I May Lose All Created Sweets
The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a special saving interest in God and finding comfort in Christ, even in times of trial and darkness.
Anne Dutton preaches about the blessings and lessons learned through trials, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in the midst of difficulties and finding comfort in His unchanging nature. She contrasts the fate of those without a saving interest in God with the assurance and peace experienced by the righteous, highlighting the eternal joy and satisfaction found in Christ. Dutton also warns about the dark times ahead, urging believers to be vigilant, pray fervently, and seek refuge in God's protection amidst impending judgments.
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Dear Sister,
Blessed be God, He has done me much good by my last year's trial. The Lord has humbled me under His mighty hand, melted down my will into His, purified my desires, exercised my faith, hope, and patience, and brought me in some good measure to live upon Himself as my present and eternal all. I have been more concerned about my duty to 'glorify God in the fires', than merely to be delivered from the trial. And blessed be my tender Father, He set bounds to my trial in His own dear time, which is every way the best. He who enabled me to 'trust Him in the dark', and to stay myself upon my God, has again brought me forth to the light, and I have beheld His righteousness. Oh how blessed is that man who has the God of Jacob for his help!--for his help in trouble and deliverance out of it!
Most miserable is that soul who has no special saving interest in God. A time will come when all the creatures will fail him; when every spring of comfort will be dry, and nothing remain to him but an ocean of endless misery to surround him on every side; but, "say to the righteous, It shall be well with him." O how well is it with a righteous man in all changes, in the greatest evils which pass over him! The face of providence may change, friends may fail, and his own heart and flesh too; but God, the unchangeable God, who is the strength of his heart, and his portion forever, will never fail him, nor forsake him.
O this is my strong consolation--that Christ is mine, and I have enough. I may lose all created sweets; but, since I cannot lose my God in Him I have an ocean of delights, of ever-springing pleasures, which will be new and full unto ages without end!
The times look very dark. Our Lord has His fan in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor. A mercy of mercies will it be for those who shall be found inward court-worshipers when the outward court shall be trodden down, when the Lord will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men who are settled upon their lees. We have reason to fear the Lord's judgments, which hang over us for the sins of His people, and the sins of the nation. O that there was a spirit of prayer poured out upon praying men; then might we hope that the Lord would turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him. But, alas! we are asleep; and the day of the Lord may come upon us as a thief in the night. Happy are those who are kept watching; who foresee the danger of carnal security, and flee for refuge to the shadow of Jehovah's wings. For surely in the Lord, at the worst of times, his children shall have a place of refuge.
Great grace be with you.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The importance of a special saving interest in God
- Comfort in Christ
- The times we live in
- God's judgments and mercy
- The need for prayer and vigilance
Key Quotes
“Oh how blessed is that man who has the God of Jacob for his help!” — Anne Dutton
“O this is my strong consolation--that Christ is mine, and I have enough.” — Anne Dutton
“For surely in the Lord, at the worst of times, his children shall have a place of refuge.” — Anne Dutton
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God and seek to glorify Him in all circumstances.
- We can find comfort and strength in Christ, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.
- We must be vigilant and pray, lest we fall into carnal security and be caught off guard by the day of the Lord.