Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-05-24
By Bishop
Warren
a. Gambler

other reason, for discrediting them.
Certainly it is a superstitious idea to
believe in the eternity of matter; that
dogma is denied by both science and
the Holy Scriptures.
But shall we run into the fanaticism of
perpetual fear of the destruction of the
world, because we believe that in it's
present form 1t has a terminable exist
ence? By no means.
The material universe was created for
moral and spiritual ends, and it's history
in the future, as in the past, will unfold
under the direction of divine moral pur-
pose, which will eliminate in a blessed
spiritual result in the end Our chief
concern, therefore, should be to live III
line with that purpose, and TO labour for
the achievement of that "far off divine
event to which the whole creation
moves" And if 1t be nearer at hand than
some suppose, what has any one to fear
who is in harmony with it?
The teaching of the instructive and
beautiful parable of the Ten Virgins is
not that men should be looking out all
the time, but that they should be always
ready. while the bridegroom tarried,
they all slumbered and slept, both the
wise and the foolish alike. 1t is note
worthy that the virgins whose stock of
oil failed were those who expected the
bridegroom would come earlier than he
did come, and the men and women who
have least faith in their hearts are they
who are constantly fixing dates for the
second advent. They are more concerned
for the effect Of outward events on ma
terial things than they are moved by
ardent affection for the Lord.
mi hax~ ylO arn 60
to the bridegroom, and so determined to
be present at the marriage feast that
they take no chances, whether his com
ing be sooner or later. They do not pro-
pose to take risks on spiritual triumphs
by any stingy and economical care for
lower things. Men and women who pro-
pose to be religious at the least possible
cost may well be alarmed, not only by
the coming of comets, but much more by
the daily rising and setting of Gods sun,
which marks the passing Of days which
bring decisive crises TO all souls.
But men and women who are at one
with God and serve him at all cost, need
not be disquieted by any appearance or
event in the heavens above or on the
earth beneath. The burning of a world
can no more affect for i'll a good man
than it can harm God himself. Therefore
will not we fear, though the earth De
removed, and though the mountains be
carried into the midst of the sea; though
the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the
swelling thereof" No disaster can by
any possibility overtake the material uni
verse by which genuine and pure spirit
ual life can suffer any real hurt. Good
ness is always secure, and 1t is not de-
pendent upon the continuance of earthly
conditions.
1t is said that in the days Of the Miller
ties one of that hysterical sect rushed
up to Mr.. Emerson and exclaimed, DO
you know that next Friday the world
will come to an end?" To the excited
question came the calm reply, Very
we'll I can get on without it,
Sad Is the case of any immortal soul
which can not get on without .his world;
for certainly whether it be buried be-
meath our feet, or we be called away
from it, we all shall be separated from
it not many days hence.
Nevertheless we, according to his
promise, look for new heavens and a new
earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness"
That making of all things new will suit
righteous men better than does the pres
ent order of things.