Editorial November 4, 1922 ISSUE

Rejoice Always!

Albert F. Gilmore

The rejoicing which so frequently found expression in the sacred Scriptures was largely inspirational. Many of the prophets and seers of the Old Testament so clearly realized the truth about God and His creation and the perfect state of man, that songs of gladness burst forth spontaneously. The knowledge that man lives in eternity, in a state of perfect spiritual selfhood, unchanging and unchangeable could scarcely fail to bring joy to the heart and praise to the lips. How wonderfully inspired with God's goodness and presence was the psalmist! How his heart rejoiced in contemplation of the "beauty of holiness," of the infinite bounty of Love's rich bestowals! Hear his words: "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee;" and again, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." Again and again, the "sweet singer of Israel" calls upon God's people to rejoice over His bounty and blessing infinitely bestowed upon all His children. May we not justifiably conclude that this keen sense of the presence of good was the result of the quiet contemplation of the shepherd lad tending his father's flocks?

Paul, notwithstanding numerous and divers hardships, which at times seemed almost to overwhelm him, in a letter to the Christians of Corinth enumerating his tribulations, could describe himself as "sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." Manifestly, Paul's glimpse of the heavenly state sustained him, even inspiring in him that joy which has its wellspring in the heart of divine Love.

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