It is profitable for us to meditate on such a character as Christ's, if
by dwelling upon it we become even in one respect like him. The more we
know of him, the more we shall love him; for his character is love. We
should imitate the example of Mary, who was first at the door of the
sepulchre where Jesus was laid. She had great love for him, and her
faith in him was as strong as her love. She was not a stranger to the
miracles which he performed while here on earth. She had seen him, and
she knew that in him perfection dwelt. So we should try to be first in
doing any act of kindness or benevolence, not in a spirit of unholy
emulation, but from a love of doing good. By cultivating this spirit we
shall be happy in life, and prepared for death. We shall be far happier
than those who seek worldly honors; and more than all, we shall leave a
name behind us more precious than fame or wealth can bestow. When I was
young as are many of you to whom I am now speaking, I had not the
privilege of worshipping God as we now do. I was taught that a greater
part of the human family will be destroyed, and will have no part in the
heavenly kingdom. But thanks be to God that he has now opened the eyes
of many to see him a Father to the fatherless, and a sure help in time
of need. When such thoughts take possession of the heart, we view him in
his true character.
In order to serve him as we ought, we should commence in youth. Christ
said, "they that seek me early shall find me." The whole life is short,
if happily spent in his service. We have every encouragement to trust
wholly in his kind care and keeping, for his watchful eye is ever over
us. If you seek Christ in youth, nothing will be lost, but much will be
gained. When I look back upon the early days of my life, I regard them
as lost to the true service of Christ. It was impressed upon my young
mind, that God was filled with anger and wrath; and still I was told
that I must love him with my whole heart. I am sorry to say it, but I
fear I had no true love for him at that time. If the path in which I
have walked has been desolate and dreary, I do not desire that others
should walk in it. If God is seen in his true loveliness, the young, as
well as the old, will love his holy name.
In this regard, I think much good can be done in the Sabbath school, and
many profitable and lasting impressions may be made upon the young mind.
I cannot think we meet together every Sabbath in vain. The blessing of
God will surely rest upon us, and we shall be profited by our
assemblings. We must not be forgetful of God, for he is not forgetful of
us. When we lie down on our pillow at night, we ought not to close our
eyes to sleep without thanking him for his kind care of us through the
day; and in the morning we should thank him for his watchful care
through the night.
In time of sorrow and trouble we at once fly to him. This is right; but
still it is our duty and privilege to call on him in time of prosperity
as well as in time of adversity, never forgetting to seek his divine
blessing. Without this we cannot enjoy life, or be prepared for death.
And when the days on earth are all passed, and we are called to lay
ourselves on the bed of death, if we can but look back upon a life well
spent, it will smooth the pillow of pain, and make even death itself
sweet.
Salvation is the right direction of all one's powers and activities.
Hope is the sunshine of the soul.