The Lord has graciously spared us to see the beginning of another year in time. This is a mercy which we ought not to treat lightly for “the Judge standeth at the door”. Soon we will be summoned to the bar of God to render our account for all the deeds done in the body according to that which we have done whether they be good or evil. May the advent of a New Year impress upon us the preciousness of time; give us a sense of our solemn responsibilities as never dying souls; and of our great need of valuing and using aright the privileges that we possess.
How quickly days and months and years pass. How swiftly we are posting to eternity. Soon our bodies are to go to their long home, the grave, and our souls to return to God who gave them. The nearness of eternity is a sobering thought. None with the least sense of the solemnity of death and of entry into the eternal world can face death lightly. The greatest saint realises the solemn issues which are bound up with the state of the soul at death. Heaven or hell must be the eternal abode of men. Scripture warns us: “As the tree falleth so shall it lie.” Let us solemnly consider the great question of our eternal destiny. If we live godless and Christless in this world and continue thus till the end of our day we will go down to the blackness of darkness for ever. If, however, we are found coming as poor, needy sinners to the alone Saviour of sinners, the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and are found resting upon Him alone for eternity then we shall be eternally blessed in Him. May all the readers of the Magazine at home and abroad be of that blessed number who shall be found here in time believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, and finally in eternity inheriting eternal glory.
To all our readers at home and abroad we would say in the language of Scripture: “The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.” Ps. 129 : 8.
Suffer Patiently
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
— Rom. 12 v. 18.
There is much contest in the world about property; but believers taking Christ for their only property (a property of which none can dispossess them) have in Him alone, immense treasures and lasting peace. And since therefore wrath and anger turn into nothing but disquietness, and are punished by themselves, why dost thou having so much to enrich and delight thee, suffer thyself to be easily moved by them? The least provocation it may be, even a single word will stir up the corruption of thine heart, so as to change thy countenance, and make thee speak unadvisedly. But consider how God bears with thee, and what an abomination anger is. It is the venom of the old serpent. As for thee called as thou art to bear the image of God, and bring forth the fruits of the good Spirit, thou must follow the lamb-like mind of Christ. For this purpose it is necessary — First, To avoid all occasions of strife. Secondly, If quarrels arise, to bridle our tongues. Thirdly, To suffer patiently when we are wronged. Fourthly, Immediately to offer up fervent prayer, and thus to quench the sparks of fire, before they break into a flame. This is the easiest and only method to prevent great troubles, and lead a peaceful, happy life; for anger carries in itself uneasiness, and love a sweet satisfaction. Lord preserve me from anger, wrath, clamour, and all that is opposed to the mind and temper of Thy beloved Son.
From: Bogatsky’s Daily Readings.