The manifestation of Christ will be the manifestation of the saints on earth with Him. That is the time for show, the only time for show, and that runs counter to all human thoughts, and what man likes. The great principle of Christianity is to wait—we will be manifested. The time for show is coming, and then, not only the appearance of the saints, but their garments will be spotless. To think that we shall be suited in everything to the company of the Christ in glory! The great thing is to look at that glory and to be changed into the same even now. That is not looking for the admiration of this world, but waiting for the glory, when we will be manifested with Christ. Our life is hid with Christ, and we are not to be shown-off now in anything, whether religiously, collectively, or in any other way. The danger of the saint who knows much, is to show himself off, but the secret is to know that this is not the time for it. "When Christ. who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear [be manifested] with Him in glory"; that is what we have to look for. I cannot have anything to show till then, because I should only tarnish it. How it sobers us, and reconciles us to the troublous things around, that we have nothing to do but to wait. Risen with Christ is our position. Christ is sitting, and the Church's attitude is sitting. I mean that as to being anything, we are to sit still, and wait for the day of manifestation. He is sitting at the right hand of God: this is the simple position of the saints. We are in the right place, but are we in the right attitude? Can we sit quietly and wait, or are we restless, running hither and thither? Christ is waiting; this will balance our souls till the glory. Let it be ever before us and the Lord keep us waiting for this, for His name's sake.
W. B.