Treasures from James Smith 1 (excerpts)
Treasures from James Smith (A collection of choicequotesfrom his works)
James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841 until 1850. Early on, Smith’s readings were even more popular than Spurgeon’s!
"I will be their God — and they shall be My people!" Hebrews 8:10
So has Jehovah purposed, in reference to those whom He has eternally loved and chosen. All of our present and future blessedness, is wrapped up in this holy and gracious purpose.
If Jehovah is your God — then all of His glorious attributes and perfections are engaged and employed for your eternal welfare! His mercy will supply all of your needs. His power will conquer all of your foes. His wisdom will direct all of your ways. His faithfulness will answer all of your prayers. His justice will maintain your cause. His infinite love and mercy will be displayed in all of His gracious dealings with you!
If Jehovah is your God — then . . .His promises are your heritage; His precepts are your rule; His doctrines are your present paradise; His Son is your Savior and King;
His Spirit is your sanctifier and Tutor; and He Himself is your everlasting portion! Psalms 119:57
If Jehovah is your God — then He will freely confer all really good things on you at present — and crown you at last with eternal glory! He will . . .guide you continually,
chasten you occasionally, receive you graciously, and bless you indeed!
If Jehovah is your God — then all things are yours — things present and to come; life, death, the world, Heaven — all are yours!
If Jehovah is your God — then He will consider nothing too great to do for you — and nothing too glorious to give to you! All the treasures of time, and all the resources of eternity — will, if necessary, be employed for your spiritual and eternal benefit! You can lack nothing which is really for your good.
To have Jehovah for your God, is the highest blessedness and honor in the universe!
How blessed is the man — who has Jehovah as his God!
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"Beloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears — we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" 1 John 3:2-3
Let us endeavor to realize our present sonship; it will produce . . .boldness at His throne of grace; contrition at His cross; confidence in His Word; love to His person;
contentment with our lot; victory over the world, zeal for His glory; and encouragement under all our trials and troubles!
We are either children of God — or enemies of God! Every child of God . . .mourns over sin, flies to the Savior, and departs from iniquity! God is now his Father. All the promises are his. The eternal inheritance is his.
Let us look back to the rock from whence we were hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence we were dug: How base our origin — the dust! How degraded our condition — slaves of sin and Satan! How fearful our character — enemies to God!
How dreadful our eternal doom — the lake which burns with brimstone and fire!
Contrast this with . . .our present relation — children of God; our high standing — in heavenly places in Christ; our glorious privilege — justified from all things; our fixed destiny — to be forever with the Lord!
What amystery of mercyis this!
But if we are unbelievers — then we are . . .God’s enemies, children of wrath, under the curse, in imminent danger! Satan is our father! Sin is our element! Hell is our eternal portion!
Reader, are you a child of God?
If not, then you are the child of Satan!
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"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us — that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
Those whom Jesus loves, being chosen of God to holiness here on earth, and happiness in eternity — are predestined to the adoption of His children — to the praise of the glory of His grace. They are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son — they are to . . .partake of His nature, receive of His spirit, wear His image, and be associated with Him in honor and glory forever!
Jesus calls them, His brethren — heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Himself! Being related to Him, they . . .have a saving interest in Him, are loved by Him, are in union with Him, and shall never be separated from Him!
O wondrous mercy! That God should condescend to make up
O wondrous mercy! That He should write our names in His book of life, give us the gift of the Holy Spirit, privilege us to claim relationship at His throne, and associate us with Jesus as fellow-heirs!
O wondrous mercy! That all this should have been fixed upon and settled — before the world began, and all for the praise of His glorious grace!
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"I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!"Isaiah 48:10
The love of Jesus will not preserve His people from trials — but rather, assures them of trials! All whom He loves — He chastens! He has a furnace to purge our dross, and refine our souls. His Word and the Spirit reveal to us our defilement and impurity — and His grace and providence co-operate to remove them. "I am the Lord God, who sanctifies you."
It is divine love which . . .prepares the furnace, kindles the flame, brings the Christian into it, superintends the whole process, and brings him out as gold, seven times purified!
"From all your filthiness and from all your idols, I will cleanse you!" He cleanses them in the laver of the Word by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit. But He also cleanses them by a variety of afflictive dispensations, through which He causes them to pass.
Our sin calls for trials — His love sends them!
Our nature repines at trials — but grace submits to them!
Our corruption is enraged at trials — but the Spirit sanctifies them to our good, and our Savior’s glory.
He makes His people choice ones — in the "furnace of affliction!" He says, "I will put you into the fire — and will purely purge away your dross."
Believer, never repine at your trials, nor be over-anxious for their removal. They are appointed by Jesus as your Purifier — and are choice blessings in disguise!
Seek their sanctification, wrestle with God that you may see His love in every stroke, and look to Jesus that you may enjoy His presence when passing through the flame!
Nothing can hurt you — while Jesus is near you; and He is never nearer to you — than when you are in the furnace! For He sits right there as the Refiner . . .
watching the process, regulating the heat, and waiting to effect a gracious deliverance — when the ends of His love are answered.
He is only preparing you for fresh manifestations of His glory — and fitting you for larger communications of His love.
In the furnace, you will lose nothing that is worth keeping — but you will obtain what is truly valuable!
The flesh and the soul need constant cleansings — for corruption is so deeply rooted in our nature, that
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Jesus presents Himself unto us as the Bridegroom of our souls. He says, "I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord!" He here promises to bring us into the nearest possible union. He becomes one with us. He says, "I will be your portion — and you shall be My possession!"
He manifests His beauties — to attract us, He sends His Spirit — to prepare us, He gives His sweet gospel — to allure us, He puts forth His power and draws us — and then makes Himself over to us in an everlasting covenant.
He calls us by every sweet appellation, such as "My beloved, My dove, My sister, My darling, My flawless one, My delight, My spouse!" (Song of Solomon 5:2)
He gives us . . .His person, His unsearchable riches, and a share in His eternal glories and honors!
He loves us most tenderly, constantly, and prudently.
He assures us . . .that He will never leave us, that He will come and commune with us, and that He will withhold no good thing from us!
He says, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed — yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor My covenant of peace be removed — says the Lord, who has compassion on you!" "No weapon formed against you shall prosper. For your Maker is your Husband — the Lord Almighty is His name!"
"As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride — so will your God rejoice over you! I will take delight in My people!" What love is here!
Can He rejoice over such unworthy creatures?
Can He enter into a marriage contract with such depraved beings?
Yes! He loved His Church and gave Himself for it! He has redeemed it unto Himself by His blood — and will everlastingly rejoice over it, to bless it and honor it!
Jesus, the Heavenly Lover, gave His life, my wretched soul to save! Resolved to make His mercy known, He kindly claims me for His own!
Lost in astonishment, I see Jesus, Your boundless love to me! With sin and self, I freely part, And gladly yield to You, my heart!
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"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people!" Psalms 22:6
How wondrously did Jesus display His love — when He assumed our nature, took upon Him the form of a slave, and was found in appearance as a man! What love — to stoop so low as to . . . be conceived in a virgin’s womb, be brought forth in pain, and experience all the weakness and ignorance of infancy!
Yes, He was brought forth in poverty — a stable for His birth-place, and a feeding-trough for His bed! He passed by the palaces of the noble, and the mansions of the great — yes, even the comfortable cottages of the poor — and was born in circumstances of misery and degradation!
Jesus was once a helpless infant, a feeble child; and yet, at the same moment — He was the Almighty, the self-sufficient God!
What privations He suffered, even from the very beginning of His career on earth! What pain He endured — from His birth unto His death! He went sorrowing, sighing, and groaning — from the stable, to gloomy Calvary; where He . . .finished His work, proved His love, conquered His foes, delighted His Father, and merited everlasting honors and glories for His people!
O mystery of mercy!
Here is love beyond measure and degree!
O my soul, admire and adore!
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"I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love! With unfailing love, I have drawn you to Myself!" Jeremiah 31:3
The love of Christ is unending; it is not a passion of His humanity — but a perfection of His divinity. He has always existed — and He has always loved His people. His people . . .always had a place in His thoughts, have ever been before His eye, and have always been loved by Him!
He has loved them — ever since He knew them — and He foreknew them from eternity! His love ran through the boundless ages of eternity past — and fixed upon poor sinners who were to appear during the existence of time; and having fixed upon them — His love maintains its hold!
When He created the earth, spread abroad the Heavens, and gave His decree to the sea — His love was fixed upon His people! Their welfare, in connection with His Father’s glory — was the object which He sought in all things.
Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth! That Jesus should have fixed His love upon
When we meditate upon eternity past — we can say in reference to the most distant periods, "My Savior lovedmethen! He loved me from all eternity!" Glorious truth! He always loved me — and He always will love me! He loved me . . .before angels existed, before devils appeared, before sin was committed!
He loved me — when the Godhead dwelt all alone! O the depths! Surprising mystery! It seems almost too good to be true! But God has said it, and my soul shall rejoice in it and praise Him for it!
His love to me is as eternal as His nature — without beginning of days, or end of years. From His love, as from a mighty ocean, flows . . .all the acts of His power, all the displays of His benevolence, all the manifestations of His grace, and all the provisions of His gospel.
It is sweet, to silently meditate upon the thought, of such a vile and insignificant creature as I am — that Jehovah-Jesus not only thought of me — but eternally loved me with all the strength of His Deity! He so loved me, as to be willing, when it became necessary — to take my nature, and to save me by His humiliation, sufferings, and death!
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The Lord Jesus Christ is God — possessed of all divine attributes, and entitled to all divine honors. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit — God over all, and blessed for evermore! He is naturally, essentially, perfectly, and eternally possessed of everything peculiar to Deity.
He owes His existence to none. He says, "I am Jehovah, and beside Me there is no Savior!" He is God — and there is no other. There is no other name given under Heaven, or among men, whereby we can be saved. He is the Rock of Ages.
Angels worship Him, devils obey Him, saints love Him, and sinners will bow to Him!
He is the author of . . .Creation, Providence, Redemption, and Glorification!
He . . .produced all things by His power, formed them by His wisdom, supplies them by His bounty, rules them by His instruments, and employs them according to His sovereign will.
He is above all — in the glory of His nature. He possesses all — by essential right.
He will judge all — according to His righteousness.
All things are dependent upon Him, and all rational beings are accountable to Him.
Nothing can escape His eye; none can fly out of His hand!
He is exalted above all, and remains King forever!
He is . . .the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the only supreme Law-giver of the universe!
He is naturally, essentially, and eternally God: one with the Father, equal to the Father, and infinite as the Father.
Thus, the Scriptures reveal Him; as such, saints acknowledge Him, and join the angelic host in worshiping, praising, and adoring Him! As such, He loves all His people — yes, He is love to them. As such, they love Him — and trust their eternal interests into His hands! No person can have right views of the love of Christ — who has not right views of the deity of Christ. His divinity gives lustre and glory — to His love. If He were not God — His love would be only a passion like ours, and would fluctuate and change. But being divine — His love is an infinite perfection, and remains immutably the same!
He loves with all the majesty of God — and with all the tenderness of man! His love has the strength of God — and the gentleness of sinless man!
He is all-loving — and altogether lovely!
"Having loved His own who were in the world — He loved them unto the end!" John 13:1
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"There is nothing too hard for You!" Jeremiah 32:17
There is nothing too hard for God to EFFECT:
"Is anything too hard for Me, says the Lord?"
"I know that You can do everything."
"He does according to His will among the armies of Heaven, and the inhabitants of the earth."
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
Nothing is too hard for God — no change in providence — however it may appear improbable, or impossible to us. He could bring water out of the flinty rock. He could supply quail to satisfy the needs, and gratify the lusts of His people in the desert. He could feed Elijah for twelve months by ravens, and for two years and a half more, by a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in the widow’s cruse. He could inundate Samaria with plenty — in the midst of famine and fearful desolation. If He wills it . . .
the fire shall not burn the three Hebrew youths, nor the lions injure Daniel,
nor death hold Lazarus in the tomb.
What He has done — He can do; for He is the same. And if necessary for the glory of His name — He will do it, for He will not allow His name to be polluted.
"Providence" is simply
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"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus!" 2 Timothy 2:3
"There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day!" 2 Timothy 4:8
Christian soldier, for encouragement in every conflict — look up to your Captain for supplies — and look forward to the glory that awaits you! The war will soon be over. Your discharge will soon be signed and sent to you. Home is even now in view!
The promised land will be far above our greatest expectations!
The glory to be revealed will far exceed our most enlarged desires!
The weight of glory will transcend our most comprehensive thoughts!
A crown is reserved for you! Not a corruptible crown of laurel or myrtle — but a diadem. A diadem of glory! More durable than gold, more costly than any earthy monarch’s crown. Gold, pearls, and precious stones — are not to be compared to it! Its gems will sparkle brighter that the stars on a winter’s evening! As a whole, it will shine brighter than the sun on a summer’s noon!
It is a crown of glory — a most glorious crown. Not merited by your labors or sufferings in the Lord’s service — but graciously promised, and gratuitously bestowed. Promised by your glorious Leader, preserved most carefully in the palace of the Most High God — to be awarded to every faithful soldier at the final and grand review.
Yes, it will be placed on your brow by His hands, who . . .won you to His service,
led you to the battlefield, made you victorious, and will rejoice in your honor and happiness forever!
It will be worn before God’s own throne, before the angelic hosts, among God’s saints forever. What thrilling joy, what ecstatic pleasure, what inconceivable delight — will you realize, when you first feel it rest on your brow! What a look will your Savior give you — when you lift up your head that He may place it on you, and your eye meets His!
Grace, free grace will shine most gloriously on that day! The songs of the enraptured company will be divinely sweet. O how our blessed Savior’s heart will dance for joy!
What a prospect is this! How bright, how glowing, how enchanting!
Then, O with what rapture we will sing, "Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father — to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever! Amen."
Surely, surely we ought to be fired with love, filled with zeal, and prepared for every conflict, however arduous — by such a glorious prospect!
~ ~ ~ ~ If God had not helped us!
"I was pushed back and about to fall — but the Lord helped me!" Psalms 118:13 The psalmist had been reviewing his toils, his trials, and his dangers; he commemorates his deliverances, his conquests, and his triumphs; and he ascribes the whole, to the help of God! If God had not helped him — his faith would have failed, his expectations would have been disappointed, and his foes would have prevailed. Through the Lord, he did valiantly; and now, with joyful heart, he records the loving-kindness of the Lord.
How sweet to look back upon the rough road, the bloody battle-field, the scenes of peculiar trial. Then, if ever, gratitude will work within us, and praises will flow from our tongues and hearts. Delivered from the mouth of the lion, and the paw of the bear — we thankfully acknowledge, "The Lord helped me!" In looking back we see that we have needed help — and more help than any mere creature could afford us! The daily cross, the inward conflict, the domestic troubles, the perplexities of business, the state of the church, the affairs of the world — have all combined to teach us that Divine help was necessary!
God alone knows what would have been the result — if we had been left to our own resources. We needed help in infancy, in youth, in manhood. We needed help in prosperity — and in adversity! We needed help in temporals — and spirituals. We found our own strength — to be weakness, and our own wisdom — to be folly. The feeblest of our foes — would have been more than a match for us! The least corruption in our hearts — would have overcome us! And we need help now — as much as we ever did; for, unless the Lord helps us . . .
our foes will yet triumph over us,
our crosses will yet prove to be too much for us,
and we shall yet faint in the day of adversity! The Lord has promised help. He has said, "Fear not — for I am with you; be not dismayed — for I am your God! I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness!" And because His people feel themselves to be vile, weak, and incompetent; He stoops to speak to them according to their own views of themselves and says, "Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel — for I Myself will help you! declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel!"
Oh, precious promise, of a good and gracious God! It extends to all times, it embraces all circumstances, it belongs to all believers, and it ensures us triumph over all our foes!
Yes, the strength of Jesus has been perfected in our weakness! We have found His grace to be sufficient for us; and to the praise of His glorious grace, in reference to all our trials, troubles, and conflicts — we can truly say, "The Lord helped me!"
Oh, beloved, it is an unspeakable mercy to have God for our helper!
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All that the Spirit does for us, and all that He works within us — is of grace. He graciously . . .quickens the dead, instructs the ignorant, liberates the captives, restores the wanderers, comforts the dejected, strengthens the weak, and sanctifies the impure. His work is His delight — and to see us holy and happy is His pleasure!
The Holy Spirit produces all our graces within us. He is the root — and our graces are His fruits; hence we read, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
But if the Spirit hides Himself, withdraws His influences, and leaves us to ourselves — then we . . .doubt and fear, fret and pine, kick and rebel, rove from thing to thing, and nothing will either please or satisfy us. We often then . . .question the past, are wretched at present, and dread the future.
But when He puts forth His power in us again . . .our graces shoot forth like bulbous roots in the spring, our sighs are exchanged for songs, our fears are exchanged for fortitude, our doubts are exchanged for confidence, and our murmurings are exchanged for gratitude and love. We then . . .sink into the dust of self-abasement,
admire the forbearance and patience of God, condemn our own conduct, and wonder that we are out of Hell.
Then we take down our harps from the willows, and with a melting heart, a weeping eye, and a tremulous voice we sing, "The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance." Our wilderness is now turned into an Eden — and our desert into the garden of the Lord!
Come, Holy Spirit, come, and produce a spring season in our souls!
Brethren, we need the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of grace — to make us gracious and graceful Christians. Without the Spirit of grace . . .we cannot live up to our profession; we cannot copy the example of our beloved Master; we cannot keep His commandments; we cannot love one another as He has loved us; we cannot sympathize with lost sinners as we should; we cannot keep God’s glory in view in all that we do; we cannot walk in high and holy fellowship with God; we cannot meet death with peace and joy!
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"I am cast down!"
And why are you cast down?
"My heart is burdened with a sense of my short-comings! Every duty I perform is so imperfect. Every purpose I form is so soon frustrated. Every hope of seeing better days is so soon beclouded. My heart is so fearfully depraved. My life is so unlike the life of Jesus. My temper is so unholy. My prayers are so brief and heartless. My praises are so feeble and fitful. I do so little good. I live to so little purpose. My evidences are so dim. My prospects are so overcast. I am harassed sometimes with the fear of death. I cannot realize the glories of Heaven. I am dissatisfied with the world — and yet glued to it! I hate sin — and yet fall into it! I am a riddle, a mystery, a mass of inconsistency! Is it, then, any wonder that I am cast down?"
No, if you look at yourself, and pore over the things you have named — then it is no wonder that you are cast down! They are enough to cast anyone down! But if you carry them to the throne of grace, if you there confess them before God, if you look to Jesus to save you from them — then, in spite of them — you will not long be cast down.
I know it is difficult to do this. There is a natural proneness to pore over such things. One feels at times a secret liking to indulge in gloomy thoughts.
But we must look away from self — for if we do not, we shall become anxious, doubting and gloomy! We must run the race, not looking at our imperfections, short-comings, and failures — but looking unto Jesus. He knows what we are. He knew what we wouldbe — before He called us by His grace; yes, before He shed His blood for us! He loved us, as sinners. He died for us, as sinners. He called us, as sinners. He saves us, as sinners. He will have all the glory of saving us, and He will get great glory by doing so, because we are such great sinners; and do not, cannot, do anything to repay Him for His wondrous love! Salvation is by free grace — from first to last! Believe this, and it will raise up your drooping mind!
As imperfect as you now are, and as imperfect you will be — your dying prayer will still be, "God be merciful unto me — a sinner!"
Hope in God! His mercy is great unto the heavens, His grace is as free as the air,
His love is as changeless as His nature, His promise is as immutable as His love.
Hope in God, for you shall yet praise Him. He will save you for His own sake, and present you before assembled worlds as a monument of His mercy, and a trophy of His grace!
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One hour after death, WHERE shall I be?
One hour after death, WHAT shall I be?
One hour after death, How shall I be EMPLOYED?
One hour after death, What will be my FEELINGS?
One hour after death, How shall I THINK? How differently we shall think of money, pleasure, the indulgence of our lusts, all that we now call great, grand, and desirable — one hour after death! Let us endeavor to think now — as it is probable we shall think then! Let us place ourselves in Heaven — and try to think there! Let us place ourselves in Hell — and try to think there! How different will things then appear!
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"The Lord does not see it!" Ezekiel 9:9
"My way is hidden from the Lord!" Isaiah 40:27
The only thing some fear is exposure. They would not be exhibited in their true colors before their fellow-men — for all the world! They wish to live and act in the dark. They do not fear the eye of God — but they dread the eye of man! In public they are one thing — and in private just the opposite! No one really knows them.
There is a vast amount of hypocrisy in the world. Multitudes wear a mask. They are not at all — what they seem to be. The consequences will be fearful by and bye.
Open sinners offend both God and men — secret sinners offend God only!
But it is better offend the whole world — than offend God!
The power of SIN is great. And one of the most fearful things in sin — is its power of self-concealment. It hides its own deformity from many — who are actually under its influence.
The subtlety of SATAN is great. He is said to deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9). Suppose he should have deceived you! If you are acting under his influence — you have deceived yourself!
Your sin may be hidden from men, it may even be hidden from yourself — but it is not hidden from God! His eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. He searches the heart, and tries the thoughts!
The revealing day is coming! Then if wrong, God will set our iniquities before His face, and our secret sins in the light of His countenance. He will expose every secret sinner!
The Judge on the throne will act justly and impartially, and will render to every man according to his deeds. "The guilt of Ephraim is stored up — his sins are kept on record!"Hosea 13:12
Many will be condemned — who expected to be acquitted!
Many will be driven to Hell — who were sure of being invited to Heaven!
Every false covering will then be stripped off, every deceitful heart will be laid bare — and no longer will anyone say, "My way is hidden from the Lord!"
Then shall be brought to pass the fearful prediction, "The sinners in Zion (God’s professing people) shake with fear! Terror seizes the godless! Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?" (Isaiah 33:14).
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"ALL at it — and ALWAYS at it!" This was what John Wesley endeavored to impress upon all his followers — and this is what we would like to see impressed upon the mind of every Christian. We have much to do — and we have little time to do it in. We had need therefore, to be
If ignorance is to be chased away, if gospel knowledge is to be circulated, if souls are to be saved, if children are to be taught, if churches are to grow, if villages, towns, and cities are to be evangelized— then we had need be ALL at it — and ALWAYS at it! This is just . . .what the times call for, what the Gospel inculcates, what Satan dreads,
what the carnal world dislikes — therefore let us be "all at it — and always at it."
Let everyone undertake that part of the work for which he is most adapted — and persevere in that which he commences.
How many there are who profess Christ — who are doing nothing! How many may easily do twice as much as they currently do. Is it surprising . . .that the church is in such a poor spiritual state, that Popery spreads, that ignorance prevails, that congregations are thin, that little is accomplished, that ministers are dispirited, and
that mature Christians are going home to sigh? No! It is not at all surprising! The wonder is, that things are not worse!
Self-denial is rarely practiced, the flesh is indulged, the world is loved, the earthly is preferred to the spiritual — and the present to the future.
Let us all go at it, and let us be always at it — until we hear the Master’s voice calling unto us and saying, "Well done, good and faithful servants, enter into the joy of your Lord!" But if we . . .neglect duty, despise warning, love ease, court pleasure, hunt for honor,
use our Lord’s money selfishly, and settle down upon our lees — we shall by and bye see the day, when we will wish we had been ALL at it — and ALWAYS at it!
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain!" 1 Corinthians 15:58
~ ~ ~ ~ Three Bad Companions!
We are all of us, at times, thrown into company which we do not like; and when so, the best thing we can do is to get out of it as quickly as possible! But sometimes we find that this is more easily said, than done. I have seen some aged people pestered with these very bad companions, and they could not get rid of them if they would! That the young may beware of these three rascals, I will point them out:
POVERTY is the first bad companion. This is often brought on by imprudence, and lack of frugality. When work was good, and health was strong — no provision was made for a rainy day. By and bye, trade failed, strength departed, and old age came on — and then appears the pitiable object, a poor old man! We shall need many little comforts in old age, which we can very well do without now while in good health; therefore, if God has given us the opportunity, let us lay aside a little for old age.
It is hard to beg when the head is gray, to be frowned upon by the wealthy, or be obliged to go into "the poorhouse." These things may be avoided by many, if they would live frugally.
Reader, if you are young, make up your mind, that if poverty should be your companion when you are old, that you will be able to say, "This was not brought on by my intemperance, self-indulgence, or forgetfulness of the future — but by the wise providence of God!" Then you will have a source of comfort, which many elderly people have deprived themselves of.
PAIN is the second bad companion. The pains of old age often spring from the follies, sins, and recklessness of youth. Pain cannot always be prevented — but very much is brought on by ourselves. Many old people are full of pains, which are the effects of their carelessness, rashness, and wickedness in youth. A poor old man full of pain is to be pitied; and yet if we knew the origin of many of his pains — we would be obliged to say that he himself is to be blamed. Friends, if you would not have pain for a companion when you are old — live simply, take regular exercise in the open air, and stay away from rich foods.
PROCRASTINATION is the third bad companion. This has been called "the thief of time!" As, therefore, it would steal one of your most precious jewels — beware of it!
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Silver and gold are given to us as God’s stewards — and we are to use them for His glory. He often gives them, and then seems to leave us to ourselves, saying, "I will just see what you will do with them."
Only just look on the other hand, at what they give . . .to support the ministry, to assist missions, to circulate the Bible, to distribute tracts, to relieve the poor, etc. etc.
Can we say of such people, as Paul did of others, "None of us lives to himself?"
If these are God’s stewards — are they faithful?
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Coldness and lukewarmness in the ways of God, are peculiarly offensive to our Lord and Savior; for if anyone deserves our whole hearts, if anyone ought to have the whole of our energies — it is Jesus!
We should be zealous for the truth of the gospel. It is God’s mind. It is the revelation of the Savior’s love. It is the remedy for the sinner’s woes. It is the charter of the Church’s privileges. It is dear to God’s heart. It is watched over with a jealous eye. It should be prized as inestimably valuable. It is . . .the mirror, in which God is seen; the map, on which our road is marked out; the law, by which our duty is made plain!
"That they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything!" Titus 2:10
We should zealously adorn the Gospel. Not by the tinsel of human eloquence — but by a consistent and holy walk.
We ought to be
In our conduct — the nature and tendency of the Gospel ought to be seen!
By our meekness and gentleness, by our fidelity and prudence, by our self-denial and benevolence, by our temperance and brotherly kindness, by our patience and fervent love — we ought to adorn the most holy truth of God! God calls for it. The Gospel is calculated to produce it!
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"Be zealous!"Revelation 3:19
The zealous Christian is sure of . . .God’s blessing, the approbation of his own conscience, the opposition of Satan, the frown of every lukewarm professor, and the commendation of all godly people.
Let us warm our hearts at the fire of God’s love!
Let us quicken our motives by a visit to the cross!
Let us sharpen our weapons by communion with the Spirit!
Let us seek the grace, the courage, the strength necessary at the mercy seat — and then let us zealously fall to work. Let . . .the work of God be our delight, the welfare of our fellow-men be our aim, and the glory of the Lord be our highest object!
Let us live in earnest. Let us live to purpose.
By the shortness of time, by the solemnities of death, by the realities of eternity, by the danger of lost sinners, by the vigilance of Satan, by the poor state of the Church,
by the character of the present times, by the command of God, by the example of primitive believers, and by the counsel of the Lord Jesus — let us stir up our hearts — and stir up one another to "Be zealous!"
Brethren, the time is short, and "
By the spread of Popery, by the activity of infidelity, by the condition of our cities, by the needs of the Church, by the woes of the world, by the authority of God, by the blood of the cross, by the promise of the Spirit, by the prospect of success, by the rest of the grave, by the glories of Heaven, by the terrors of Hell, by the rewards of activity, and by the condemnation of the lukewarm and the slothful— allow me to beseech you to "Be zealous!"
Be zealous today — tomorrow you may die!
Be zealous in time — and in eternity, you will rejoice that you have been so!
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"By the grace of God I am what I am!"1 Corinthians 15:10
Lord, You have said, "I will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea!" They shall be carried into a land of everlasting forgetfulness. And to confirm all, You have added, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" Is this,
O how shall I sufficiently admire, bless, praise, and adore the grace "that buries all my sins" and rejoice in that glorious righteousness in which I stand perfect before a holy God! I feel ready to cry out, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed vile, polluted, Hell-deserving me — with the garments of salvation! He has covered me with the robe of righteousness!"
Why is this? O Lord, why is this — that I am made to hear your pardoning voice — while thousands are left to perish in their sins, who are much better than I am? It is even so, Father — for so it seems good in Your sight.
O wondrous depth of sovereign grace, without either a shore or a bottom! Lord, lead me into it, and there let me bathe to all eternity! May I know the wondrous love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge! I now feel as if I was lost in an endless subject — the astonishing love of Christ — the sovereign, boundless, bottomless, free, and eternal love of Christ! O how wonderful that such a poor, vile, wretched, nothing creature, as I am — should be interested in it! Surely none but Jesus could, and none but Jesus would — so love one so vile as me; but He has done it!
What shall I render unto the Lord, my covenant God — for His boundless mercy to such a guilty, Hell-deserving, sinner as I am? O Lord, may I gaze, admire, and adore!
~ ~ ~ ~
O to be well pleased with all that my Heavenly Father appoints for me in this valley of tears! Yet, how prone I am . . . to murmur at the Lord’s inscrutable ways, to call into question His infinite wisdom, and to arraign His wondrous love at the bar of my poor reason! This is
"Oh, a wretched man I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" Romans 7:24
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The following in an excerpt from thediaryof James Smith:
It has just occurred to me, that the reason why the Lord has of late allowed me to be so severely tried — is that I have been very little at His throne of grace. Nor have His promises appeared so precious, pleadable, and suited to my case.
Jesus is determined to have me often at His throne, and if the invitations and promises of His Word will not draw me there — then He will send trials todriveme there! Blessed Jesus, are you not saying to me by every trial, "Call upon Me! Make use of Me! See what I will do for you!"
What a proof of the deep depravity and base ingratitude of my heart is this — that You are obliged to send trials and troubles to bring me to Your feet! Yet it is so! For unless drawn by the cords of Your loving-kindness, or driven by painful trials — I seldom come to You with earnestness, fervor, and life!
I am so prone to wander, to be light and trifling — troubled by shadows, and excited by mere trifles! I abhor myself because I am vile! O how base my heart is, to despise so glorious a privilege, and to neglect so choice a duty! O Jesus, cleanse it by Your precious blood! O Holy Spirit, purify it by Your sacred operations, and keep it by Your power! O Righteous Father, devote it wholly to Yourself! Give me submission — help me patiently to carry my cross after Jesus, though it is rough, heavy, and galling. From the depths of my heart I can say, "A sinful, weak, and helpless worm;
On Your kind arms I fall!"
What a proof of the loving-kindness of Jesus to my soul is this — that He will not allow me to be comfortable or happy, while living at distance from Him!
Blessed Jesus! pardon me, correct me — but never leave me to myself!
Gracious Lord Jesus, keep me near You, looking to You, living for You, leaning on You, believing in You, and expecting from You, all that I need!
Surely this is a sweet life — living on Jesus alone, making Him all in all!
"O bring me to Your sacred feet, And let me rove no more!"
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The following in an excerpt from thediaryof James Smith:
December, 1850.
Popery and the aggression of the Pope, just now engage almost everyone’s attention. Many liberals appear to me to sympathize a great deal too much with the Man of Sin. The Pope is anti-Christ! Popery is alike the enemy of God and man. It is the mystery of iniquity!
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The following in an excerpt from thediaryof James Smith:
I am daily more and more vexed with myself — because I am so unlike Jesus — so unlike what I ought to be, and what I wish to be. I shall never glorify Him as I ought, while I have to carry about this body of sin and death.
How kind it is of our gracious God, to conceal from others — what He Himself sees within us; and which if known by others — would alienate them from us, and fill them with disgust! What contemptible creatures we would appear to our friends —
We may study our own hearts, and if we study them under the cross, it will not injure us — but benefit us. But no man may study his brother’s heart — he is not to be admitted into the chambers of idols within. We may form some idea of the hearts of others — by our own; for as face answers to face in water — so does the heart of man to man.
I find it very difficult to believe that another’s heart is as bad as mine — except in the case of some heinous criminal. I cannot charge my friend with being so depraved as I am — for having such base thoughts, vile inclinations, and abominable desires, as I have. But perhaps others think the very same respecting me.
"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked! Who really knows how bad it is?" Jeremiah 17:9
~ ~ ~ ~ The reason why He is not loved
"Yes, He is altogether lovely!"Song of Solomon 5:16
Love is generally drawn forth by beauty exhibited, or by kindness shown. We love the beautiful and the benevolent.
But to the carnal mind, there is no beauty in Jesus — because its taste is vitiated, and its perception is depraved. It calls darkness, light; and light, darkness. It puts bitter for sweet — and sweet for bitter. We do not expect the natural man to see the beauty of the Redeemer’s person, or to be inflamed to love by His attractions. Still the beautiful ought to be loved, and "He is altogether lovely!"
If you see nothing in Jesus to love — then it is evident that you are under the power of darkness. If you have never really loved Him — then you are dead in trespasses and sins. What a dreadful state! What a fearful thought is this!
Yes, no one will love Him — unless the heart is changed by the Holy Spirit. The mind must be completely changed, before it will love Christ. He is light — but men love darkness. He is holy — but men love sin. He is the image of God — but men love the likeness of Satan.
The Holy Spirit, speaking by the Apostle Paul, says, "If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ — let him be accursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22. How terrible, "let him be accursed!" Let him be condemned by God, driven from God, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of God!
"What! blessed apostle, meek and gentle servant of Christ — doom every one to Hell who does not love the Savior?" "Yes, without anger, without any improper feeling, I say — If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ — let him be accursed!"
"But think how terrible a place Hell is, how awful God’s curse must be, and what tremendous agonies are included in eternal punishment?" "I have thought of that, and, while full of love to man, and desiring above all things, the salvation of all who hear me, or read what I write — yet I repeat — If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ — let him be accursed!"
"What! that fine young man?" "Yes, if he does not love Christ."
"What! that amiable young woman?" "Yes, if she does not love Christ."
"What! that venerable, silver-haired, prudent, and kind-hearted old man?"
"Yes, if he does not love Christ. I make no exceptions. If any person does not love Jesus — then he deserves to be accursed — his doom and destiny is to be accursed!"
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The following in an excerpt from thediaryof James Smith:
I have just heard that an old friend, far advanced in life, has fallen into sin! May the Lord pardon and restore him.
In looking back, I wonder that I have not publicly fallen; for I have been powerfully tempted to other sins, equally as bad. I have regularly observed, that in my experience the Lord has not often allowed
"But as for me — my feet were almost gone! My steps had well near slipped!" Psalms 73:2
Ah, how frequently have I been almost gone! I can call to mind places and times, when I have been in the very mouth of danger, on the brink of a fearful fall — and yet the Lord has held me up! But for special keeping — where would I have been this morning? And what would I be? Blessed be God, though it was almost — it was not fully. This word, almost, has been sweet to my soul.
Almost Gone! — but altogether saved, through God’s most free, and all-glorious grace!
But I would not merely be kept from open sin, I desire to be so deeply sanctified, that my soul may . . .hate, abhor, and detest sin in every form, tremble at its approach, and
flee from the very appearance of evil — to Jesus!
I find that my nature is still corrupt, depraved, and polluted; and that . . .the blood of Jesus, the restraining power of the Holy Spirit, and the forgiving grace of God— are as necessary as ever!
"Hold me up — and I shall be safe!"Psalms 119:117
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August 28, 1857.
If some of my congregation knew me better — they would love me less! Yet my heavenly Father . . . knows me well, favors me much, and loves me wonderfully!
Surely, surely, I must say, that divine love and wisdom have planned my path — from first to last. I am . . .out of Hell, in the way to Heaven, employed by God, useful to saints, and a blessing to sinners! O how wonderful, how wonderful is this!
~ ~ ~ ~
(An excerpt from thediaryof James Smith)
"But as for me — my feet were almost gone! My steps had well near slipped!" Psalms 73:2
Ah, how frequently have I been
"Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Psalms 119:117
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(An excerpt from thediaryof James Smith, when he was 28 years old)
Another sharp stroke!
I fear I loved her too much, for she was a beautiful child. Well, she is gone — and I must follow her, nor can I tell how soon.
"The Lord gave — and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised!" Job 1:21
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"They walk on in darkness!"Psalms 82:5 The minds of sinners make progress — but it is in the wrong path! They started wrong. They will not believe that they are wrong. Therefore they walk on to their own destruction. It is a painful sight to see thousands, and tens of thousands of travelers, passing through this world — and all going wrong! Every step they take, leaves us less hope — and gives the Prince of darkness more power over them. In temporal things — they see clearly enough; but in spiritual things — they are stone-blind! "They walk on in darkness."
Darkness is the emblem of IGNORANCE. They are ignorant . . .of their true state before God, of the character of the God who made them, of the just desert of sin,
of the only Savior who can deliver them, of the wayofescape opened up before them, and of the dreadfuldoom that awaits them! They walk on in ignorance! If they were not so ignorant — they would surely fly to the Lord Jesus to save them.
Darkness is also the emblem of SIN. They live . . .in the violation of God’s holy law,
neglecting Christ’s gracious gospel, and making SELF the end of their existence.
They live to themselves, they live for themselves, they neglect God’s requirements,
they despise His invitations, they turn their backs on His throne of grace, they treat His Book with contempt, they waste their time in idleness and folly— and yet talk as if they expected that He would have mercy upon them at last! They walk on in sin — and yet hope to arrive in Heaven at last!
Darkness represents DANGER. These people are in imminent danger! Disease may arrest them at any hour! Death may remove them out of this world at any moment!
Disease introduces death, death ushers into the presence of God, and God dooms the careless sinner to Hell!
He may be in health in the morning — but a corpse at noon!
He walks upon snares. He is surrounded by the officers of justice. He may be seized any moment. Once seized . . . hope departs, despair approaches, and outer darkness closes up the scene! And yet they walk on in thoughtlessness! They . . .fool away their time, neglect their opportunities of escape, disregard the warning voice, and perish in their own deceivings!
Beast-like — they have no concern for any of these things. They say they shall not be worse off than others — as if it were any relief to be no worse than others, where all are in misery, agony and endless woe! Not worse off than others! Yes, they will — for it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for them. Not worse off than others! Indeed they will — for the men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment and condemn them. Not worse off than others! This is a mistake — for careless, indifferent, Christ-rejecting sinners, "will receive the greater damnation!"
"They walk on in darkness," but if they persevere in doing so — then how fearful will their end be. It will be . . .misery without mercy, darkness without light, despair without prospect of deliverance — and all the result of a willful determination to "walk on in darkness!"
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"You are my portion, O Lord!" Psalms 119:57
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!" Psalms 73:26
"The Lord’s portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9
"Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine!"Isaiah 43:1
~ ~ ~ ~ The poor Christian!
"Hearken, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him?" James 2:5 Poverty is not spirituality — but sanctified poverty is a great friend to it.
Poverty is no sin — but it is sometimes a preventive to sin.
Poverty has its temptations — but it has also its consolations. The poor ought not to repine at poverty — because God in His infinite wisdom has appointed it, and is able to render it the greatest blessing. God’s chosen are generally found among the poor. Not that He chose them because they were poor; but choosing them in Christ — He appointed poverty as the best thing for them.
God’s enemies have their full portion in this life — here, they have their good things. Not so with God’s children! Here on earth, they have their evil things — and their best things are yet to come!
All Christians are "heirs of the kingdom" — the kingdom of grace here — and of glory hereafter; the kingdom in which Jesus will reign; the kingdom where they will be princes — yes, kings and priests; the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world! My poor brother — my poor sister! Look up! Look forward! Your cottage will soon be exchanged for a mansion! Your sickness will soon be exchanged for health! Your poverty will soon be exchanged for wealth! Your sin will soon be exchanged for perfect holiness! Your earth will soon be exchanged for Heaven!
You will not always be poor! You will not be poor for long. Jesus will soon come — and then you will reign with Him! For you — an inheritance is reserved in Heaven! For you — a mansion is being prepared! For you — glory, honor, immortality, even eternal life, are in reserve!
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"God will wipe every tear from their eyes! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!"Revelation 21:4
How much pain many of the Lord’s people are called to suffer — and how severe that pain often is! There are times when pain is hard to bear — when our spirits are exhausted and we are sorely tempted to doubt the pity and tender love of our Heavenly Father. Then it is sweet to look forward to the place, and anticipate the time — when God will wipe every tear from our eyes — and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!
Seek grace from the Lord to suffer patiently. There is an end of every pain — and soon you will bless the Lord for the very pains which now cause you to sigh and groan! The songs of Heaven will be sweetened by the groans of earth; and the pleasures of eternity will be heightened by the pains of time!
Every pain endured — leaves one less pain to suffer. And every hour that passes — brings us one hour nearer to the time when the ransomed of the Lord shall leave behind this land of darkness and death, and go home to their Father’s house with everlasting joy, while sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!
"You will weep no more!" Isaiah 30:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ All that we can need for life or death, time or eternity!
"There is no lack to those who fear Him!" Psalms 34:9 They are not truly wealthy — who appear to be so — or who boast of being so. The lost sinner must be poor. He has . . .no God to comfort him; no Savior to deliver him; no Guide to conduct him; no Advocate to plead for him; no inward peace to support him; no title to Heaven to encourage him.
He is poor. He is in need. He will need . . .confidence and comfort in death; a wedding garment, in which to appear before God; and a comfortable home throughout eternity!
Every lost sinner is indeed poor. His resources will soon be exhausted, and he will find himself "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked!" He may have the appearance of prosperity — but not the reality. True riches belong to another family. The Lord’s people all fear Him; that is, they fear to offend Him, and desire above all things to please Him. And though they may appear poor — they are really rich! God has provided all good things for them — and He gives all good things to them.
They have a solid peace, flowing from a knowledge of acceptance with God, through the blood of Jesus.
They have a joyful hope, which blooms with immortality.
They are assured of strength equal to their day; and of sanctifying grace to make all their troubles work for their good.
They are content with God’s wise and holy appointments; and godliness with contentment is a good fortune.
They acquiesce in the will of God; and are often filled with joy which flows from His presence.
They obtain victory over the temptations which would ensnare them.
They live above the world, which would allure and beguile them.
They are sure of support in death.
They look forward to a joyful resurrection.
They rightly anticipate Heaven as their portion forever!
There is no lack to them, for all that they can truly need, is promised — and every promise is confirmed by the blood of Jesus!
Jehovah is theirs — along with all that He is, and has! His power is their support! His wisdom is their guide! His fullness is their fortune! His mercy is their friend! His love is their Heaven.
"Happy are the people who are in such a case!" All the Lord’s people are really in this case — and therefore they are all happy!
Just think of having Almighty God for your present, constant, eternal Friend!
Think of having the wealth of Deity to supply and satisfy you! And if you sincerely fear God — then this is the reality of your case! No truth is more clearly revealed in Scripture. No subject is more rich with consolation!
Strength may be exhausted, health may decline, courage may fail, riches may flee,
friends may forsake, enemies may increase, all circumstances may change for the worse — but "those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing!"
Sweet promise of a faithful God!
Here, pilgrim, is your staff — take it and travel home!
Here, saint, is your cordial — drink and forget your misery!
Here, believer, is your fortune — take it and live upon it, while a resident here below.
Here, fearful soul, is your antidote — use it to dispel your fears and cheer your fainting heart!
"The young lions may lack food and go hungry — but there is no lack to those who fear Him!"
Here is wealth! Here is comfort!
Here is
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A remedy for heart trouble!
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us be calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .ordering all events with consummate wisdom; overruling all with infinite skill; and sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for ’chance’ — for His government is perfect. There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite. All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe! The floating of the atom, the rolling of the sea, and all the movements of every mind — are alike under His control and direction! "He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me!" Believe. . .that I sympathize with you; that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare; that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment; that I will support you in every place, and under every trial; that My arm shall be stretched out for you to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world; that I will save you to the uttermost; that I will show you a brother’s love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress; that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you.
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .lived for you, labored for you, suffered for you,
died for you, rose for you, and is now in Heaven pleading for you — says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.
If God is ours — then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .the Egypt of this world, the power of sin, and the tyranny of Satan — then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah — the compassionate God . . .who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows, who counts their tears, who feels their groans, and who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah — the God of power . . .who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature, for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah — the God of love . . .whose resources are boundless, whose pity is tender, and who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah — your God . . .pledged to you by promise; engaged for you by covenant; and bound to you by oath! As I am your God . . .look to Me, trust in Me, expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY — ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much! My heart is large, My love is great, My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY — do not be afraid — but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY — I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need — I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child — as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide — and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me — they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain — read it; it is faithful — trust it; it is honest — plead it; it is sure — expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth — and I will fill it!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it — but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree — and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ’s figure a little: A fig-tree — or a professor of the religion of Christ. A fruitless fig-tree — or a barren, useless professor.A fig-tree with leaves of profession — but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person — as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession — God expects you to live up to that profession. If you are planted in His vineyard — God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit — and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease — He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sends death, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe — at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful — it is full of terror — it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible — we cannot evade it — we cannot brave it out — the boldest heart fails — the strongest body yields to God’s "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it — even a certain, fearful expectation of God’s judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath — fearful wrath! Here is justice — inflexible justice! Here is vengeance — the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .Consider! Fear! Tremble! Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish — if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor — where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire — and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The worthless sinner’s place!
"Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her!" Luke 10:42
We often manifest our folly in our choices — but Mary displayed her wisdom. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus as a humble learner — she . . .loved His person, admired His preaching, desired to learn His doctrine, and above all to imbibe His spirit. Her object was communion with Him — in which we become conformed unto His image. In her choice she revealed . . .great spirituality of mind; true wisdom and discernment; attachment to her Lord and His doctrine; deadness to the world and its vain formalities; a concern for the present welfare of her own soul; and a willingness to renounce all for Jesus.
Happy Mary! Honorable woman! May you be my pattern! Your choice was wise; your part was a worthy portion; and your example is held up for our imitation!
At the feet of Jesus we are safe — no enemy can overcome us there! At the feet of Jesus we are holy — no sin can gain dominion there! At the feet of Jesus we are happy — no trouble can be too much for us there!
My soul, choose Mary’s place — and Mary’s portion. There is a place at the feet of Jesus for you! Your sin is no obstacle in the way — for Jesus will pardon that! Your unworthiness is no barrier — for it is
Oh, take your place at His feet now! Listen to His sweet voice, receive His holy doctrines, taste His precious love, rest your soul on His atoning blood — and Heaven will immediately begin in your soul!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Men are deficient in mercy — but God, our God in Jesus, will display the greatest kindness and compassion to His children. This renders Him so amiable, suitable, and glorious in the estimation of His people. Mercy is
God’s mercy is like His nature — pure, lovely, and eternal. His mercy is suited to all the needs of His children — it is free, full, and meets every case! Christian, the Lord assures you that He has mercy for you!
He has pardoning mercy — which will suit your sinfulness; mercy which will blot out your sins, and remove them from you as far as the east is from the west!
He has delivering mercy — which will meet your misery; mercy which will deliver you from . . .the power of sin, the bondage of Satan, the curse of the law, the fear of death, the terrors of judgment, and all the soul-troubles which may fall upon you on earth!
His mercy is tender mercy — which will suit the sickness of your soul. He will sympathize with you, pity you, and manifest the greatest forbearance and love. His mercy is so tender, that it will not break the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. It will . . .encourage the weak desire, fan the feeble spark into a flame, and take the will for the deed.
His mercy is supplying mercy — to meet your needs and defects. It will supply all your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Whether your needs are temporal or spiritual — He will supply you. He will give you both grace and glory; and no good thing will He withhold from you, if you walk uprightly.
It is also sanctifying mercy — to suit your impurity. It will wash you in the laver of the Word, and in the fountain of a Savior’s blood. It will teach you to wash your robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It will sanctify your troubles, and make all things work together for your good.
It is rescuing mercy, which will appear for you, and deliver you from all the dangers which may line your way — and at last present you faultless before the throne of God!
In a word — God’s mercy will meet every case, circumstance, and condition in which it is possible for you to be placed!
Reader, let me exhort you to dwell much on this excellent attribute of your God. Meditate on God as all-merciful and all-sufficient for our every state!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment — but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46 The lost sinner takes the greatest of all risks — he risks suffering the torments of Hell forever, rather than yield himself to God.
He is in DANGER — the greatest possible danger; for he has broken God’s law, is under its curse, and cannot possibly be saved — unless its demands are met, and its penalty endured.
How can he meet its demands? He is insolvent, and has nothing to pay.
How can he endure its penalty, which is to be punished with everlasting destruction?
The penalty due to sin — is Hell. Hell is torment, wrath, despair! Eternal torment!
Just and infinite wrath! Never-ending despair!
If even the thought of these things is dreadful — then what must it be to actually endure them — and endure them forever, without hope, or mitigation, or end!
O what a fearful thing — to be in danger of Hell-fire! O how terrible the thought of being shut up in black despair, with devils and damned souls — the refuse of God’s creation!
Hell is
It is the place of punishment — where everyone suffers the just desert of his crimes!
It is a place horrible beyond description — beyond conception!
O, lost sinner! Hell is a dreadful place! To be damned is a terrible doom! It is forever! Yes, the worm that torments you — will never die; and the fire that punishes you — will never be quenched!
If you, my dear friend, live — neglecting God — walking in your own ways, and gratifying only your own passions and propensities — then you must go to Hell, and suffer God’s just wrath — the punishment due to you for your sins!
God asks you, "Why will you die?" Why do you prefer . . .death — to life, damnation — to salvation, Satan — to Jesus, Hell — to Heaven?
Why?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ An unsaved person’s perspective of Christians
I do not believe that you Christians believe your own creed — for if you were persuaded that things really are as your Bibles teach, and that we poor lost people were really going to such a dreadful place as you say Hell is — then you would act more humanely toward us.
If you saw our houses on fire — you would run and help us to put the fire out; or if you saw us in danger of death — you would try to do something to save us. But you pretend to believe that we are going to Hell, and that Hell burns with fire and brimstone forever, and that once there we can never get out — and yet you talk to us about all sorts of things — but never say one word to us about saving our souls from this terrible doom!
So I have reasoned thus: either you Christians don’t believe what you say — or else you must be the most hardened and unfeeling wretches in the universe! Now, as I don’t believe that you are such cruel, hardened, and unfeeling people as this supposes — then I must conclude that, with all your talk — you Christians don’t really believe what your Bibles teach!
For if you really believe what you say about sin, and Hell, and our danger — then you would act differently; and if you have a spark of kindness in your hearts — you would try to save us from such a dreadful doom. And, on the other hand, if you do not believe what you profess — then you Christians cannot be honest; and to say the least, there must be a great deal of hypocrisy among you.
Now, I honestly tell you that these are the things which have stumbled me more than anything, and until I can see you Christians act differently — I will not be persuaded to believe what your sort of folks say.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Henceforth, I no longer call you servants — but I have called you
Friends! What — the friends of Jesus! Yes!
And does He love us as His friends? Yes!
And does He treat us as His friends? Yes!
And does He expect us to walk with Him, and converse with Him, and confide in Him as His friends? Yes!
Precious Lord Jesus, how astonishing is Your love, how vast is Your condescension,
how amazing is Your grace . . . to call such insignificant worms, such ungrateful sinners, such utterly unworthy creatures — Your friends!
Yes, henceforth, Jesus . . .treats us as His friends, walks with us as His friends, communes with us as His friends, and will take us to dwell in Heaven with Him forever as His friends!
Blessed, blessed forever be the Lord, for His free and sovereign grace!
Henceforth, by the grace of God — I must be a new man, walking by a new rule, and aiming at a new end!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
One great part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart is to . . .empty us, strip us of self, lead us to feel our own weakness, and bring us as poor sinners to look to Jesus alone, as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. And just in proportion as we feel our need of Christ, and realize our absolute nothingness without Christ — shall we prize Him, enjoy Him, and exercise dependence upon Him.
O how little do many of us know our need of Christ, and therefore it is that we . . make so little use of Christ, receive so little from Christ, and do so little for Christ!
We come to Him at first — as poor, lost, helpless sinners — that we may be saved by His merit and mercy. And as believers,
All that we need is in Christ — and it is in Christ, for us. Our sense of our need of Christ, if it is deep and increasing — will lead us to daily come to Christ for all our supplies.
Our deep necessity fits us for Christ — and His infinite fullness fits Him for us!
Our trials, troubles, temptations, disappointments, and vexations are to teach us our need of Christ; and drive us continually to Him.
There is often much prayer — and yet little communion with Christ. We should realize that He is giving us His whole attention. He expects us to tell Him . . .all that troubles us, all that grieves us, all that pleases us, all that we need, and all that we desire. We should keep back nothing from Him — but speak to Him freely on every subject, and every circumstance. He is always with us, listening to us, and sympathetically entering into all our concerns!
We must be intimate with Christ. We must walk with Him. We must carry everything to Him. We must seek all we need from Him. We must be constantly . . .
going to Christ, conversing with Christ, and obtaining from Christ — if we would receive the consoling influences of His love!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!"Psalms 23:6
Notice, David’s expectation for eternity. Not in the sheepfold in the wilderness — but in the house of the Lord! The dwelling-place of God — the family residence of the Father of mercies, and His beloved children. In that house, we shall have . . .all our desires gratified, all our prayers answered, and our highest expectations more than realized!
There we shall dwell in peace, united to all the saints, and enjoying the society of all the ransomed brethren! All friendship will be unchangeable, and fellowship perpetual and pure.
There we shall dwell and worship — and our worship will be spiritual, pure, and perfect!
There we shall dwell and enjoy — and our enjoyments will be dignified, delightful, and eternal.
There we shall dwell and obey — and our obedience will be perfect, hearty, and perpetual.
There, we shall dwell and rest — and our rest will be sweet, refreshing, and satisfying. There will be no wilderness storms there. There will be no cruel, crafty, malignant foes there.
O glorious prospect! O sweet anticipation!
In our Father’s house are many mansions — and all those mansions will be occupied, for . . .every one beloved and chosen by the Father, every one for whom Jesus became a substitute and sacrifice, every one ever born of the Spirit — will be there!
All God’s children shall be there — not one of them lost! All God’s sheep shall be there — not one hoof left behind!
There the Eternal Father will be surrounded by, and enjoy the society of all His happy family. There the glorious Savior will see of the travail of His soul — and be fully and forever satisfied. There the Holy Spirit will fill all His temples, and enjoy His divine workmanship, and the presence of all whom He has prepared for glory.
There, Jehovah, at home with His people — will manifest forth His glory, and pour floods of light, love, and blessing upon them forever!
Well then may the Psalmist say, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
Consider what you were — before saved by sovereign grace. Your heart was enmity against God, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! You did not have one pure desire, one holy thought, or one feeling of love to God.
Further, what would you have been — but for the grace of God? Look at the vilest, the most debased, the most debauched of our race — and you may truly say, "
"By the grace of God — I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Prayer carries every burden to the Lord — -and leaves it there. Prayer goes to the Lord . . .with every need — to have it supplied; with every enemy — to have it conquered; with every corruption — to have it subdued; with every trouble — to have it sanctified, and with every promise — to have it fulfilled. Prayer . . .affects God’s heart with a groan, opens God’s hand with a cry, and obtains the most costly blessings with a tear! While a man can pray . . . he can never sink, he can never be wretched, he can never perish!
Reader, get and maintain a spirit of prayer; it will . . .ease your mind, quell your fears, and fortify your soul against the sorest trials!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!" Php 4:6-7
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"God is love!"1 John 4:16
That is, in Christ, God is love.
All that God does for His children — is in love!
All that He withholds from us — is in love!
And all that He requires of us — is in love!
His precepts are from love — as much as His promises! His warnings are as much from love — as His invitations! His prohibitions are as much from love — as His permissions!
All, all, is done in love!
O sweet and blessed representation of Jehovah! How can I be justified in complaining of any of His dealings? In Jesus, all His thoughts, are loving thoughts;
all His words, are loving words; and all His works, are loving works.
In giving, or withholding — He manifests His love.
In afflicting, or restoring — He alike displays His love.
Every pain, and every pleasure — is from His love.
Every storm, and every sunbeam — is from His love.
The fruitful shower, and the destroying hurricane — are ruled and overruled by divine love, for the good of the believer in Jesus.
"The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son!" Hebrews 12:6
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I will come forth as gold!
"When He has tested me,
"He will sit as a Refiner and Purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." Malachi 3:3
~ ~ ~ ~
"We are the children of God!"Romans 8:16
Never let us forget or lose sight of this — but let us live, walk, and act under the impression that, "
He knows me — and knows all about me.
He loves me — and loves me with the same love with which He loves His only-begotten Son.
He cares for me — and so cares for me that I ought not to be anxious about anything.
He is with me — and will never for one moment trust me out of His sight, or out of the reach of His hand.
He appoints my daily lot — and will overrule everything for my eternal welfare!
~ ~ ~ ~
"
Poor suffering Lazarus had little comfort on earth — but he has plenty in Heaven. The discomfort he suffered here — must make his comfort there tenfold more sweet!
As it was with him, so will it be with us — we shall not lack comfort for long. We have much to comfort us now, even in our worst seasons — but the best is yet to come! The God of all comfort, who sends down drops of comfort now — will soon call us up to enter into the torrents of the fullness of His joy forever! Weeping may endure for a night — but joy comes in the morning. Soon our sufferings and sorrows will be forever ended!
"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!" Revelation 21:4
~ ~ ~ ~
Paul desired seven things especially — and they all referred to Christ, and they are all named in his epistle to the Philippians, and I propose to glance at them. Let us compare our desires with his as we go on, and may the Holy Spirit bless our brief meditation on the subject.
First, he says, "that I may KNOW Him!" (Php 3:10.) Christ had appeared to Paul, he was revealed in him, and was constantly preached by him. Christ was . . .the object of his trust, the subject of his ministry, and the joy of his heart! But he knew that there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of . . .the glory of His person, the riches of His grace, the magnificence of His work, the excellency of His natures, the majesty of His kingdom!
Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good — and grace was better; but Christ was best of all. He was never wearied . . . of thinking of Christ, of speaking of Christ, of learning of Christ. He went on with his work, he went on his way — with the desire constantly rising in his heart, "
Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim — to know more of Jesus?
Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ! He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth; and He is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven. Time is given us to learn Christ — and, blessed be God, eternity will be given to us to learn even more of Christ!
Nothing endears eternity to me like this — it will be spent in learning, enjoying, and honoring Christ!
~ ~ ~ ~
Life is but a journey — a journey from the present fleeting world, to the eternal world.
"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:21
Israel needed a GUIDE in their journey from the wilderness to the promised land.
They had a long journey before them, which would take them forty years.
They had to travel by a strange path, on which they had never trodden before.
Numerous foes would endeavor to obstruct their progress. Many dangers lined the way. And they had evil and deceitful hearts!
Fellow-Christians — is it not even so with us? We are going on a journey to a country of which the Lord our God has told us.
The journey is long and trying. It takes some twenty, some forty, and some sixty years to travel from earth to Heaven.
It is a strange path. A path which no one knows — a path we have never trodden before. A path which by nature we could never find, and from which we are prone to turn aside.
We are surrounded by numerous foes, visible and invisible:
The WORLD frowning as a determined persecutor, or fawning as a base deceiver — is our foe. Now by its sneers, sarcasms, or sword — and then, by its gilded vanities, flesh-pleasing baits, and blandishments — it endeavors to turn us aside from the right ways of the Lord.
SATAN and his hosts — crafty, cunning, cruel, united, persevering and determined — set themselves to terrify and drive us back, or to allure us from the way.
And worst of all, in our own natures, we have a determined foe who is . . .ever present, ever vigilant, ever powerful. Yes, the FLESH lusts against the Spirit. We find a law in our members warring against the law of our minds.
The world, the flesh, and the devil all combine to . . .oppose our progress, hinder us in our march, and, if possible, to destroy us in the wilderness!
Then, there are so many dangers: the towering rocks of presumption, the quagmires of doubt and fear, the pitfalls of error, the ravines of willful sin, the fiery-flying serpents of temptation, the scorpions of indulged lust, the sunshine — and the shade;
the barren sands — and the verdant valleys; the granite rocks — and the flowing streams— all of them have dangers concealed in them! Nor can we be trusted alone for one moment — if we are to be safe. Worst of all, there are our distrustful and deceitful hearts!
With . . .so long a journey, so strange a path, such numerous foes, so many dangers, and such unbelieving hearts —
Not if left to ourselves! Not if led only by Moses. We must have a guide . . .who well knows the road; who can conquer our many foes; who can lead us safely through all our dangers, who can bear with our stubborn hearts and lives!
We need a guide . . .whose wisdom is perfect, whose power is almighty, whose care is constant, whose patience is immutable, whose mercy endures forever!
God provided just what the Israelites needed in the wilderness — a guide to lead them by day and night. He went before them — pointing out the road, clearing it of insurmountable difficulties, and conducting them in it.
This is just what our good and gracious God does for us! He is really present with us — though unseen by us. He is never far from any one of us. He marks out our road, He removes every real impediment out of our way, and conducts us step by step in the path to the promised land!
Naturally we do not know the right path; left to ourselves, we would choose the short-cut, the smooth path, and well-frequented road. But He leads us in a zig-zag way, by a rough and uneven road — where there are but few fellow-travelers. His choice is best. The way He points out is the only right one. It is to humble us, and test us, and show what is in our hearts. It is that we may walk by faith — and not by sight. It is to teach us our need of Himself — and to lead us to cleave unto Him. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death", through death, and beyond it!
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye!" Psalms 32:8
~ ~ ~ ~
"
Paul was not merely satisfied to know Christ, as the property of someone else; he wanted Christ as his own! He was not only willing to receive Christ as a free gift — but he would win Christ as a prize!
Was Christ to be run for — then he would run. Was Christ to be wrestled for — then he would wrestle. Were there any means by which Christ could be obtained, however painful, however costly, however difficult — then Paul would use them!
Did he believe? It was that he might win Christ. Did he pray? It was that he might win Christ. Did he preach? It was that he might win Christ. Did he crucify the old man, mortify the flesh, beat his body and make it his slave? It was that he might win Christ. Did he suffer the loss of all things, and count them but dung and dross? It was that he might win Christ. Did he subject himself to stripes, imprisonment, hunger, cold, nakedness, and a martyr’s death? It was that he might win Christ.
To possess Christ was his one object, his ruling desire!
Reader, is it your main object and desire?
Are you prepared to part with all to win Christ?
Would you take Christ — in exchange for ease, reputation, wealth, labors, sufferings, yes, even death itself? Paul was; and if you are not, his estimates of Christ and yours cannot be the same.
My soul, I charge you — let this be your object, let this be your aim, always and everywhere: to "win Christ!"
~ ~ ~ ~
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, to do this more and more!" 1 Thessalonians 4:1
In every place, in every circumstance, in every undertaking — the Christian should ask, "
God is pleased or displeased . . .with every thought we think, with every word we speak, with every action we perform, with every emotion we feel.
Perhaps we do not sufficiently realize this. We think, speak, feel, and act — without ever considering whether we are pleasing God, or not. But this ought not to be, for He . . .gave us our being, redeemed us from sin and damnation, called us by His grace, and has blessed us with innumerable and interminable blessings — and all that we may glorify Him! And how can we glorify Him — but by habitually aiming to please Him? If we forget or lose sight of this — we forget and lose sight of the principal end of our being, and well-being.
For instance, the manner in which I employ my spare time — the amount of time I give to recreation or entertainment. Many Christians seem never to think whether the way in which they spend their time, is pleasing to God or not. If they did, would they ever go to some entertainments, or indulge in certain pleasures? Would the world have so much of their time, and the prayer-closet so little? How much time is wasted in frivolous ways, which are neither conducive to the health of the body, nor calculated to promote the spirituality of the mind.
Also, how many squander their money on dress, ornaments, or delicacies for the body — who never relieve the poor, or contribute to establish God’s cause in the world; or if they do so at all, it is not in due proportion to their means. Thepenceare given to the Lord — thepoundsare spent in the gratification ofSELF!
If, when I am going to lay out money in ornaments or dress, or indulgences for the table, I was to ask, "
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way." Colossians 1:10
My object in everything I do — should be to please God. The one grand end of my life, the grand thing I am to aim at — is to please my Heavenly Father. I have . . . nothing to dread, but His frown, nothing to fear, but His displeasure, nothing to seek, but His approbation. If my Heavenly Father is pleased with me — it is enough.
What a comfort it is to know that my God is easily pleased — that it is not the amount of what I do — but the motive from which I do it, which He looks at! He is pleased with my poorest performances, with my most imperfect services, with only a cup of cold water given to one of His children — if my object is to please Him!
In everything I do, I should ask, "
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do — do it all for the glory of God!" 1 Corinthians 10:31. This is the rule — and we should walk by it.
~ ~ ~ ~
"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28
If you are a sincere believer in Jesus, whatever may be your present difficult circumstances, however trying, however perplexing, "
You may not think so now. You may be writing bitter things against yourself. You may be misinterpreting the designs of God’s providence. You may be doubting the precious promises of God’s holy Word. But, notwithstanding your mistakes, your doubts, your fears, your false conclusions — "It will all end in mercy!"
You do not think so — nor did Jacob once, nor did Joseph once, nor did Job once, nor did thousands once — who are now in glory! They were mistaken — and so are you! They judged by appearances — and so do you! They changed their minds — and so will you!
All your troubles are appointed in infinite love!
They are all weighed out by sovereign goodness!
They are all limited by perfect wisdom!
There is no ’chance’ in what happens to the Christian!
Everything is divinely arranged and appointed!
Cheer up, my poor weary fellow-traveler! You will soon arrive at Home, and then you will see clearly and enjoy sweetly the blessed truth — that to the believer "all will end in mercy!"
Take comfort, poor afflicted fellow-Christian! Your afflictions are God’s furnace, in which He is refining you! He is only fitting you to occupy a mansion in Heaven, and to sing the sweet and everlasting song — the theme of which will be, "It all ended in mercy!"
Fear not, poor feeble, fickle, faltering follower of Jesus! Though your faith is weak,
though your fears are strong, though your doubts are painful, though you conclude that your case is singular and your condition hopeless — "the year of release is at hand," and then . . . your doubts will expire, your fears will flee away, your groans will be silenced, your feeble hopes will be realized, for "It will all end in mercy!"
My brother, are you in poverty, under persecution, or in bodily sickness? Cheer up! Your light shall soon "break forth as the morning!" Write it down in your memorandum book, or impress it upon your memory, or, what is better still — pray the Holy Spirit to give you the sweet inward assurance of the fact, that "It will all end in mercy," for "we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28
~ ~ ~ ~
"That Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!" Php 1:20-21
Paul’s third all-absorbing desire was to MAGNIFY Christ!
Paul desired to exhibit and exalt Christ! If he wrote — he wrote of Christ. If he spoke — he spoke of Christ. If he suffered — he suffered for Christ. If he sorrowed — it was because professors dishonored Christ.
Christ was to him dearer than the apple of his eye — and more precious than all things in earth or Heaven! He would live — if he could honor Jesus; or he would die for Him — if that would honor Him more.
He felt his obligation to Christ. He was inflamed with Christ’s love. He was a sacrifice on Christ’s altar. He was a vessel for Christ’s honor. He would go anywhere, he would do anything — if he might but honor Christ. Heartily he would say, "Let the name of Paul perish, if the name of Christ can be magnified thereby!"
To him Christ was, in fact, all and all. He died for Christ; the honor of Christ was the end for which he laid down his life.
Does your heart cry, "Oh, that I could honor Christ!"
Does your life make this impression on others: "That person aims to honor Christ!"
Is it your daily cry and prayer: "Let Christ be magnified in me, by me, and through me — in life, in death, in time, and forever!"
Oh my soul, let it be my constant desire and prayer — that Jesus, my Jesus, may be magnified by me!
~ ~ ~ ~
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings — becoming like him in His death!" Php 3:10
Paul’s next all-absorbing desire was to be CONFORMED to Christ! It was not enough to know Christ, to win Christ, to magnify Christ, or to be in Christ; Paul wishes to be LIKE Christ! He would . . .breathe His spirit, exhibit His temper,
copy His example, and be just like Christ!
He desired to be . . .like Christ in poverty, like Christ in suffering, like Christ in death itself!
In every point resembling Him!
What admiration of Christ is here! What love to Christ! What self-renunciation!
What power of grace! What a wonderful transformation! How unlike ’Saul of Tarsus’, the Pharisee of the Pharisees, the persecutor of the church, the blasphemer of the Nazarene! What could be more unlike? Once he saw no beauty in Christ — now he sees nothing but beauty! Once he could not bear the mention of His name — now he never seems happy, but when pronouncing it! Once he was exceedingly violent against Christ and His people — now his heartfelt abiding cry is, "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings — becoming like Him in His death!"
Dear reader, have you ever experienced any such change? Are you panting, praying, striving to be like Jesus? Are you willing to be anything that Jesus was — that you may be like Him? Are you willing to suffer even death — that you may be conformed to Him?
My soul, this is a very high attainment — aspire to it! Seek grace day by day at the throne of grace — that you may so love, so admire, so adore the Savior — as to desire to be conformed to Him in life, in death, and forever!
~ ~ ~ ~
Paul’s next all-absorbing desire was to be WITH Christ!
Paul dearly loved his work. He was greatly attached to the church — which needed his presence, gifts, and labors. He deeply sympathized with poor perishing sinners — who needed the gospel. But such was his love to Jesus, that
To be with Christ — this was his desire. To be with Christ anywhere — was enough.
To be with Christ forever — was a sufficient Heaven!
Paul was willing to lay down his body — if by doing so, he may be with Christ. To be with Christ, to him was far better than life with all its comforts. To be with Christ, to him was far better than the world with all its privileges and pleasures. To be with Christ! This is . . .the flower of bliss, the crown of glory, the perfection of happiness!
To be with Christ! Paul could desire nothing beyond this!
My friend, can you empathize with Paul here?
~ ~ ~ ~
"I am glorified in them!"John 17:10
That is, I HAVE been glorified . . .by their faith, for they have exercised confidence in Me; by their choice, for they have left all and followed Me; by their ministry, for they went where I sent them, and served as I directed them; by their self-denial, for they have taken up their cross and have followed Me; by their perseverance, for they have adhered to Me when others forsook Me; by their holy character, for they have endeavored to imitate Me.
I SHALL be glorified . . .in their full redemption and perfect salvation, in their worship and services, in their motives and actions, by their undivided love and practical holiness!
Jesus gets glory by all that He does, or suffers, or procures for His people — and by all that they do and suffer for Him!
Jesus is glorified by all that He does for me — and by all that I do for Him!
Marvelous mystery! Glorious scheme! Worthy at once of the wisdom, majesty, and grace of God!
~ ~ ~ ~
The world and the Church are essentially and eternally distinct — and they ought to be distinguishable. The Church ought not to mix with the world — but to bear a practical testimony against it, that its works and ways are evil. All through our Lord’s prayer, He keeps up the distinction, and twice over He asserts of His disciples, "They are not of the world — even as I am not of the world!"
Believers are not of the world. They are born from above, and possess a nature far superior to that of the world — which unfits them for its pleasures and pursuits, and qualifies them for the enjoyments and employments of the Heavenly world.
They are delivered from the thraldom of the world — and are raised above its pursuits and its joys.
They will not be conquered by the world — but overcome it by faith.
They will not be judged with it — but with Christ will sit in judgment upon it.
They will not be punished like it — neither in the present nor in the future state.
True believers are not of the world!
Look at the world’s state — condemned; and theirs, justified!
Look at its condition — wretched; and theirs, happy!
Look at its character — enemies to God; and theirs, the friends of God!
Look at its course — sin; and theirs, holiness!
Look at its god — Satan, the most degraded, depraved, and despicable being in existence; and theirs, Jehovah, the high and lofty one, the holy and happy one, the great and glorious one!
Look at its end — destruction; and theirs, salvation.
The world is darkness — they are light. The world is corrupt — they are purified.
The world is in chains — they are free.
We are not of the world, even as Christ is not of the world!
If we are poor — let us not, then, envy the world.
A saint in rags — is preferable to a sinner in robes!
A believer in a hovel — is happier than a worldling in a palace!
A Christian at the worst — is far better off than a worldling at the best!
Whatever we have — we have with God’s blessing! Whatever the world has — it has with God’s curse!
We are training for greatness and grandeur! The world is preparing for shame and everlasting contempt!
The world is nomodelfor a Christian! We should . . .not dress so expensively,
nor furnish our homes so extravagantly, nor live so luxuriously — as the world does! But as strangers and pilgrims in the world — we should abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
Let us not be dejected — if we are stripped of what we now have. We are not of the world — we do not have our portion here. We need but little of this world’s goods, and our Heavenly Father will see to it that we have enough. He will not allow us to lose anything that is essential to our holiness or happiness. As our lives are insured by our Heavenly Father — so all our needs are anticipated, and provided for. Lose what we may — we shall never lose . . .our God, our title deed to our glorious inheritance, or our place at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
Let us not be much troubled about the world. As we are . . .chosen out of it,
redeemed from it, and shall soon leave it — we should not allow ourselves to be very much affected by any of its affairs.
Let us not, therefore, mix up with the world, or be much taken up with its schemes and cares, its speculations or its prospects.
Let us always keep up our distinction from the world. Not in a spirit of pride or self-righteousness, as if conscious of some supposed superiority in ourselves. But in a meek, lowly, and loving spirit — let us avoid all that is really evil, and abstain from what has the appearance of evil.
Heavenly Father, as You have chosen us out of the world — give us grace to live above the world, and enable us to glorify You in the world! Make us like your beloved Son, who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Oh, to live in this world as strangers and pilgrims — as those whose treasure is above — and whose hearts are there also!
~ ~ ~ ~
"Those who are whole do not need a physician — but those who are sick!" Matthew 9:12
The world is one vast hospital. Jesus is the only physician in it; He has healed thousands, He will heal thousands more. But multitudes reject Him; they imagine they can do without Him; they think that they are whole — and therefore do not need a physician.
Sin is the disease of the soul. The sinner’s state, is a diseased state. He is sick — mortally sick. His sickness is hereditary. He inherited it from his parents. He brought it into the world with him. That is true of all — which was spoken by David of himself, "Behold I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me!"
Sin is increased by wicked habits. We go astray from the womb, speaking lies. We contract the habit of sinning — so that to sin becomes as natural to us, as to breathe.
The disease of sin is contagious. We contaminate others — and others increase our sickness. "Bad company corrupts good character."
The progress of this disease is constant — it spreads daily — almost insensibly, and especially from neglect.
Sin produces great weakness, so that the sinner cannot of himself, do anything really good.
Sin not only makes us weak, but stupid — so that we become careless and foolish. We are dying of disease — but are unconcerned about it! There is a skillful physician at hand — but we refuse to apply to Him!
Sin has destroyed all our moral beauty — and left us loathsome, unsightly, and wretched! It produces innumerable and horrendous pains — and surrounds us with sorrows, cares, and woes!
Sin brings us to death — not only separating the body from the soul — but separating the soul from God!
Sin is the forerunner of eternal and unmitigated weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth!
There is no sickness like sin — yet this disease is universal. All are sick! "Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good — not even one!"Romans 3:9-12
This disease affects every part of man, "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot, even unto the head, there is no soundness in it — only wounds and bruises and putrefying sores!" Isaiah 1:5-6. Man is one mass of moral disease! Every power and faculty is disordered. All the elements of destruction are within himself. He deeply needs a physician, for he is dreadfully sick; so sick, that there is but a step between him and damnation!
My dear reader, this is your state! The Holy Spirit has given
The plague spot is upon you! You are very far advanced in a moral and spiritual cancer — which is secretly hurrying you to eternal death and damnation! O may the Lord . . .open your eyes — that you may see your dreadful state; enlighten your conscience — that you may be alarmed at your condition; and quicken your soul — that you may flee to Jesus and receive health, healing, and everlasting soundness from His hands!
Jesus is the best physician. His work is to heal souls. He is every way qualified for His work.
He is a wise and skillful physician. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him — and He employs them for the good of souls. He has been employed in healing sinners for six thousand years — His skill has never been baffled, nor has one patient died under His hand yet!
He is a kind and tender physician. Not one harsh word is ever spoken by Him, to a poor broken-hearted sinner; nor does He ever refuse to attend to any case. His kindness is such — that He weeps with those who weep! And His tenderness is so great — that it is said in reference to all His patients, "In all their afflictions — He is afflicted."
He is a friendly and faithful physician. There is nothing forbidding or austere in His manner, nor does He ever deceive. Friendship has erected her throne in His heart, and built her mansion in His bosom; and He is ever faithful to His word, and to the poor sick sinner who applies to Him.
He is a willing and accessible physician. Willing to heal anyone who is willing to be healed by Him — and to go anywhere to perform His miracles of mercy. As when applied to of old, He said "I will come and heal him!" Just so now! He stoops to the beggar in the dust, and visits the needy on the dunghill. He is always ready at hand. You need no messenger to send and fetch Him — He is within hearing! He is nearer than anyone else — He can hear the softest whisper of the heart!
He is the great physician, no one can be compared to Him for qualifications or success.
He is the good physician, no one beside Him can be found — who so kindly, so freely, and so effectually heals every applicant! His blood is the true balm of Gilead.
It is not only His work — but His delight to heal sin-sick souls! And He heals them all freely, certainly, and perfectly! His terms are, "No Money! No Price!" Those whom He restores to health — will enjoy health forever. He makes every one of His patients immortal — and surrounds them with all that can make them holy and happy forever!
~ ~ ~ ~ Will this please God?
"So we make it our goal to please Him." 2 Corinthians 5:9
Our principal business on earth is to please God. This is the grand end of our creation — we were formed to glorify Him. This was the great design in our redemption — to show forth His praise. On this one object — our attention should be fixed! To this one end — all our efforts should be directed!
In every enterprise, our first inquiry should be —
And if this is true — then how have we been living? Day after day has passed away — and we have never once thought about pleasing God! One engagement has followed another — but it has never been our aim to please God! In this we are truly guilty!
And this, while it proves our depravity — also accounts for our unhappiness. We never can be happy — but as we have a well-grounded conviction that we are pleasing God!
Reader, has pleasing God been the main object of your life? Have you been habitually aiming at this one end? Or, rather have you not entirely forgotten it, and busied yourself about almost everything beside?
"That you may live a life worthy of the Lord, and may please Him in every way." Colossians 1:10
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"The sinners in Zion are terrified! Trembling grips the godless! Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burnings?" Isaiah 33:14
These ’sinners in Zion’ represent professors of religion.
Many profess the Christian religion — who are not really Christians! They are strangers to the new birth. They have never passed from death unto life. Their opinions perhaps are changed — but their hearts remain just as they were. Their lives may be moral — but their hearts are not spiritual. They are enemies to God — though they profess to be His friends! They are rebels against the government of Jesus — while they profess to be His loyal subjects.
Commending the Savior with their lips — they withhold their heart from Him. In professing Christ — they cry, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" But by living in sin — they cry, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" They are not struggling with sin — but sternly attached to sin! It is not weakness which causes their conduct — but inveterate wickedness!
They are hypocrites — that is, they wear a mask! They pretend to be what they well know they are not. With their mouths they show much love to Christ — but their hearts go after their lusts!
Reader, it is a dreadful thing . . .to be a hypocrite; to be found among the Lord’s people — while not really of them; to profess Christ — and not to possess Christ!
You may deceive men — but you cannot deceive God!
You may be bold and fearless now — but when God shall unmask you, and expose the nakedness of your soul — then you will be afraid; fearfulness and trembling will seize upon you suddenly!
If you are indulging in any known sin, under a profession of religion — then you are a ’sinner in Zion’ — and your state is most dangerous!
The time is coming, when the ’sinners in Zion’ shall be afraid. God has threatened them. He has threatened them with His sorest judgments. He is true and faithful to His Word. His wrath is eternal — for it is His just displeasure against sin, it is His righteous opposition to the sinner. He hates all sin. But He especially hates deception! Hypocrisy is odious in His sight. He has pronounced the most dreadful woes against all such. They will not find any mercy at His hands — if they persevere in their hypocrisy!
How will they be able to lift up their faces before Him in judgement — whose eyes are as a flame of fire, who has been witness to all their hypocrisy, and who hates all the workers of iniquity! In the prospect of that day, God proposes the most solemn QUESTIONS:
"Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?"Fire inflicts the most dreadful pains. It is used by the Lord to represent the punishment that is to be inflicted upon all ungodly people. It is not merely fire — but consuming fire. Fire in its strength! Fire raging as it does when well fed with fuel! O how dreadful to be tormented in that flame! To be surrounded by that fierce, scorching, destructive element! Sinner! think of devouring fire, a lake of devouring fire — it is the due desert of your sins!
Then, there are everlasting burnings! "Who of us can dwell with everlasting burnings?" There is a fire that never shall be quenched! There are torments that shall never, never, never end! Yes, while God lives to punish, while the cause of punishment remains — the sinner must be punished!
The torments of Hell will not purify. The lost are never sanctified by their sufferings in Hell. They will sin yet more and more — and justice requires that punishment should continue to be inflicted.
Impenitent sinners are to dwell with everlasting burnings. Hell is to be their unchangeable residence, their eternal portion.
My reader, God directs you to put the question to your own conscience: "Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burnings?"
Ah! What if you should! What if your profession should end in this doom! What if your hope should prove like the spider’s web? It may! It is possible. Is it probable? Search and look! A mistake here is fearful, it is fatal, it is irremediable!
Deceitful and deceiving professor — ponder these solemn questions. They are especially addressed to you. Every false covering will soon be stripped off. Your heart and your life will be laid bare — by the holy, sin-hating, sin-punishing God!
Do not even dream of redemption from the devouring fire, when once in it — or of the everlasting burnings being quenched! That is the greatest folly. It is an invention of the father of lies — to deceive your souls, and secure your damnation! If you persevere in sin, if you continue to practice hypocrisy — I solemnly warn you, that you shall surely perish! Hell will be opened to meet you at your death, the fierce flames of damnation will curl around you, the doors of the horrid prison of despair will close upon you— and you will be lost, lost, lost forever!
We must sound the alarm! We would alarm you — to prevent your ruin!
Your sin deserves Hell. It demands punishment. It appeals to the justice of God — and its appeal will be regarded. A just God must punish the impenitent sinner. Hear then, the warning voice! Flee from the wrath to come! Hasten and escape from the consuming fire — from the everlasting burnings! Flee, flee for refuge, and lay hold of the hope set before you in the gospel.
Flee, flee, flee from the everlasting burnings!!!
~ ~ ~ ~
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!" Psalms 51:2
"Create in me a clean heart, O God!" Psalms 51:10
A clean heart is one that is . . .purified from guilt — by the blood of Jesus; and
cleansed from filth — by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts by nature, are all unclean. They are the most unclean things in existence!
The awakened sinner discovers that he is unclean, that his heart is unholy — and he desires to be thoroughly cleansed. He is not, he cannot be satisfied with outward reformation; he wants inward renovation. No promise in God’s book suits him so well as, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws!" Ezekiel 36:25-27
"O Lord," he cries, "fulfill this precious promise in my experience. Give me the new heart, and take away the stony heart from me. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sin. Make me holy — whatever I may suffer in the process."
The clean-hearted person . . .hates sin, shrinks from sin, and longs for entire freedom from sin! But if the heart is not changed, the only thing feared is punishment, and the only thing sought is happiness.
The Holy Spirit alone can give us such views of sin — as will lead us to hate it; and He alone can give us such views of our own hearts — as will prompt us to cry, "Create in me a clean heart, O God! Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!"
~ ~ ~ ~ "
We are prone to be fretful, to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence, and to reflect harshly upon the Lord’s dealings with us.
We want our own way.
We wish to carve for ourselves.
We would be treated as God’s favorites.
We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And if this does not appear to be done — if our wills are crossed, if our schemes are frustrated, if our purposes are broken off — then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.
Under these circumstances, God comes to us — as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols — and puts this question to us: "Should it be according to your mind?" Are you wiser than God? Are you kinder than God? Are you holier than God? Are you more just than God? Are you better informed than God? May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish? Should it then be according to your mind? Should youreign— or God?
Remember that God acts in the highest wisdom; His motives are grace and justice; and all His purposes are worthy of Himself. The least the Christian can do is to submit — and to prefer God’s wisdom, way, and work — to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people — they, at least, should daily say, "Father, may Your will be done!"
O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence — but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted — your best interests are secured; and soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness, have marked out every step of your road!
"Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing — but someday you will." John 13:7
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"
Vanity represents the light, changeable, carnal, and fading things of time. Upon these things, the natural heart is set; around them, the unsanctified affections gather. What a vanity it is to prefer . . . human friendship — to divine friendship, earthly riches — to Heavenly riches, carnal honors — to spiritual honors, and the pleasures of a day — to the joys of eternity!
Vanity appears in the intoxicating cup, the mirthful and costly attire, and trifling with God. Surely every worldly man walks in a vain show, like an actor on the stage — and displays the most consummate folly!
Reader! are you in love with vanity? Do you love that which leads from God, keeps Him out of the thoughts, and binds you down to earth? This is vanity! How long will you love it? You have been doing so for years — though warned, convinced, and having promised to reform. You are doing so now, though . . .mortality is at work within you, death is very near you, Hell is open before you, and eternity is within a step of you!
You love vanity, when you may . . .obtain divine mercy, enjoy peace with God, receive sanctifying grace, and walk in the way to Heaven.
"How long will you love vanity?" Until . . . some sudden stroke takes you away; or some affliction puts you beyond the reach of mercy; or God’s Spirit ceases to strive with you; or Satan fills your heart as he did the heart of Judas; or God laughs at your calamity?
How long? God your Creator would ask you. "Why will you die?"
Will you carefully consider this question, and give the Lord an answer? Will you tell Him why you prefer . . .eternal death — to eternal life, sin — to holiness, and Satan — to Himself?
"They who observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy!" Jonah 2:8
~ ~ ~ ~
My soul, meditate for a few moments on what Jesus is to you, and what Jesus has done for you. Look back and glance at the circumstances in which He found you — and the deliverance which He wrought for you.
1. Thecircumstancesin which Jesus found you. Jesus found me out of the way. God by His law had marked out a way in which His creatures should walk — its character was holiness, and its end His glory. But all we like sheep had gone astray, we had turned every one to his own way. We were in the path of death and destruction, and on the way to Hell.
We were not only out of the way — but we were enslaved. We were . . .slaves of sin,
the drudges of the world, and led captive by the Devil at his will.
We were diseased — as well as enslaved. We were leprous from head to foot. We had the plague of the heart! The whole head was sick, and the whole heart was faint.
We were imprisoned, as well as diseased. We were shut up in unbelief and sin. Our cell was cold and damp, dark and narrow — and our imprisonment was not merely for a few years — it was forever!
We were dead, though still conscious, and to some things alive. Dead in trespasses and sins.
In this state we were — and we loved it well. We neither desired, nor sought deliverance. Left to ourselves. . .we would have wandered on in darkness, until we had perished in our sins; we would have continued the slaves of sin and Satan forever; our disease would have preyed upon our vitals to all eternity; our prison walls would have enclosed us still; we would have remained dead in sin, we would have suffered all the pangs of damnation forever!
2. Thedeliverancewhich Jesus wrought for you.Jesus saved me!
He saved me from the roaring lion, who goes about seeking to devour me!
He saved me from my raging lusts, so that sin shall not have dominion over me!
He saved me from righteous wrath, and I, being justified by His blood, shall be saved from wrath through Him!
He saved me from death, the ’king of terrors,’ depriving the monster of his sting, and giving me the victory over him!
He has also saved me from the flaming furnace of Hell — from that lake of fire, and those floods of flame in which the lost must welter forever!
Reader, have you a Savior? Can you use these two precious words, "My Savior"?
Have you realized that you were lost? Have you fled to His cross? Have you fallen into His arms? Have you been cleansed by His blood, and clothed in His righteousness? Do you possess His Holy Spirit?
Make sure work, O make sure work! Eternity is just at hand! Death is coming! Judgment follows! And then — an eternity of happiness or woe! Your eternal all depends on having Jesus for your Savior! No one can save you but Jesus. No one can . . .support you in sickness, comfort you in death, or give you victory over the grave — but Jesus!
~ ~ ~ ~
"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance." 2 Timothy 3:10
A holy life is
"You ought to live holy and godly lives!" 2 Peter 3:11
~ ~ ~ ~
To love, and be loved — is real happiness. Our highest honor, and our sweetest happiness below — is to be beloved of God. For if God loves us — He will withhold no truly good thing from us.
"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely — for My anger has turned away from them!" Hosea 14:4
What will God do for His people? He will love them freely!
He will prefer you to all others — setting His eye and His heart upon you.
He will take you into fellowship — the nearest, dearest, sweetest fellowship with Himself.
He will make you happy with the persuasion of the facts . . .that He has loved you with an everlasting love, that He delights in His love to you, and that He will forever love you freely!
O blessed state — that the great, the infinite, the holy Lord God, will love a worm like me . . .preferring me even to the angels; indulging me with the freest, sweetest fellowship with Himself; and sweetly persuading my soul of His eternal love to me!
How precious the Lord’s people are to Him! Notwithstanding all their unworthiness and sinfulness. Notwithstanding all their departures from Him, and unkindness to Him. There is nothing on earth, or in heaven, except His only begotten Son — that is as precious to the heart of God, as His people are!
God’s love is always free and unchangeable. Everything outside of God will change — but His love is immutable!
"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you!" Jeremiah 31:3
Lord, help me to believe the love which You have for me — and to love You in return! O shed abroad Your sweet love in my heart, and fill that heart with glowing love to You!
~ ~ ~ ~
I am dying! The words of the dying, are often striking and impressive. We remember them, and derive benefit from them. This has always been the case, especially with the saints of God. The words of the patriarch Joseph to his brethren, when he was dying, are so peaceful, so prophetic, so encouraging — that I feel inclined to meditate on them a little. His sun was going down in a calm clear sky: all behind was mercy — all before was glory. His brethren are gathered around him to see him depart, and he said, "
"I am dying." Death is always solemn. It generally awakens painful reflections. It is often attended with the sweetest joys.
"I am dying," that is, I am about to leave . . .the wilderness — for the promised land;
the strange country — for my pleasant home; the field of conflict — for the abode of peace!
"I am dying," that is, I will soon . . .heave my last sigh, utter my last groan, feel my last pain, taste the cup of sorrow for the last time!
"I am dying," that is, I am about . . .to depart to be with Christ, to enjoy the glorious presence of God, and to be one with all the glorified forever!
"I am dying," that is, I will soon bid an eternal farewell . . .to all my doubts and fears,
to all my sins and sorrows, to all my foes and follies, and enter into peace, safety, and perfect holiness! To me, as a believer in Jesus . . .death has no sting, the grave has no terrors, eternity awakens no alarms! My sins are pardoned, for His name’s sake, my soul is justified, by His blood, and
my person is in eternal union with His. To die is gain! To die is to be perfectly holy and happy! To die, is simply to go home to my Father’s house — to inherit and inhabit the place that Jesus has prepared for me!
"I am dying." Shall I regret it? Shall I dread it? Oh, no! May the Lord give me grace, to hail my dying day with pleasure, and to rejoice in the thought of being absent from the body, and present with the Lord!
~ ~ ~ ~
"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed!" Isaiah 53:5
If we would enjoy peace, grow in grace, and walk with God — there is one object on which the eye of the mind should be constantly fixed. Therefore it is written, as the language of our crucified Lord, "They shall look upon Me whom they havepierced!"Zechariah 12:10.
It was WE who pierced Him on Calvary! We put the nails and the hammer into the hands of the executioners! We put the spear into the hand of the Roman soldier!
Yes, it was we who . . .gathered the thorns, picked out the sharpest, formed them into a mock crown, thrust it on His head, and with the staff beat the thorns into His temples!
See, see, there He hangs! Pierced in His head, hands, feet, and side — pierced for us — pierced by us!
Look, my soul, at the pierced One!
God’s holy Son hangs on that cross!
O my soul, look at Jesus! He is your Substitute. He is there for you! He is suffering death for you! He is bearing the desert of your sins in His body on the tree! He is enduring your curse, being made accursed for you!
He is revealing . . .what is in man’s nature, what is in God’s heart, and what He is willing to do and suffer — rather than I should perish!
Yes, Jesus is there for me! He represents my person! He answers for my crimes! He dies in my stead!
O Savior, was ever any love, was ever any agony, was ever any death — like Yours!
Look, my soul, look to Jesus, the pierced One!
Look, and mourn — because your sins degraded, disgraced, and put Him to grief!
Look, and rejoice, for you shall have . . .dignity by His degradation, honor by His disgrace, and life by His death!
Look, and be sorry that you have ever sinned, and so caused Jesus to suffer! Look, and rejoice that you shall live forever to glorify and praise His name!
O my soul, Jesus was wounded for your transgressions, and bruised for your iniquities! His blood has made your peace with God, His righteousness gives you a title to eternal life, and His death delivers you from dying!
I fix my eye intently on Jesus on the Hill Calvary, and marking all His tears, wounds, and agonies — I feel that I was the cause of all. I myself did it! Yes, I MYSELF . . .
bruised Him, scourged Him, spit on Him, crowned Him with thorns, smote Him with the fist, and nailed Him to the cursed tree! I inflicted it all.
Yet, O wonder of wonders! I derive pardon, holiness, and eternal life from it!
~ ~ ~ ~
God shall surely visit you!
"I am dying. But
"God shall surely visit you." When I can visit my beloved Christian friends no more — God will. He visits all of His children, walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. When His people meet — He meets with them, whether in public assemblies, or in the social circle. His church is His garden, in which He takes His pleasant walks. It is His city, in which He loves to dwell. It is His family, with which He feels at home.
He visits every individual Christian also. To the babes — He shows tender care, and nurse-like kindness. To the young men — He imparts strength and courage. To the fathers — He opens his heart, and shows them the depths of His infinite love. To the afflicted — He manifests sympathy. To the tempted — He affords support. And to the poor — He brings supplies.
He visits His children . . .in the prayer-closet, at the family altar, and in the house of prayer.
He visits them as they sit around His table, and sing His praise.
He visits them in the valley of trouble — where they sigh and weep.
He visits them when oppressed — to support and set them free.
He visits them in sickness — to comfort and make their bed.
He visits them when they backslide — to restore them.
He visits them in the valley of the shadow of death — to conduct them safely through. The Lord has visited me at times in the past — and, blessed be His name, He will surely visit me in the future. He will visit . . .to sweeten every bitter cup, to sanctify every trying dispensation, and to enable me patiently to bear every cross.
He will visit, to bring me up out of this land — this land of trial and tribulation, this land of sins and sorrows. His last visit will be the sweetest, as introductory to His eternal presence and glory!
He will surely visit His children — but it may be to bereave. It may be to remove some idol. Or it may be, to strip me of something which encumbers and hinders me in my journey.
He will visit, and His visits will be in mercy — whether He comes . . .to commend — or reprove; to comfort — or grieve; to give — or take away; to clothe — or strip;
to fill the mouth with songs — or the eyes with tears! Our prayers call for mercies, and our sins call for stripes — and He will surely answer our call.
Blessed, forever blessed, be His holy name . . . for every visit He has paid me, for every loving look He has given to me, for every sweet word He has spoken to me, and for every blessing He has conferred upon me!
And now, O Lord, visit me often, stay with me long — and manifest Yourself to me more fully, and more gloriously than you have ever done! Especially visit me when on the bed of sickness, and in the hour of death, when I am descending into the grave, that land of darkness and corruption! Then, then let me hear the voice of mercy saying, "God shall surely visit you, and bring you out of this land!"
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These trials are necessary, to . . .try our sincerity, exercise our graces, and render the promises sweet and precious. When all goes smooth, and everything is pleasant . . .we attach but little importance to the promises, have little power in prayer, and are too apt to over-value ourselves.
But trying times . . .endear the throne of grace, strip us of pride and self-importance,
and strengthen our trust in Jesus.
Never is Christ so precious — as in times of peculiar trial. Never is the Bible so valued — as in the day of trouble and distress. The wilderness with its barren burning sands, its storms and tempests, its dangers and its difficulties — endears the promised land; and makes the pilgrim occasionally to cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!"
Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest — to the weary, way-worn, exhausted traveler! Rest! O how sweet is the thought of rest — to the afflicted, tried, and tempted Christian! He most generally thinks of Heaven as a place of rest: rest from suffering, rest from sorrow, rest from toil, and rest from conflict.
Rest with Jesus.
Rest in the home of God.
Rest, perfect and perpetual rest.
Peaceful and glorious rest.
We have the foretastes of it occasionally now, which makes us at times long for its fullness and perfection. Like the grapes of Eshcol, which when tasted, stimulates us to hasten across the wilderness, that we may take possession of the promised land; so the inward calm, the secret repose, the rest at times enjoyed in the soul — urges us on, and makes us cry out, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!
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"For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth — the Lord your God haschosenyou to be His own special treasure!" Deuteronomy 7:6
God highly prizes His people. Yes, it is impossible to say how highly He prizes them. Those are wondrous words, "For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own special treasure!" Psalms 135:4
Did the shepherd prize his flock? God calls His people, "His flock, His beautiful flock."
Does the miser prize his wealth? God says of His people, "You shall be a special treasure unto Me above all people; for all the earth is mine."
Does the prince prize his jewels? God says of His people, "They shall be Mine, in that day when I make up My jewels!"
Does the bridegroom prize his beloved and dearly purchased bride? It is written, "As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride — so shall your God rejoice over you!"
Does the reigning monarch prize his crown? God has said, "You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God."
What wondrous love, such expressions as these represent! How precious must the Lord’s people be to Him! Truly they are His special treasure!
God CHOSE them to be special unto Himself. He chose them out from among others. He chose them in preference to others.
He chose them out from others, on purpose that they may be a special people unto Himself. And in so doing, He acted FREELY. It was not on account of anything He saw in them, or on account of anything He expected from them; but in the exercise of His most free and holy sovereignty — He chose them to participate in the glory of His Son!
In choosing them, He acted also DELIBERATELY. It was no hasty choice. His thoughts had been eternally filled with them. His heart had been eternally set upon them. Therefore He chose them in Christ before the foundation of the world!
In choosing them, He acted WISELY — as He really desired to have them. For each one of them is ready to confess that if God had not chosen them — that they would never have chosen Him! The nature regulates the choice; and as our nature is carnal and impure — we would never have chosen God, who is spiritual and holy.
His choice was just an early expression of His LOVE. The love which chose them — would do anything for them, and give anything to them! Therefore God spared not His own Son — but delivered Him up for them all; and in so doing, gave them the assurance that He will also freely give them all things in Christ.
This act of choosing such creatures as we are, to be a special people unto Himself, displays . . .such grace, such condescension, such infinite wisdom and love!
God’s election says, "The Lord loves you!" Loves us! Yes, and with a love that is eternal, immutable, sovereign, infinite, and free! All the love of God is lavished upon us as His special people in Christ. Oh, those wondrous words of Jesus, "You have loved them — even as You have loved Me!" John 17:23
But few among the worldly wise, But few of nobler race, Obtain the favor of Your eyes, Almighty King of grace!
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"I beg you, father Abraham — send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment!" Luke 16:27-28.
Observe the object of the rich man’s solicitude — his "five brothers." They were perhaps younger than himself, though it is probable that he was comparatively young.
They were still in the bright land of hope — and he was in the dismal region of despair! They were still under the kind reign of mercy — and he was under the iron rod of justice!
He feared for them — for he knew in what state he had left them!
He feared for them — lest they should persevere in sin, and at length come to the same place of torment! He most ardently desired their salvation, and that they might escape the sure wrath that is coming. He despaired of their salvation by ordinary means, and therefore he petitioned that Lazarus may be sent — that he might testify to them.
Look at this lost soul in Hell — he remembers his brethren, and begs: "Send Lazarus to my brothers! Lazarus is no longer a poor, ulcerated beggar — he will make a fit and suitable preacher! They know that he is dead. They will be greatly affected by his appearance among them, and by the change that has taken place in him. O, send Lazarus, and let him bear testimony to the reality of this place of torment — to the certainty of all impenitent sinners coming here, however rich or distinguished they were on earth. Let Lazarus testify as to the nature of this place of torment, and
That poor wretch dreaded their coming there, for if anything could add to his torments — it would be to see his own brothers under the same condemnation, in the same horrid place of punishment! He also dreaded it, as most probably by his own example, and by his influence — he had hardened them in sin, and encouraged them in their ungodly course. It would therefore be an aggravation of his woe, and cause the flame that tormented him to blaze more fiercely — to see their eternal sufferings as his own fault.
It must be dreadful — to be the cause or the occasion of another’s soul being lost forever, and to have the sufferings of that soul constantly before our eyes!
O what a terrible thing, the exercise of a strong memory in Hell must be!
Reader! How is it with you? Inquire, inquire diligently, I beseech you! Is there any, even the most remote probability of your being sent into that place of torment? Think . . .of being tormented in flames of fire, of being tormented without the least alleviation, and of being so tormented forever and ever!
Think of going directly from the bright land of hope — to the dismal regions of despair!
Think of going from a land of light, of Bibles, of the means of grace — to suffer the vengeance of eternal fire!
Is not the thought dreadful!
If Hell was to be the doom of your greatest enemy — would you not try to prevent it? What if it should be the doom of your brothers, your sisters, your husband, your wife, your father, your mother! Can you admit the possibility, without being determined to leave no means unused, which would be likely to prevent so fearful a calamity?
But what if Hell should be the destiny of your own soul? What if it should! It will be your certain doom — if you die unconverted. Perhaps there are some now in Hell, once related to you — who are now concerned for you. Are you as much concerned for yourself?
Christian! Have you not some dear ones on the road to Hell — for whom you should be especially concerned?
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"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13
To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself — by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .his heart changed, his will renewed, his understanding enlightened, his conscience purified, and his affections spiritualized.
Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
the Word, the ordinances, and the providence of God.
Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .sin grieves him, Satan tries him, the world troubles him, and Heaven attracts him.
Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly — that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .by every trial, by every affliction, by every privilege, by every comfort!
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"It is the Spirit who quickens; the flesh profits nothing." John 6:63
All real religion begins with the quickening of the Spirit. When we experience this . . .
we begin to breathe after spiritual things; we open our eyes in a new world; we hunger and thirst after righteousness; and at length taste that the Lord is gracious.
We then have . . .new thoughts, new desires, new hopes, new fears, new joys, and
new sorrows. The eye fixes on Christ, the heart goes out to Christ, and the chief desire of the soul is to be like Christ.
The Spirit not only quickens us at first — but all through life we need and are dependent on the Spirit’s quickening. He quickens us to pray, and He quickens us in prayer. It is His quickening which puts . . .life into our graces, energy into our prayers, confidence into our expectations, and enables us to resist Satan, steadfast in the faith.
If His quickening power is withheld —
every privilege becomes a burden, and every cross appears insupportable!
While under the quickening operation of the Spirit — we can do all things; but without His quickening — we can do nothing.
Often, very often, have we to cry out from bitter experience, "My soul cleaves unto the dust; quicken me according unto Your Word!" Psalms 119:25
Quickening Spirit, daily quicken my soul!
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If we look at
He is a PROPHET, to . . .instruct the ignorant, lead the blind, and make the foolish, wise. He . . .unfolds the Father’s mind, opens the everlasting covenant, and teaches all His people to profit.
He is a PRIEST, to . . .atone for the guilty, reconcile those who are enemies, and intercede on behalf of transgressors. He . . .satisfies justice, magnifies mercy, and
brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union.
He is a KING, and as such He . . .receives the discontented, rules over innumerable penitent criminals, and defends all His subjects from danger. His power is omnipotent, His resources are boundless, His government is peaceful, and all the statutes of His kingdom are wise, merciful, and just.
He is also our husband — who loves, cherishes, and honors His beloved blood-bought bride. He . . .loves her as He loves Himself, treats her with unutterable kindness, and will allow nothing to separate her from His love.
This causes us to sing: "Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King, My Lord, my life, my way, my end, Accept the praise I bring!"
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HUMILITY is a most precious grace — it is filled with beauty, loveliness, and glory. This is
For lack of humility — the Church is rent and torn with divisions. For lack of humility — believers bring many trials and crosses on themselves, and sow the bitter seeds of trouble and remorse.
If I were truly humble, I must be happy, for it is with such Jehovah dwells: "For this is what the high and lofty One says — He who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and humble in spirit." Isaiah 57:15. To such He looks with esteem, love, and delight: "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2.
"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13. Pride is . . .most loathsome to God, injurious to men, and a stronghold of Satan within us.
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble!" James 4:6. He keeps the proud at a distance, and will not allow them to approach him: "Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble — but He keeps His distance from the proud!" Psalms 138:6. He threatens them with everlasting destruction. "The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!" Proverbs 16:5
Lord, give me true humility, and let me be clothed with it from day to day!
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"Jesus came to take away our sins!" 1 John 3:5
Here notice the end of His coming: "To take away our sins!"
Our sins were committed against Himself. They deserved His everlasting displeasure. They called aloud for His vengeance to awake and punish us. He foresaw the whole of them — in all their variety, enormity, and aggravation. He knew that they would be sins against His law, His love, and His tenderest mercy — sins against light, out of bitter enmity, and perpetrated over and over again. He knew the whole amount of our vileness — and yet (Oh, the greatness of His love!) "Jesus came to take away our sins!"
Sin had . . .incensed Divine justice against us, exposed us to Jehovah’s wrath, and
brought us under the dreadful curse of His violated law.
Therefore Jesus came and took away our sins, and at the same time . . .satisfied the claims of divine justice, appeased the Father’s wrath, and bore our curse Himself!
O wondrous love!
O marvelous grace!
O astonishing mercy!
But more wondrous, more marvelous, more astonishing — is Jesus Himself — who did this for us, and did it freely, without solicitation, or anything in us to induce Him to do it!
But how could Jesus take away our sins? "God made Him to be sin for us." He bore the weight of them, He endured their merited punishment, and He suffered the shame they procured.
He was . . .despised by men, tormented by devils, smitten with the sword of divine justice, forsaken by His Father, mocked by His creatures, overwhelmed with grief, torn with anguish, and His heart was broken with reproach and agony— all for a poor, sinning, sorrowing, Hell-deserving creature like me!
Sin lay upon Him, the wrath of God was endured by Him, the most fearful terrors surrounded Him, Heaven, earth, and Hell, appeared as though leagued against Him!
Men grossly insulted Him, devils tried all in their power to destroy Him, and God was pleased to bruise Him, and then leave Him to languish in heart-breaking sorrow.
Was there ever sorrow, like unto Your sorrow?
Was there ever love, like unto Your love?
You might have sat upon Your throne, enjoying Your own glory, happiness, and felicity forever — and have justly left us to perish in our sins, and suffer for our own transgressions! But no, you would be Jesus — you would save Your people from their sins! You would come to take away our sins, though in so doing — justice took away Your honor, happiness, and life. You would not leave us to perish — but You would put away our sins by the sacrifice of Yourself. You have . . .turned away Jehovah’s wrath, cast all our sin into the depths of the sea, and bore our punishment in Your own body on the tree!
Indeed Your love is astonishing, inconceivable, and almost too great for my weak faith to believe!
Dear Lord Jesus, You are exactly what I need — and You are all that I need. Your love will be . . .a sufficient portion in life, a divine cordial in death, and an ocean of felicity in which to bathe forever!
To see Him, love Him, and extol Him — is the Heaven of every saint.
He is . . .sweeter than honey, more pleasant than the light, and more precious than life itself!
To know Him — is to be truly wise. To live upon Him — is to be happy. To walk with Him — is to be holy. To look to Him, expect from Him, and cast all our cares upon Him — is to honor Him.
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"Since you were precious in My sight — you have been honorable, and I have loved you." Isaiah 43:4
What marvelous grace is here!
That He should delight in us! (Isaiah 62:4)
That He should shed His precious blood for us! (1 Peter 1:19)
That He should work precious faith in us! (2 Peter 1:1)
That He should make precious promises — to support, supply, and comfort us! (2 Peter 1:4)
That He should render Christ precious unto us! (1 Peter 2:7)
That He should indulge us with a knowledge of His thoughts, and make them precious to us! (Psalms 139:17)
That He should call us His precious children!
Well may we exclaim with David, "What am I — that You should be mindful of me?"
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To exalt the Lord Jesus, to comfort His beloved people, and to benefit our fellow-men — should be
For this purpose we were . . .chosen by the Father, redeemed by the blood of the Son, and are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
To accomplish this end . . .grace is given us, gifts are conferred upon us, and life is continued to us.
We only live consistently — as we live for the benefit of others. No Christian should make SELF his main end; therefore the Apostle says, "No one should seek his own good, but the good of others." If we are influenced by the grace of God, if we study to commend ourselves to God, if we are ruled by the Word of God — our principal object will be, to "do good unto all men, especially unto the household of faith."
Upon this, we shall keep the eye steadily fixed, toward this, we shall bend all our energies, and upon this, we shall habitually set our hearts.
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"I have set the Lord always before me!" Psalms 16:8
With the Lord always before us . . .our faith will be strong, our hope will be vigorous, our humility will be deep, our penitence will be abiding, our evidences will be satisfactory, and our example will be bright!
Let us, therefore, set the Lord always before us . . .to meditate upon His love, grace, and goodness; to admire His holiness, condescension, and patience; and to commune with Him, as our Friend and loving Father, from day to day.
Then we shall not . . .fear men, dread death, or be alarmed at the convulsions that take place in our world! Our confidence will be strong, our peace will flow like a river, and our righteousness like the waves of the sea.
It is when we take the eye off the Lord, and look into SELF — that . . .our doubts, fears and unbelief, arise and work, Satan gains an advantage over us, and the world fascinates or frightens us!
Let us, therefore, look . . .out of self, away from the world, above our trials — and look simply to Jesus! This is the way to . . .enjoy peace, grow in grace, and abound in every good work.
Let us look away from sin — to Jesus making atonement for it!
Let us look away from guilt on the conscience — to Jesus as bearing the iniquity of our holy things before the Lord!
Let us look away from imperfect duties deserving punishment — to His magnificent righteousness!
Let us look away from our cold hearts and lifeless prayers — to His constant and all-prevalent intercession!
We shall never maintain . . .peace in our consciences, evenness in our walk, or
consistency in our lives — but as we keep the Lord always before us!
Therefore . . . if we wish to be happy, if we desire to be holy, if we would die in peace — let us look simply, only, always, and in everything — to Jesus!
O Savior, may I set You before me as. . .my fountain of supply, my source of comfort, my rock of strength, my way of salvation, and my bright example!
"
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"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows!"John 16:33
Every Christian should expect a daily cross — something to try his graces, something to render the promises necessary, something to make the throne of grace desirable.
We are promised trouble in God’s Word, all the saints have found trouble in this life,
trouble will be our portion to the end of our days.
Here on earth, we have no abiding city. Here we are but travelers and pilgrims, and must, therefore, expect that every day will furnish something new to make us hasten home.
This was David’s experience. He would never have prayed as he did, written as he did, or been useful as he has been — but for his trials! He found . . .the Lord to be faithful, grace to be sufficient, and deliverance in the most suitable season. Hence he says, "In the day of my trouble, I will call upon You; for You will answer me!" Psalms 86:17
Here is a gloomy anticipation: A "day of trouble." The believer and trouble are seldom far apart, or long apart. We are born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards. Whichever way we look — we see a source of trouble!
If we look into the heart — its depravity, deceitfulness, and wickedness is a fruitful source of trouble. If we look to the different faculties of the soul — all combine to trouble us!
Our memories — how ready to receive, retain, and produce evil, even profanity — and how backward to receive, keep, or produce what is spiritual and good. Scripture is soon forgotten — while anything which we would gladly forget, seems to be imprinted on the mind, and is produced in order to distress us.
The will — how perverse and stubborn, how often does it run out after that which is carnal, forbidden by God, and injurious to us!
The affections — how easily are they impressed with earthly things, and set upon what is vain and worldly.
The conscience — how weak, how hard, how often polluted.
If we turn from ourselves, to our families — children dead in sin; and carnal, earthly-minded relations — such are causes of trouble.
If we look at the world, whether it smiles or frowns — it is an enemy to our God, and us, and a prolific source of trouble.
If we look at the church — what a source of trouble is this! Instead of love — there is jealousy. Instead of peace — there is conflict. Instead of union — there is division. Instead of brotherly kindness — there is envy. Instead of charity — there is an unforgiving spirit.
Here is a good purpose: "I will call upon You." The Lord kindly invites us to call upon Him in trouble — and promises that He will deliver us. Every trouble, rightly understood, is an invitation from the Lord to call upon Him! We are apt to get cold and indifferent —
The day of our trouble — should be a day of special prayer. Trouble burdens the heart — prayer eases it. Trouble disturbs the heart — prayer quiets it. Trouble perplexes the heart — prayer guides it.
Here is sweet encouragement: "You will answer me." It is sweetly encouraging to know that God will . . .listen to us, sympathize with us, and answer us, in our many trials and sorrows.
We may argue the certainty of the Lord’s answering us, from His great mercy towards His children. Divine mercy has . . .a quick ear, a piercing eye, a tender heart,
a full hand, and a swift foot! When mercy hears a poor sinner crying — she always attends, sympathizes with him, and answers. While God remains plenteous in mercy and delights in mercy — we need not fear a refusal to our prayers!
Even if the furnace should be heated seven times hotter — still we have His promise, "In the day of my trouble, I will call upon You; for Youwillanswer me!"
What sweet encouragement is here!
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