Is the thought of the Lord’s nearness welcome, or ungrateful to the soul? Is the expectation of being with Him, without notice, or delay, pleasant to the heart?
The true practical walk of a believer gives a right answer to these inquiries. “Let your moderation be known unto all men, —the Lord is at hand.” “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door.” Moderation, or holy restraint in the use of present things, and gracious, liberal consideration of others, here approved as among the right ways of a saint, are such as would stand the light of the Lord, if he were at the moment to appear. Are our ways, then, such as suit the thought of his nearness, and would abide the light of his presence? Have they, or have they not this voice in them, “Come, Lord Jesus?” Could vanity, could uncleanness, could the desire of gain, could the lust of distinction? Has the haughty look that voice in it? Has carnal levity, or spiritual sloth? We know that these cannot desire the day of the Lord, for it is to them “a day of darkness, and not of light.” Our behavior should be such as would introduce us to His presence without disturbance; for he comes, not to regulate, but to gladden us, —not to put us in a right path, but to close a right path in glory.,
J. G. B.