National Republican., 1882-12-18

character is purified, and abides in shining
beauty. After that duty is life" It is meat
and drink )" the mountains of difficulty are
mole-hills to be walked over. The fires Of
opposition may wrap them about, but the feet
of duty pass over and through, and no smell
of fire remains. But no one goes that road
alone-an angel goes along. Ministrants from
the inner world of glory accompany--perhaps
q multitude. They throng the path you
60; they ply the soul with courage !;
they are the invisible companions in
arms on every battlefield of humanity (;
ehey form the, signal corps of heaven, and
ioyfully announce the human triumphs there.
On all observatories invisible but alert, they
watch with tireless eyes the advance of as
piring souls, and give the welcome signal to
the heavenly hosts for triumphant songs over
every victory. "There is joy in heaven"
said the Christ, lover one sinner that repent
eth" Why should not they have joy in
heaven when they take part in the conflict on
earth. So we read with thanksgiving that
after his temptation angels came and min
istered unto him.
2. The next scene in which they take part
is the one which my text describes. The record
is terse and suggestive. "An angel from
heaven" is at his side, strengthening him.
He is exhausted; his spirit is sorrowful, and
his hour is come. Thelbloody finale is upon
him. There is no human eye to pity; no
voice to speak words of courage and fellow
show. He is in the wine-press and he must
tread it alone. The drops stand out on his
face like drops of blood, so intense the agony.
Of his soul. His human friends are
scattered or asleep, Overcome with the
impalpable pressure of the Gethsemane OF
human and divine sorrow and movement.
The groans of the burdened Christ resound
through heaven. There is sudden COM
motion, and an angel drops beside him. 1t is
instantaneous. We know not how, but we
know why. 1t is as though the thin veil
parted and an angel is left outside. We hear
no words, we see no act; we only see the
form, we know it is an angel. He brings
strength to the prostrate Jesus. He admin
listers to the soul some helpful balm he brings
from the stores of heavens sympathies; some
token of love and fellowship from the fathers
lips some wave of sympathy from the faith
omless ocean of eternal love. 1t satisfies, and
the marred face of the dear Christ brightens
again. He has conquered. The agony is
passed. The angel vanishes as the soldiers
enter the garden.
There remains only our lesson and our COM
fort. 1t is this AS he was so are we in this
world. His angels are still on the outlooks
of observation for souls in trouble. Their
wings have not been clipt that they cannot
your scene of trial. Do not doubt it troubled
soul. 1t is still written: Are they not all
ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to
the heirs of salvation" By Gods will they
come through the love of Christ they come
in answer to your cry of distress they come
in quick response to your prayer to God they
come; and, because they want to, they come.
When you least dare to hope, theirwings dostir
the atmosphere of your soul. When the dark
ness is thickest they throng the cloud. When
the fires are hottest they walk the furnace
floor by your side OF the very children
Christ said, "Their angels have always ac-
cess to my father in heaven" Shall not they
also find the way unobstructed to their needs
here on earth? Be sure, my brethren, occa-
sions will come to us all. The way to glory
lies through Gethsemane and the Cross. You
will become familiar with it. But do not fear
angels picket all the way. After Christ you
can bear any burden. The thought of Him
will sweeten all your pangs and make every
burden precious. The floods of sorrow that
assail you will pass over, and you shall abide,
all the stronger for the trial Be not afraid
for to enter into your Masters suffering,
is to come into His glory. And if the test,
the trial, or the agony be greater than you
can bear be sure some good angel will glide
to your side and share his strength with you
and when the final trial comes you will be
ripe to bear it. The dark-rolling river of
death will not check your courage. Gods
holy angels will try the depth and temper of
the waters before you and bear you up amid
the swellings, and on the other side not the
angels only, but the master also will welcome
you with, "Well done; enter into my joy"