03.02. Volume 2
Choice excerpts from the diary and letters of RUTH BRYAN
I see not an inch of the road before me, and have no stock of strength or ability for the journey. But I must live moment by moment on the Lord God, who will make my feet like hinds’ feet, to tread upon very high places—even the God who performs all things for me.
Moreover, to use another figure, I must lie in the arms of my Beloved as a helpless infant—without wisdom or power to do anything for myself—but believing that "the everlasting arms of love" will prove a safe conveyance.
Oh! what a blessed Jesus we have—who can so soften affliction and so sweeten Marah’s bitter stream, making us exceeding joyful even in tribulation.
Jesus is a tender Shepherd; He knows the lambs cannot travel very fast, so He will sometimes gather them in His arms, and carry them in His bosom. While, at other times, He will allow even those little ones to feel the roughness of the road and their own weakness—that they may be
emptied of self-confidence, and walk humbly, confiding in the Lord alone.
All Divine leadings are in Divine sovereignty, and we cannot mark out any specific line, either for ourselves or others. But this we know—that all who are born of God shall be led and taught by the Spirit, and all such do feel sin hateful and holiness desirable.
Where there is spiritual life there shall be spiritual growth, although the way and manner thereof is sovereign.
The life of faith
To know nothing but Jesus; to delight in no other; to look nowhere else for holiness, happiness, and fruitfulness—this is the life of faith, and "living godly in Christ Jesus." His love is a bottomless, shoreless ocean, in which we shall be absorbed forever and ever! That will be heaven
Oh, that my heart were a ten-stringed instrument, and my life a living epistle—in which all might read Him. But, alas! it is so blotted over with unbelief and other sins, that it is hard to pick out His dear name in most of the pages.
Oh! when I see Him face to face, and behold those love-prints in His glorious body, what shall I feel? That will be heaven—not one of harps and crowns, or of anything else—but JESUS and the open vision of His unveiled glories, the ineffable glories of Deity, and perfect beauties of humanity ever beaming with new effulgence in the person of our Bridegroom! Then shall we reflect His glory, and show forth His praise.
The past week have had much bodily suffering. All is well. There is no curse in my cup of trial. The bitters are love—as well as the sweets.
Oh, grant the teaching of the Spirit with every troublesome dispensation, I may be instructed, corrected, and comforted. And oh, my precious Lord, sanctify my increasing affliction, that it may be a blessing to myself and others.
I may yet have much suffering of body—but my precious Lord will sustain me. Oh, may He be magnified in this frail body, by life and death.
I have walked through many dark and trying providences. I would fly to Your dear cross, and to You, the dear crucified One—my safe hiding-place from all my sins! There would I blush, and weep, and love, and find there "is no condemnation." Oh, what unbounded goodness and mercy have followed me hitherto. "Your paths drop fatness." You are the Joy of prosperity, and the Brother born for adversity. Much pain of body—but the dear Tree of life sweetens Marah’s bitter stream.
It is blessed to feed upon Jesus, not on my feelings. My soul longs for fresh baptism into His death. Jesus alone is my death to sin. He alone is my true victory over corruption.
"You will call Me Ishi—(my husband). Hosea 2:16
"You will be called Hephzibah—(My delight is in her) . . . for the Lord will take delight in you." Isaiah 62:4
Oh! my precious Ishi, I am Your Hephzibah—made for You alone. Vile as I feel, You see it not—but view me in Your own beauty—all lovely, and without spot or fault.
You are my joy and crown, my holiness and happiness, my heaven and my all. I drink the spiced wine of Your love, and taste the river of Your pleasures!
I awoke this morning under a deep sense of my sinfulness—but was favored afterwards with a realization of the precious blood of the glorious Lamb of God.
How pure, how rich, how efficacious!
Every drop is worth more than all the world has in it—the blood of the everlasting covenant, which blotted my sin out of God’s book, and from my conscience also!
This morning I was out walking, when the sun suddenly burst upon my view, and, by reason of a mist, I could gaze upon it without being dazzled. It was beautiful, though not shining in its usual refulgence. And I, musing, thought—Why can I look so steadily upon the sun? Only because its brightness is partly obscured by the mist.
So, upon Jehovah, its mighty Maker, I could not gaze. His uncreated brightness would confound me. But He has softened that brightness in Jesus. That sun behind the mist reminds me of "God manifest in the flesh." There I can look—and live!
I long and pant for more revealing of the incarnate Word in the written Word. O blessed Spirit, testify of Him to my soul in the Scriptures. Abba Father, reveal Your precious Son more fully in me; and You, my Beloved, make Yourself known to me more than ever. How much I thirst for You, You know. You are most kind—but more unfoldings of Yourself I still desire.
I have been favored to sit under the shadow of my suffering Savior with great delight, and His fruit has been sweet to my taste. Much blessed in Psalms 22:1-31. I never before so fully realized how our precious Lord felt the anguish of unanswered prayer. He seems to have gone before us in every sorrowful step, and most precious is He to the sin-burdened
or sorrowful soul, when revealed by the Spirit as bearing all for them.
I am fully satisfied to be in His loving hands.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6 The weight of sin and guilt so ponderous that none but Jehovah could have laid it upon the Surety, and none but such a Surety could have borne it! My soul is humbled and melted!
My glorious Lord, I humbly and confidingly embrace You as my life, and peace, and pardon; my purity, my joy, and my all. I ask to be led by the blessed Spirit afresh into the love scenes of solemn Gethsemane and Calvary.
I am much abased in my own sight, because of sin. "O Lord, You know my foolishness, and my sins are not hidden from You." I know that the precious blood of my Surety has atoned for them all. But I loathe the evil working of my nature. Dearest Lord, hear the cry of my heart, which cannot be put in words, and with precious blood purge my conscience.
You alone did teach me the life of faith. Oh, renew that teaching amidst all discouragements!
In Jesus—I am as safe as I can be, and very happy—a sinner saved by grace! Free grace and free love is all my theme.
In the past week I have had deep conflict, many storms—but sweet interminglings of mercy. I feel weak and faint, as if the journey were too great for me. But my dear Lord will sustain me. I am the poorest worm—and must let fall my whole weight upon You, my precious Savior. Lord, help me on, and help me home!
"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!" Isaiah 43:1-3 The calf which was ground to powder
"He took the calf they had made and melted it in the fire. And when the metal had cooled, he ground it into powder and mixed it with water. Then he made the people drink it." Exodus 32:20
I remember the calf which was ground to powder by Moses, for the children of Israel to drink. I have formerly known this bitter experience, when the sin I had trifled with became my daily and sorrowful portion, nor could I rid myself of it. Oh, this is sore work. "Lord, help me!" though I feel I am not worthy of the crumbs which fall from Your table.
A sparrow alone
"I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top." Psalms 102:7
This is a dreary land, and I a trembling traveler. But the Lord is very gracious to His sparrow alone. I need supporting, like the ivy which clings round the oak. Lord, lead me—and do not leave me! When the Lord makes it night
In the past week I have had much spiritual darkness; and felt this evening that I was, as it were, in "the lion’s den," and in the "mountain of leopards," through the felt evils of my fallen nature. When the Lord makes it night, all the beasts of the forest creep forth. But, when
the blessed Sun of Righteousness rises again, they creep into their dens, and hide themselves. How evil things dislike the light.
Glorious Redeemer, come to me in further and fuller developments of Your personal glories; and, in the warmth of Your love. Let me see
Your heart laid open by the sword of justice, and read there the deep inscription of Almighty love. Breathe, sacred Spirit, into this heart—quickening there desires more ardent after Jesus.
"Looking unto Jesus" has been the prevailing position of my soul during the last week, and I long for continual renewings therein by the Holy Spirit. Surely, when looking by faith away from all, to Jesus only—He does become, in soul experience, "all in all." I cannot describe in words how earthly cares and interest have melted away before this glorious Sun of Righteousness, who is "all my salvation and all my desire."
What a peculiar year! How rich in mercy, high in joy, deep in conflict, sweet in love—the love of my precious Beloved!
Your love has softened and sweetened all my trials; and here I am—a monument of love’s upholding power, feeling sweetly assured that the Lord has heard my prayers, and seen my tears. All shall be well—this deep and dark trial shall end in songs of praise. "He knows the way that I take," and though, to the flesh, it is like a long dark road, with only occasional rays of brightness; yet, "my soul, wait only upon God"—it will not be in vain. He will either release from this fettering clay, or He will carry triumphantly on. And all shall redound to His praise who lived and died for me—my Lord, my life, my all. Praise for the past, trust for the future, befits Your favored worm, O Lord. I do afresh embrace You by
faith, as my joy, my treasure, and my absorbing all. I fall heavily into Your arms, with all my weights. You will sustain me in Your love, in life or death—as seems best to You. Amen.
What rich, rich drops flowed for vile, unworthy me!
Very specially has my Beloved been to me today—as the suffering Lord of glory. Oh! what blood was that—what rich, rich drops flowed for vile, unworthy me!
Oh! what condescension!
What unutterable love!
My soul wonders and adores!
"He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." And His spouse shall see somewhat of His soul-travail for her, and be satisfied with His love and favor. That You, immaculate Lamb, should be bruised and wounded for my sake—is overwhelming indeed!
I long to fall at Your dear feet, and confess myself a trophy of redeeming love—a miracle of Your saving grace and cleansing blood!
Afresh I give myself to You, my blessed Jesus, to look at You, and only You; all else is confusing. You have been above my foes, above my fears, and immeasurably above my deserts!
It is marvelous that I should have such enjoyments: this quiet retreat, this most beautiful country air and scenery, everything I need, provided without cost to me, and the kindest attentions from dear friends! It is wonderful, for I never looked for anything like prosperity on earth.
I do enjoy Your mercies, and Your beautiful creation, now in the freshness of spring. But You Yourself are the sweetness of all! The deep, sweet mystery
I do indeed feel Him to be a rock—yes, the rock of my heart, and my portion forever. Oh! for more faith. Oh, for more of Jesus—in heart, lip, and life!
Blessed Comforter! lead me more into the deep, sweet mystery of Christ, my Lord.
All "my times are in Your hands." They cannot be in a better place. Flesh and strength are still wasting. But I am kept in peace, and surrounded with loving kindness and tender mercies. Oh, that I could praise my gracious God! Oh, that my heart were as a ten-stringed instrument, and my tongue as a well-tuned harp, to sound His praise! Tune and touch, most gracious Comforter, that melody may be made unto the Lord, who is so good to me.
I have had a week of amazing mercies. I am overwhelmed at the Lord’s goodness to me.
Sometimes I fear I am too happy; the sweet peace I enjoy is very great. It has quite seemed to me this week that Home is near—and that is pleasant. I love my dear, kind friends very much. But to behold Him
who is dearer than all, and to be absorbed in untiring, unceasing worship; yes, to live and breathe in the pure element of holiness and love—will, indeed, be delightful.
O Lord, I pray for such an outcome out of this affliction as shall be most glorifying to You; and, if it pleases You, sanctify me for Your service below or above.
Oh, what a present heaven do I find in Jesus! No tongue can count half His beauties and His sweetness! Oh, to live ever by simple faith upon Him—until called up to live in open vision with Him. Flesh gets most complete starvation, when Christ is all in all!
"Remember that the Lord your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Deuteronomy 8:2-3
I am sure there has been a needs-be for all the rough paths I have been traveling. I might have been much puffed up if all had gone smoothly. By these things I learn, under Divine teaching, much that is within. And I also find my heart is much softened thereby, to sympathize with others in their trials.
I have once or twice had relief, and thought the storm was over—but it has again beaten upon me. I see from it that in my fallen nature there is no improvement.
How do I marvel when I look back; what deep anguish I have gone through. I wish to watch closely, to learn profitably, to be humbled exceedingly, and think I must walk softly before the Lord all my days.
I bless Him, that He has kept me in fervent cries to Him during the long siege, and thus flesh has not prevailed against me. Surely, now, the walls of this Jericho have fallen. O blessed Jesus, in the tenderness of Your compassion—pity my infirmity, and, through it all, lead me on to victory.
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
By His cross I find death to sin, law, world, and myself. All my black guilt was here removed! Eternal praises to my dear Deliverer!
May the Lord be pleased to make the doctrine of complete perfection, safety, and victory IN CHRIST—one of daily experience. In Christ I am experimentally raised, even now, above sin, Satan, the world, and myself, and triumphantly sit with Him in heavenly places.
I have just been led to see an evil, of which, I believe, I have been the guilty subject—that of resting in, and being taken up with, certain feelings and sensations experienced by me—rather than with Christ Himself, the Substance of the feast. And thus my feelings become more the object of my pursuit and desire, than His glory. Both in praying and reading the Holy Scriptures, I seem to have been thus beguiled from simplicity, having feeling and enjoyment more in view—than Him from whom they come. And so, when favored with a sensation of comfort, peace, and joy in my reading, I have the next time come to the Word searching for that same sweetness again—more than for Christ, the source and fullness of it. Many dear Christians might not see what I mean—but I see plainly, and beg to be delivered from this seeking the gifts more than the Giver. Oh, my Christ Jehovah, how have You been dishonored by worthless me; so blessed, so favored, and yet so prone to rest in Your bestowments rather than Yourself. Pardon, and restore to that simplicity which is alone in You. Oh, do it for Your love and honor’s sake!
No fear of crooked walking while the eye is fixed fully on Jesus! Oh, lead me, Holy Comforter, more into Christ—and out of self!
"Yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42
Implicitly, unreservedly, and entirely, I give all I have and am to Your disposal. Only glorify Yourself in me, and then glorify me with Yourself!
Vile, helpless, guilty as ever in myself—but finding a perfect salvation in a perfect Christ!
Oh! wonders of rich, sovereign grace!
Yesterday, and last night again—was exceedingly harassed by Satan and the flesh. But found the cross of Christ my place of refuge; and from a dear, once crucified, but now glorified Savior—did receive strength in the battle, sympathy in the suffering, and assurance of victory through His blood.
Precious Jesus, You are as full as ever; the more I enjoy You, the more I see yet to be enjoyed. The larger draughts I drink of "salvation by grace"—the more overflowing seems the fountain. And the more I get into its depths, the more unfathomable seems that delightful ocean!
Thanks, thanks to a covenant God for a salvation planned, accomplished, and applied!
April 3rd, 1839. Blessed beyond measure with comfort, peace, and joy—all flowing through the bleeding heart of Christ—my Savior, Husband, Friend, Surety, All. The desire to be with Him in glory continues and increases! Dearest Jesus, give patience. Pardon what is mine; strengthen what is Yours. Accomplish Your own purpose in this frail tabernacle—and then fetch me home!
Come with Death, precious Christ. I tremble at him without Your presence. Oh, come, and let me breathe out my soul on Your bosom, in Your embrace. Much for me to ask—but not too much for You to give. Your kindness makes me bold. For Your own love’s sake, grant my request, or give submission; and, if not seen, support secretly. Eternity is coming, and then I shall never tire. But shout, methinks, louder than all the blood-washed throng, "He loved me and gave Himself for me!" I wait, Lord, Your will.
March 17th, 1839. The tempter foiled, my Savior faithful, and my poor soul relieved. Oh, wondrous Savior, to do the work, bear the suffering—and bestow upon me the reward! Give, oh, give me a heart to praise, love, and adore You. Holy Comforter, come again, come again, and speak peace through blood. Oh bathe me in that living, healing, cleansing stream. Breathe, oh breathe, on this dry, barren, cold heart! Have I grieved You? oh, melt me into penitence, and then seal home pardon.
Why me?
Oh, what manifest outward mercies have I been the subject of! How does my cup run over, and how am I astonished at it, often exclaiming, "Why me? Why—oh why am I so blessed?"
Oh, what miracles of mercy to such a wretch!
Dear Jesus, sanctify the temporal mercies You have given; let me enjoy You in and with them—or they are all nothing.
A debtor indeed to sovereign, unmerited mercy.
December 12th, 1838. Much comforted today with views of precious Jesus, as my dear, almighty Savior —engaged to do all for and in me. Faint indeed are these glimpses compared with what I desire—but are they not pledges of more? I verily believe they are; and that, though a vile, hell-deserving sinner, I shall shout—Victory through the blood of the Lamb! and join the ransomed throng in casting at His dear feet our blood-bought crowns. Who should louder sing than I?
October 30th, 1838. Found much sweetness this morning from Isaiah 49:23, "those who put their hope in Me will not be put to shame," and Psalms 31:22, "In my alarm I had said, ’I am cut off from Your sight.’ But You heard the sound of my pleading when I cried to You for help." The Lord be praised for these divine dewdrops!
My soul thirsts, longs intensely—to know more of a glorious Christ, and live more upon Him; for He is the bread of God. May the Holy Spirit breathe again upon my barren heart.
Most Holy Comforter, most solemnly do I entreat You, as the Teacher of Your people—to lead me more deeply into heart acquaintance with divine truth, and into communion with the Triune Jehovah, making me lose all things outward, and count them as rubbish and dross in comparison with this. Oh, let me not continue on the surface—but bring me to swim in, and take large draughts of, the water of life.
December 31st, 1837. The last day of the year has come again! How rapidly are the wheels of time revolving and bearing me on to a boundless eternity! Another year closing, and of what do its "gone-by"
periods testify? Why! of aggravated transgression and ingratitude on my part—and most astonishing mercy and longsuffering from my covenant God.
There has also been granted more laying hold of Christ, and, when sensible of sin, more running to Him for pardon and cleansing; and, as it were, hanging upon Him in my desperate case, and, if I perish, to do so at His feet. All this, with much more, I take to be very, very great mercy.
But, oh! the dark tale of my own sin which has also marked this year—it is too black to be told! Ingratitude, murmuring, carnality, worldliness, unbelief, backsliding, and a thousand other evils—make up a list which ought to sink me into shame and self-abasement!
Almighty Spirit, condescend to melt me into real contrition, that having received much, I may love much; and having sinned much, I may have
much forgiven.
I am sure the flesh is no friend of mine; and as I have not resolution to cut off its right-hand, and to pluck out its right-eye sins—it is most merciful of the Lord to do it for me. And though I often cry out from pain, my spirit says—Go on, Lord, deal with me as You will—only support and bring me to walk closely with You.
Lord, melt this stony heart, wash this filthy heart, bring back this wandering heart—and somehow, by Almighty power, make me more
watchful against those sins which most easily beset me.
Lord, give me a broken heart—and then come and heal it.
Leave me not to myself, for my wicked heart is longing after fleshly indulgence! I want, dear Immanuel, to be Yours alone—but cannot. Oh,
no; I cannot! a divided heart You will not accept. I fall a dead weight on Your sovereign, undeserved mercy, by which, if I am not caught, I must continue falling until I reach the lowest, hottest place in Tophet, which is my merited portion. But, blessed Jesus, take me for Your own, and magnify the riches of Your grace in my deliverance! "Lord, save, or I perish!"
December 20th, 1835. I have for the last two days welcomed bodily affliction, because by it the awful corruption of my nature seemed kept down. The past week has been a week of sin, temptation, and severe exercise—such as I could describe to no mortal.
I fall at Your feet, O Immanuel—loathsome, corrupt, and abominable, crying for free, unmerited mercy! I come to You, O Almighty Spirit, begging for the sake of, and through, what Jesus has done and suffered,
that You would be my Teacher, and, whatever it may cost—lead me into the truth, and reveal Christ in my soul, as the hope of glory. Before the Father, I fall self-condemned, having nothing to say why sentence
should not be executed upon me—but that He so loved the world that He gave His own dear son to die for sinners (of whom I am the very chief), to whom I look for a sacrifice to atone for my sins, and a perfect righteousness to cover my guilty soul, that so He may be well pleased with me for His righteousness sake.
Crucifixion of the flesh and deadness to the world is what I pray for. But, when the Lord puts His hand to this work by embittering my njoyments, putting quite out of my reach what I most anxiously wish for, keeping my purse in His own care, giving me enough only for my present needs, not desires, then my heart rebels, and my case seems hard; and I wonder why I am thus dealt with, thinking it impossible the Lord can intend my good.
From the various opinions and sentiments of people whom I believe to be Christians, added to my own ignorance and darkness—my mind has fallen into a most distressing state of confusion and perplexity. Never did I more feel the need of Divine teaching. I long for Jesus to say to me as He did to the disciples, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom." May the Eternal Spirit be my Instructor. He alone teaches to profit, because He alone has access to the heart.
Trust Him evermore; walk in His strength. Be willing to be nothing, that Christ may be all in all; and then will you find settled peace. But, oh, this being nothing—we take much discipline to bring us to it in reality;
much emptying from vessel to vessel, much afflicting, much purging. How much have I had, and yet how self rises; and how do I seek something to glory in, or lean upon, beside Christ. Dear Jesus, bring me
more and more into the simplicity of the Gospel, and let me lean more and more upon You.
I have hard fighting just now; the corruptions of my nature are very headstrong. May I be kept from laying down my weapons, to which I feel sinfully inclined; yes, even to make a truce with my deadliest foe, and that which formerly robbed me of my peace. The Lord have mercy on me, for I feel that, of myself, I can do nothing but sin.
September 5th, 1830. I have this week been favored with a more abundant manifestation of the Lord’s love to my soul than I ever before experienced. My heart has been sweetly led out in prayer; and I have had such delightful witnessings of the Spirit, that I could not doubt my interest in a Savior’s love.
Amazing that such a vile sinner should be a chosen vessel of mercy! I stand astonished, and can hardly believe the delightful fact, and yet I have had such clear intimations, that I dare not dispute it.
Oh, how sweet to have a foretaste of the joys above; a smile from Jesus and whisper of His grace! How insignificant then is the world with its pleasures and honors!
Ten thousand thanks to You, dear Lord, for Your amazing goodness. Oh! may I be watchful and prayerful, and very fearful of grieving Your Holy Spirit; do continue Your favor—what I have tasted makes me long for more; and I hope it is only the pledge of what is in store for me, for I do
desire to live near You, and have much of heaven on earth. Grant this, dearest Jesus, for Your mercy’s sake!
"I am your inheritance," says our loving Lord; and as we live by faith, we find that we have a treasure in the heavens which fails not.
Brooks dry up, cisterns become broken—but the all-fullness treasured in Jesus is inexhaustible! And in the greatest outward straits we may be living in plenty and rejoicing in Him! "Even though the fig
trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty—yet
I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!" Habakkuk 3:17-18
We can rejoice in Him whether He bestows or withholds—spiritually or temporally.
He who has given all up to God—has nothing to lose.
He who has found all in God—has nothing outside of Him to desire.
"The cup which my Father has given me—shall I not drink it?" John 18:11
Yes, you shall drink it and praise the Lord.
He wisely appoints and times every bitter cup—and all is given in love. Bitters are strengthening, sweets are comforting; and through all He will sustain the hidden life with the hidden manna, of which, if a man eats, he shall live forever. It was said of the Paschal Lamb, "with bitter herbs you shall eat it," which remains true to this day, as I experimentally prove—but find it truly "Sweet to lie passive in His hands—and know no will but His."
When I attempt to judge His dealings I get into bewilderment and confusion. When I attempt to choose my own ways I make endless mistakes, and at length fall at His feet abased at my own foolishness.
I seldom sail long on a smooth sea—but often do I see the Lord’s wonders in the deep, and bring up many a pearl from thence. I am a poor weak creature, and often fear when I enter into the cloud, and cry in the storm, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come in unto my soul!" Then He does deliver the poor and the needy when they cry. He has delivered, He does deliver, and we trust that He will yet deliver. I am weak and tried—but one of those feeble folk whose dwelling is in the rock. (Proverbs 30:26)
I am myself, just an empty sinner, living in and on a full Savior, "who loved me, and gave Himself for me." I am crucified with Him. He lives in me; "the life I live in the flesh is by the faith in the Son of God." I find His service perfect freedom, and sweetly prove that "the way of the Lord is strength to the upright." "Unto you who believe, He is precious."
Ah, indeed no words can express how precious our glorious Emmanuel is to my heart. "I am poor and needy—but the Lord thinks upon me;" and He has said in my soul, "You are not your own, you are bought with a price." It felt very, very solemn; and then a short time after that word followed, "You are mine," which was very sweet and melting. Bought
and paid for! The price His own rich blood! Amazing! Was ever love like this? Ah, never! He is the Prince of lovers, the best of all beloveds; worthy, worthy is our lovely Lord the Lamb! Of all on earth I surely
am most indebted to Him, and owe Him an eternity of praise. "I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all he has done. I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel, which he has granted according to his mercy and love." Isaiah 63:7
Many of His dealings I do not understand, and I often feel myself a poor, weary pilgrim. But His love and His bosom are the home of my heart; and there it reposes in safety, while the tempest howls around and the storm beats upon the outer man. I have had many little contrarieties in the path, and much exercise of soul.
I am more and more convinced the way upward is one of tribulation, and the high heads and trifling hearts of most professors look as if they were not in it. But honestly we say,
"Above their highest mirth, Our saddest hours we prize; For though our cup seems mixed with gall, There’s something secret sweetens all."
But the worst and roughest of our heavenward path is infinitely preferable to the best a worldling knows.
And though my flesh desires an easy path—my spirit often feels the blessed benefit of the cross, and blesses Him who lovingly endured it with the curse for my unworthy sake.
If we are really living in the liberty of love and privileges of union with Jesus, we shall hold and use all creatures, and creature good, only in the
Beloved, and for His glory. In so far as Jesus is our all, selfish ends and aims will be lost. Just as the rod of Aaron swallowed up the rods of the magicians of Pharaoh—so will all those powers which were once instruments of unrighteousness in self-love, be swallowed up in Christ, by whose power in us they will be used as instruments of righteousness unto God.
It is my sincere desire that He may still lead you on in the divine life as evidently as heretofore He has; though it must still be to the rooting up and putting down of all that is of the flesh. For He has determined that no flesh shall glory in His presence. We easily assent to this in words—but the Lord will have more than theoretical knowledge in His school. He will bring all who sit at His feet to the practical experience of the words they utter and the lessons they learn.
What scorching did that precious Lamb suffer!
Hearken, beloved, to these words: "Send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame!" That thirst, that heat, that torment I must have endured forever—had not Jesus Himself borne it, when for me under its heat He said, "I thirst!" Oh, what scorching did that precious Lamb suffer,
when water was denied Him and vinegar given.
This was unutterable love!
Muse and marvel, O my soul!
What a glorious company will there be on the Mount Zion above, of blood-washed sinners . . .once so black—then so white; once so far off—then so near; once so full of fear and trembling—then so safe forever!
How shall we praise the worthy Lamb who brought us there at the cost of His own heart’s blood! Oh, that we had more conception of the virtue and efficacy of that blood which has cleansed and will cleanse millions and millions of black sinners, and make them fit company for God and the Lamb. How it would encourage them to come to that fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, which is free to every longing soul who is crying, "Wash me, Savior, or I die!"
Would that I had more conceptions of the freeness and fullness of the finished salvation, and that this contracted heart were enlarged to apprehend more of the love of the Savior to poor needy sinners.
What an amazing object our Father has given us to behold by faith—even His crucified Son, who was the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person. Yet for poor sinners was His visage marred more than any man’s. His food and drink was to do the will and work of His Father; yet "it pleased the Lord to bruise Him!" And thus marred, and bruised, and crucified, He says to bruised reeds, "Look unto Me, and be saved!" Look unto Me—bleeding, agonizing, made a curse for your sin! Look unto Me on the Cross, to be forgiven your iniquity!
Oh that our eyes and hearts may be fixed here; then shall we be constrained to sing and give thanks. "Unto you, therefore, who believe, He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17
I am at school. I am a very dull, but happy scholar, with such love upon love, and line upon line from such a blessed Teacher! Oh, this is a sacred place! I am receiving many private lessons bearing upon my own experience, conflicts, and mistakes. I listen for Him, I listen to Him, and marvel greatly, concluding most certainly that there never was such an unworthy creature, who was so favored. I think one result of every new lesson is, "Behold, I am vile!" "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes!" I desire afresh to forsake all—and follow Jesus only.
My earnest cry now is for guidance—to find any home where the Lord will bless me, and where I may not be corroded with worldly care. The most humble place, with a quiet mind and the Lord’s presence, seems just what I want—to serve Him in lowliness on earth, until the welcome hour when He shall say, "Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Indeed it must be without a "Well done, good and faithful servant." It is with me—all mercy and no merit.
We seem to be in a great hospital
Beloved friend,
Through mercy we are much as usual—but sickness abounds on all sides, and many saints have fallen asleep. We seem to be in a great hospital—so many loved ones are sick. But Jesus walks the wards where His own loved ones lie, and whether He wills that they die or live, He says unto the righteous—it shall be well with you. The wretched wilderness of my own heart
I know not what is the cause of your being at present cast down—but your heavenly Father knows, and He has promised that He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, and that, with every temptation, He will make a way to escape.
It is to humble you and prove you, that He may do you good in your latter end. When He has shown you a little of what is in your heart, He will show you something of what is in His heart—even "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." He will then reveal
the everlasting love which has been fixed upon you from all eternity, and is now drawing you to Himself. Yes, youshall see such love flowing from your Father’s heart in the precious gift of His beloved Son, whom He delivered up to the sword of justice and to the curse of the law for your
sake—that though you find nothing within but abomination, and nothing without but sin and shortcoming; though you feel yourself full of wounds and bruises and putrefying sores—yet shall you experience that with His stripes you are healed, in His blood you are cleansed, and in His righteousness you are justified.
You may be now learning something of the depths of your malady—but it will only enhance the blessing of the cure.
I have known what it is to travel through the wretched wilderness of my own heart, and learn something of its corruptions—feeling hard, cold, barren, prayerless—and everything else that is hateful.
It was like that dreary land mentioned in Jeremiah 2:6, and it felt as solitary as if none else could be there, "they wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way." But One eye was watching, though unseen! One arm was supporting, though unfelt! And at length the Sun of righteousness arose upon my sorrowful soul, and, "turned the shadow of death into the morning!" Then I wanted to fly away from these lowlands of sorrow,
and be at rest in His bosom forever! But He said, "Go back and tell your friends and neighbors what great things the Lord has done for you, and has had compassion upon you."
We are so prone to commit these two great evils: departing from the Fountain of living waters, and hewing out to ourselves broken cisterns which can hold no water.
And our wise and gracious Lord will let us, for a season, reap the fruit of our doings, in order to make our folly hateful to us. But He will not always chide, nor cast off forever. He will return unto us with mercies, and with healing in His wings. He is the good Samaritan, and if we have spiritually fallen among thieves, who have stripped us of our garments
of praise, and robbed us of the joys of His salvation, and wounded us until we feel half dead—though He may first let us prove that all "self-helps" and creature helps are vain—yet at length He will be sure "to come that way," and minister to our needy case, saying, "I am the Lord who heals you."
The life of faith is continued venturing afresh upon Jesus, finding no more in self to encourage us at the last than at the first, remembering in the midst of all discouragements how "David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." And that is just what faith does. By reason of the flood of corruptions within and tribulation without—the poor soul can find no place of rest—but, by faith, she flies to the Ark, and the Lord pulls her in.
My dear friend,
Our foolish, clinging, sensitive hearts, are always seeking comfort in created vanities. If we build our comfort on these things, we will be a loser—not learning the height, depth, length, and breadth of the love, sweetness, and fullness which are in Christ Jesus. A pang may be felt as one by one is taken away; yet it is worth being stripped of all that is our own, to hear the secret of divine love, and to enjoy Jesus as our "all in all." I well know what creatures we are for making self-hewn cisterns—and how when one vanity is broken, we seek for another, instead of turning to the Fountain. I long to draw you to the full bliss of forsaking all for Christ. Then shall you most abundantly find all in Him, and praise Him for every stripping and emptying which prevented your resting in a lower source of enjoyment. Oh! it is most precious to commune directly with Himself, and receive lessons of wisdom from His own blessed mouth!
My beloved friend,
There is no nest below without a thorn; this you well know, and therefore will not expect it.
But there is a bosom without a thorn—even where John leaned, and where, by faith, unworthy I often lean, and find sweet rest and refreshing. And in that dear bosom and in that dear heart "yet there is room," room even for you, O weary one! There you shall find no rebuke, no spurning, no upbraiding. The invitation to the laboring and the weary is, "Come unto me, and I will give you rest." Nor did those precious lips ever utter one unmeaning word. He means it all, and His ear and heart are open to all the sorrowful agitations of those poor and needy ones whom He invites to His rest. How many a long sad tale has He privileged me to breathe out to Him; oh! such as none else would have had patience to listen to, or cared to remedy. He bore with it all, and either delivered out of it, or delivered in it—either made a way of escape, or gavemstrength to endure, through finding in Him enough to fill and satisfy under it all.
When under deep and sore trials—His heart, and arm, and counsel have been for my all-sufficient support. Oh! what a friend is Christ to me! And not less to you, my beloved. Oh! come then and magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Do not let us be murmuring in these tents of flesh, (Psalms 106:25) but by faith going forth to Jesus. Our Father has not appointed us any portion in self—but He has given Christ, the true Manna, to be our portion for time and eternity! And the more we are brought to feed upon Him by faith, the less we shall need or desire anything besides. Oh! may the blessed Spirit bring us to this dear privilege!
"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8
What our Father has bestowed upon us in giving Christ is indeed astonishing—and will be unfolding to all eternity! May we be learning more and more of His unsearchable riches now; thus shall we be less affrighted at our own poverty, which we must also learn—but only to bring us to know more of the depths of His matchless love, and that we may rejoice and glory in Him alone. Ever praise Him, O my soul, who has remembered and visited us in our low estate, for His mercy endures forever! In the ocean of His love and blood, both self and sins get lost!
My beloved friend,
You speak as though you had been under heavy trials. I can feel for you, having many crooks in my lot, and a sadly too susceptible and anxious heart which feels everything so much. But yet I can say with David, "I
know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me."
I do not find bodily affliction the most painful part of tribulation; many other things distress me much more. But the Lord knows best what to send. It is a great mercy when He enables us quietly to take up the cross as it occurs; for everything is doubly bitter when our heart frets against the Lord; or even against our fellow-worms. They could not afflict us without His permission—and though that does not lessen their wrong, it may stop our murmuring, and humble us before Him, like David, who looked away from Shimei and said, "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord has bidden him!"
Oh, my beloved friend, whatever be the nature of your trials, whether they arise from self, Satan, or any other creature; there is but one refuge, one place of safe retreat—and that is Jesus! He is a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, and from this cruel foe that has been striving hard to overcome you.
If the Lord severely tries our faith—it is only to manifest Himself afresh as Jehovah-Jireh (Jehovah will provide), or Jehovah-Rophi (Jehovah our healer), or Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Jehovah our righteousness), or under some other blessed covenant name, which is to be seen more brightly in the dark place.
Moreover, if He takes away our Isaacs—it is only to make more room for Himself. And if He lessens our earthly store—it is only that we may live more immediately upon Himself.
Oh! is it not worth everything to be near Him, and to hear Him say, "You are ever with me, and all that I have is yours!" His heart of love, His life of obedience, His death and sufferings, His triumphant resurrection and ascension, His intercession, His glory—all are ours! And,
He has done, and to know for myself that "my Beloved is mine" is a taste of the fullness of bliss!
Well, my beloved friend, the dark steps we were noticing above are just the way by which the Lord often leads His children on to this blessedness. They do not generally reach it all at once, though some receive the white stone much sooner than others—but many have to travel the barren land of deserts and of pits, to wander in a solitary
way, to have their hearts made desolate and their earthly substance blighted, before Christ is revealed in them as their all—as the hope and the foretaste of glory. Well, it matters not how—if we do but come to know Him as ours in power and preciousness!
Faith is the outgoing of heart and soul upon the person and work of Jehovah Jesus—and that under a deep sense of unworthiness, guiltiness, and hell-deserving.
Oh, fly for refuge to the hope set before you in the gospel; fly to the shadow of the Cross, the shelter of the Rock! There is . . .pardon for the guiltiest, cleansing for the filthiest, safety for the weakest, and conquest for the most faint-hearted!
The Lord’s "judgments are a great deep;" we must not attempt to fathom them. "His ways are past finding out;" we must not expect to trace them.
Quiet submission befits sinful worms.
Seek a resigned, submissive will; it is the Lord’s own gift, and a great lightening of the outward cross. Murmuring thoughts ill become worms who deserve the lowest hell. Everything on this side hell is more than we deserve. My lost sheep!
"Rejoice with me, because I have found My lost sheep!" Luke 15:6
When their wilderness days are ended, they shall come to Mount Zion above; and the Shepherd will rejoice over the sheep which was lost. And the sheep will tell, to the Shepherd’s praise, how it wandered as far as it could, how it destroyed itself, how it was "ready to perish," how it was so lost and so helpless, that when it desired to return it could not; and then
how the Shepherd found it, and through floods of guilt, mountains of fears, and hosts of foes—had brought it safely home to glory! Oh, then will not they all again sing—Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!
There is a blessed, holy attraction in this altogether lovely Jesus which acts powerfully upon all quickened souls, drawing them out in desire, and drawing them on in pursuit, until the set time comes to favor them more manifestly. Then the meeting between a sin-sick soul and a sin-bearing Savior has in it such secrets of love and sweetness, that it seems as if a thousand years of the most painful waiting, would be richly repaid by one moment of such bliss.
But oh, it is not for a moment and then away; the Savior and the saved shall never really part. Though darkness obscures, and clouds seem to intervene—yet union remains, communion shall return, and a glorious eternity consummate the bliss. Of every sheep and every lamb, the Good Shepherd will take care, and fold them all safely above. Not one be missing. However faint, or feeble, or fearing, or unworthy any one may be, they are all bought and paid for, and the flock must be as complete as the price was satisfactory. The wolf may howl, the dog may bark, the way may be dreary, and the poor heart may often tremble—but the Good Shepherd will not be out of hearing, even if He seems to be out of sight. He will rescue even out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear.
I do hope and trust the Lord has a purpose of love to you, and that He has put these rough cords of affliction around you—to draw you to Himself. The Lord bless you, and turn the water of affliction into the wine of consolation.
With tenderest love and ardent longings, your warmly affectionate,
Ruth Bryan
The pleasures of the world are not only empty and unsatisfactory—but they displease God and destroy the soul. The Scriptures declare that all who persist in them are His enemies—"The friendship of the world is enmity with God; whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." They are called "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." What a true description!
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool." Isaiah 1:18
Jesus washes crimson sins as white as snow in His own precious blood.
He puts the best robe on prodigals who have been vainly trying to find satisfaction in the husks of this world’s pleasures. By His Spirit He brings them to their right mind, cleanses them in His blood, and clothes them in His righteousness.
"I have trodden the winepress alone." Isaiah 63:3
Thank you most affectionately for the grapes kindly left for me. How does Jesus load me with benefits—and gives me Himself too, which is best of all. He is Heaven’s rich grape! He has been in the winepress of divine wrath for us, and hence it is we drink "the pure blood of the grape." I wish you much of it; for truly it cheers the heart of God and man. What a wonder of love, and what a cordial we find it—when weary and faint in the wilderness. We drink, and forget our own poverty—in the unsearchable riches of Christ!
Much-loved friend,
I sincerely wish you the exercising of the Holy Spirit in the afflictions through which you are passing, that you may have the full benefit thereof. It has been truly said, that "sanctified afflictions are great promotions." And those promotions come neither from the east nor
from the west, but from the Lord alone, by whose power, "Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer, Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low and keep me there."
Many a visit of love has the Lord paid, and many a secret of love has the Lord revealed in the time of affliction; and some of the sweetest communings in the wilderness have been with the thorn in the flesh, or the cross on the back. Does not your soul respond to the truth of this? Is not Jesus a precious companion in tribulation? Are not His sympathies most tender? Has He not drawn near in the day when we cried unto Him, and said unto us, "Fear not!" Oh yes, the fruits of the valley are very choice—but yet we fear to go down there; forgetting who has said, "I will go down with you, and will also surely bring you up again!"
Are we not brought down into the valley of trouble or humiliation—to cause us to rest only in Jesus? "These things (these afflictive things) I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation—but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
At times trials seem to overcome us, yet "in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." "This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose." So you prove it, so I prove
it—the rock of His faithfulness is a blessed retreat, when our heart is overwhelmed within us. The honey of His love dropping from that rock does sweetly revive our fainting souls, and make us joyful in tribulation,
so that we sing even in the trial, "He has done all things well!"
I have been enjoying those words
I have been enjoying those words—"I will love them freely—for My anger is turned away from them." It seems to me to be the language of the Father, who, having laid upon Jesus the iniquities of us all, then and there visited our transgressions with the rod, and our iniquities with stripes—until not one was left unatoned for! Then His anger was turned away from the Surety, and the Father could love the poor debtors freely—because He was well pleased for Jesus’ sake.
"The unsearchable riches of Christ!" Ephesians 3:8
We cannot put more honor upon Jesus, than by living upon His royal bounty.
"Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness!" John 1:16
It is blessed, dearest friend, to spend time under His shadow as the crucified One; there His fruits are sweet to our taste. It is precious to be led on by His Spirit to His joy as the glorified One, for then our joy is full.
Those who "dwell in this secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." It is a secret place for the hidden ones, of which He says, "There is a place by Me; and I will put you in a cleft of the rock." This hallowed place is kept secret for all His children—they lack not this blessed hiding-place. No carnal eye never saw it; no carnal heart ever enjoyed the rest. It is the secret chamber for the secret life, where He who is our life says, "There will I give you my love." (Song of Solomon 7:12) He gives all in Himself.
At Calvary we see how He the Living Rock was cleft, that His dove might be spared; and how lovingly He says, "O My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." (Song of Solomon 2:14)
My treasured possession
"They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up My treasured possession." Malachi 3:17
We tread a thorny desert, but—"Judah’s Lion guards the way, And guides His pilgrims home!"
There we shall meet, from clog and fetter free, to behold our Beloved without a cloud between. Having sipped of the rivers of His pleasure below, we shall drink full draughts above—and in His love and glory be absorbed forever and ever!
Ever most affectionately yours,
Ruth.
"The unsearchable riches of Christ" Ephesians 3:8
We know little of the unsearchable riches of Christ. And yet how we often turn to toys and trifles of time. He is such a precious and full Christ. There is enough in Him to occupy and satisfy all our powers in time and eternity!
I do not know the minister’s reply, but that which we are to learn from the mother’s deep anguish is very plain—"Flee from idolatry!" The Lord make all grace abound towards you. Your ever affectionately, unworthy,
Ruth
Would you know what sin is, what justice is, what pardon is, what love is, what victory is? You must learn all at Calvary and in Gethsemane! There see your sin pierce Him; there see His Father bruise Him, and put Him to grief for your iniquities, and in your stead.
“When the Comforter comes, the One I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me." John 15:26
The Holy Spirit is the living guide to Jesus.
It is He who says, with power, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
It is He who convinces of sin, who wounds, and probes the wound, and lays open the evil of our nature, causing us to know that we are corrupt
within and without.
But He not only thus discovers the malady, He also applies the remedy. He abases the sinner; and exalts the Savior. He gives the deep sense
of sin—that the great salvation may be more appreciated and enjoyed.
Much beloved and often-remembered friend,
The tidings received from you this morning made me sorry, and yet I must say, "It is well," for I do believe it, knowing that "He does all things well." May this trial be as a lattice, through which Jesus will show Himself to your soul. Trial is one lattice, which He often looks through, with much tenderness, upon His redeemed ones.
To the worldling, bodily afflictions and providential trials are destroyers of his best enjoyments. But to the child of God they are often the very high road to their best enjoyments. To the worldling, afflictions are only bitter. But to the child of God, they are often a mingled portion, for—
"Though their cup seems mixed with gall, There’s something secret sweetens all."
"Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my Lover come into His garden and taste its choice fruits." Song of Solomon 4:16
Breathe, Holy Comforter, on our souls, that they may be quickened. Breathe in providences, that we may be edified by them. Breathe in the written Word that we may be instructed. Breathe on the Rose of Sharon, the Incarnate Word, that by the fragrance thereof our souls may be revived and refreshed. Breathe upon these hearts, that we may commune sweetly in and of, the Beloved, for His glory, and our soul-strengthening.
"Yes, He is very precious to you who believe!" 1 Peter 2:7
Faith is the Christ-receiving grace. By faith we apprehend Him, by faith we know more and more of His preciousness; by faith we have the
felt benefit of His blood and righteousness, (Romans 3:22; Romans 3:25) and by faith we cast anchor on this Rock, when to sense and feeling all is
dark and stormy.
By mercy, not by merit—do all the blessings come. This salvation is for the poor, and the poor only—and they must be stripped even of their rags! It is not enough to confess that their rags are filthy and worthless—they must be parted with, and this necessity touches very closely the heart of the ’old Adam’.
But all must go, that Christ may wear the crown—that he who glories may glory in the Lord our righteousness!
How is it with you, my beloved? Are you stripped of your own righteousness—emptied, and bankrupt?
Eternity will never unfold all the love, loveliness, and glories of our wonderful Emmanuel!
It is as the heavenly Lover and Bridegroom of His people that we love to think of Jesus. Oh, what a contrast to the very best earthly husband! They love and choose because of something congenial and pleasing in their wives, and in hope of a faithful return of affection. But He, our wondrous Husband—loved, chose, and determined to betroth and espouse unto Himself, in the certain fore-view of debt, disgrace, and sin! Ah! and of unchaste wanderings too, for He says, "Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth." Yet, through all He loved His people—and from all He has redeemed them with His own precious blood!
When His spouse "has played the harlot with many lovers," His marvelous language is, "Return, for I am married unto you!" thereby overcoming His faithless one with the very love which she has slighted—a love, indeed, beyond comparison! May its fires afresh be kindled in your soul, that you may now count all things but loss, yes even as rubbish—for the sake of such a Beloved!
I must come to you again in the sweet name of Jesus! And if ever one poor sinner more than others had cause to extol that precious name, it is she who now addresses you—in whose soul it is "as ointment poured forth;" in whose ear it is more melodious than music; and in whose hand it is a staff either to pass over Jordan, or journey forward in the pilgrim road.
Feeling that I am the most vile, worthless, and unlikely of all creatures to have sat down so blissfully at the banquet of Love—this poor heart must praise the Founder of the feast, who is also the substance of it; and who, by His own irresistible power, sweetly brought me in, and then said, "Eat, O friend, drink, yes, drink abundantly, O beloved!"
Oh, keep me humble, keep me from self-deception! begin the good work, if it is not yet begun! Oh, may I not be a castaway! Break, break this stony heart! How long, Lord, how long? Make me feel. Oh, leave me not to this insensibility! What argument can I use? Oh, leave, leave me not! Allow me not to perish! Mercy, mercy is all my plea—for Christ’s sake, have mercy on me! Oh, precious, precious Jesus, be my Savior, Husband, Friend—my Jesus and my all. Jesus! Jesus! Oh, that You were precious to my soul! May its savor perfume our souls, lips, and lives When once admitted to the loving heart and loving arms of Jesus, you will find that which would superabundantly compensate for more than a thousand years waiting: such a complete and blessed salvation—such a precious and glorious Savior—such fullness in His work, blood, righteousness, love, and person—as to eternity will never be fully developed!
May the sweet love of Jesus constrain us more and more to speak well of His name. May its savor perfume our souls, lips, and lives—that others may take knowledge of us, as being much with Him, and much like Him! May you have full experience of those words, "And in view of this, we always pray for you that our God will consider you worthy of His
calling, and will, by His power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
All outward jewelry I laid aside years ago, when I found the Pearl of great price.
"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found
What mysteries of providence may eternity open!
What wisdom we shall perhaps discover in those very circumstances which now most puzzle us!
The mighty helm of providential movements is not left to chance; it is governed by infinite wisdom; it is managed by One who will do injustice to no one; and who says, ’Be still, and know that I am God!’