The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-05-12
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE.


The articles in the Central Presbyterian
on Life Insurance have suggested to friend
the more important theme of the Assurance
of Eternal Life. Will you grant me space
for some thoughts on'this subject?
The one with whichI begin will show the
reader that I do not propose formal ana
elaborate discussion, but rather to present
the matter as it usually presents itself to
those who would, in cir daily meditations
and in their dying hours, find some conso-
ling evidence that they are the children Of
God.
The most common proof then, it seems to
me, and that which ordinarily affords the
most satisfaction is the fact that the Chris
tian has habitually & nd God and held fel-
lowship with him in Payer. The language
of the eternal mind is "Whom have l in
heaven but thee? and there is none upon
earth that. ] desire besides thee" Such fel-
lowship with God as this, such endearing in
tercourse does not exist in the unregenerate
heart. It is wonderful that He should thus
permit sinful being to commune with Him;
it is an instance Of amazing grace and con-
descension; but it would be still more
strange if at death He should suddenly
withdraw Himself from one who up to that
time He has encouraged by daily communi-
cations of His love and SO far sanctiied
that the soul finds its chief portion and de.
light in Him.
Some despondent souls will no doubt OBJ
ject that they are not sure about the fact
that they do now converse with God. But
they who have piety enough to be concern
ed about scriptural evidence of assurance
are not generally prayerless persons. l will
allow that they are not such Christians as
they ought to be, for if they were they
would have more assurance, more humility,
and more of good many other things than
they have now. But if my argument is
good one they must show that they have no
access to God at all, bsforei it can be allowed
that they are not entitled to assurance. Are
they prepared to say that prayer does not
afford them any light? that it does not in
crease their faith in Christ that it does
not give them clearer view of the Scrip
lures? thatit does not make them more cheer
full, contented, and happy, and inspire them
with more zeal in the service of the Mas
ter? 1 do not inquire whether their devo-
tions are always full Of rapture and re-
joicing-and that they may be the devo-
tions of true child of God, and yet may
sometimes, throug infrmity, wear SOM
bre hue. But is their effect such as to Tx
the soul more and more upon God as the OBJ
ject of trust and desire and to make it will
ing and obedient in respect to all that He
commands and all His dispensations. If
such be the frame Of the spirit, and we dai-
ly renew this disposition by waiting upon
the Lord, we have reason to believe that we
are His, and that He is preparing us for the
society where perfect obedience and perfect
love eternally prevail. If we would have
brighter evidence, stronger assurance, it is
to be found in the same way as that was
found which we already possess: "Where-
to we have already attained let us walk by
the same rule" Double your diligence in
prayer, in self.examination, in all the reli-
gious activities that accompany your devo.
tions, and which have given you, thus far,
evidence that you are in Christ, and you
may by Gods rule of progression increase
and then increase again the delightful proofs
of your acceptance and adoption. Draw
yet nearer to Him, and it will appear yet
more impossible that death, or life, or things
present, or things to come can separate you
from Him. You will go to Him with a
growing adherence of yourself and your
performances, but in this very exercise of
your humility you will have nearer views Of
His love, His righteousness, and the sove-
reign grace that applies to your soul Christ's
perfect work in your behalf. You will feel
that no mere change il your outward con-
dition-no transition of the soul from one
state Of being to another can extinguish the
flame that He has kindled in your breast.