November 28
Life's Golden LampThe word of the Lord endureth for eber. — 1 PETER i. 25.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. — MATT. xxiv. 35.
HOW amazing the prescience here evinced! Immutable as are Nature's laws, vast as is the seeming magnitude and age, long as is the obvious duration of the physical universe, Jesus yet calmly declared that it shall finally perish; and modern science confirms the remarkable declaration. Equally amazing is the confidence with which this man deliberately affirms the imperishability of his own words. Without having committed to writing a single line, he yet declares that his words shall outlive the very universe, are literally immortal. Certain it is that these words were never more vital or influential than to-day, — abiding utterly unwasted the white light of even this wonderful nineteenth century.
Who is this man that thus spake, that is responsible for this most astounding statement? What philosophical historian has ever accounted for him, or ever will?
All men, manifestly, have a direct and personal interest in these "wonderful words of life," — particularly in those relating to human destiny and the terms of salvation. Let the unbeliever ponder them and tremble! Let the believer read them and rejoice!
R. H. Howard
The mountains melt away
When once the Judge appears,
And sun and moon decay,
That measure mortal years;
But still the same in radiant lines
The promise shines through all the flame.
PHILIP DODDRIDGE.