Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-28


ties
Another distinct and distinguishing fea-
ture of the ring token to the prodigal was
its permanency as a pledge. Other evil
dences of his welcome, as the best robe.
the feastIng, and even the loving kiss, were
trans:tory and soon existed only in lin
gerlng memory. But the ring was constant
and abiding. However shifting, intermit-
tent and far removed other evidences or
salvation may seem, God has given to the
Christian, who knows and will keep, one
that will never be separated from him. HE
shall give you another comforter, that he
may abide with you forever; even the
spirit of truth"
Study the ring symbol as the representa-
tive of n practica! divine force in Christian
experience. The ring to the prodigal was
a perpetual certfication of his restored
lation to his home and his father. The son
included in his purposed confession, Make
me as one of thy hired servants" His re-
morseful soul could hope for no higher
place In his fathers heart and home than
that of a slave. But his confession was
cut short before he reached that humiliat-
ing petition. AS the tokens of his fathers
forgiveness began to reveal themselves, how
his heart must have bounded to see among
them the ring! No slave was ever per-
mitted to wear ring. The glistening cir
clet of gold on his finger was an eloquent
lot Of hS Fat horsS
slave, but son. The highest estate of
redeemed soul, secured through the atone
ment of Christ and the faith of the bene-
'ficiary is that of sonship. The highest ere
Dental Of the believers personal possession
of it is the gift of the Holy Ghost" For
ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear: but ye have received the
Spirit of adoption, whereby We cry. Abba,
Father"
The ring removed the last vestige of doubt
in the prodigaFs mind of the sincerity of
his fathers faith in him. That faith of
the father in his boy was likely the strong
est factor for good In shaping the boys af
ter life. What constructive force In char
dSIei-uut4uiA iudI hIo"IcuSc
somebody believes in him God has not left
His child without many tokens of the Faith
er's faith in him; Dut the browning evidence
Is that He entrusts His child with the Holy
Spirit, but only the child whom He can
trust. AS the late DR.. A. ]. Gordon most
beautifully expresses 1t, God Is very jeal-
Gus of His divine signet. He graciously be-
slows it upon those who are ready to de-
vote themselves utterly and irrevocably to
His service, but He strenuously withhoids
it from those who, while protesting His
name, are yet Serving divers lusts and
pleasures Can He commit 1t to our use
for signing our prayers and for certifying
ourselves and His Honor not be compro-
mised?"
The ring was to the prodigal an ever
present reminder of his obligation to his
father With that before his eyes he could
not forget. Let me illustrate how me-
mento may save.
During 1865 small company Of confed-
crate soldiers was holding an informal re-
rival of one who was to form a part of the
company the major said. Let us whet our
blades and oil up our machinery, so as to
be in trim when Mr.. NJ. arrives. Here's to
the absent" said he. lifting his glass; Ito
be drunk slowly and In silence" Capt. Tom
lifted his glass. but slipped not. What is
the matter. captain" said the major Are
you going back on the old yirglnian?'
Major" replied the captain. Il have been
through college life and army life and have
form. When L was a youth about leaving
home for college my mother put her en-
gagement ring upon my finger and sealed
IT with her kiss, at the same time saying,
My son, whenever you are tempted to
drink look at this ring and think of your
mother and your promise to her. Here is
the ring still upon my finger, and sacredIy
have l kept my promise With this state
ment L know my gallant host will appre-
ciate my action. III lift my glass In your
honor. and 1 will keep my promise to my
mother on my honor"
How precious to the child of God is the
possession of a divine monitor, the Holy
Spirit distinct from himself yet dwelling
within him, who constantly remind him of
all his duty and obligation to God as re-
vealed by Christ He shall bring all
things to your remembrance whatsoever
have said unto you"