The Soldier's Reception.
By Emma House
Living not many miles distant from a soldiers' rendezvous, we sometimes have an opportunity of witnessing the display that attends the usages of war, and now during the past few weeks, many regiments having served the time of their enlistment, have returned to be mustered out of service. It seems such a pleasure to the soldier to leave the field of slaughter and the din of battle, and once more behold the faces of friends. The citizens, wishing to give some testimonial of their gratitude, sometimes greet them with a warm reception, especially if the regiments are from the vicinity of home; a supper is prepared, and strains of martial music lend their charm to render the occasion a joyous one. While hearing and reading of like events, my mind wandered into the future, to a reception that will soon be given the world-worn soldiers of the cross, when they arrive safely at their Father's house. I thought of the glory that should attend them in their journey thither, of angel harpers that should herald their approach, of the table spread—even the marriage supper of the Lamb, of him who himself should come out and serve them, and longings filled my heart, that I might be permitted to go with that company which our great Deliverer shall take with him when he comes to claim his own, longings to be "able to comprehend the breadth and length and depth and hight, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge," that I "might be filled with all the fullness of God." Who would not give the interests of this life for an assur- ance that these yearnings should pass away and the reality appear! that his title was indisputable to a heavenly inheritance. With the belief that this assurance will be given, how can we falter! Only think of the little required of us to inherit all things. Merely to signify our willingness to walk in obedience to God's will, and then know of a surety that he is with us to shield and save by his own power alone. With a right understanding of our dependence upon God, we can with confidence trust all things into his hands, knowing he will safely pilot us through the rocks and shoals of life's voyage, and bring us to enjoy the glorious reward of the righteous.
Emma House.
Catlin, N. Y.