February 11
The Christian a Sojourner
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." — Peter i. 17.
IN the verse from which these words are selected, the Almighty is represented under a two-fold character, viz., that of a Father and a Judge; and the relationship in which we thus stand to him is urged as an argument for our passing the time of our sojourning here in fear. Notice
THE NATURE OF THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE. "The time of your sojourning here." What a dreadful infatuation has seized man, that he should look upon this world as his home and his portion! It is as if the child on his way to his father's house should sit down, and, foregoing the pleasure of the domestic roof, please and divert himself with the flowers that grow by the wayside, till the night set in, and he lost all track of the road. It is as if a rich heir, going to take possession of his estate, were to stop and spend his time in joining little children in playing with toys and trifles. Three things suggest themselves to the mind with regard to the believers, sojourning here.
View him in his past condition. Whence has the pilgrim come? From the city of Destruction. Bunyan, in his imitable allegory speaks beautifully on this subject.
Contemplate him in his present state. What is he? A sojourner. How few there are who regard this world in a proper light! It is only a link in the great chain of our existence, — a narrow vista which opens to the wide expanse of eternity; and an immoderate attachment to it deplumes the pinions on which alone the soul can soar, and binds it to that which is sensual and grovelling. The time of our sojourning here is one of trial, danger, and difficulty. Travellers must put up with many inconveniences, and the heavenly pilgrim must lay his account with many a storm.
Regard him in his future destination. Whither is he going? He is bound for home. How weak and imperfect are our highest conceptions of the glories of the heavenly world! The termination of the Christian's course shall be associated with all that is magnificent and sublime. Let me never be satisfied till I can say, looking up to my heavenly Father, "I am a stranger and a sojourner with thee."