Over the triple doorway of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches. Over the outer arch is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, under which is the legend: "All that pleases is but for a moment."
Over another is sculptured a cross, and there are the words beneath: "All that troubles is but for a moment."
But over the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription: "That only is important which is eternal."
Although unknown among the many artists who spent their time and talents upon this vast edifice during the five centuries it was in building, there yet was one who has left behind the shortest, but most powerful sermon ever echoed from its walls.
"All that pleases is but for a moment." Can the reader not say, "How true!" The pleasures of childhood and the keener pursuits of riper years, whether physical or intellectual, how quickly they passed away, and what little satisfaction they afforded! And how often there remained a prick in the conscience, or sorrow in the heart, because of "something"— that ceaseless something that led astray, or caused pain!
But—happier than that artist of ancient days—living as we do now in the full sunshine of the gospel of the grace of God, we can tell abroad the good news that He gives "pleasures for evermore" through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is at God's right hand.
While all that pleases here upon the earth is "but for a moment," the pleasures of having our sins forgiven because of Christ's all-atoning work upon the cross, and of having our hearts made glad with the sense of His deep love, are eternal. These are the joys that will abide with us forever. And then, in the words of the central inscription, we shall realize, "That only is important which is eternal."
Very truly can Christians say, "All that troubles us is but for a moment." The Apostle Paul stood boldly forth, took up his cross, and followed in the footsteps of Jesus. And his cheering words come down through the years: "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor. 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17).