"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?"acts1v10
What the disciples did we are very apt to imitate. " oh," say you, " I shall never stand gazing up into heaven." I am not sure of that. Some christians are very curious, but not obedient. Plain precepts are neglected, but difficult problems they seek to solve. I remember one who used always to be dwelling upon the seven vials and seals and trumpets. He was great at apocalyptical symbols, but he had seven children, and he had no family prayer. If he had left the vials and trumpets and minded his girls and boys, it would have been a deal better. I have known men marvellously great upon Daniel, and specially instructed in Ezekiel, but singularly forgetful of the 20th chapter of exodus, and not very clear upon romans chapter 8. I do not speak with any blame of such folk for studying Daniel and Ezekiel, but quite the reverse, yet I wish they had been more zealous for the conversion of sinners in their neighbourhoods, and more careful to assist the poor saints. I admit the value of the study of the feet of the image in Nebuchadnezzar's vision, and the importance of knowing the kingdoms which make up the ten toes, but I do not see the propriety of allowing such studies to overlay the common-places of practical godliness. If the time spent over obscure theological propositions were given to a mission in the dim alley near the good man's house, more benefit would come to men and more glory to God. I would have you understand all mysteries, if you could, but do not forget that our chief business here below is to cry " behold The Lamb!" By all manner of means read and search till you know all that The Lord has revealed concerning things to come, but first of all, see to it that your children are brought to Christ, and that you are workers together with God in the upbuilding of His church. The dense mass of misery and ignorance and sin which is round about us on every side demands all our powers, and if you do not respond to the call, though I am not a man in white apparel, I shall venture to say to you, " ye men of christendom, why stand ye gazing up into the mysteries when so much is to be done for Jesus, and you are leaving it undone?" O ye who are curious but not obedient, I fear I speak to you in vain, but I have spoken. May The Holy Spirit also speak.
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