwhile let them quicken their regards by the animating anticipation of that blessed day, when he who is gone to prepare a place for them, will come again to receive them unto himself. Then shall they be admitted to his more immediate presence. "Now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I also am known." 1 Cor. xiii. 12. The Christian's hope is founded, not on the speculations or the strength of man, but on the declaration of him who cannot lie—on the power of Omnipotence.

We learn from the Scriptures that it is one main part of the operations of the Holy Spirit to implant the heavenly principles in the human mind and to cherish their growth. We are encouraged to believe that, in answer to our prayers, this aid from above will give efficacy to our earnest endeavors, if used in humble dependence on divine grace.