p. 109 | The Perfect Man by C. Monroe

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 2, 1862

"The Perfect Man."

By C. Monroe

“MARK the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.”

Such is the man who walks with God here, and will walk with him on the plains of light hereafter. A picture of heaven itself—sweet to behold! Blessed are the eyes that see, the soul that bears the lovely image—a sight to which, alas! most eyes are strangers yet, being “few and far between.”

Such a man leads a faultless life, or aims to do it; and by thus doing hopes to be found a member of that church which is one day to appear before God without spot and blameless. As “to err,” however, “is human,” he may in some things fail. This is his grief, and not imputed as to others. Holiness is his element, and if, by any means, for a little moment, he is forced out of it, it is as disagreeable to him as the atmosphere to the fish. No creature can feel at home except in its own genial element.

In a world so full of obstacles, it is a “perfect man” that never stumbles; or, if he does, his Guide is ever at hand to help him, and bear him on to his heavenly home. Is he tried? Of course he is. This is a state of trial; but his trials are no injury to him. Though grievous, they work for his good; for he loves God, not a little, but supremely. Does he suffer? Amen, Jesus suffered too. By this both are made perfect, and both crowned victors in the coming kingdom.

Now, dear reader, suppose we have such a man, a friend of ours here on earth—and must it be mere supposition?—and are called to take the parting hand, and close his eyes in death, with what feelings should we perform this last mournful office? Our hearts might bleed, and tears like rivers flow; but not for him who dies, so safe, so ripe for heaven. No, he needs them not. His work was well and faithfully done. Shall ours be so?

He sleeps in Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life. How sweet his slumbers are! His was a life of seriousness, devotion, prayer, and praise. To Christ he lived, in him he died, and in that blest image will surely rise again, crowned with glory, shouting victory over death and the grave, to die no more.

We mourn our friend—not lost—no, such an one cannot be lost. His life is safe with Christ in God; and he will soon appear with him in glory. Nevertheless, so long as it holds him a prisoner there, we may water his grave with our tears. It is well. Jesus wept at the grave of a beloved friend. Our tears result from a law of nature, of friendship, of love—from a sense of the loss we have sustained—that we shall see his face no more; and, perhaps, never look upon his like again; but God wipes our tears, and we are consoled with the sweet thought, if faithful, of soon meeting him again, and all the friends of God, in a world of joy, where death is unknown, and tears shall never flow, clad in immortal beauty and loveliness.

Such, dear reader, is the life and death of “the perfect man;” and what is the use and improvement we will make of an example so rare and precious? Will we at once seize upon a life equally pure and devoted? If such be our life, such will be our end—safe, peaceful, and happy. Which may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen.

C. MONROE. Waldo, Me.