OVER the triple doorway of the Cathedral of OVER there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches. Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the legend—
‘All that pleases is but for a moment.’
Over the other is sculptured a cross, and these are the words beneath—
‘All that troubles us is but for a moment.’
But underneath the great central entrance, in 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 by 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, alas! 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 His right hand.
So that 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 brave words sound cheerfully today: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).
L. J. M.