WHAT is settled? I think I hear my reader say, “Oh, that I could find something that was settled! I would rest my soul there, and find at last what I have longed for and hitherto failed to obtain; for, to say the truth, I am restless, and still seeking for something I hardly know what, only that word settled seems to be the key to what I want. What is it? Can you tell me of anything that is settled, and where?”
By the grace of God, I can. “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven" (Psa. 119:8989LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)). Is that enough for you? I want no more. Happy are they who trust in Him; for I cannot disconnect the word from Him who speaks, for it is His voice. Do you hear it, and rest on that word?
There are two sets of people in the world. The one obey God's word, the other oppose it. The first set are blessed, and happy in proportion as they are found doing it; as the Lord said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:1717If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17)). These, however poor and humble, only need to be encouraged to more earnest diligence in seeking to God's word, and to continuance in prayer, that their souls may prosper more and more, as each one for himself is found hearkening to God.
Those who oppose the word of Jehovah, are dashing themselves against an immovable rock, and if persistent in doing so, must perish.
“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." What can move that? But that can move you, and I pray God it may now, for it concerns you. It is written, " He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day " (John 12:4848He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)). May you, my reader, be among the number of those who by grace build upon that rock which no storm can ever shake. Will not every doubting heart drop the anchor of its soul in this eternal haven of rest, — the truth of the Living God, — and be settled too? “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." R. B.
“WHEN is the next train?” I heard a man breathlessly ask, as he ran along the platform, vainly endeavoring to enter a train in motion, of which every door was shut and locked. Annoyed at missing the "express," he was fain to accept a “slow" an hour after. I thought what a picture that is of many a sinner just half a minute too late in coming to Christ. When the Lord comes the door of mercy— of heaven too— will be shut. For all late corners how awful will be the shock. Fancy a man in earnest to be saved, but just half a minute too late. There will be no "slow" to glory following the "express." Reader, are you "in Christ," or still outside in procrastinating unbelief? Beware of delay! W. T. P. W.