No. XI: The Song of the Lamb

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Rev. 15.3: The Song of the Lamb.
Strains of music struck upon the ear of the prophet, as there passed before him the visions depicting the future. Joyful spirits, having the harps of God, were praising with celestial melody, and uttering the language of triumph.

Neither in discord nor plaintively was sung the song, which burst upon the ear of the dweller of Patmos. Though his body was on the earth, his spirit was listening to heavenly strains. The songsters were a holy choir. They had once dwelt where the tones of mockery had often been uttered, where they had oft been taunted to sing the song of the Lord, where rejoicing was met with reproach and scorn; but now their conflicts over and the victory secured, they poured forth without fear or restraint the melodious tones, which were in harmony with their exulting hearts.

This happy throng stood upon “a sea of glass mingled with fire.” These figures were doubtless intended to convey the idea of what was grandly rich and extremely beautiful. Probably there

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appeared to the prophet an immense “crystal vessel,” through whose sides the light could readily pass; and it was so illumined “with the reflection of that light, which fell upon it from the throne of God, that its waves seemed mingled with fire,” or gleaming with ever-varying ruby colors. On that effulgent position they stood, having the harps of God, harps strung to the melodies of the heavenly world.

Note: The following paragraphs, including the beginning of page 3 (ending with “our lost race,”) are crossed out in the original journal.

But what is “the song of the Lamb”?
“The Lamb” is a title frequently applied to the Son of God. He was thus spoken of by his forerunner, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” He was “without spot or blemish,” was “led as a lamb to the slaughter,” and as without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sin, offered himself as the victim on the accursed tree. He is the All in all to the redeemed, and the admired of all holy beings. These declare, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing”; and those, “Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.”

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the whole, he devised the gospel scheme as the remedy for our lost race.

Yet, however this plan be treated on earth, those in heaven hold it in mighty esteem. Even the unfallen search into its nature and doings. It unfolds to them their Maker in a light unseen before; this view adds to their knowledge of his excellence; the more they discover, the more clearly they perceive, that the character of God is a topless height; point rises up beyond point, and each bright with glory; they believe that eternity will be too short to unfold all the greatness and resources of Jehovah. Ravished with what they see of the gospel, in full-toned strains they ascribe glory to him on the throne and to the Lamb.

These are joyful in view of what is seen. The redeemed both see and feel. These are those who come up out of great tribulation. If their burden was not that of crushing human power, it was the much heavier yoke of sin. Some have borne both the one and the other - human encroachment as in Egypt, and the tyranny of iniquity. They had felt the need of the gospel; they forsook all other reliance; through rich mercy, they embraced its offers; they found it to be “the wisdom of God and the power of God.” Its promises were truthful all along the

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Journey of life. They felt its cheering breathings in the vale of death. And now, having entered the world of light, and singing “the song of the Lamb;” they admire the plan of the gospel more and more, making the arches of heaven ring with their rapturous praises.

It is, also, praise for complete spiritual victory.
The beauty and value of an object may be praised, and yet its practical benefit not enjoyed. The gospel may be clearly seen as God’s remedy for the terrible disease of sin raging in the soul of man; but if the remedy is not applied to the needy, he receives no spiritual profit. We must come to the Saviour by faith, if we would be pardoned and become possessors of the varied blessings of the gospel.

Through grace, the believer does thus come. Trusting in what Christ has done for sinners, his iniquities are pardoned. however dark their hue and great their number. No longer an alien from God, he is one of his sincere worshippers. Through Christ, as the connecting link, he has access to the holy Jehovah. If here he sees but in part, yet what he does see is real and consoling, This weakness is met by the strength of the mighty. However surrounded by dangers, he walks safely, because the all-powerful and unfailing God is His protector. He goes from strength to strength. Culturing the

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graces of the christian character, he resembles more and more the man Christ Jesus. If not always elated, it may be to make him feel thy dependence, and become more trustful. And he walks not alone. He is never wholly forsaken by the unchanging Friend, who is his only confidence, his portion, his all.

At length believers arrive at home. Introduced to the glories of the heavenly world, it is not the desert stretching out before the eye, but the rich harvest inviting them to its enjoyment. If the first-fruits were delightful here, they were but as stinted products, compared with the ripe clusters presented on every hand and ready to be gathered. The scene before them has no limit. Beauty rises beyond beauty, and the ravished eye finds everywhere new attractions. If they were only spectators, the view would be entrancing; but they are possessors. It is their inheritance. The title-deed was given when out in earth’s wilderness, seeing their poverty and wretchedness and ruin, they bowed at the feet of the Saviour of sinners.

They are now at home. Not only can they admire … traits in the character of the Son of God, not only behold the wisdom

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and power of the plan of the gospel, but they are also in person concerned. They are saved - saved through wondrous grace; not only saved, but entitled through their Saviour to enjoy whatever heaven can furnish. They see, they feel. Theirs are the harps of God. They sing “the song of the Lamb.” No wonder, if angels listen to notes unheard till redeemed spirits stood before the throne. Heart and voice and harp are in harmony. It is their own Saviour, when the rescued are praising; and as the saved alone can sing thus sing the redeemed “the song of the Lamb.”

Note: The following is written in different ink:

Note: If any of the Readings be used in any Vacant Church when no authorised minister is present; it is hoped, that they will be followed by some words of suitable and earnest exhortation.

Note: The following is also written in that different ink along the side of the page:

In Nonpared and whole width of the page