May 21

"That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." PHR. 2:16.

This is mentioned as an argument to enforce the duties he had just recommended: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life." And surely we are to know them that labor among us, and to esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake, and to coöperate with them, and to be zealously concerned to promote their usefulness and comfort. There is a peculiar relation between the minister and the people of his charge; and as a well-conditioned flock is the credit of the shepherd, and a well-ordered family the commendation of the master, and the moral and prosperous state of his subjects the praise of the ruler, so a wise, holy, consistent, amiable, lively, useful church is the honor and happiness of the preacher. He lives if they stand fast in the Lord. They are his glory and joy.

But why, for this satisfaction, does the apostle refer to so late a period as the day of Christ? Had he no present rejoicing from their excellences and exertions? He had. Yet he knew that he must now rejoice with trembling. He had known many who did run well, but were hindered; who began in the Spirit, but ended in the flesh. He had seen many moral blossoms perishing without fruit; and experience taught him to distinguish between the hope of the spring and the richness of autumn. Persons for a season may rejoice in a minister's light, but in time of temptation fall away. They may hang on his lips, and then break his heart. He only that endareth to the end shall be saved. Then are we made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end, and "the day will declare it."

And till then the true character and condition of those among whom he has labored will not be completely ascertained and developed.

Till then, also, his hearers will not be placed beyond the reach of moral harm, or be incapable of injuring the cause they profess.

Till then, also, his aim will not be fully accomplished, which is, to "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus," and "filled with all the fulness of God."

Then also many will acknowledge their obligations to his instrumentality for their conversion or edification, which he knew nothing of here. And it will be safer and better for him not to know the extent and degree of his usefulness till he is secure from the possibility of vanity and pride. Then is the period for rejoicing, where there can be no mistake, no excess, no danger in the joy.

Oh, may he that watches for my soul as one that must give an account, do it with joy, and not with grief!

What a proof is here that there will be a knowledge of each other in heaven! How else could the apostle say of converts, "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"