Bible Truths Illustrated by J. C. Ferdinand Pittman

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BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED
when they come forth from their graves, and when, from
mountain and valley, and from the dark waves of the sea, they
lift up their blanched faces to their Judge. Of all the myriads
who will stand before Him, there will not be one who will have
a word to say—they will be "speechless." H. W, Beecher.
275. A man of color who had received the gospel became
a preacher amongst his brethren. He was addressed on one
occasion by his master in these words : "And so I hear that
you have become a preacher, Sam, and that you believe in
election?" "Well, yas, sah, I believe dat truth is clearly revealed
in the word of God." "And I suppose, Sam, that you think that
you are one of the elect," rejoined the master. "Well, sah, I'se
prepared to say dat I gib all diligence to make my calling and
election sure, dat is true." "But I suppose you don't think I am
one of the elect," said Sam's master. The sable preacher gave
an answer which is well worth quoting. Sam knew his master
was given to the pursuit of pleasure, money, and the service of
sin. Very quietly he replied : "Well, massa, I am not sure about
dat; dis I know—I never knew of an election where dar was
no candidate." Henry Varley.
ETERNAL LIFE
276. There appears to have always existed a universal feeling
that life does not end all. Apart from thoughts of nature's
resurrection from its winter grave, the wondrous transformations
of insect life, and many other striking analogies, there is
amongst all people a natural craving for, and expectation of, a
future life. There is with all an instinctive feeling that this
life is not enough ; a sense of incompleteness ; a longing for a
second, and a higher and larger life.
Right-thinking men believe
that God has not created such hopes to blight them : they feel
confident that to continue life is as easy to God as to create
life ; they desire to look behind the veil, to know what is the
real goal of life, and what is yet to be.
The Bible leaves not man in doubt. It tells of the Lord
Jesus, "who abolished death, and brought life and incorruption
to light through the gospel" (2 Tim. 1:10). It clearly teaches
that life will not remain as it is now; that it is probationary, a
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