The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1904-05-05
WatchfulneSS.

Argus lost his head when he closed
the last OF fifty pairs of eyes. While
Ulysses slept, his sailors loOsed the
balefufwinds of Aeolus. So the elias
sizes are woven and interviewer with
legends strikingly illustrating the ne
cessity of eternal vigilance. 1t re-
mains, however, for the Divine Teach
err, divesting the subject of quaint fic-
ton, to define the ethical principles
involved, and ground the necessity up
on moral basis. This Jesus does
when He reveals the truth that man
is Gods servant. What he has he
holds in trust for his Maker. He is
not an original, independent proprie-
tor. He holds nothing in fee-simple.
He is TO occupy, use, and increase.
But an account of stewardship is ev-
err impending. This accounting time
is the assize of the soul. 1t is to be
kept always in view. One is to be in
stantly ready for it,
Here, however, is no harsh, I'M
reasonable, and purely technical reck-
oning. Nothing can surpass Jesus
radiant portraiture of Him with
whom all souls have their final deal
ings. Nothing is hid from His omni-
science, true. but it is a benevolent
knowledge. 1t is so all-inclusive as to
descend to the very hairs of ones head.
1t bids the child of God take no anx-
ious care. He who sustains the soul
in being will provide bodily comforts
He who notes sparrows and lilies will
not neglect immortals. The princi-
piles of absolute equity will be obser-
we'd in the final accounting. He will
not attempt to reap where he has not
sown. A reasonable increase only
will be demanded. The ratio be-
tween the knowledge and the stripes
will be accurate.
Yet all this does not muffie the
alarm. Jesus sounds it unequIvo-
cally. "Gird your loins. Light YOUR
lamps. Be ready. Blessed is the
faithful and wise steward" The re-
ward of Christian fidelity is rich and
enrapturjng As in the Saturnalia
host sometimes turned servant, so in
the festival of salvation, as token of
regard and appreciation, Jesus will
serve in person, and eXalt to higher
stations those who have been persis-
tently trustworthy.
As in Oriental cities there is no Or
ganized or adequate police, each
householder must be his own patrol
| man. Ignorance of the hour when
| the thief will seek to effect an entran-
| ce necessitates an instant and perpet-
ual alertness. The Lords coming
shall be equally unannounced AS
| the interests at stake are infinitely
greater than worldly goods, so should
the vigilance be proportlonately
| greater. The Lords good servant,
in whose heart the principle of stew
ardship Is Pregnant and who rules the
Lords household, not as one who is
ministered to but ministers, rightly
dividing the word of truth, so that
every one "getshis due, undiminished
and Observation-Disclosures that ser
want He shall be promoted.
But there is subtle temptation in
the delay of the Lords coming. One
begins to feel himself proprietor rath-
err than steward. Extremes meet in
such an evil servant. He is tyrannous
towards his fellows; indulgent toward
himself. To such one the unannoun
ced coming of the Lord will be a dread
surprise. He shall be cleft in twain
Heshall suffer that punishment which
puts the victim in 1.-The everlasting
contradiction of dying, yet not dying
misery"
Could even the infinite Lord show
greater fidelity in the caution of hi
disciples? 1t is impossible for human
language to convey more significantly
or powerfully the Masters appeal fol
watchfulness. Speech of man would
have broken down had he laid any
heavier burden upon it. Until III
comes, His high, moral bugle-note
will keepringing, Endure tothe end!'
Watch, therefore,
The spirit of true Christian watch
fulness is sometimes lost in the maze
of arithmetical calculation of the dat,
of the second coming of Jesus. HI
watches best, who serves most dill
gently.
Wesley's reply to the question wha
he would do if he knew he was to di
next day at midnight was character
istic II should do just what ! eXpec
to do Preach tomorrow morning a
b. and meet the leaders. Preach il
the afternoon at F., and ride over t.
NJ, where / should preach in the even
ing. Then should go to bed to sleep
and awake in glory That is al
awaiting the Lords coming, ideal anC
glorious.
The use of the probationary life a