Now and Then
Clerical World
1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.


I. Now WE SEE ALL THINGS IN THE "MIRROR" OF OUR OWN EXPERIENCE. It is impossible for either child or man to travel beyond the stage of knowledge, or experience, to which he has reached in his ideas and judgment of things. The uncivilised barbarian of the wilds cannot be made to realise, by description, the wonders of a great modern city. Thus through an imperfect mirror of knowledge and feeling we now see —

1. God.

2. The Saviour.

3. Heaven.

II. THEN WE SEE ALL THINGS BY ACTUAL PRESENCE AND CONTACT. "Face to face."

1. The glory of God.

2. The love of the Saviour.

3. The wonders of heaven.So shall "we know even as we are known." The child becomes a man. Imperfection of knowledge and experience give way to the perfection of both. Then, like the queen of Sheba, we shall find that "not the half has been told us."

(Clerical World.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

WEB: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.




Now and Then
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