HOW often we use the word "only"! “It is only for a little," “only once," and so on; and how often the thought that “only" a little longer and we shall be with the Lord cheers on the believer. Again, looking ahead, and taking thought for the morrow, as we often do in spite of Matt. 6:34, how often we find what we dreaded most was "only" meant for our blessing!
Many things too we dread are "only" blessings in disguise.
Standing a little ago by the deathbed of a young woman dying of consumption, I said to her, by way of comfort, "It is 'only' to be with Christ," alluding to her death, which took place that day. "Ah,” said she, "that is a great only." I was struck with the words, and have thought since how true, It is indeed a great only.
Reader, have you ever thought of death like that? as "only" to be with Christ? Have you ever thought of what that "only" involves? “In thy presence is fullness of joy," we find in Psa. 16:11. To be with Christ, is to have every wish, every desire, satisfied. Again, it is "only" the blood of Jesus can give you a title to heaven, or make you fit to go there (1 John 1:7). It is “only" through His name you can be saved (Acts 4:10-12). It is "only" sinners Jesus saves (Luke 32). It was God's "only" begotten Son who died on the cross (John 3:16), that not "only" we might not perish, but have everlasting life. And, in conclusion, I would say to any poor doubting sinner, what the Lord said to Jairus in Mark 5:36, “Be not afraid, only believe." M.
IT is very solemn to recollect that only a hairs-breadth, so to speak, divides time from eternity. The reader of this may never read of Christ again. How does he drop this paper? Saved, or only hoping to be? W. T. P. W.