Olive Leaf And New York Weekly Messenger

Penultima, Williamson co, Ten. April, 1840.

From the Banner of the Cross.

SUNDAY THOUGHTS.

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you.--St. John, xiv. 1, 2.

Sorrow had filled the hearts of the disciples, because of the words which Jesus had spoken. Our Saviour knew their thoughts, and perceived the depression which they felt, for as yet they seem to have very imperfect views of the nature of his mission. He gave them the best antidote to sorrow which has ever been offered to man, "Ye believe already in God; believe also in me." In me the Redeemer-the sympathising Friend-the Divine Saviour of man. The testimony which I have borne to the truths I teach, will soon be sealed by my blood; the sacrifice for sin will be completed on the cross; and God will be reconciled to men. Therefore, let not your heart be troubled, though for a season ye see me no more. I go to prepare a place for you, in those many mansions of my Father's house, where there shall be no more separation, and no more sorrow. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

These words, addressed to his immediate disciples, are applicable to the followers of Jesus to the end of time. To them who really love the Saviour, the knowledge of his sympathy is a strong consolation under the most complicated suffering. They know that he feels for their infirmities, and when with many tears they pour out their hearts before him, how often has that peace, of which the world knoweth not, been their blessed portion. In the midst of tribulation, they have rejoiced in the Lord, and had joy in the God of their salvation. The bright promises of future blessedness have opened upon them, and the present has for a time been annihilated. God has manifested himself, as he doth not unto the world, because the world loveth not to seek these influences of his spirit.

There is a tenderness for human infirmity in all the discourses of our Saviour, and his inspired Apostles, which is found in no other religious system. He knew what was in man, and he provided a resource for every exigency. Whatever trouble, doubt, perplexity or grief afflicts you, believe on Jesus; seek communion with him by prayer; direct your thoughts beyond the present scene, to those mansions of his father's house, where he ever liveth to make intercession for you-and all will be well. For he is the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father but by him, and those who come by him, will in no wise be cast out. Be not then dejected or cast down, though worldly cares oppress thee. "Love not the world nor the things of the world."

The Saviour has consecrated the path of suffering to his followers. In the world, they too must have tribulation, for the narrow path is not divested of those thorns, which are necessary to remind the traveller that this is not the place of rest, and that he must pursue, however weary and however faint, the Christian race. He must ever hear, and obey the imperative command, "to go forward," to go onward to perfection, to rest not in that to which he has already attained, but to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in God. It is through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of Heaven; yet, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Christ Jesus your Lord will send the comforter, the Holy Spirit of God to assist you in every trial; and He, too, has promised to be with his people to the end of the world. "Ye believe in God, believe also in me."

G. F.