Treasures from James Smith 2 (excerpts)1
Prone to wander!
"My people have wandered, and have forgotten their resting place." Jeremiah 50:6
Even true Christians are
1. A love of novelty — a desire to see, possess, or enjoy something new — will sometimes set us wandering.
2. The weakness of our graces, as faith, hope, and love — is at other times the occasion of it.
3. The power of corruption within us, which at times works with peculiar force and power — makes us restless.
4. The temptations of Satan, which beguile, bewilder, and captivate us — lead us from our resting-place also.
5. And so do the errors that abound and spread all around us.
False views, Satanic temptations, powerful corruptions, and the weakness of grace — are the principal things which lie at the root of our backslidings.
Reader, are you a restless wanderer? If so, return, return unto Jesus. Go to Him, and confess your sins. Go to Him, and entreat His pardon. Go to Him, and prove the kindness of His heart. Go to Him, and be happy once more in His grace and love.
O Savior, bring me back from all my wanderings by Your invincible grace; let me enjoy rest in Your precious love, and keep me near Your loving heart and bleeding side forever!
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"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!" Psalms 46:7
"If God is for us — who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Who can prevail against us? Who can really injure us? Let us daily think of God’s glorious perfections — and view them as engaged for us at all times.
His power is engaged to support, defend, and strengthen us.
His omniscient eye is constantly upon us — watching over us for good.
His omnipresence is our safeguard from all our foes — for no one can come and find our God absent from us.
His justice and righteousness shine in all His dealings with us — and are like lofty mountains round about us.
His holiness shines in all His purposes and plans — and forbids the thought that He will act unsuitably towards us.
His mercy is ever great towards us — and by it He sympathizes with us in all our sorrows, griefs, and woes.
His goodness will constantly supply us — and is sufficient to fill us with admiration and astonishment.
His truth renders certain — every promise He has given and recorded in His Word.
His immutability bears us up and bears us on — confirming our faith and hope in His Word.
His wisdom frustrates the designs of our foes — and arranges and manages all for our welfare.
His eternity is the date of our happiness — and the duration of our unspeakable blessedness!
Here is enough to . . .engage our thoughts, overflow our minds, and forever fill us with adoration and praise!
What a God is Jehovah! And Jehovah, in Jesus — is ours!
How cheering this fact, and what sweet support it yields to the mind — to meditate on
What could shake our minds — if we did but firmly believe that God’s omnipotence is engaged to defend us to the uttermost?
What could tempt us to commit any known sin — if we were realizing that God’s omniscient eye is ever upon us; yes, that God is present with us, and that He is our sin-hating Father?
What could lead us into murmuring and rebellion — if we were fully persuaded that God’s holiness and justice are for us, and will shine resplendent in all His dealings with us?
What could lead us to think that our prayers would not be answered, nor our petitions be regarded — if our minds were influenced by the assurance, that God is truth?
How could we believe that He would ever turn against us — if we rightly viewed His immutability?
Or, how could we think that our affairs could be disordered — if we felt satisfied that His wisdom was working for us at all times!
"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!" Psalms 46:7
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"The hope which is laid up for you in Heaven" Colossians 1:5
Many Christians have but little in hand — but they have much in hope.
They have little on earth — but they have unsearchable wealth in Heaven!
The present is the worst state they will ever be in. All beyond death — is bright, blissful and glorious!
The Christian’s hope consists in freedom from . . .all the pains which we now experience, both in mind and body; all the hindrances which are so thickly strewed in our way in this evil world; all the fears which now beset, agitate, and harass us, day by day; all the forebodings which often make our lives bitter and gloomy; all the sins which are now our plague, disease, and torment; all our needs, and all possibility of needing — for God will fully supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Oh, what a mercy it will be to enjoy such freedom — and to possess the inward consciousness that it will be enjoyed forever!
The Christian will not only be free from all that is painful and distressing — but he will also possess . . .perfect, settled, and everlasting peace; sinless faculties and immortal powers with which to serve and enjoy God forever; permanent, perpetual, and uninterrupted joy; the presence and enjoyment of Jesus — we shall see Him, be with Him, and be like Him; ALL that we can consistently wish or desire!
Our hope is laid up for us in Heaven. This betokens . . .its excellency — being kept in so excellent a place; its certainty and security — no thieves can break through to steal; its nature — it is spiritual, holy, Heavenly.
O glorious hope! O blessed prospect! It leaves us nothing to long for — nothing to desire!
What a mercy it is . . .when comforts run short, when trials press sorely, when a dreary winter of affliction sets in — to remember that we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us — pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay!
How this blessed hope should . . .quicken our zeal, animate our spirits, and raise us above fear and despondency.
It is not what we have now — but what we shall have in Heaven — which should affect us.
Our glorious inheritance is vast beyond calculation — it is safe beyond the possibility of failure!
The wilderness will soon be passed, the storms of life will soon subside — and eternal calm and unclouded sunshine, will soon be our happy, endless portion!
All glory to free grace!
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"For we know, brethren beloved by God, that He has chosen you — because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
The gospel . . .flows from the free love, rich grace, and abundant mercy of our God;
is founded in the Savior’s person, mediation, and death; becomes effectual through the revelation, operation, and application of the Holy Spirit. By it, He begets faith, imparts love, and excites hope; and when accompanied by His blessing — the gospel is received in demonstration and power.
The gospel . . .produces penitence — and godly sorrow for sin; begets hatred to sin — and love to holiness; weans from the world — and wafts the affections to heaven;
makes us zealous for God — and the good of immortal souls; delivers us from the power of darkness — and translates us into the kingdom of Jesus; crucifies the flesh — and liberates the spirit; unites Christians in love — and raises us above the fear of death; fortifies us against persecution — and makes us rejoice in suffering for Immanuel’s name; humbles the spirit — and dignifies the man; destroys covetousness — and makes us benevolent; roots out pride — and implants meekness; transforms us from the world — and conforms us to God; begets hatred to impurity — and makes us chaste; throws down idolatry — and leads us to worship God; conquers SELF — and exalts Christ; softens the hard heart — and produces kindness; delivers from sin, Satan, and the world — and devotes body, soul, and spirit to the Lord.
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All whom the Father chose — the Son died to redeem.
All whom the Son redeemed — the Holy Spirit quickens, calls, and sanctifies.
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"
Yes, believer, your heavenly Father knows . . .the thoughts that trouble you, the needs that oppress you, the sins that grieve you, the enemies that oppose you, the domestic trials that distress you, the financial troubles that bewilder you, the shattered nerves which alarm you, and the complicated sorrows that cast you down.
He knows — for He is God. Knowing, He sympathizes with you — for He is your Father. Being full of paternal sympathy, He will . . .strengthen you, comfort you, and
ultimately deliver you!
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As I was walking out for exercise in the fields one morning, having been pleading with God to give me some profitable subject for meditation — I suddenly fell into this train of thought, which I afterwards wrote down; and, as it may interest and profit some, it is here inserted.
There are three things which I especially desire: more communion with God, more likeness to the Lord Jesus, and more usefulness to his Church.
There are three things which I deprecate: the withering of my gifts, the decay of my graces, and to become useless in the Lord’s vineyard.
There are three things which I dread: that I should become a proud professor, that I should become a lukewarm Christian, and that I should fall into the hands of man.
There are three things which I sometimes wishfor (but which God will never grant me on earth): to be totally free from sin, to be delivered from a daily cross, and to be always happy.
There are three things which I feel sure of: hatred by the world, opposition by hypocrites, and love by spiritual believers.
There are three foes which always oppose me: the world, the flesh, and the devil.
There are three friends which will always stand by me: a peaceful conscience, the bride of Jesus, and the Lamb of God.
There are three deaths which have been experienced by me: a death in sin, a death to sin, a death to the law of God.
There are three lives which shall be lived by me: a temporal life, a spiritual life, and
an eternal life.
There are three things which burdenme: a body of sin and death, the opposition I meet with, and my own ingratitude.
There are three things which supportme: the Father’s love, the Son’s redemption, and the Spirit’s work.
There are three things which are a sore trial to me: an irritable temper, a flippant tongue, and self-love.
There are three things which bring strong consolation to me: the open fountain of Christ blood, the promises of God, and the Savior’s free invitation.
There are three things which are especially dear to me: the Word of God, the throne of grace, and the ordinances of the Lord’s house.
There are three things lacking in me: perfect penitence, entire resignation, and
fervent love.
There are three books which are very useful to me: the book of nature, the book of Holy Scriptures, and the book of my own experience.
There are three teachers which are employed to instruct me: the Holy Spirit, a special providence, and the rod of God.
There are three things which are manifested in me: the nature of sin, the power of grace, and the faithfulness of God.
There are three things which would be greatly useful to me: more humility, spiritual wisdom, and enlightened zeal.
There are three things which characterize me: weakness, poverty, and sinfulness.
Yet, there are three things which may be seen in me: Christ’s strength, God’s grace, and the Spirit’s holiness.
There are three things which are feared by me: a stiff neck, a hard heart, and a presumptuous spirit.
There are three things which are matter of joy to me: the conversion of sinners, that my name is written in heaven, and the glory to be given me at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
There are three things which must be renounced by me: preconceived opinions, worldly wisdom, and natural religion.
There are three things which must be held fast by me: the Word of truth, my confidence in God, and my profession of the gospel.
There are three things which are especially required of me: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God.
There are three things which are promised to me: tribulation in the world, sufficient strength in Jesus, and eternal life at the end of my course.
There are three things which the Lord observes and approves in me: the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is a threefold deliverance which is effected for me: from the dominion of sin,
from the present evil world, and from my deserved doom.
There are three things which I would trample under foot: unfounded prejudice, vain distinctions, and self-righteousness.
There are three things which I would aim at daily: to exalt Christ, to glorify God, and to bring sinners to repentance.
There are three things which are still sure to me: a rough road, changing experiences, and safety at last.
There are three things which are behind me: a wicked life, a broken law, and the pit of destruction.
There are three things which are before me: death, perfect conformity to Jesus, and
eternal glory.
There are three things which are on my right hand: Satan to resist me, the Lord Jesus to save me, and my own heart set on things above.
There are three things which are on my left hand: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.
There are three things which I greatly admire: the Savior’s person, the promises of God, and the instruments he employs in carrying on his work.
There are three things which much please me: the doctrines of the gospel, the witness of the Spirit, and the light of God’s countenance.
There are three things which I delight in: that Jehovah is my God, the comfort he imparts to me, and the riches of glory which are set before me.
There are three things which I hate: the cant of hypocrites, the flattery of friends, and
the pride of professors.
There are three things which are good for me: to draw near to God, to be afflicted, and to sing praises unto the Lord.
There are three things which often disgust me: Satan’s temptations, the powerful working of unbelief, and the conduct of religious professors.
There are three things which are prescribed to me: to believe in God, to love the saints, and to observe the Lord’s ordinances.
There are three things which are too often neglected by me: self-examination,
diligent reading of the Bible, and secret prayer.
There are three things which are too deep for me to fully know: the depravity of my heart, the devices of Satan, and the manner of the Spirit’s working.
There are three things which I wish to leave with the Lord: to choose my lot in life,
to fight my battles, and to supply all my needs.
There are three things which I do not consider worth having: a form of godliness, without the power, a name to live, while dead, and the commendation of the enemies of Christ.
There are three things in which I glory: the cross of Christ, my saving knowledge of God, and the everlasting gospel.
There are three things which have been taken from me: proud free will, vain boasting, and enmity to God.
There are three things which abide with me: faith, hope, and charity.
I am made up of three men: corruption — the old man, grace — the new man, and
the body — the outward man.
I fill a threefold office: a prophet in the Church of Christ, a priest before the altar, and a king anointed to reign with Christ.
I wear a threefold garment: the righteousness of the Lord Jesus, the graces of the Holy Spirit, and the garment of humility.
I have been condemned in three courts — and yet justified in them all: the court of conscience, the Church of God, and the court of God’s justice.
I have been justified three times: at the resurrection of Christ my substitute, when faith received his righteousness, and when good works justified my faith before the world.
I am the subject of a threefold sanctification: by the purpose of the Father, by the blood of the Son, and by the cleansing operations of the Holy Spirit.
I am a free man of three cities: the present world, the church below, and the Jerusalem which is above.
I have been an eye-sore to three parties: the devil, the world, and envious professors.
I shall have occupied three peculiar seats: a dunghill by nature, among the princes in the Church by grace, and the throne of glory by special privilege.
I shall have three grand holidays: one when the Holy Spirit sets my soul at liberty,
another when death sets me free from this mortal clay, and and another when Jesus comes to be glorified in his saints.
I shall then have appeared in three different characters: a vile rebel against God,
a supplicating sinner at mercy’s footstool, and a justified son of God before his throne.
I shall have had three fathers: a human father, the devil, and Jehovah himself.
I shall have received three laws: the law of nature, the moral law of God, and the law of the Spirit of life.
I shall have passed through three gates: the gate of hope, the gate into Christ’s sheepfold, and the gate of death.
I shall have walked in three ways: the broad road of destruction, the highway of holiness, and Jesus Christ the only way to the Father.
I shall have conversed with three distinct classes of beings: carnal men, spiritual Christians, and the Lord himself.
I shall have made three appearances: once all black — like the devil, then speckled — with nature and grace, and then all pure — whiter than the driven snow!
I shall have undergone three momentous changes: one at regeneration — when I passed from death unto life, one at death — when my soul shall be admitted into Heaven, and one at the resurrection — when my body shall be raised powerful, glorious, and immortal.
I view three things as pre-eminently excellent: the fear of the Lord, a sound judgment, and Christ formed in the heart, as the hope of glory.
There are three things which I may covet: the best gifts, a contrite and humble spirit, and to be filled with all the fullness of God.
There are three things which are removed from me: the burden of sin, the wrath of God, and all condemnation.
There are three things which I do not know: what is before me, how God will provide for me, and what I shall be.
There are three things which I do know: that in my flesh dwells no good, that though I was once blind, now I see, and that I must needs die.
There are three things which are prepared for me: a fountain to cleanse me, a robe to adorn me, and a mansion to receive me.
There are three things which await me: a crown of righteousness, a palm of victory, and a throne of glory.
There are three things which shall be done for me: God shall wipe away all tears from my eyes, God shall remove all cause of pain and sorrow from my nature, and
the Lamb in the midst of the throne shall eternally satisfy me.
There are three things which shall never be known by me: the frown of divine justice, the curse of holy Jehovah, and the power of God’s anger.
There are three things which are hurtful to me: carnal ease, the flattery of professors, and fullness of bread.
There are three things which benefit me: temptation, affliction, and opposition.
There are three things which are pursued by me: to know more of the Lord, to live in peace with all men, and thorough sanctification.
Satan tries to thwart me in three things: by spoiling my comforts, hindering my usefulness, and seeking to devour my soul.
Satan has three things to expect: to be disappointed of his prey, to be judged by the saints, and to be eternally punished for his wickedness.
There are three things which I would never trust: my own heart, an arm of flesh, and
my treacherous memory.
There are three subjects which I should never meddle with: the fall of the angels, the origin of moral evil, and how God will justify himself.
There are three things which I cannot understand: the nature of God, the cause of my election, and how divinity and humanity constitute one person.
There are three things which I should often think of: what I have been, what I now am, and what I shall be.
A threefold freedom is granted me: from the law of God, from the reign of sin, and
to make use of, and enjoy the Lord Jesus.
I am an heir of three worlds: the natural, the spiritual, and the eternal.
There are three things which will never grieve me: that I have been poor in this world, that I have preached the gospel fully, and that I am related to Jesus Christ.
There are three things which comprise all I wish: to know God, and glorify him, to see Jesus, and be like him; and to be united to the saints, and be eternally happy.
There are three things which shall never be heard by me: Christ reproaching me,
God disowning me, and the devils triumphing in my everlasting destruction.
There are three things which shall be eternally enjoyed by me: the love of God,
the presence of Jesus, and the company of the saints.
There are three things which will eternally delight me: to be filled with holiness,
to be employed in praising Jehovah, and to have gained a complete victory over all my foes.
There are three things which must come down: the pride of men, the devil’s kingdom, and the cause of error.
There are three things which will stand: the house built on the Rock, the purpose of God, and the Messiah’s kingdom.
There are three things which cannot be removed: the church of God, the covenant of grace, and the kingdom we receive.
There are three things which will stand the fiery trial: genuine faith, the Word of God, and a real Christian.
Lost sinners are like Satan in three things: their nature, their employment, and their end.
Three things make Hell: the wrath of God, the stings of a guilty conscience, and
black despair.
Three things prove a man a Christian: worshiping God in the spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh.
Three things are never satisfied: a doubting Christian, a worldly miser, and the man of pleasure.
Christ fills three offices: a prophet — for the ignorant, a priest — for the guilty, and
a king — for the depraved.
Christ has been in three states: ancient glory, deep humiliation, and merited dignity.
What more shall I say!
If you, reader, are a sincere Christian — do three things daily: search God’s Word,
be much at God’s throne, and be diligent in God’s work.
If you are an unconverted sinner — do three things immediately: believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of every sin you have committed, seek the witness and pledge of the Holy Spirit in your heart, so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
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If we look at the comparisons which are made use of by the Holy Spirit to set Christ forth — we behold something more of His loveliness.
He is compared to a MOTHER, and is said to have more than a mother’s tenderness, kindness, and care. His concern for His people is constant, He never loses sight of them for a moment, and He pledges His Word that He will never forget them!
He is the CITY of REFUGE, with . . .the broad and clear road, the gates wide open, and the hearty welcome awaiting every sinner who approaches to escape the threatened vengeance!
He is the STRONGHOLD, which emboldens, supplies, and secures all the prisoners of hope.
He is the ROCK, which shades, shelters, and refreshes the weary traveler.
He is the DAY-STAR, which betokens brighter scenes, and guides the vessel of mercy across the boisterous deep — to the haven of perfect redemption and safety.
He is the SUN of RIGHTEOUSNESS, whose rising . . .cheers the benighted pilgrim, makes glad the weary citizen of Heaven, and produces moral beauty and fruitfulness in our world.
He is the APPLE-TREE among the trees of the forest . . .whose blossoms are beautiful, whose shade is refreshing, and whose fruit is sweet to the taste.
He is the BREAD of LIFE, which came down from heaven . . .satisfying the hungry,
strengthening the weak, and giving life unto the world.
He is the BRAZEN SERPENT, which heals easily, instantly, and perfectly — all who look to Him by faith.
He is the WATER of SALVATION, which . . .cleanses the filthy, refreshes the weary, and makes glad the city of God.
He is the only WAY, which leads from sin, condemnation, and wrath — to life, holiness, and heaven!
He is the HEAD, which thinks, plans, and contrives for the welfare of the whole of His mystical body.
He is the DOOR, which admits to . . .the pastures of Divine truth, the privileges of His Church below, and His Father’s glorious presence!
He is the FOUNDATION on which all must build for eternity, and which alone is able to support our hopes and sustain our souls — amidst the wreck of matter and the crash of worlds!
He is the CORNER-STONE, which unites, beautifies, and strengthens the whole building of divine mercy.
He is the TEMPLE, where God . . .meets with us, accepts us, and imparts His blessing to us.
He is the ALTAR, which sanctifies both the gift and the giver.
He is the VINE, which communicates life, nourishment, and fruitfulness to all its branches.
He is the ROSE of SHARON and the LILY of the VALLEY — fragrant, lovely, attractive, perfuming, and unequaled in beauty and grace!
He is the FORERUNNER, who is gone before His flock . . .removing the obstacles,
marking out the road, and ready to receive them as they finish their course.
He is the FRIEND . . .who loves at all times, whose mind never changes, whose love never cools, and who never neglects a friend in distress.
He is the greatest, best, and most glorious GIFT of GOD — including, securing, and conferring — every good thing upon those who sincerely receive Him.
He is the KINSMAN . . .who redeems the forfeited inheritance, who ransoms all His poor relatives from slavery, and whose name is held in renown.
He is the LAMB of GOD, who took up, expiated, and forever put away — the sins of all who trust in His blood.
He is the MESSENGER of the COVENANT, who . . .brings good news from God, carries all our requests to God, and ever stands as a Mediator between us and God.
He is the PEARL of GREAT PRICE, or the priceless pearl, which . . .all who sincerely seek — find, all who find — may claim, and all who possess — are enriched forever!
He is the PHYSICIAN, who . . .heals all disorders, restores every patient to perfect health, and bestows medicine and care, freely.
He is the RANSOM, which . . .procured our release, ensures our liberty, and preserves us from going down into the pit!
He is the RIGHTEOUSNESS, which . . . justifies us from all charges, entitles us to eternal life, and enables us to lift up our heads with boldness in God’s presence.
He is the TRUTH, which . . .enlightens the mind, purifies the heart, and regulates the life.
He is the FIRE, which . . .purges our dross, brightens our graces, and cleanses our consciences from works which deserve death.
He is the SHEPHERD, who . . .knows every sheep, watches over the whole flock, and never loses a lamb, by disease, accident, or beast of prey.
He is the CAPTAIN of SALVATION, who . . .collects His soldiers, disciplines His troops, and leads them forth to certain victory over sin, the world, and the devil.
He is the LADDER, by which we . . .rise from this earth, lose sight of carnal things, and ascend to the presence of God!
He is the SURETY . . .who engaged for us in the everlasting covenant, who is held responsible for our salvation, who has pledged to set us before His father’s throne forever.
He is the WALL of FIRE, which surrounds, enlightens and infallibly protects — all His redeemed people!
He is the chief among ten thousand, and the ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE!
Precious Lord Jesus, allow me . . . to know You more fully, to trust You more heartily, to serve You more diligently, to enjoy You more frequently, to imitate You more closely, to exalt You more highly, and to show forth Your salvation from day to day!
Your love — is my heaven, Your presence — is my delight, and Your service — is the joy of my heart!
Let me daily . . .walk with You, work for You, and bring glory to You!
Oh, send Your Spirit to my poor heart . . .to exalt You, to honor You, to endear You to my soul!
Use me to bring . . .lost sinners to Your cross, believers to Your throne of grace,
backsliders to the path of obedience.
Be my . . .strength in life, solace in death, and eternal portion beyond the grave!
~ ~ ~ ~ The Bitterness of Sin!
"Your ways and your deeds have procured these things unto you! This is your wickedness — it is bitter, because it reaches unto your heart!"Jeremiah 4:18
Sin is the most dark subject that can engage our attention — but we have become so familiar with it, that it scarcely affects us at all. Not so the Lord — he calls it ’that abominable thing which he hates.’ Yes, God hates nothing but sin — and no one, but for sin. God never hated a sinless being — and he never can. If we could get rid of sin, we would have nothing to fear; therefore we bless God that deliverance from sin is promised. But sin is not only dangerous — it is bitter, and is the prodigious source of all bitterness! Hence the language of the prophet, "It is bitter, because it reaches unto your heart!"Jeremiah 4:18. It is called the root of bitterness. It may appear pleasant at present, and may taste sweet to the depraved palate of the sinner; but as Joab said of war, "It will be bitterness in the end!" Let us therefore think of: The Bitterness of Sin: Sin is bitter in its NATURE, as it is . . .a departure from God, the source of all real happiness; opposition to God, the giver of all true pleasure; rebellion against God, the righteous ruler, who is pledged to punish it; the degradation of man, who was made in the image of the holy and happy God.
Sin is bitter in its EFFECTS:
Look over the world — all its divisions, confusions, wars, diseases, bloodshed, and cruelties — are but the effects of sin.
Look into families — all the anger, envy, jealousy, enmity, and lack of love — are but the effects of sin.
Look at individuals — all the sufferings of the body, and all the tortures of the soul; all the sorrows of time, and all the agonies of eternity — are but the fruits of sin.
Look at the seeking soul — all his cutting convictions, bitter reflections, stinging remorse, gloomy despondency, and slavish fears — are but the effects of sin.
Look at the believer — all his terrible conflicts, deep depression, gloomy foreboding, and soul-distressing fears — are all the effects of sin.
Indeed whatever is . . .dark and dreary, distressing and painful, alarming and terrible — is to be traced up to sin!
Every sigh that ever heaved the bosom, every groan that ever indicated a breaking heart, every exclamation produced by violent pain— all, all are the fruits of sin!
Think of . . .the millions who have suffered, and are suffering; the fearful nature and extent of their sufferings; the agonies experienced on earth; the horrors endured in Hell — and say, must not sin, from which all these proceeded, be a bitter thing! But here is: A Season Assigned: "It reaches unto your heart!" Sin is not a wound in the flesh — but a disease in the heart! There it was conceived, there it is nourished, and from thence it flows.
Sin reaches to the heart — and defiles and pollutes it! Indeed, man’s heart is one of the most loathsome and polluted things in God’s universe! There is pollution enough in one human heart, to corrupt and defile the universe! There is nothing so foul, base, or abominable, in earth or in Hell — but its counterpart is to be found in man’s heart!
Sin reaches to the heart — and alienates it from God. It has now . . .no sympathy with God, no desire to please him, no fear of offending him! Man fears punishment — but he does not fear sin!
Sin reaches to the heart — and distracts it. It has . . .no settled peace, no holy calm,
no quiet satisfaction. The passions are turbulent. The conscience is defiled. The will is depraved. The understanding is darkened. The memory is a store-house of evil!
Indeed every power and faculty of the soul is injured, perverted, and wrongly influenced — by sin!
Sin reaches to the heart — and damns it! It is condemned already, and if grace does not prevent it — the sentence of condemnation will be executed, and the heart will become the seat of . . .the most terrible agony, the most torturing pain, and the most dreadful despair — and that forever! No lake of fire and brimstone, no bottomless pit, no horrible tempest — can convey to the mind any adequate idea of the horrors of damnation — which are the just desert of sin.
Truly, "it is bitter, and it reaches unto the heart!"
Reader, see how God speaks of sin, your darling sin, that sin which you now value so highly, and enjoy so much: "It is bitter!" Your sin is so bitter, that no tongue or pen can describe it. And what makes it so bitter is that "it reaches to the heart," the seat of life, the source of action, and therefore . . .defiles the whole person, misdirects the whole life; and exposes the whole man to the wrath and curse of God — and to that wrath and curse, forever! From this bitter root, proceeds . . .all the bitter words, all the bitter tempers, and
all the bitter actions — which make men miserable on earth, and will make the lost eternally miserable in Hell! Our one great business therefore, should be to get rid of sin — this root of bitterness! And by faith in the Lord Jesus, which purifies the heart; and by the work of the Holy Spirit, which cleanses and sanctifies the nature — we may get rid of it. Let us therefore seek first, and before anything else — first, and more than everything else — that we may be washed, and sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Holy Spirit, convince us of the bitterness of sin! May it . . .be bitter to our taste, lead us to forsake it in practice, and seek to be delivered from its love and power in our experience!
~ ~ ~ ~ A Child is in the Well! My brother sometimes sends me a subject for my pen, and a letter just received from him contains the following account:
"A child is in the well! A child is in the well!" It is now more than fifty years since I heard that cry. It was a terrible scream, and it is as fresh in my memory, as when it was first uttered by that affrighted woman. A boy had been sent by his mother to the well to draw water, and had taken his little brother with him, and while he was engaged in drawing it, the child unperceived by him — was looking down into the well, and fell in! The wonder was that he was not killed in the descent, by striking against the large iron bucket. The excitement was great. The neighborhood was aroused, and all were filled with alarm, as the well was unusually deep. But it happened that a young woman came for water at the very moment, and in her fright she dashed her pitcher to pieces, and screamed out, "A child is in the well! A CHILD IS IN THE WELL!" This piercing cry reached the ear, and entered the heart of a laboring man, who was at his dinner nearby. He flew to the rescue, and without stopping to consider his danger — descended by the chain, just in time to catch the child, as it was sinking under the water for the third time!
Now all were at work to get the man and the child up in safety, ropes and ladders were procured, and success crowned the efforts of the kind-hearted neighbors. The child was put into the arms of its distracted mother, and the poor man was praised for his kindness and courage. But who shall say how much depended upon that cry — that tearful scream of a woman, "A child is in the well?" The child’s life hung upon that cry. Another minute — and the child would have certainly drowned! But, "Not a single shaft can hit, Until the God of love sees fit!" The cry of that affrighted woman aroused the man, the man fled to the rescue, the child was saved from drowning — but the hand of God was not seen or acknowledged, until years rolled on! For more than thirty years, that child has been a preacher of the gospel, and has written many useful works. He has been the instrument in the hand of a wonder-working God, of rescuing many poor ungodly sinners from a far deeper well. Through that child, thousands have heard of the name and fame of Jesus, and those thousands have in some way been useful to others, and thus the effect will be felt to the end of time. How much depended on, and resulted from, that scream, "A child is in the well!"
"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The above account of my own preservation when but a child, is sent to me as a subject for my pen — but what can I add to it? My heart as swelled with thankful emotions, and my eyes have been moistened with tears of gratitude, while I have been copying it, and I have been ready to exclaim with Leah, "Now will I praise the Lord!" and with David, "I will sing of God’s mercy!"
I cannot but admire the wonderful working of divine providence — how perfectly everything is arranged and adjusted. How well all is timed. I do not wonder the godly say that "we are immortal until our work is done," for new proofs of this are constantly arising. Where is the Christian, the laborer in God’s vineyard, who cannot find an illustration of this fact in his own experience? I can find more than one in mine.
Some may perhaps reflect upon me for publishing my brother’s narrative, and think me deficient in modesty; but I am not a young man now, nor am I so much affected by what my fellow-men say, or write of me — as I once was. If God, either as the God of providence, or grace, can be glorified, by anything I write or publish — it is enough! And surely no Christian can read the above with an unprejudiced mind, without glorifying God.
How near was I to death — yet God intended me to live. How imminent was the danger — and how simple and suitable were the means of preservation. How wondrously God wrought — and yet no one present then, appeared to see his hand, or acknowledge his intervention.
How much often depends upon a trifling action. Take away one link — and the chain falls to pieces. Not one of the above circumstances could have been omitted — or my life would surely have been lost! The woman must come at the exact moment; alarmed, she must scream at the top of her voice; the laborer must be eating his meal at home nearby; in his fright, he must do, what if he had waited to reflect, he would have feared to attempt! But the hand of God was in the whole. "He performs the thing that is appointed for me, and many such things are with him."
What effect should the bringing of this circumstance before my mind at this time, have upon me? I trust it has made me feel grateful, and has led me anew to praise my God, for his wonderful works to men. But this is not enough. I would anew in the most solemn manner dedicate myself — my life so wondrously preserved, with all my powers, talents, and opportunities, to the Lord, and to his glory.
Often have I surrendered myself to my God, and consecrated myself to his glory and praise, and I do so with all my heart and soul, again this morning. For the Lord — I desire to live; to promote his cause — I desire to labor; to bring sinners to Jesus, and to comfort and to edify his people — I desire to make the one grand object of my life. As the especial care of his providence, as well as the subject of his sovereign and distinguishing grace — I desire to be his, wholly his, only his, and his forever!
Lord, take me anew into your hands, and make me more and more like your beloved Son; not only so — but as you have used me for the good of others, and the glory of your great name — use me yet more extensively, and glorify yourself by me, ten thousand times more than you ever have done yet! My one undying desire of my soul, is that Christ may be magnified in me, and be glorified by me, both in life and in death. Many years ago, this desire was kindled at the cross, by a sense of the infinite love of Jesus, and nothing has ever been able to extinguish it yet, nor do I believe that anything ever will.
Reader, can you look back upon any hairbreadth escape from death? Can you look back upon a deliverance, not from a well of water — but from the pit of destruction? Can you say with David, "Great is your mercy toward me, for you have delivered my soul from the lowest Hell!" What would deliverance from death be — if we are not delivered from Hell? Of what value would a few years on earth be — if spent in sin, if filled up with worldly pleasure — if the end should be a place in Hell forever?
Blessed be God, he not only saved my life, and delivered me from an early death; but he saved my soul, and condescended to employ me in his vineyard.
Beloved, life without God’s favor — life without a saving interest in Christ — life unless it is spent in God’s service — is not worthy the name of life. To live, is to have the life of God in the soul! To live, is to have Christ formed in the heart! To live, is to be inhabited by the Holy Spirit, and to be consecrated to God’s glory and praise! O to live as Jesus lived! To keep the same end in view, to walk by the same rule, and to do the works he did! For this, we were redeemed by his blood; for this, we were called by his grace; for this, our lives are preserved in the present world, and for this, his fullness is thrown open to us, and we are invited to make use of his grace.
Holy Spirit, lead us to make more use of Christ, to enjoy closer communion with Christ, and to live, walk, work, and talk, more entirely for the glory of Christ!
Blessed Jesus, accept of us as your own property, fill us with your own sweet Spirit, stamp your lovely image upon us, and use us to exalt your dear name, spread your well deserved fame, and extend your glorious cause!
Father of mercies, God of all grace, receive our praises for your wondrous love, sovereign grace, and special providence! Help us to praise you here on earth, and then take us to praise and bless you eternally in Heaven!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Underneath are the everlasting arms!"Deuteronomy 33:27
That is — underneath every believer.
The arms of God are . . .invisible — no one sees them; spiritual — no one feels them; careful — no one falls out of them; omnipotent — no one overcomes them.
If the everlasting arms of my God are underneath me, then . . .I may quietly yield myself unto Him; I may confidently expect divine protection; I may be certain that He will lift me above my foes; I may feel assured that He will safely convey me home.
Aged saints may rejoice in this; for to them the Lord says, "I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you!" Isaiah 46:4
And weak believers may rejoice in this, for "He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart!" Isaiah 40:11
O to realize this sweet and encouraging truth: underneath me are the everlasting arms!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Have you received the Holy Spirit?"Acts 19:2
What are the evidences of having received the Holy Spirit?
If we have received the Holy Spirit — the Lord Jesus stands high in our estimation — and our views of ourselves are very humbling. And just in proportion to the power and depth of the Spirit’s work — will be our conceptions of the glory, grandeur, and excellency of the Savior; and our discoveries of the depravity, pollution, weakness, and misery of our own hearts.
If, therefore, we have heart affecting views of the glory of Christ and His finished work — and if we lie low in the dust under a sense of our weakness and worthlessness, so that we are brought to depend wholly on Christ, and on Christ alone — we have surely received the Holy Spirit.
Also, if we have received the Holy Spirit — there is in us a deep-rooted, abiding hatred tosin — all sin, especially sin in ourselves. What was once our darling sin, has become the object of our hatred — and against that sin we set a double guard. For nothing do we sigh so often, for nothing do we desire so ardently — as holiness. The Holy Spirit always sets the whole soul against sin — and longing for perfect holiness.
True, our old desires toward sin will sometimes revive — but then we loath ourselves on account of it, mourn over it, and confess it before God. The cry of the soul is, "Holiness, Lord, more holiness! Deep, penetrating, all-pervading holiness!"
Now, if we hate sin everywhere, all sin, and especially the sin that dwells in us; and if we love holiness, admire holiness, pray for holiness, pant for holiness, and strive for holiness — then there is no doubt that we have received the Holy Spirit.
Once more, if we have received the Holy Spirit — then we are ruled by God’s Word; we do not follow custom, or allow our desires or prejudices to dictate our course. In all times of difficulty, when in any perplexity, something seems to say within us, "To the law and to the testimony," and to the precepts of the New Testament, we turn.
The Word of Christ is the law of the true believer. Everything short of it, or beyond it, or beside it, or contrary to it — is sin! "Only what Jesus commands, all that Jesus commands, and because Jesus commands," is the language of the soul.
And while we thus make the Word of Jesus our rule — we deny ourselves. We deny our own wills, our own passions, our own desires, our likes and dislikes. We are before Him, as He was before His Father, when He cried out, "Not My will — but may Your will be done." If, then, we make the Word of God our guide, and habitually deny ourselves for Christ’s sake — we may rest assured, that we have received the Holy Spirit.
Reader, "Have you received the Holy Spirit?" Remember, "If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ — he does not belong to Him!" Romans 8:9
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"God is the Judge!"Psalms 75:7
There is one supreme judge of what is right and wrong — and that judge is Jesus. He is qualified to judge, and He is appointed to sit in judgment on all the actions of men, and to reward every one according to his works. But it is not to God’s final judgment we are about to refer — but to the present. Many professors talk, or seem to feel, as if great mistakes were made, and therefore they justify themselves in complaining. But Jesus is Judge of what is right, and what is best. His wisdom is infinite; His knowledge comprehends the past, the present, and the future; His power is omnipotent; His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, and is over all His works; His love to His people surpasses knowledge. This being the case, there can be no question that Jesus is the best Judge of what is right, and of what should be.
God is the Judge — as to our PERSONS. Some wish they had more strength, some that they had more health, some that they had more beauty, some one thing, some another thing. Some imagine that they are too tall — and some not tall enough. Some are crooked, or otherwise deformed — and are grieved that they are not straight or well formed. But God is the Judge, and our formation, size, shape, appearance, etc, are all according to His will; and if according to His will — it must be best. Beware of how you sit in judgment on the wisdom of God, or think yourself capable of improving His plans.
God is the Judge as to who should be born — their size, shape, appearance, and every other particular. Therefore be silent before Him; be satisfied with your lot, and believe that by and bye you will see a reason for what tries or troubles you at present. If you were humble, you would not be much affected by what man may think, or what man may say — but would bow before God, and say, "If I can honor You by being deformed, or destitute of beauty, or weak, or diseased — it is enough. May Your will be done, Your name be hallowed, Your glory be advanced — and I am content; more — I am well-pleased!"
God is the Judge — as to our CIRCUMSTANCES.
Whether I am to be rich, or to be poor; whether I am employer, or employed; whether I am healthy, or sick; whether I thrive, or go to wreck — God is the Judge as to which is best. He is Judge as to the nature or number of my mercies, trials, troubles, comforts, crosses, losses, bereavements and varied changes.
I cannot tell what would be best — what would really do me good. I must . . .bow to the wisdom of the All-wise God, accept the appointments of His Grace, and be satisfied with the arrangements of Infinite Love.
If there was anything like ’chance’ in the world — I might complain, or wish for an alteration. But since God exercises His judgment, and has ordained my lot — it is for me to approve of it, and seek grace that I may honor Him in it.
God is the Judge — as to our EVENTS. Many things are sent to try us; and they try our thoughts, our faith, our fortitude, our patience, our humility, and our perseverance. How things may end — we do not know. What certain providences are intended to produce — we are not informed. But we may rest assured of this — that . . .
God’s ends will be accomplished, His purposes will be performed, and the predictions of His Word will be fulfilled.
We may, therefore, very safely leave all results to God. The path of duty is plainly marked out. We should walk in that path, taking no thought for the morrow. We should . . .trust God’s promises, walk by God’s precepts, observe God’s providences;
and then we may say, "I have nothing to do with the future, for God is the Judge! He puts down one — and sets up another."
Christian, are you tempted to complain of your lot? Or, do you wish to choose for yourself? It is better to leave it with God — and try to believe that it is best to be as you are, and where you are. There is no doubt that you can glorify God exactly where you are, more than anywhere else.
You can do all that God wishes you to do — right where you are. It is not a change of circumstances — so much as a change of heart that you need. You need more grace and contentment — rather than more health, or wealth, or beauty. Depend upon it, God has made no mistake! And if your body is not so finely formed, or you are not so indulged with health, or so favored with gifts as some are — it is all right, for God is the Judge! It is HIS doing, and "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
Defer to God’s judgment, lie low before God’s throne, seek to be filled with God’s Spirit — and so you will be satisfied to have all things ruled by God’s will.
He does according to His will in heaven — and there is no complaint or repining there. And he does according to His will on earth — and there should be no dissatisfaction with God’s allotments.
We have too high an opinion of ourselves, and of our own judgments; and while this is the case, we shall attempt to invade the rights of the Most High God, or to dictate to the Supreme Ruler! Man — poor, vain man — would gladly be judge! He would take the throne of his Maker! He would . . .snatch the rule from His hand, judge His justice, be the God of God! But who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say unto Him that formed it, "Why have you made me thus?"
God is the Judge! Therefore be silent all the earth, before the Lord!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say: Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons!"
"And they will go away into eternal punishment!" Matthew 25:41; Matthew 25:46
Lost sinner,
You will never see light — but be in perpetual darkness! Your abode will be a prison, where there is . . .no comfort — but horror; no voice — but of blasphemers cursing God; no sounds — but the howling of the tortured; no society — but devils and damned people. And these being tormented themselves, will eternally torment you!
You must experience . . .punishment, without pity; misery, without mercy; sorrow, without support; crying, without comfort; mischief, without measure; torment, without ease; where the worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched! The wrath of God will seize upon your soul and body, like fire! And in the flame, you will be . . .forever burning — but never consumed; ever dying — but never dead;
ever roaring with pain — but know no end of these pains. Your torments will be always, beginning. Your reflections will be, "All this, I procured by my sin! This I chose — in preference to Heaven! I myself am to blame for my destruction — and God is just!"
Great God, awaken, awaken the sinner! Open, O open his eyes! Snatch, O snatch him as a brand from the burning — and save him through Jesus’ blood!! If this is not the case, lost sinner, you may look forward, and exclaim:
Infinite years in torments shall I spend, And never, never, never end! Ah! I must live in torturing despair, As many years — as atoms in the air! When all these doleful years are spent in pain, And multiplied by myriads again, Til numbers drown thought; could I suppose That then my wretched years were at a close. This would afford some ease; but, ah, I shiver — To think upon the dreadful word, FOREVER! The burning gulf, where I blaspheming lie, Is time no more — but vast eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Our almighty helper!
"I have laid help upon One who is mighty!" Psalms 89:19
And who is this mighty One — but Jesus?
He alone can help us . . .in all our struggles with sin, in all our conflicts with Satan, in all our trials in the world, in all our domestic troubles, and in encountering the last enemy, death.
Jesus is
His grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Every trouble cries, "Go to Jesus for help!"
Every affliction exhorts, "Look to Jesus for help!"
Without His help — we must fail!
With His help — we can never fail!
"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you: Do not fear — I will help you!" Isaiah 41:13
"Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I Myself will help you!" Isaiah 41:14
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I am troubled!"Psalms 38:6
This is very often the case with the believer, he is seldom long without something to trouble him. He has . . .so much sin within him, so many foes without him, and such unexpected and difficult things in his path — that he is often agitated and distressed.
Where he looked for comfort — he finds sorrow; where he expected help — he finds hindrance; where he promised himself pleasure — he experiences pain.
He is wearied — weary of himself, weary of sin, weary of the world, weary of the carnal state of the church.
But what a mercy it is for the troubled Christian, that his Lord has experienced trouble as well as himself; so that He can sympathize with him. Jesus once said, "Now My soul is deeply troubled!" He has a fellow-feeling with us in all our troubles, and will first sanctify them, and then safely bring us out of them.
Beloved, are you troubled today?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity — and cleanse me from my sin!"Psalms 51:2
Sin is spiritual filthiness.
Sin . . .defiles the conscience, corrupts the imagination, depraves the heart, perverts the will, pollutes the mind, sets the tongue on fire by hell, stains the life, and renders the man totally and eternally unfit for Heaven!
It is God’s work to cleanse a sinner. No one else can. The sinner cannot cleanse himself — he is without the means, the will, or the power! But God in mercy does, and He does it . . .by His Son, atoning; by His Spirit, renewing; by His Providence, working; and by His Truth, purifying.
The passage contains the believer’s prayer: "Wash me." "Wash me thoroughly." It is from "my iniquity — my sin."
Wash me, for . . .I have discovered my filthiness; I loathe myself on account of it;
and I long to be delivered from it!
Wash me thoroughly:
Sin always pollutes and defiles. A believer cannot rest in pollution, and therefore prays, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity — and cleanse me from my sin!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ He will guide us to the end of the journey!
"He will beour guide— even unto death!"Psalms 48:14
What a precious assurance is this!
Our God is our guide!
He led us out of the world at first, directed us to the cross, and conducted us into the path of holiness.
He has led us through all our past difficulties and trials; He leads us by the hand at present, and He will never give up His charge, for He will be our guide even unto death. He will . . .choose our way; lead us in the paths of righteousness; kindly converse with us along the road; point out the snares and dangers in our path; keep us by His power through faith unto salvation, and will patiently bear with us unto the end!
He may . . .hide His face, refuse communion, withhold comforts, smite us for our follies, and teach us our dependence on Himself by painful experience; but He will never forsake us — or give us up!
He will not only lead us to the heavenly kingdom — but put us in possession of it! This He has promised — and He will faithfully perform it.
Beloved, it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom! He will guide us now — and by and by receive us to glory!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction — and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life — and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
What if you should?
Yet, it is not only possible — but certain that you shall go to Hell, unless you experience a very great change. For "unless a man is born again — he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
How many go on as careless, as thoughtless, as indifferent about their souls — as if they thought it was impossible for them to go to Hell.
There is John Jones, the weaver. He has read the New Testament, he has heard the gospel, he knows that he has an immortal soul. But he never prays, he very often spends his Saturday nights at the ale-house, and he lies late in bed on Sunday mornings. Week after week he goes on like this. He has no care for his own soul, or the souls of his wife and children. He knows that he must die. He professes to believe in Heaven and Hell — but he acts just as though he never thought for one moment, that it was possible for him to go to Hell. Indeed, he troubles himself so little about God, or his soul, or eternity — that it appears that the thought has never entered into his head!
Roger Thomas, the blacksmith, knows all the news of the village. He talks much. He reads some. He swears often. He loves his pipe and his beer. He goes to church now and then on Sunday; but if you mark his conduct, listen to his conversation, and notice his spirit — you will be led to conclude that he never asks himself the question, "Is it possible for me to be sent to Hell?" No, no! He has too good an opinion of himself to even suppose such a thing. He has no idea that God would ever treat him so harshly as that. What, send him to Hell? If so, what would become of most of the people in the parish! "No, no, God is merciful," says he. He intends to repent by and bye. When he comes to his death-bed — then he will pray, read his Bible, and make his peace with God. Thus he flatters his own pride, deceives his own soul, and secures his own damnation!
Reader! Do you believe it possible that you may go to Hell?
"Not everyone who says to me, ’Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ’I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:21-23
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
God requires unqualified submission to His Word. You must . . .receive the doctrines He has revealed, believe the promises He has made, and perform the precepts He has given.
His doctrines are to enlighten you, His promises are to comfort you, His precepts are to direct you, and His providence is to supply you.
God requires you to look upon Himself as your Father, and to walk before Him as such — in faith, love, and holy obedience. He has provided grace to enable you to perform all that He requires — and He bids you to ask and receive.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ What does our church need?
"Our gospel came to you not simply with words — but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:5
"We have," said one pastor, "the gospel regularly preached, the prayer meetings are continued, the church is in peace — but very few souls are converted to God!
It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! For unless the Holy Spirit works — your minister may preach, your church may meet — but no real good will be done! God’s work is carried on, not by might nor by power — but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must . . .open the heart, quicken the soul, and
sanctify the person! And if the Spirit works — then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers!
All the success that followed the preaching of Peter, and the labors of Paul — was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul says, "God gave the increase." Then the church felt her need of the Spirit; she realized her dependence on that divine Agent; she prayed with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing; and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and with power! But now-a-days, we merely talk of the Spirit — rather than feel our need! We boast of our instruments — rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Moses chose to suffer affliction along with the people of God — rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time!" Hebrews 11:25 The choice is done. Moses is determined. He has counted the cost! Instead of honor — shame; instead of praise — blame; instead of respect — contempt; instead of plenty — poverty; instead of a princely portion — a slave’s lot.
Was this wise?
Moses made his choice between the children of God and their sufferings — and the Egyptians and their pleasures. And you must make your choice between . . .Christ — or the world, sin — or holiness, the path to Heaven — or the road to Hell.
"Choose this day whom you will serve!" A master you must have, and it must be either Satan — or Christ. Serve you must, and your service must be either sin — or righteousness.
Look, then at the world — at its honors, wealth, and pleasures; look also at the church — at its poverty, contempt, and sufferings.
Look at Hell — with its bitter reflections, deep sorrows, and indescribable torments;
look also at Heaven — with its sweet thoughts, pure enjoyments, and endless felicity.
Now make your choice! Do you choose the world and its pleasures now — along with Hell and its horrors forever? Do you chose rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time, than to serve and suffer with the people of God — though you know your end will be as bitter as wormwood, and as dreadful as the just wrath of a holy and unchangeable God could make it?
If Moses was wise — then what can you be, but a fool? And your foolishness now — will increase your anguish and agony to all eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My nature is the same as in the harlot, the drunkard, the murderer!
"If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is — that she is a sinner!" Luke 7:39
This woman was a sinner — an open sinner. One who had violated the laws of decency, as well as the law of God. She is condemned and despised. Many are more ready to condemn — than to pity; to despise — than to endeavor to reclaim.
We forget when we look at the profane — that we have the same seeds of profanity in our hearts! We forget that evil human nature is essentially the same in all. We forget that education, circumstances, providence, or the grace of God — make the only difference between us and the vilest man that ever lived!
We are all one man’s sons. We were hewn out of the same rock — we were dug out of the same pit.
While I condemn sin — let me ever pity the sinner. While I mourn over the fallen — let me ask the question so well put by the apostle, "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have — that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4:7.
Am I vile? Let me take the blame and the shame to myself.
Am I saved and holy? Let sovereign grace have all the glory and praise!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reader, are you a Christian? Are you a Christian? This is a very important inquiry, because many profess to be so — who are not so in reality. And yet no one can be saved — unless he is a Christian.
If anyone is in Christ — he is a new creature: he is convinced of sin — and mourns over it; he hates sin — and departs from it; he reads the Word of God — and loves it;
he hears the gospel of Christ — and believes it.
He becomes a disciple of Christ, . . .learning His doctrines, trusting His promises,
and doing His will.
He receives the Spirit of Christ, which is a spirit of meekness, love, and holiness.
He would rather suffer for Christ — than sin against Christ! He . . .loves the person of Christ, imitates the example of Christ, and observes the ordinances of Christ.
He commits his soul into the hands of Jesus . . .to be pardoned through His blood,
to be justified by His righteousness, to be sanctified by His Spirit, to be preserved by His power, to be used for His glory, and to be presented faultless by Him to the Father at last.
He looks for the second coming of Christ with joy — because then he will be like Him, for he will see Him as He is!
Such is a Christian, according to the New Testament.
If so — then you are not a Christian!
Every Christian finds . . .prayer to be the breath of his soul, Christ to be the food of his soul, the Bible to be the comfort of his soul, and the Lord’s people to be the beloved companions of his soul.
Examine yourself, for thousands bear the Christian name — who know nothing of Christian experience. Multitudes live and die under a delusion — and will say to Jesus at last, "Lord, Lord, we were Christians!" Then He will say unto them, "I never knew you! Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" This will be dreadful — most dreadful!
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The Scripture stigmatizes the lost sinner as a fool. He may be rich, he may be learned, he may fill an honorable station in the world — but so long as he neglects the one thing needful — he is called a fool.
Wisdom consists in fixing upon a worthy end — and pursuing it in the most prudent and judicious way.
A wise man . . .thinks of his immortal soul — and seeks its salvation above everything else. thinks of the wrath of God — and endeavors by all means to escape it. thinks of a crown of glory — and sets his heart upon obtaining it. sees that glorifying God is his highest honor, and secures his greatest happiness — and therefore he makes that the grand end of his life.
But the multitude, alas! the multitude overlook, or despise, or treat these things with contempt! They live . . .as if self-gratification were the end of their creation, as if earth were their eternal dwelling-place, and as if glorifying God were no business of theirs!
If we were to judge them by their conduct, we would be ready to conclude . . .that they had no souls to be saved or lost, that there was no Hell to escape, that there was no Heaven to obtain, that there was no crown of glory to be won, that there was no crown of shame to be avoided. Surely the Scriptures are right in designating such men fools — for fools, the greatest fools, they must be!
Should the eye of a worldly man or woman light upon this page — God asks you the question, "When will you be wise?" When will you begin to seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness? When will you come to Jesus, and be saved from wrath by Him? When will you begin to lay up for yourself treasure in heaven? When will you prepare for death, judgment, and eternity?
"If only they were wise and would understand this, and discern what their end will be!" Deuteronomy 32:29
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Agedbeliever, the time of your departure will soon come! Do not let your mind be troubled as to . . .where you shall die, when you shall die, or how you shall die!
These are all minor matters — and ought not to affect you.
Simply look at death as Jesus did: "Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world — and go to His Father!"John 13:1
Why should you regret to leave a poor world like this — where sin, sorrow, pain, grief, disappointment, and anxiety meet you at every turn? Why should you be reluctant to go HOME — to go to your Father? Do you not want to see His face?
Do you not want to enjoy His company? Do you not want to be perfectly happy in His presence?
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!" Php 1:23
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"There is no Rock like our God!" 1 Samuel 2:2
As creatures, we all need . . . an object of trust, one on whom we can lean, one in whom we can confide, one to whom we may look for defense and safety.
Some make a ’rock’ of their wealth, some of their talents, some of their station, some of their friends, some of their good deeds, some of their religious observances, some of their name or fame.
But the Christian’s rock is his God, that is — God in Christ. Yes, Jesus is . . .the foundation of his hopes, the source of his strength, the anchor of his safety, and the fountain that supplies him!
In Christ, his Rock — he finds honey; and this Rock pours out rivers of oil for him, "He nourished him with honey from the Rock, and with oil from the flinty crag." Deuteronomy 32:13. This Rock, Christ — is the Rock of his salvation. This Rock of ages — is the Rock of his strength. Of this Rock, he can sing, "The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior!" 2 Samuel 22:2-3
Looking around upon all others, he can say, "But their ’rock’ is not like our Rock; even our enemies concede." Deuteronomy 32:31.
There is no rock like our Rock: none so great, none so ancient, none so durable,
none so suited to meet all a sinner’s needs.
On this Rock we build for eternity! We have no doubt that our immortal interests are safe. To this Rock, we run for safety, and smile at the opposition of all our foes. In this Rock, we hide, and are safe from the sword of divine justice, as well as the rage of infernal Hell. In this Rock we take shelter, and are uninjured by the windy storm and tempest. From this Rock we look for all our supplies — and we are not, cannot be disappointed. Beneath its shade — we enjoy peace and comfort! In its cleft — we are safe for evermore!
How safe, how happy is the believer — having God for his ROCK; for . . .he builds on a foundation that can never decay, he trusts in a stronghold that can never be taken, he hides in a refuge from which he can never be expelled!
"The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!" 2 Samuel 22:47
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"But this I say, brethren — the time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29
Our time on earth is short — and it is daily growing shorter!
In a little while — we shall close our eyes on all the scenes of earth, and be done with all the concerns of time.
Few things fly swifter than time, or teach us more solemn lessons. Yet we slight them, and forget them, or fail to improve them. O for grace to derive comfort, reproof, and stimulus from the brevity of time.
"The time is short!" Then our troubles must be short, for they are all limited to time. They are the offspring of sin, and will not out-live their parent! Every trouble, leaves one the less to be endured. Soon the last trouble will arrive! Let us therefore . . .
bear them with patience, endure them with fortitude, and rejoice in the prospect of bidding them an eternal farewell. Our sharpest, severest trials — will soon be ended! And then, all that will remain, will be eternal peace and joy!
"The time is short!" Then the pleasuresof time will soon terminate!
As sweet as they are — they are all fleeting!
Prize them as we may — we must soon part with them. Not one of them will go with us beyond the dying bed. Let us not, then, value them too highly, or set our hearts too much upon them.
Earthly comforts, worldly distinctions and honors — will soon have passed away. The rich and the poor will soon meet together in the graveyard. The peasant and the prince, the beggar and monarch — will alike slumber together in the dust. Let us then, if tempted to think too much of the worldly distinctions, or value too highly the comforts of life — remember that the time is short!
"The time is short!" Then Jesus will soon be here! How will many things appear, which now occupy our time, engross our attention, and steal away our hearts — when Jesus comes?
Believer, "the time is short," lift up your head with joy. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for. . .your tribulation will soon cease, your sorrow will soon flee away, and
the days of your mourning shall be ended.
Time is the limit of your trials, temptations, and troubles.
Time is the limit of your conflicts, doubts, and fears.
Time is the limit of your pains, privations, and griefs.
Beyond time — all is . . .peace and pleasure, purity and perfection, happiness and rest!
Lift up then your head with joy, for your redemption, your eternal redemption draws near!
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"When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him." Luke 23:33
What brought Him there? It was our sins — and His own infinite love. Our sins alone could not — for He was not involved in them. His love alone could not — for as innocent, He could not die. But out of His pure, infinite, and eternal love — He became answerable for our sins. He engaged to bear them, atone for them, and remove them forever!
"He died for our sins." He suffered — because we had sinned, He died — because we deserved to die, and He lay in the grave for a time — that we may not lie in hell forever!
forged the
O what an evil must sin be — to bring the Son of God into such a state of suffering and humiliation!
O what love must the love of Jesus be — that induced Him to take our place, and suffer and die in our stead!
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With all the solemn realities of eternity before me I write, and with the deepest solicitude I beg your attention. Allow me first, my dear child, to call your attention to the infinite value of your immortal SOUL. You have a soul which is immortal, destined to live forever. Live it must, live it will, and live forever; but it is capable of enduring most dreadful, fearful, and never-ending torments!
I tell you from the mouth of God — that you have an immortal soul; that there is a glorious heaven — and a dreadful hell; that one or the other must be your eternal abode; and I beseech you to consider seriously, reflect in time, and flee from the wrath to come! Your nature is entirely depraved, and always has been! You were conceived in sin, shaped in iniquity, and brought forth under the curse of God! You have grown up hitherto in a sinful state: every thought of your heart, every word you have spoken,
every action you have performed, is more or less sinful. Your heart is a fountain so corrupt, that nothing pure can possibly proceed from it. God, says of your heart, my child, that it is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!" Every variety of sin and wickedness lurks there! It may be concealed from your view, but yet it is there; and if temptation should present itself, or the Lord takes off his restraints — it would soon make its dreadful appearance.
There never was a sin committed by the vilest malefactor, or a crime perpetrated by the greatest monster of iniquity — but the seed of that sin or crime is to be found in your heart! "For from within, out of the heart," says Jesus, "proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, thefts, covetousness, wickedness; deceit, lust, an evil eye, pride, blasphemy, foolishness! All these evil things come from within and defile a man!" Well then may the Apostle say, "The carnal mind is enmity against God — for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be! So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God!" Do you think that it is possible, my dear child, for anything good to come from a heart like this? But just such a heart is yours — and the reason you do not know it, is because spiritual darkness and ignorance are spread over your soul; the eyes of your understanding are darkened, and you are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin!
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Most men have some favorite subject — and Paul had his. Many subjects were embraced in his ministry — but one fixed his eye, filled his heart, and occupied most of his attention. We may be sure, from the wisdom he generally displayed, and the abundance of grace that he possessed — that it was an important and worthy subject. It was "Christ crucified!" Therefore alluding to his first visit to Corinth, he said, "I determined to know nothing while I was with you — except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."1 Corinthians 2:2. What a wondrous subject! What a wondrous Savior! Paul had seen glorious effects produced, by preaching it elsewhere. He knew that if this doctrine would not win them, and bring them back to God — nothing could.
We have been preaching and writing about Christ crucified for many years. We have also seen
What an honor God confers upon you, by sending a message to you at all, especially such a message. It is . . .a message of mercy — to miserable sinners; a message of grace — to unworthy sinners; a message of provision made — for very poor and needy sinners; a message of comfort — for desponding sinners; a message to alarm — for careless sinners; a message to solemnly warn — for obstinate sinners; an invitation to backsliders to return — that they may once more be happy and holy;
a message of encouragement, direction, and winning love — to those who believe in Jesus.
"I determined to know nothing while I was with you — except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."
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"Oh, that I knew where I might find HIM!" Job 23:3
Anywhere, at any time, in any condition, alone or in any company, we can be happy — if we realize that God is present, and can enter into communion with Him.
Real religion always . . .centers in God, feasts on God, and is satisfied with God alone.
The teachings of the Holy Spirit brings us away from other sources of peace and satisfaction — to God alone. And in God, as made known in Jesus — we find . . .
all we want, all we wish, all we can enjoy!
"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!" Psalms 16:11. Oh, blessed thought! Having been brought to set our hearts on God, to find our happiness in God — soon, very soon, we shall enjoy His perfect, perpetual presence; and shall never more sigh, or cry, "Oh, that I knew where I might find HIM!"
"And so we will be with the Lord forever!" 1 Thessalonians 4:17
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"Glorify the Lord in the fires!" Isaiah 24:15
The fires are afflictions. These are intended . . . to try us, to purify us, and to endear the Lord Jesus to us.
Every saint must pass through the fire, and our only concern should be to pass through honorably and usefully.
Wherever it is — let it be your one desire to glorify God in it. You may do so . . .
by patiently enduring, by trusting the Lord’s Word, by speaking of His character and love, by expecting His support and supplies, by holding fast your integrity.
Beware that you do not lose the benefit of the affliction — but cry mightily to God that it may be sanctified.
Have you never been in the fire? If you belong to Christ, you will be! "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
They who are not purified in the furnace of affliction on earth — will be cast as reprobate silver into the fire of hell forever!
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"I will be to them a God!"Hebrews 8:10
That is, to all His redeemed people.
I will be . . . the object of their adoration and trust, the subject of their meditation,
and the source of all their happiness.
To be our GOD — is
He will pardon us — and pardon like a God!
He will sanctify us — and sanctify us like a God!
He will comfort us — and comfort us like a God!
He will glorify us — and glorify us like a God!
If He is our God — He is our All.
And all that He has is ours! He is our inheritance, and a glorious inheritance He is.
Consider, when . . .in danger, in darkness, in distress, in temptation, in duty, or in affliction — God will be to you a God . . .delivering you, enlightening you, comforting you, strengthening you, sanctifying you.
Make a God of Him! Look to Him for all that He has promised — which is all that you need! Adore His Divine perfections, and rejoice that they are all engaged to make you eternally blessed.
Live to His glory, walk by His Word — and He will glorify Himself in your present and everlasting welfare. He rejoices to do good unto His people, He delights to bless them!
"I will be to them a God!"Hebrews 8:10
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