Living with Eternity in View: A Divine Perspective

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Holy scripture seldom gives a special rule for each particular case, but it rather instructs us by general principles applicable to all cases. To meet every distinct moral emergency which could possibly arise and solve every separate problem of action would require rather a library than a volume. [00:45:28]

Dear brethren, the important lesson which we endeavor to teach this morning is just this: that because time is so short and the things of this world so frail and fleeting, it becomes us always to look at the things which are seen in their true character and never to build substantial hopes on insubstantial comforts nor seek for solid joy from unreal things. [00:56:19]

The first act introduces those that have wives. It opens with a wedding; the bride and bridegroom advance to the altar in bridal attire. The bells are ringing, crowds are cheering at the door, while overflowing mirth is supreme within. In another scene, we observe domestic happiness and prosperity, a loving husband and a happy wife. [05:50:39]

The tenor of the drama changes. Alas, how soon household joys are linked with household sorrows. They that weep are now before us in the second act. The cloudy and dark days have come. There are parents ringing their hands; a beloved child has died, and they are following its corpse to the tomb. [08:24:19]

The sorrows of time are trifles indeed when compared with the pains of everlasting punishment. And on the other hand, we reckon that they are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. They are but light afflictions which are but for a moment, a mere pinprick to the man of faith. [11:21:20]

Our friend by our side is smiling at this sunny picture. There, says he, is not that real? Why, there must be something in that. What more do you want? Only let me get the same, and I will leave you the joys of faith and heaven and immortality to yourselves. These are the things for me. [13:28:19]

Alas, poor fool, the snow melts not sooner than the joy of wealth, and the smoke of the chimney is as solid as the comfort of riches. But we must not miss the fifth act. See the rich man, our friend, whom lately we saw married, whom we then saw in trouble, afterwards rejoicing, and then prospering in business. [17:43:12]

The Christian man knows that the mercies which God has given him are to be used, but while he uses them, he must use them as though he did not use them. That is a high philosophy which I fear not many of us have learned. The philosophy of the apostle when he said, I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [30:22:24]

The whole matter is most palpably a mere show, but yet men give their souls to win it. Wherefore, oh sons of men, are ye thus beside yourselves? Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread and your labor for that which satisfieth not? [19:55:40]

The unreality of this world to a Christian is found in the fact that time is short. This is the wand which touches the substance and makes it before the eyes of wisdom dissolve into a shade. Time is short. When the apostle declares that they that have wives should be as though they had none, he does not teach us to despise the marriage state. [22:01:08]

The man who has a large family and many things to exercise his mind should yet, through the teaching of the Holy Spirit, live as quietly and comfortably as though he had none, depending and resting by simple faith upon the providence and goodness of God. [23:21:12]

The Christian man is bound to live above his sorrows. He weeps, for Jesus wept. He may mourn, for the faithful have been mourners often, but he must not so mourn and weep as to be eaten up with grief. Over the tops of the rolling waves, he must see the haven of peace and rejoice evermore. [26:01:56]

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