How everything in this world wears the appearance of a house the master of which is away, far, far away; as good as dead. Every one doeth that which is right in his own eyes, and goeth about as though he had himself inherited all authority. A few, indeed, proclaim in this chamber and in that, the remembered will of the master, and endeavor to turn back the tide of rebellion and of ungodliness. But the others listen not. They say, " Our Lord delayeth his coming, and there is not the slightest likelihood that he will come in our days. He hath stationed no guard to interfere with us; we have liberty; let us avail ourselves of it." Carried away by the force of their example, some from whom you would have expected more fidelity, give over watching. But there is a little band who keep watching, watching on, amid all the confusion and iniquity around them. To a reflecting observer, it is quite amazing to see how they go about all their appointed occupations, just as though the Lord were there, looking on; not sparing themselves, not seeking their own, putting up with insults and injuries, multiplying their labors; introducing improvements into their way of doing things, increasing in skill, in patience, in success, as months and years roll on. What is the secret spring of their conduct? It is twofold. By faith they know that their Lord sees them, even now, and is acquainted with all their ways; and they know also that he cometh, none can say how soon, to take unto him his great power and reign.
A daily devotional written by a Baptist Missionary to India, Reverend George Bowen (1816-1888) over 150 years ago.
George H. Bowen (30 April 1816 at Middlebury, Vermont – 5 February 1888 at Bombay, India) was an American missionary, newspaper man, linguist, and translator in India. He was known as "The White Saint of India" for his resemblance in manner and dress to the Hindu holy men.
How everything in this world wears the appearance of a house the master of which is away, far, far away; as good as dead. Every one doeth that which is right in his own eyes, and goeth about as though he had himself inherited all authority. A few, indeed, proclaim in this chamber and in that, the remembered will of the master, and endeavor to turn back the tide of rebellion and of ungodliness. But the others listen not. They say, " Our Lord delayeth his coming, and there is not the slightest likelihood that he will come in our days. He hath stationed no guard to interfere with us; we have liberty; let us avail ourselves of it." Carried away by the force of their example, some from whom you would have expected more fidelity, give over watching. But there is a little band who keep watching, watching on, amid all the confusion and iniquity around them. To a reflecting observer, it is quite amazing to see how they go about all their appointed occupations, just as though the Lord were there, looking on; not sparing themselves, not seeking their own, putting up with insults and injuries, multiplying their labors; introducing improvements into their way of doing things, increasing in skill, in patience, in success, as months and years roll on. What is the secret spring of their conduct? It is twofold. By faith they know that their Lord sees them, even now, and is acquainted with all their ways; and they know also that he cometh, none can say how soon, to take unto him his great power and reign.