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therefore in no wise dependent upon external circumstances. The reception of the gospel
in its saving power, though accompanied by afflictions without, was accompanied by joy
within, a joy that no man takes away.
In like manner, the Hebrew saints: "took joyfully the spoiling of their goods"
(Heb.10:34). Unless there be some compensating element, no person takes joyfully the
spoiling of his goods, and these Hebrew believers were not abnormal; they no more liked
to see their poverty ruined than we should, but their joy was an anticipation of future
glory:
"Knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance (Heb.10:34).
This is the spirit of the Lord Himself:
"Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb.12:2).
Thus all present joy is an anticipation of those pleasures which are for evermore at
God's right hand. To live looking for that blessed hope will minister to our joy even
though goods are spoiled and afflictions suffered.
100: H. WELCH
Helpers of your Joy
A great cause of rejoicing.
If we were asked what constituted our greatest joy, what should we answer? Our
individual answers would probably reveal our spiritual apprehension. One very old saint
has left on record what constituted his greatest joy, and we may profit by considering it:
"I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou
walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 3,4).
Here is a ground of rejoicing, far removed from personal feelings or motives, that we
should do well to know. In his first epistle, it will be remembered this same Apostle had
much to say concerning those who say and those who walk (1 John 1:6-10) Further he
wrote:
"He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in
him" (1 John 2:4).
" He that saith he abideth in Him ought to himself also so to walk, even as He walked"
(1 John 2:6).
John sums up his teaching in the words of 1 John 3:18: