“HOW BRIGHT THESE GLORIOUS SPIRITS SHINE”

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 6, 1 July 1946, Page 2

“HOW BRIGHT THESE GLORIOUS SPIRITS SHINE”

Faniiliar words conic rushing into the mind with the thought that once again our I'ay of Memories is close upon u>. Some of th.e hymns we love best arc those which dwell on the theme of the continued life in the higher sphere, of those who lived greatly in this ore. Though no picture ’of that wider, freer, happier world they inhabit is other than allegorically presented, we have a deeply grounded belief in the continuation ot service as the keynote of all real joy. Nothing else would seem to justify the continuation of life. The imagery of the white-robed, palm-waving, sing ng and praising souls, beautiful beyond our power of realisation, is not fully satisfying. Rightly or wrongly, the idea of continued power to serve the God Who lias brought them through the peril, toil and pain seems inseparable from that of life Eternal. Eternal Rest, comforting though it may seem to the weary soul, does not present a wholly desirable end to the joy of living. It that Rest means the cessation of fear, danger, frustration, and suffering, how welcome it will be is impossible to say; but if it involves uninterrupted idleness, there arc not many active, eager souls who will feel it to be all they desire. Something immortal within us cries out for the opportunity of serving still; untrammelled by the things of time and sense. The glorious inspiration of the lives of these who have reached the further shore sheds its pure light on the path we tread; and sometimes, we feel a sense of nearness, of the intimate presence of our dear ones who have won through to that “other side." which is more than fancy or imagination. It gives assurance and strength in the time of perplexity, adds confidence when the steps would falter, and it is not too much to wonder whether this is not one of the ways in which “they serve Him dav and night.”

With the day come personal memories for many; hallowed and blessed.

As we /ecall loved names, and think of great work done for the cause we still espouse, let us draw all the inspiration possible from our contemplation of past effort. Let us sec anew the vision which was theirs; the vision of freed prisoners, of healed spirits, of pure civic and individual life. \nd as we think and gaze, let the altar flame of dedication to our cause rise higher and clearer. “So shall we join the Choir invisible,"