Article January 25, 1919 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from W. Douglas Mackenzie, Herbert D. Sterling

[W. Douglas Mackenzie, D.D., LL.D., in The Congregationalist and Advance]

As Paul's life advanced, as he saw the gospel sweep on in its saving power from city to city, throughout the empire which was his world, he conceived of the church as the body of Christ. It was no mere group of obscure enthusiasts. It was the living temple of God, whose stones were human souls, which grew from day to day in extent and majesty of structure. It was not merely a collection of people on the shores of time waiting for some portent on the horizon. It was a glorious community ruled by an unseen but very present king. His Spirit filled the church. His will controlled their life and inspired their work. They were actually, consciously united to him in bonds that thrilled with life.

This grand and august conception of the empire of Christ we must recover. We must seek with a new passion that reunion of the church without which the true and full meaning of the church, the actual and living reign of Christ in our midst, cannot be fully assisted, enjoyed, and made potent in the world. We must realize afresh that Christ lives for and in the community by living in the heart of the individual Christian man and woman. Each life is under his sway, each heart the scene of his royal and redeeming grace. The companionship of Christ is no postponed fact. Here and now it is a living reality. They who know it best cherish the deepest yearning for the great consummation when he shall be manifested; but it is a yearning that springs from satisfaction, a hope that is not wearied by postponement, an eager waiting, as with outstretched neck, which would consider impatience a sin, and waits calmly, confidently on his will.

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