The Lord reigneth.
On this truth we observe—
I. IT WAS THE FAITH OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE. The Law, the Prophets, the Psalms—these especially—the Gospels, the Epistles, and the Revelation, all alike declare this faith, and in varied form utter their "Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
II. THIS FAITH IS COMMENDED TO US BY ITS NEVER-FAILING FRUITFULNESS IS ALL MANNER OF GOOD. Some beliefs which men have long and largely held have died away, and men have willingly let them die; but this faith is too blessed that we should lightly let it perish. It imparts peace to the mind amid all the vicissitudes of life; vigour to the will, strengthening it for strenuous action; and power for the help and comfort of our fellow men.
III. IT IS, NEVERTHELESS, GREATLY DOUBTED AND DENIED.
1. In some because of the sad and insoluble problems of this present life. Life seems to them an inextricable tangle, not worth living, all vanity and vexation of spirit.
2. In others, the teachings of science seem not only to remove God so far away, but throw doubt on his existence altogether.
3. In others, the increased sensitiveness to human suffering has caused the mind to recoil from doctrines and beliefs which were unquestioningly held by our forefathers, and the sight of the mass of unrelieved misery which crushes beneath its awful weight the multitudes of mankind in all ages and lands has begotten the dark doubt in minds not a few, whether there be an omnipotent and beneficent God at all. Perhaps men's doubts of this faith were never more widespread than they are now.
IV. BUT ITS EVIDENCES, NOTWITHSTANDING, ARE EVERYWHERE.
1. In the natural world, the power, wisdom, and beneficence of the Creator are, in spite of many mysteries, clearly to be seen (see Drummond's 'Ascent of Man').
2. In the order of God's providence, when men will obey its laws.
3. In the history of the Church.
4. In the experience of the individual believing soul.
V. AND THIS FAITH MAY BE ATTAINED TO BY WHOSOEVER WILL, The path is—obedience. "He that doeth my will shall know of the doctrine," etc. Refuse to cherish doubt. "I will trust, and not be afraid."—S.C.