Part XVIII. The Kingdom Restored

Part XVIII. The Kingdom Restored[pg 758]Illustration.The Transfiguration. "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom." Matt. 16:28.[pg 759]The Kingdom Of GloryIllustration.The Triumphal Entry. "Behold, thy King cometh." Zech. 9:9.1. Who is to reign finally over God's kingdom?“And Thou, O tower of the flock [Christ], ... unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.”Micah 4:8.2. When asked if He was a king, what did Christ say?“To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.”John 18:37.3. In His transfiguration how did Christ appear?“His face didshine as the sun, and His raiment waswhite as the light.”Matt. 17:2.4. Who else appeared on this occasion?“There appeared unto themMosesandElias.”Verse 3.Note.—In this miniature representation of Christ's kingdom, as in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-9), Christ appeared as King; Moses (Jude 9) represented the sleeping saints to be raised at Christ's coming; and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) the living saints to be translated then.5. For what purpose will Christ come again?“To be glorified in His saints.”2 Thess. 1:10.6. Of what will the saints speak?“They shall speakof the glory of Thy kingdom.”Ps. 145:11.7. How enduring is this kingdom to be?“Thy kingdom isan everlasting kingdom.”Verse 13.[pg 760]The Saints' InheritanceIllustration.Return Of The Spies. "The land ... floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Num. 13:27.1. How great reward has God promised those that love Him?“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”1 Cor. 2:9.2. By what have these things been revealed to us?“But God hath revealed them unto usby His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”Verse 10.3. What reward awaits the true child of God?“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the endeverlasting life.”Rom. 6:22.4. What will he reap who sows to the Spirit?“He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reaplife everlasting.”Gal. 6:8.5. For what purpose did God give His Son to the world?“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten[pg 762]Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life.”John 3:16.Illustration.Moses On Mt. Nebo Viewing The Promised Land. "And the Lord showed him all the land, ... unto the uttermost sea." Deut. 34:1, 2.6. What is to be the reward of those whose works are good?“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ...glory,honor, andpeace, to every man that worketh good.”Rom. 2:6-10.7. What will he receive who endures temptation?“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receivethe crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”James 1:12.8. What promise is made to them that walk uprightly?“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory:no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”Ps. 84:11.9. What are the meek to inherit?“But the meek shall inheritthe earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”Ps. 37:11.10. What is promised to the willing and obedient?“If ye be willing and obedient,ye shall eat the good of the land.”Isa. 1:19.11. What delights and pleasures await the child of God?“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence isfulness of joy; at Thy right hand there arepleasures forevermore.”Ps. 16:11.I will sing you a song of that beautiful land,The far-away home of the soul,Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,While the years of eternity roll.O, that home of the soul! in my visions and dreamsIts bright jasper walls I can see,Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenesBetween the fair city and me.That unchangeable home is for you and for me,Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;The King of all kingdoms forever is He,And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.O, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,So free from all sorrow and pain;With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,To meet one another again!Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.[pg 763]Promises To The OvercomerIllustration.Israel Crossing The Jordan. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Rev. 21:7.1. What are we admonished to overcome?“Be not overcome of evil, butovercome evilwith good.”Rom. 12:21.Note.—In John 5:4 that which we are to overcome is called“the world;”and in 1 John 2:15-17 the things of which“the world”consists are described as“the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.”2. What only can overcome the world?“Forwhatsoever is born of Godovercometh the world.”1 John 5:4.3. What gives us the victory in our conflict with the world?“And this is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”Same verse.4. What promises are made by Christ to the overcomer?(a)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.(b)“He that overcomethshall not be hurt of the second death.”Verse 11.(c)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”Verse 17.[pg 764](d)“He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I givepower over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give himthe morning star.”Verses 26-28.(e)“He that overcometh, the same shall beclothed in white raiment; andI will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I willconfess his name before My Father, and before His angels.”Rev. 3:5.(f)“Him that overcometh will Imake a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and Iwill write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon himMy new name.”Verse 12.(g)“To him that overcometh will I grantto sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”Verse 21.5. In what one promise are all these promises summed up?“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”Rev. 21:7.Note.—Here are the exceeding great and precious promises to the overcomer, eight in number. They embrace everything,—eternal life, health, happiness, and an everlasting home. What more could be asked?In heaven there will be no parting, no pain to bear;No care-worn brow, no sigh, no silvery hair;No death to snatch our loved ones from our side,No angry waves, no sea, no treacherous tide.In heaven there'll be no thirst, no cry for bread;No soul who knows not where to lay his head;No one to feel the winter's chilling blast,For there the piercing storms will all be past.In heaven there'll be no toil without repay;No building for a brief, ephemeral day;For all the joys that prophets old have told'Twill take the endless ages to unfold.In heaven there'll be no weary pilgrim band;No seekers for a better, fairer land;For all who reach that blissful, happy shore,Will never cry nor sigh, nor wish for more.[pg 765]The Subjects Of The KingdomIllustration.The Final Rewards. "And He shall separate them ... as a shepherd divideth his sheep from his goats." Matt. 25:32.1. Upon whom was the name Israel first bestowed?“And he said, Thy name shall be called no moreJacob, butIsrael: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”Gen. 32:28.Note.—Israel means a“prince,”or“one who prevails with God.”2. Afterward who came to be called by this title?“Now these are the names ofthe children of Israel, which came into Egypt; ... Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.... Joseph.”Ex. 1:1-5.Note.—In other words, the descendants of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, were known as the twelve tribes of Israel.3. What special blessings were conferred on the Israelites?“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth theadoption, and theglory, and thecovenants, and thegiving of the law, and theservice of God, and thepromises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the fleshChrist came, who is over all.”Rom. 9:4, 5.4. Who constitute the true Israel, or seed of Abraham?“They are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but,[pg 766]in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: butthe children of the promise are counted for the seed.”Verses 6-8.5. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism?“And think not to say within yourselves. We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, thatGod is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”Matt. 3:9.6. What determines whether one is a child of Abraham?“Know ye therefore thatthey which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”Gal. 3:7.Note.—Because of unbelief many of the Israelites fell in the wilderness, and were not permitted to enter the promised land. Num. 14:27-33; Deut. 1:34-36.7. To whom must one belong in order to be Abraham's seed?“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”Verse 29.8. In what scripture are Christians recognized as Israel?“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and uponthe Israel of God.”Gal. 6:16.9. To whom is the epistle of James addressed?“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christto the twelve tribeswhich are scattered abroad, greeting.”James 1:1.10. To whom is the gospel the power of God unto salvation?“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”Rom. 1:16.11. To whom did Jesus first send the twelve disciples?“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather tothe lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 10:5, 6.12. When the woman of Canaan came to Christ, beseeching Him to heal her daughter, what did He say?“But He answered and said,I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 15:24.13. When she persisted in her request, and fell down to worship Him, what did He say?[pg 767]Illustration.Coming In Glory. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5.[pg 768]“But He answered and said,It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.”Verse 26.Note.—By her persistent faith, this woman, although a Canaanite, showed that she was really a true child of Abraham.14. While dining with Zaccheus, what did Christ say?“This day is salvation come to this house,forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”Luke 19:9.15. What did He say to the woman of Samaria as to the source of salvation?“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: forsalvation is of the Jews.”John 4:22.16. When the Jews rejected Paul's preaching of the gospel, what did he and Barnabas say?“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”Acts 13:46.Note.—From all this it is plain that had not the Jews as a nation rejected Christ, they would still have maintained the preeminence as the children of God, and as God's light-bearers to the world. But on account of this rejection, they were rejected as God's peculiar people, and others took their place, and now bear the name ofIsraelin common with those who were first called by that name.17. Under what figure are the Gentile believers represented who have become a part of the true Israel of God?“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, beinga wild olive-tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree; boast not against the branches.”Rom. 11:17, 18.18. Lest the Gentile grafts should boast, saying that the Jews were broken off to let them come in, what warning is given them?“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches,take heed lest He also spare not thee.”Verses 20, 21.19. What encouragement is held out concerning the branches which have been broken off?“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief,shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”Verse 23.[pg 769]20. What will be the final result of the gospel?“And soall Israel shall be saved.”Verse 26.21. Before Gentiles become Israelites, in what condition are they?“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles, ... at that time ye werewithout Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.Note.—If, in order to be saved, Gentiles must become Israelites as is everywhere asserted, then when converted from their Gentile ways to the ways of Israel, they certainly must have faith in Christ, and their lives must conform to the moral law which God gave to Israel, otherwise it would not be the commonwealth of Israel, but of the Gentiles. The writing of the law in the heart is one of the provisions of the new covenant with true Israel. See Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-12.22. How are God's remnant people described?“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they thatkeep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.23. Whose names are in the foundations of the holy city?“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in themthe names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”Rev. 21:14.24. Whose names are on the twelve gates of the city?“And [the wall] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which arethe names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”Verse 12.25. Who will walk in the light of the city?“Andthe nations of them which are savedshall walk in the light of it: andthe kings of the earthdo bring their glory and honor into it.”Verse 24.Note.—This city, the New Jerusalem, will be for all the nations of the saved; and yet all who enter therein will enter through gates on which are written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, from which it is evident that all who are saved will belong to Israel. The name Israel will be perpetuated in the new earth state, and very appropriately so, because of its meaning. All who share in that future home of the saved will be overcomers—princes and prevailers with God. See Rev. 3:12; 21:7. Christ recognized this division of the saved into twelve nations, in selecting His apostles. He chose twelve. He recognized it again when to the twelve He said:“Ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upontwelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”Matt. 19:28. And the apostles, after Christ's resurrection and ascension, themselves recognized it, when, to fill the place of Judas, who fell, they appointed another, in order to preserve the proper number, twelve.[pg 770]Eternal LifeIllustration.The Morning Of Christ's Resurrection. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.1. What precious promise has God made to His children?“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, eveneternal life.”1 John 2:25.2. How may we obtain eternal life?“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16.3. Who has everlasting life?“He that believeth on the Sonhath everlasting life.”Verse 36.4. Where is this everlasting or eternal life?“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.5. What therefore follows?“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”Verse 12.6. What does Christ give His followers?“I give unto themeternal life; and they shall never perish.”John 10:28.[pg 771]7. Why, after the fall, was man shut away from the tree of life?“Lest he put forth his hand, andtake also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”Gen. 3:22.8. What has Christ promised the overcomer?“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.9. To what is the life of the redeemed compared?“Foras the days of a treeare the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”Isa. 65:22.10. When will immortality be conferred upon the saints?“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”1 Cor. 15:51-53.Note.—In accepting Christ the believer receives“that eternal life, which was with the Father,”and this eternal life he retains as long as Christ dwells in the heart by faith. This wondrous gift may be lost by failure to maintain the faith which holds Christ fast. At the resurrection, immortality is conferred upon those who have fallen asleep in Christ, and thus the possession of eternal life becomes a permanent experience.Toil on a little longer here,For thy reward awaits above,Nor droop in sadness or in fearBeneath the rod that's sent in love;The deeper wound our spirits feel,The sweeter heaven's balm to heal.Faith lifts the veil before our eyes,And bids us view a happier clime,Where verdant fields in beauty rise,Beyond the withering blasts of time;And brings the blissful moment near,When we in glory shall appear.Then let us hope; 'tis not in vain;Though moistened by our grief the soil,The harvest brings us joy for pain,The rest repays the weary toil;For they shall reap, who sow in tears,Rich gladness through eternal years.Annie R. Smith.[pg 772]

Illustration.The Transfiguration. "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom." Matt. 16:28.

The Transfiguration. "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom." Matt. 16:28.

The Kingdom Of GloryIllustration.The Triumphal Entry. "Behold, thy King cometh." Zech. 9:9.1. Who is to reign finally over God's kingdom?“And Thou, O tower of the flock [Christ], ... unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.”Micah 4:8.2. When asked if He was a king, what did Christ say?“To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.”John 18:37.3. In His transfiguration how did Christ appear?“His face didshine as the sun, and His raiment waswhite as the light.”Matt. 17:2.4. Who else appeared on this occasion?“There appeared unto themMosesandElias.”Verse 3.Note.—In this miniature representation of Christ's kingdom, as in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-9), Christ appeared as King; Moses (Jude 9) represented the sleeping saints to be raised at Christ's coming; and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) the living saints to be translated then.5. For what purpose will Christ come again?“To be glorified in His saints.”2 Thess. 1:10.6. Of what will the saints speak?“They shall speakof the glory of Thy kingdom.”Ps. 145:11.7. How enduring is this kingdom to be?“Thy kingdom isan everlasting kingdom.”Verse 13.

Illustration.The Triumphal Entry. "Behold, thy King cometh." Zech. 9:9.

The Triumphal Entry. "Behold, thy King cometh." Zech. 9:9.

1. Who is to reign finally over God's kingdom?

“And Thou, O tower of the flock [Christ], ... unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion.”Micah 4:8.

2. When asked if He was a king, what did Christ say?

“To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.”John 18:37.

3. In His transfiguration how did Christ appear?

“His face didshine as the sun, and His raiment waswhite as the light.”Matt. 17:2.

4. Who else appeared on this occasion?

“There appeared unto themMosesandElias.”Verse 3.

Note.—In this miniature representation of Christ's kingdom, as in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-9), Christ appeared as King; Moses (Jude 9) represented the sleeping saints to be raised at Christ's coming; and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) the living saints to be translated then.

5. For what purpose will Christ come again?

“To be glorified in His saints.”2 Thess. 1:10.

6. Of what will the saints speak?

“They shall speakof the glory of Thy kingdom.”Ps. 145:11.

7. How enduring is this kingdom to be?

“Thy kingdom isan everlasting kingdom.”Verse 13.

The Saints' InheritanceIllustration.Return Of The Spies. "The land ... floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Num. 13:27.1. How great reward has God promised those that love Him?“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”1 Cor. 2:9.2. By what have these things been revealed to us?“But God hath revealed them unto usby His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”Verse 10.3. What reward awaits the true child of God?“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the endeverlasting life.”Rom. 6:22.4. What will he reap who sows to the Spirit?“He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reaplife everlasting.”Gal. 6:8.5. For what purpose did God give His Son to the world?“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten[pg 762]Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life.”John 3:16.Illustration.Moses On Mt. Nebo Viewing The Promised Land. "And the Lord showed him all the land, ... unto the uttermost sea." Deut. 34:1, 2.6. What is to be the reward of those whose works are good?“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ...glory,honor, andpeace, to every man that worketh good.”Rom. 2:6-10.7. What will he receive who endures temptation?“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receivethe crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”James 1:12.8. What promise is made to them that walk uprightly?“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory:no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”Ps. 84:11.9. What are the meek to inherit?“But the meek shall inheritthe earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”Ps. 37:11.10. What is promised to the willing and obedient?“If ye be willing and obedient,ye shall eat the good of the land.”Isa. 1:19.11. What delights and pleasures await the child of God?“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence isfulness of joy; at Thy right hand there arepleasures forevermore.”Ps. 16:11.I will sing you a song of that beautiful land,The far-away home of the soul,Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,While the years of eternity roll.O, that home of the soul! in my visions and dreamsIts bright jasper walls I can see,Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenesBetween the fair city and me.That unchangeable home is for you and for me,Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;The King of all kingdoms forever is He,And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.O, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,So free from all sorrow and pain;With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,To meet one another again!Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.

Illustration.Return Of The Spies. "The land ... floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Num. 13:27.

Return Of The Spies. "The land ... floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." Num. 13:27.

1. How great reward has God promised those that love Him?

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”1 Cor. 2:9.

2. By what have these things been revealed to us?

“But God hath revealed them unto usby His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”Verse 10.

3. What reward awaits the true child of God?

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the endeverlasting life.”Rom. 6:22.

4. What will he reap who sows to the Spirit?

“He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reaplife everlasting.”Gal. 6:8.

5. For what purpose did God give His Son to the world?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten[pg 762]Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but haveeverlasting life.”John 3:16.

Illustration.Moses On Mt. Nebo Viewing The Promised Land. "And the Lord showed him all the land, ... unto the uttermost sea." Deut. 34:1, 2.

Moses On Mt. Nebo Viewing The Promised Land. "And the Lord showed him all the land, ... unto the uttermost sea." Deut. 34:1, 2.

6. What is to be the reward of those whose works are good?

“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: ...glory,honor, andpeace, to every man that worketh good.”Rom. 2:6-10.

7. What will he receive who endures temptation?

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receivethe crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.”James 1:12.

8. What promise is made to them that walk uprightly?

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory:no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”Ps. 84:11.

9. What are the meek to inherit?

“But the meek shall inheritthe earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”Ps. 37:11.

10. What is promised to the willing and obedient?

“If ye be willing and obedient,ye shall eat the good of the land.”Isa. 1:19.

11. What delights and pleasures await the child of God?

“Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence isfulness of joy; at Thy right hand there arepleasures forevermore.”Ps. 16:11.

I will sing you a song of that beautiful land,The far-away home of the soul,Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,While the years of eternity roll.O, that home of the soul! in my visions and dreamsIts bright jasper walls I can see,Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenesBetween the fair city and me.That unchangeable home is for you and for me,Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;The King of all kingdoms forever is He,And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.O, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,So free from all sorrow and pain;With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,To meet one another again!Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.

I will sing you a song of that beautiful land,The far-away home of the soul,Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,While the years of eternity roll.

I will sing you a song of that beautiful land,

The far-away home of the soul,

Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,

While the years of eternity roll.

O, that home of the soul! in my visions and dreamsIts bright jasper walls I can see,Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenesBetween the fair city and me.

O, that home of the soul! in my visions and dreams

Its bright jasper walls I can see,

Till I fancy but thinly the veil intervenes

Between the fair city and me.

That unchangeable home is for you and for me,Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;The King of all kingdoms forever is He,And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.

That unchangeable home is for you and for me,

Where Jesus of Nazareth stands;

The King of all kingdoms forever is He,

And He holdeth our crowns in His hands.

O, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,So free from all sorrow and pain;With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,To meet one another again!Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.

O, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,

So free from all sorrow and pain;

With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands,

To meet one another again!

Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.

Promises To The OvercomerIllustration.Israel Crossing The Jordan. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Rev. 21:7.1. What are we admonished to overcome?“Be not overcome of evil, butovercome evilwith good.”Rom. 12:21.Note.—In John 5:4 that which we are to overcome is called“the world;”and in 1 John 2:15-17 the things of which“the world”consists are described as“the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.”2. What only can overcome the world?“Forwhatsoever is born of Godovercometh the world.”1 John 5:4.3. What gives us the victory in our conflict with the world?“And this is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”Same verse.4. What promises are made by Christ to the overcomer?(a)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.(b)“He that overcomethshall not be hurt of the second death.”Verse 11.(c)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”Verse 17.[pg 764](d)“He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I givepower over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give himthe morning star.”Verses 26-28.(e)“He that overcometh, the same shall beclothed in white raiment; andI will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I willconfess his name before My Father, and before His angels.”Rev. 3:5.(f)“Him that overcometh will Imake a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and Iwill write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon himMy new name.”Verse 12.(g)“To him that overcometh will I grantto sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”Verse 21.5. In what one promise are all these promises summed up?“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”Rev. 21:7.Note.—Here are the exceeding great and precious promises to the overcomer, eight in number. They embrace everything,—eternal life, health, happiness, and an everlasting home. What more could be asked?In heaven there will be no parting, no pain to bear;No care-worn brow, no sigh, no silvery hair;No death to snatch our loved ones from our side,No angry waves, no sea, no treacherous tide.In heaven there'll be no thirst, no cry for bread;No soul who knows not where to lay his head;No one to feel the winter's chilling blast,For there the piercing storms will all be past.In heaven there'll be no toil without repay;No building for a brief, ephemeral day;For all the joys that prophets old have told'Twill take the endless ages to unfold.In heaven there'll be no weary pilgrim band;No seekers for a better, fairer land;For all who reach that blissful, happy shore,Will never cry nor sigh, nor wish for more.

Illustration.Israel Crossing The Jordan. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Rev. 21:7.

Israel Crossing The Jordan. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things." Rev. 21:7.

1. What are we admonished to overcome?

“Be not overcome of evil, butovercome evilwith good.”Rom. 12:21.

Note.—In John 5:4 that which we are to overcome is called“the world;”and in 1 John 2:15-17 the things of which“the world”consists are described as“the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.”

2. What only can overcome the world?

“Forwhatsoever is born of Godovercometh the world.”1 John 5:4.

3. What gives us the victory in our conflict with the world?

“And this is the victory that overcometh the world,even our faith.”Same verse.

4. What promises are made by Christ to the overcomer?

(a)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.

(b)“He that overcomethshall not be hurt of the second death.”Verse 11.

(c)“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”Verse 17.

(d)“He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I givepower over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. And I will give himthe morning star.”Verses 26-28.

(e)“He that overcometh, the same shall beclothed in white raiment; andI will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I willconfess his name before My Father, and before His angels.”Rev. 3:5.

(f)“Him that overcometh will Imake a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and Iwill write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon himMy new name.”Verse 12.

(g)“To him that overcometh will I grantto sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”Verse 21.

5. In what one promise are all these promises summed up?

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.”Rev. 21:7.

Note.—Here are the exceeding great and precious promises to the overcomer, eight in number. They embrace everything,—eternal life, health, happiness, and an everlasting home. What more could be asked?

In heaven there will be no parting, no pain to bear;No care-worn brow, no sigh, no silvery hair;No death to snatch our loved ones from our side,No angry waves, no sea, no treacherous tide.In heaven there'll be no thirst, no cry for bread;No soul who knows not where to lay his head;No one to feel the winter's chilling blast,For there the piercing storms will all be past.In heaven there'll be no toil without repay;No building for a brief, ephemeral day;For all the joys that prophets old have told'Twill take the endless ages to unfold.In heaven there'll be no weary pilgrim band;No seekers for a better, fairer land;For all who reach that blissful, happy shore,Will never cry nor sigh, nor wish for more.

In heaven there will be no parting, no pain to bear;No care-worn brow, no sigh, no silvery hair;No death to snatch our loved ones from our side,No angry waves, no sea, no treacherous tide.

In heaven there will be no parting, no pain to bear;

No care-worn brow, no sigh, no silvery hair;

No death to snatch our loved ones from our side,

No angry waves, no sea, no treacherous tide.

In heaven there'll be no thirst, no cry for bread;No soul who knows not where to lay his head;No one to feel the winter's chilling blast,For there the piercing storms will all be past.

In heaven there'll be no thirst, no cry for bread;

No soul who knows not where to lay his head;

No one to feel the winter's chilling blast,

For there the piercing storms will all be past.

In heaven there'll be no toil without repay;No building for a brief, ephemeral day;For all the joys that prophets old have told'Twill take the endless ages to unfold.

In heaven there'll be no toil without repay;

No building for a brief, ephemeral day;

For all the joys that prophets old have told

'Twill take the endless ages to unfold.

In heaven there'll be no weary pilgrim band;No seekers for a better, fairer land;For all who reach that blissful, happy shore,Will never cry nor sigh, nor wish for more.

In heaven there'll be no weary pilgrim band;

No seekers for a better, fairer land;

For all who reach that blissful, happy shore,

Will never cry nor sigh, nor wish for more.

The Subjects Of The KingdomIllustration.The Final Rewards. "And He shall separate them ... as a shepherd divideth his sheep from his goats." Matt. 25:32.1. Upon whom was the name Israel first bestowed?“And he said, Thy name shall be called no moreJacob, butIsrael: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”Gen. 32:28.Note.—Israel means a“prince,”or“one who prevails with God.”2. Afterward who came to be called by this title?“Now these are the names ofthe children of Israel, which came into Egypt; ... Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.... Joseph.”Ex. 1:1-5.Note.—In other words, the descendants of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, were known as the twelve tribes of Israel.3. What special blessings were conferred on the Israelites?“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth theadoption, and theglory, and thecovenants, and thegiving of the law, and theservice of God, and thepromises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the fleshChrist came, who is over all.”Rom. 9:4, 5.4. Who constitute the true Israel, or seed of Abraham?“They are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but,[pg 766]in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: butthe children of the promise are counted for the seed.”Verses 6-8.5. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism?“And think not to say within yourselves. We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, thatGod is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”Matt. 3:9.6. What determines whether one is a child of Abraham?“Know ye therefore thatthey which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”Gal. 3:7.Note.—Because of unbelief many of the Israelites fell in the wilderness, and were not permitted to enter the promised land. Num. 14:27-33; Deut. 1:34-36.7. To whom must one belong in order to be Abraham's seed?“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”Verse 29.8. In what scripture are Christians recognized as Israel?“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and uponthe Israel of God.”Gal. 6:16.9. To whom is the epistle of James addressed?“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christto the twelve tribeswhich are scattered abroad, greeting.”James 1:1.10. To whom is the gospel the power of God unto salvation?“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”Rom. 1:16.11. To whom did Jesus first send the twelve disciples?“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather tothe lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 10:5, 6.12. When the woman of Canaan came to Christ, beseeching Him to heal her daughter, what did He say?“But He answered and said,I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 15:24.13. When she persisted in her request, and fell down to worship Him, what did He say?[pg 767]Illustration.Coming In Glory. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5.[pg 768]“But He answered and said,It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.”Verse 26.Note.—By her persistent faith, this woman, although a Canaanite, showed that she was really a true child of Abraham.14. While dining with Zaccheus, what did Christ say?“This day is salvation come to this house,forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”Luke 19:9.15. What did He say to the woman of Samaria as to the source of salvation?“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: forsalvation is of the Jews.”John 4:22.16. When the Jews rejected Paul's preaching of the gospel, what did he and Barnabas say?“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”Acts 13:46.Note.—From all this it is plain that had not the Jews as a nation rejected Christ, they would still have maintained the preeminence as the children of God, and as God's light-bearers to the world. But on account of this rejection, they were rejected as God's peculiar people, and others took their place, and now bear the name ofIsraelin common with those who were first called by that name.17. Under what figure are the Gentile believers represented who have become a part of the true Israel of God?“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, beinga wild olive-tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree; boast not against the branches.”Rom. 11:17, 18.18. Lest the Gentile grafts should boast, saying that the Jews were broken off to let them come in, what warning is given them?“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches,take heed lest He also spare not thee.”Verses 20, 21.19. What encouragement is held out concerning the branches which have been broken off?“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief,shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”Verse 23.[pg 769]20. What will be the final result of the gospel?“And soall Israel shall be saved.”Verse 26.21. Before Gentiles become Israelites, in what condition are they?“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles, ... at that time ye werewithout Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.Note.—If, in order to be saved, Gentiles must become Israelites as is everywhere asserted, then when converted from their Gentile ways to the ways of Israel, they certainly must have faith in Christ, and their lives must conform to the moral law which God gave to Israel, otherwise it would not be the commonwealth of Israel, but of the Gentiles. The writing of the law in the heart is one of the provisions of the new covenant with true Israel. See Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-12.22. How are God's remnant people described?“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they thatkeep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.23. Whose names are in the foundations of the holy city?“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in themthe names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”Rev. 21:14.24. Whose names are on the twelve gates of the city?“And [the wall] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which arethe names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”Verse 12.25. Who will walk in the light of the city?“Andthe nations of them which are savedshall walk in the light of it: andthe kings of the earthdo bring their glory and honor into it.”Verse 24.Note.—This city, the New Jerusalem, will be for all the nations of the saved; and yet all who enter therein will enter through gates on which are written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, from which it is evident that all who are saved will belong to Israel. The name Israel will be perpetuated in the new earth state, and very appropriately so, because of its meaning. All who share in that future home of the saved will be overcomers—princes and prevailers with God. See Rev. 3:12; 21:7. Christ recognized this division of the saved into twelve nations, in selecting His apostles. He chose twelve. He recognized it again when to the twelve He said:“Ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upontwelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”Matt. 19:28. And the apostles, after Christ's resurrection and ascension, themselves recognized it, when, to fill the place of Judas, who fell, they appointed another, in order to preserve the proper number, twelve.

Illustration.The Final Rewards. "And He shall separate them ... as a shepherd divideth his sheep from his goats." Matt. 25:32.

The Final Rewards. "And He shall separate them ... as a shepherd divideth his sheep from his goats." Matt. 25:32.

1. Upon whom was the name Israel first bestowed?

“And he said, Thy name shall be called no moreJacob, butIsrael: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”Gen. 32:28.

Note.—Israel means a“prince,”or“one who prevails with God.”

2. Afterward who came to be called by this title?

“Now these are the names ofthe children of Israel, which came into Egypt; ... Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.... Joseph.”Ex. 1:1-5.

Note.—In other words, the descendants of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, were known as the twelve tribes of Israel.

3. What special blessings were conferred on the Israelites?

“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth theadoption, and theglory, and thecovenants, and thegiving of the law, and theservice of God, and thepromises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the fleshChrist came, who is over all.”Rom. 9:4, 5.

4. Who constitute the true Israel, or seed of Abraham?

“They are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but,[pg 766]in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: butthe children of the promise are counted for the seed.”Verses 6-8.

5. What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism?

“And think not to say within yourselves. We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, thatGod is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”Matt. 3:9.

6. What determines whether one is a child of Abraham?

“Know ye therefore thatthey which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”Gal. 3:7.

Note.—Because of unbelief many of the Israelites fell in the wilderness, and were not permitted to enter the promised land. Num. 14:27-33; Deut. 1:34-36.

7. To whom must one belong in order to be Abraham's seed?

“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”Verse 29.

8. In what scripture are Christians recognized as Israel?

“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and uponthe Israel of God.”Gal. 6:16.

9. To whom is the epistle of James addressed?

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christto the twelve tribeswhich are scattered abroad, greeting.”James 1:1.

10. To whom is the gospel the power of God unto salvation?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvationto every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”Rom. 1:16.

11. To whom did Jesus first send the twelve disciples?

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather tothe lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 10:5, 6.

12. When the woman of Canaan came to Christ, beseeching Him to heal her daughter, what did He say?

“But He answered and said,I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”Matt. 15:24.

13. When she persisted in her request, and fell down to worship Him, what did He say?

Illustration.Coming In Glory. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5.

Coming In Glory. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5.

“But He answered and said,It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.”Verse 26.

Note.—By her persistent faith, this woman, although a Canaanite, showed that she was really a true child of Abraham.

14. While dining with Zaccheus, what did Christ say?

“This day is salvation come to this house,forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”Luke 19:9.

15. What did He say to the woman of Samaria as to the source of salvation?

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: forsalvation is of the Jews.”John 4:22.

16. When the Jews rejected Paul's preaching of the gospel, what did he and Barnabas say?

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life,lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”Acts 13:46.

Note.—From all this it is plain that had not the Jews as a nation rejected Christ, they would still have maintained the preeminence as the children of God, and as God's light-bearers to the world. But on account of this rejection, they were rejected as God's peculiar people, and others took their place, and now bear the name ofIsraelin common with those who were first called by that name.

17. Under what figure are the Gentile believers represented who have become a part of the true Israel of God?

“And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, beinga wild olive-tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive-tree; boast not against the branches.”Rom. 11:17, 18.

18. Lest the Gentile grafts should boast, saying that the Jews were broken off to let them come in, what warning is given them?

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches,take heed lest He also spare not thee.”Verses 20, 21.

19. What encouragement is held out concerning the branches which have been broken off?

“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief,shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”Verse 23.

20. What will be the final result of the gospel?

“And soall Israel shall be saved.”Verse 26.

21. Before Gentiles become Israelites, in what condition are they?

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles, ... at that time ye werewithout Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”Eph. 2:11, 12.

Note.—If, in order to be saved, Gentiles must become Israelites as is everywhere asserted, then when converted from their Gentile ways to the ways of Israel, they certainly must have faith in Christ, and their lives must conform to the moral law which God gave to Israel, otherwise it would not be the commonwealth of Israel, but of the Gentiles. The writing of the law in the heart is one of the provisions of the new covenant with true Israel. See Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-12.

22. How are God's remnant people described?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they thatkeep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”Rev. 14:12.

23. Whose names are in the foundations of the holy city?

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in themthe names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”Rev. 21:14.

24. Whose names are on the twelve gates of the city?

“And [the wall] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which arethe names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.”Verse 12.

25. Who will walk in the light of the city?

“Andthe nations of them which are savedshall walk in the light of it: andthe kings of the earthdo bring their glory and honor into it.”Verse 24.

Note.—This city, the New Jerusalem, will be for all the nations of the saved; and yet all who enter therein will enter through gates on which are written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, from which it is evident that all who are saved will belong to Israel. The name Israel will be perpetuated in the new earth state, and very appropriately so, because of its meaning. All who share in that future home of the saved will be overcomers—princes and prevailers with God. See Rev. 3:12; 21:7. Christ recognized this division of the saved into twelve nations, in selecting His apostles. He chose twelve. He recognized it again when to the twelve He said:“Ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upontwelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”Matt. 19:28. And the apostles, after Christ's resurrection and ascension, themselves recognized it, when, to fill the place of Judas, who fell, they appointed another, in order to preserve the proper number, twelve.

Eternal LifeIllustration.The Morning Of Christ's Resurrection. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.1. What precious promise has God made to His children?“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, eveneternal life.”1 John 2:25.2. How may we obtain eternal life?“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16.3. Who has everlasting life?“He that believeth on the Sonhath everlasting life.”Verse 36.4. Where is this everlasting or eternal life?“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.5. What therefore follows?“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”Verse 12.6. What does Christ give His followers?“I give unto themeternal life; and they shall never perish.”John 10:28.[pg 771]7. Why, after the fall, was man shut away from the tree of life?“Lest he put forth his hand, andtake also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”Gen. 3:22.8. What has Christ promised the overcomer?“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.9. To what is the life of the redeemed compared?“Foras the days of a treeare the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”Isa. 65:22.10. When will immortality be conferred upon the saints?“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”1 Cor. 15:51-53.Note.—In accepting Christ the believer receives“that eternal life, which was with the Father,”and this eternal life he retains as long as Christ dwells in the heart by faith. This wondrous gift may be lost by failure to maintain the faith which holds Christ fast. At the resurrection, immortality is conferred upon those who have fallen asleep in Christ, and thus the possession of eternal life becomes a permanent experience.Toil on a little longer here,For thy reward awaits above,Nor droop in sadness or in fearBeneath the rod that's sent in love;The deeper wound our spirits feel,The sweeter heaven's balm to heal.Faith lifts the veil before our eyes,And bids us view a happier clime,Where verdant fields in beauty rise,Beyond the withering blasts of time;And brings the blissful moment near,When we in glory shall appear.Then let us hope; 'tis not in vain;Though moistened by our grief the soil,The harvest brings us joy for pain,The rest repays the weary toil;For they shall reap, who sow in tears,Rich gladness through eternal years.Annie R. Smith.

Illustration.The Morning Of Christ's Resurrection. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.

The Morning Of Christ's Resurrection. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36.

1. What precious promise has God made to His children?

“And this is the promise that He hath promised us, eveneternal life.”1 John 2:25.

2. How may we obtain eternal life?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”John 3:16.

3. Who has everlasting life?

“He that believeth on the Sonhath everlasting life.”Verse 36.

4. Where is this everlasting or eternal life?

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, andthis life is in His Son.”1 John 5:11.

5. What therefore follows?

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”Verse 12.

6. What does Christ give His followers?

“I give unto themeternal life; and they shall never perish.”John 10:28.

7. Why, after the fall, was man shut away from the tree of life?

“Lest he put forth his hand, andtake also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.”Gen. 3:22.

8. What has Christ promised the overcomer?

“To him that overcometh will I giveto eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”Rev. 2:7.

9. To what is the life of the redeemed compared?

“Foras the days of a treeare the days of My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”Isa. 65:22.

10. When will immortality be conferred upon the saints?

“We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”1 Cor. 15:51-53.

Note.—In accepting Christ the believer receives“that eternal life, which was with the Father,”and this eternal life he retains as long as Christ dwells in the heart by faith. This wondrous gift may be lost by failure to maintain the faith which holds Christ fast. At the resurrection, immortality is conferred upon those who have fallen asleep in Christ, and thus the possession of eternal life becomes a permanent experience.

Toil on a little longer here,For thy reward awaits above,Nor droop in sadness or in fearBeneath the rod that's sent in love;The deeper wound our spirits feel,The sweeter heaven's balm to heal.Faith lifts the veil before our eyes,And bids us view a happier clime,Where verdant fields in beauty rise,Beyond the withering blasts of time;And brings the blissful moment near,When we in glory shall appear.Then let us hope; 'tis not in vain;Though moistened by our grief the soil,The harvest brings us joy for pain,The rest repays the weary toil;For they shall reap, who sow in tears,Rich gladness through eternal years.Annie R. Smith.

Toil on a little longer here,For thy reward awaits above,Nor droop in sadness or in fearBeneath the rod that's sent in love;The deeper wound our spirits feel,The sweeter heaven's balm to heal.

Toil on a little longer here,

For thy reward awaits above,

Nor droop in sadness or in fear

Beneath the rod that's sent in love;

The deeper wound our spirits feel,

The sweeter heaven's balm to heal.

Faith lifts the veil before our eyes,And bids us view a happier clime,Where verdant fields in beauty rise,Beyond the withering blasts of time;And brings the blissful moment near,When we in glory shall appear.

Faith lifts the veil before our eyes,

And bids us view a happier clime,

Where verdant fields in beauty rise,

Beyond the withering blasts of time;

And brings the blissful moment near,

When we in glory shall appear.

Then let us hope; 'tis not in vain;Though moistened by our grief the soil,The harvest brings us joy for pain,The rest repays the weary toil;For they shall reap, who sow in tears,Rich gladness through eternal years.Annie R. Smith.

Then let us hope; 'tis not in vain;

Though moistened by our grief the soil,

The harvest brings us joy for pain,

The rest repays the weary toil;

For they shall reap, who sow in tears,

Rich gladness through eternal years.

Annie R. Smith.

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