Those Who Have Gone Before
Those who have gone before us are not in a state of lethargy or vacancy, but are rather nearer to the perfect love and may guide us towards a holier and ampler freedom.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the continued service and presence of those who have passed before us, emphasizing that they are not in a state of inactivity but are actively serving God day and night in His temple. She highlights the closeness of the departed to perfect love and the guidance they can provide towards a holier life, free from the limitations of time. Tileston reminds the congregation that those who have gone before are still engaged in God's work, transitioning from earthly duties to heavenly responsibilities.
Text
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
REVELATION 7:15
So many worlds, so much to do,
So little done, such things to be,
How know I what had need of thee,
For thou wert strong as thou wert true?
ALFRED TENNYSON
THEY who have gone before have not therefore passed into a condition of lethargy or vacancy. They may be nearer to us, as they are nearer to the perfect love. They may guide us towards a holier and ampler freedom, since they suffer no more the limitations of time. The veil is rent. There is with us the presence of the unseen host.
ELISHA MULFORD
The work of God hath not lost them, if we take it in its most capacious, comprehensive acceptation. God hath a will to be done not in earth only, but also in heaven; they are not dismissed from the King's business who are called from the camp to the Court, from being common soldiers to be Privy Councillors.
ABRAHAM CHEARE
Sermon Outline
- The Presence of the Unseen Host
- The Work of God Continues
- Guidance and Freedom
- They may guide us towards a holier and ampler freedom
- They suffer no more the limitations of time
Key Quotes
“They who have gone before have not therefore passed into a condition of lethargy or vacancy.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The veil is rent. There is with us the presence of the unseen host.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“God hath a will to be done not in earth only, but also in heaven; they are not dismissed from the King's business who are called from the camp to the Court, from being common soldiers to be Privy Councillors.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- We can find comfort in knowing that those who have gone before us are still with us in spirit and may guide us towards a holier and ampler freedom.
- The work of God continues even after we pass away, and those who have gone before are not dismissed from the King's business.
- We can trust that God's will is to be done not only in earth but also in heaven, and that those who have gone before are part of that will.