The Righteous Aren't Always As Bold As A Lion. Lol
10 years ago
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Memory of a Godless Life
Will you turn over the leaves of your diary, now, dear friends, or fly upon the wings of memory to the hole of the pit whence you were digged. Did you not, O you who live close to Christ, did you not once despise Him? What company did you like best? Was it not that of the frivolous, it not that of the profane? When you sat with God's people, their talk was very tedious; if they spoke of divine realities, and of experimental subjects, you did not understand them, you felt them to be troublesome. I can look back upon some whom I know now to be most venerable believers, whom I thought to be a gross nuisance when I heard them talk of the things of God. What were our thoughts about? When we had time for thinking, what were our favorite themes? Not much did we meditate upon eternity; not much upon Him who came to deliver us from the misery of Hell's torments, Brethren, His great love wherewith He loved us was never laid to heart by us as it should have been; nay, if we read the story of the crucifixion, it had no more effect upon our mind than a common tale. We knew not the beauties of Christ; we thought of any trifle sooner than of Him. And what were our pleasures? When we had what we called a day’s enjoyment, where did we seek it? At the foot of the cross? In the service of the Savior? In communion with Him? Far from it; the further we could remove from godly associations the better pleased we were. Some of us have to confess with shame that we were never more in our element than when we were without a conscience, when conscience ceased to accuse us and we could plunge into sin with riot.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Way to Be Wealthy and Happy!
The Way to Be Wealthy and Happy!
James Smith, 1859
"The lions may grow weak and hungry—but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:10
To be in need is painful, especially to be in need of some particular things. Originally man had no needs, everything was provided for him, and presented to him in abundance. But when man sinned, he forfeited his inheritance, and was reduced to poverty and degradation. Now need is common, it is universal. Where shall we go, to whom shall we speak—to find a person who has no needs?
However many mistake wishes for needs. And while the Lord has promised to supply all his people's needs, he has no where promised to gratify all their wishes. Needs are painful enough, and oftentimes hard to be borne—but wishes are more so. Let us now,
Look at the painful condition of many. They are in need, and in need of good things. Some need good things for the body, as food, clothing, health, home, or friends. Poverty is a sore evil to the flesh. It is a heavy cross. To a proud person—it is a crushing burden.
But the number of those who need good things for the soul is greater. What multitudes there are . . .
who are condemned for sin—and need a pardon;
who have troubled spirits—and need peace;
who have polluted hearts—and need purity;
who have anxious spirits—and need satisfaction;
who have aspiring minds—and need nobler prospects.
For the lack of these things, they are unhappy, they have no settled rest, no solid peace. And the worst feature of the case is—that they don't even know their needs, or what is necessary to make them happy! If they did, they might soon be raised above their needs, for here we have,
The divinely prescribed way to rise above need. "Those who seek the Lord, shall not lack any good thing." The way to be wealthy, is to seek the Lord, for the blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. If we would escape from need, we must seek to know the Lord. He has revealed himself in his word. He has manifested himself in the person and work of his Son. He reveals himself to the soul, by the teaching and operations of his Holy Spirit. It is not enough to hear of God, to think of God, to speak of God, or even to pray to God; but we must truly know God. Know him so as to yield the heart to him. Know him so as to confide in him, and delight to obey him.
We must seek to please him. Everything we do, either pleases, or displeases, the Lord. Man by nature never troubles himself about pleasing God—but if the Spirit of God dwells in us, the grand end of life, and the principal aim in every action will be, to please God. The highest eulogy that could be passed on Enoch was, that before his translation, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Let us please God—and then it is of little consequence whom we displease.
We should seek to enjoy God. God in Christ is the source of all real happiness. There is in God, everything to make us happy. If therefore we know God, and seek to please him—we shall be made happy by him. His presence, his word, and his grace—will make us happy anywhere, and under any circumstances; and will enable us to say, "Whom have I in heaven but you, and there is none upon earth, that I desire beside you!" Seeking to know, please, and enjoy the Lord, we have—
A positive assurance is given us, that we shall not lack any good thing. This assurance is given us by a man of experience and observation, who could say, "I was young and now I am old—yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." It was given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, and therefore may be implicitly depended on.
Those who seek the Lord may be sick, or poor, or tried, in a variety of ways; but the Lord will send them supplies, OR give them the grace of contentment, so that they shall not lack.
We really need very little—therefore the apostle says, "If we have food and clothing—we will be content with that!" 1 Timothy 6:8. And again, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"They shall not lack any good thing." That is, they shall not lack whatever is really good for them at the time, and under the circumstances. Whatever will promote their holiness and happiness—shall be conveyed to them.
Therefore with confidence we say, "Look to the generations of old, did ever any trust in the Lord—and were confounded?" Or with the suffering Savior, "Our fathers trusted in you; they trusted, and you delivered them."
Those who seek the Lord are sure of necessary supplies, for four reasons:
First, the Lord is ABLE to supply them. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.
Second, he DESIRES to supply them. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. He knows our frame—he remembers that we are dust."
Third, he has PROMISED to supply them. "The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Fourth, he ALWAYS HAS supplied them. Look at Jacob, at David—and at all who have already arrived in glory. If the question, put by the Lord Jesus, to his disciples, when they returned from their missionary tour, on which he sent them without purse or bag, was put to them, "Have you lacked anything?" Every one of them would readily answer, "Nothing, Lord!"
As therefore we know not what is before us in this world, it is wise to prepare for the worst—and to secure all good things. But as this can only be done by seeking the Lord, let us seek him at once, with all possible earnestness, and let us seek him always. If we sincerely seek him—he has promised that we shall find him. If we seek him, we shall know his will, prove the truth of his word, and enjoy his happy-making blessing.
If we seek to know him experimentally, to please him universally, and to enjoy him as our chief good—he will shine into our hearts, giving us the knowledge of himself! He will visit us, sup with us, and smile upon us! He will shed abroad his love in our hearts, and confer foretastes of heaven upon us. And, O blessed testimony of our beloved Lord, who speaking to his Father said, "This is life eternal, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
James Smith, 1859
"The lions may grow weak and hungry—but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:10
To be in need is painful, especially to be in need of some particular things. Originally man had no needs, everything was provided for him, and presented to him in abundance. But when man sinned, he forfeited his inheritance, and was reduced to poverty and degradation. Now need is common, it is universal. Where shall we go, to whom shall we speak—to find a person who has no needs?
However many mistake wishes for needs. And while the Lord has promised to supply all his people's needs, he has no where promised to gratify all their wishes. Needs are painful enough, and oftentimes hard to be borne—but wishes are more so. Let us now,
Look at the painful condition of many. They are in need, and in need of good things. Some need good things for the body, as food, clothing, health, home, or friends. Poverty is a sore evil to the flesh. It is a heavy cross. To a proud person—it is a crushing burden.
But the number of those who need good things for the soul is greater. What multitudes there are . . .
who are condemned for sin—and need a pardon;
who have troubled spirits—and need peace;
who have polluted hearts—and need purity;
who have anxious spirits—and need satisfaction;
who have aspiring minds—and need nobler prospects.
For the lack of these things, they are unhappy, they have no settled rest, no solid peace. And the worst feature of the case is—that they don't even know their needs, or what is necessary to make them happy! If they did, they might soon be raised above their needs, for here we have,
The divinely prescribed way to rise above need. "Those who seek the Lord, shall not lack any good thing." The way to be wealthy, is to seek the Lord, for the blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. If we would escape from need, we must seek to know the Lord. He has revealed himself in his word. He has manifested himself in the person and work of his Son. He reveals himself to the soul, by the teaching and operations of his Holy Spirit. It is not enough to hear of God, to think of God, to speak of God, or even to pray to God; but we must truly know God. Know him so as to yield the heart to him. Know him so as to confide in him, and delight to obey him.
We must seek to please him. Everything we do, either pleases, or displeases, the Lord. Man by nature never troubles himself about pleasing God—but if the Spirit of God dwells in us, the grand end of life, and the principal aim in every action will be, to please God. The highest eulogy that could be passed on Enoch was, that before his translation, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Let us please God—and then it is of little consequence whom we displease.
We should seek to enjoy God. God in Christ is the source of all real happiness. There is in God, everything to make us happy. If therefore we know God, and seek to please him—we shall be made happy by him. His presence, his word, and his grace—will make us happy anywhere, and under any circumstances; and will enable us to say, "Whom have I in heaven but you, and there is none upon earth, that I desire beside you!" Seeking to know, please, and enjoy the Lord, we have—
A positive assurance is given us, that we shall not lack any good thing. This assurance is given us by a man of experience and observation, who could say, "I was young and now I am old—yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." It was given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, and therefore may be implicitly depended on.
Those who seek the Lord may be sick, or poor, or tried, in a variety of ways; but the Lord will send them supplies, OR give them the grace of contentment, so that they shall not lack.
We really need very little—therefore the apostle says, "If we have food and clothing—we will be content with that!" 1 Timothy 6:8. And again, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"They shall not lack any good thing." That is, they shall not lack whatever is really good for them at the time, and under the circumstances. Whatever will promote their holiness and happiness—shall be conveyed to them.
Therefore with confidence we say, "Look to the generations of old, did ever any trust in the Lord—and were confounded?" Or with the suffering Savior, "Our fathers trusted in you; they trusted, and you delivered them."
Those who seek the Lord are sure of necessary supplies, for four reasons:
First, the Lord is ABLE to supply them. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think.
Second, he DESIRES to supply them. "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him. He knows our frame—he remembers that we are dust."
Third, he has PROMISED to supply them. "The Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." "My God shall supply all your needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Fourth, he ALWAYS HAS supplied them. Look at Jacob, at David—and at all who have already arrived in glory. If the question, put by the Lord Jesus, to his disciples, when they returned from their missionary tour, on which he sent them without purse or bag, was put to them, "Have you lacked anything?" Every one of them would readily answer, "Nothing, Lord!"
As therefore we know not what is before us in this world, it is wise to prepare for the worst—and to secure all good things. But as this can only be done by seeking the Lord, let us seek him at once, with all possible earnestness, and let us seek him always. If we sincerely seek him—he has promised that we shall find him. If we seek him, we shall know his will, prove the truth of his word, and enjoy his happy-making blessing.
If we seek to know him experimentally, to please him universally, and to enjoy him as our chief good—he will shine into our hearts, giving us the knowledge of himself! He will visit us, sup with us, and smile upon us! He will shed abroad his love in our hearts, and confer foretastes of heaven upon us. And, O blessed testimony of our beloved Lord, who speaking to his Father said, "This is life eternal, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
To fill Heaven with Hells!
To fill Heaven with Hells!
(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness" 1662)
"Man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil
like water!" Job 15:16
A wicked man is a sin-lover; he is a sin-maker,
he lives in sin upon choice.
All profane people . . .
give up themselves to wickedness,
wallow in ungodliness,
delight themselves in filthiness,
commit wickedness with greediness,
draw iniquity and sin with cords of vanity,
weary themselves to commit iniquity, and
are so desperately set upon wickedness--
that neither the rod of God, the lashes and checks of
their own consciences, nor the flashes of Hell upon their
souls--can stop them! They are resolved that they will
gratify their lusts--though they damn their souls; and
that will live wickedly--though they perish eternally!
By custom in sin, they have destroyed all conscience
of sin, and contracted such desperate hardness upon
their own hearts, as neither . . .
God's smiles, nor frowns,
God's promises, nor threatenings,
life, nor death,
Heaven, nor Hell,
can possibly hinder them!
The hearts and ways of wicked men are full of
Hells; and therefore to fill Heaven with such
men--would be to fill Heaven with Hells!
Certainly God will shut the gates of glory upon
such workers of iniquity. These souls are . . .
sadly abandoned by God, and
woefully blinded by Satan, and
fully ripened for eternal ruin!
"All will be damned who have not believed the truth, but
have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:12
(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness" 1662)
"Man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil
like water!" Job 15:16
A wicked man is a sin-lover; he is a sin-maker,
he lives in sin upon choice.
All profane people . . .
give up themselves to wickedness,
wallow in ungodliness,
delight themselves in filthiness,
commit wickedness with greediness,
draw iniquity and sin with cords of vanity,
weary themselves to commit iniquity, and
are so desperately set upon wickedness--
that neither the rod of God, the lashes and checks of
their own consciences, nor the flashes of Hell upon their
souls--can stop them! They are resolved that they will
gratify their lusts--though they damn their souls; and
that will live wickedly--though they perish eternally!
By custom in sin, they have destroyed all conscience
of sin, and contracted such desperate hardness upon
their own hearts, as neither . . .
God's smiles, nor frowns,
God's promises, nor threatenings,
life, nor death,
Heaven, nor Hell,
can possibly hinder them!
The hearts and ways of wicked men are full of
Hells; and therefore to fill Heaven with such
men--would be to fill Heaven with Hells!
Certainly God will shut the gates of glory upon
such workers of iniquity. These souls are . . .
sadly abandoned by God, and
woefully blinded by Satan, and
fully ripened for eternal ruin!
"All will be damned who have not believed the truth, but
have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:12
The Savior's Will
The Savior's Will
James Smith, 1855
"For a will is in force only after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives." Hebrews 9:17
People who have property and riches, in the prospect of death, have long been in the habit of making a will, and bequeathing their riches, according to their pleasure, among their relations and friends. The will of the dead is considered sacred, and the executors are expected to perform their duty with fidelity and care.
The Lord Jesus Christ being in possession of unsearchable riches, and intending to bestow them upon a variety of classes of character; before he left this world to go unto the Father — made a will, and has left behind him a will containing legacies of incalculable value! These legacies are payable upon application at the proper court, to each and every person entitled to them. The characters entitled are described, and the blessings to which they are entitled are stated with great clearness and perspicuity. The will is now put into our hands that we may . . .
make out our claim,
apply for the blessings, and
enjoy the blessings-to the praise of him who has blessed us in his will.
1. The first class of beneficiaries, are those who have been guilty of crimes against the law, government, and majesty of God — who deserve to die, who are under sentence of death, and exposed to eternal wrath! All such characters discovering this to be their true condition, feeling alarm at their danger, and being willing frankly to confess their crimes — are promised a free, full, and everlasting PARDON!
Jesus purchased a right to pardon, and in his will expresses his determination to give the pardons which he procured — to the vilest of the vile! If any man reflecting upon his conduct, surveying his thoughts, and examining his heart — finds that he has been a traitor from the beginning, and that even now his heart is the dwelling place of every abomination — yet even to such, a free pardon is promised upon confession! Through the infinite grace of the testator unto all such, is proclaimed "forgiveness of sins, and by Him, all who believe are justified from all things!" He says, "I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned against me! He who confesses and forsakes his sin — shall find mercy!"
He is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness! He has willed the pardon, and it shall be enjoyed upon application — not on account of anything felt, feared, or done by the applicant — but solely out of his great love, rich mercy, and sovereign favor!
Are you then, my reader — a poor, sinful, wretched, condemned sinner? Are you filled with fears of Hell, and trembling at the wrath of God? Are you desirous of escaping the curse, and enjoying the favor of Jehovah? Are you willing, heartily to confess your guilt, and his justice in your condemnation? If so, then you are one of the people named in the will of Jesus, there is a certain pardon for you!
But do not give way to fear or doubt, nothing can be plainer than that you are warranted to expect to be forgiven all trespasses for Jesus' sake! The Father honors the will of Jesus — when he pardons such as you; and the Spirit glorifies the Savior when he delivers that pardon to the praying soul!
2. Another class of beneficiaries, are those who are stripped of self, and find themselves wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. To them — Jesus wills the gift of his perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS! He labored to fulfill the precept of the law, and died to pay its penalty; that he might produce a righteousness which would justify God in justifying an ungodly sinner. This righteousness is infinitely glorious, and answers all the claims of law and justice! It honors the divine government, and exalts the possessor to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life! It is all that the law can demand, and just what a sinner needs.
This righteousness was Jesus' own working, and was therefore his own personal property — and he wills to every ungodly sinner who believes on his name. His Father is well-pleased with it, and has agreed that it shall be imputed to all, and be worn by all who have believe, without any difference.
This garment which is ever new, always available, and the perfection of beauty — is freely bestowed upon all who renounce their own good works — and are willing to venture entirely, and without reserve, upon Jesus' word and work, for life and salvation. But it is only willed to the naked, the poor, and the destitute; and it is willed to all such. If you therefore feel that you are destitute of a righteousness; discover the absolute necessity of one for justification before God; and hunger and thirst for this blessing, as the hungry man for food — then for you it is intended, and to you it will certainly be given! You shall receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, that you may reign in life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Only believe — and this legacy is yours!
3. If any are troubled in mind on account of sin, or distressed with the perplexing circumstances of this earthly life, and make application in his name at the throne of grace — unto them Jesus has left the legacy of PEACE. "Peace I leave with you — My peace I give unto you." Tranquility of mind, flows from . . .
receiving his work,
believing his word, and
entrusting all our concerns to his care.
He invites us to commit all unto him by faith, in prayer — and to leave all with him — as with a wise, kind, and faithful friend. And so acting, he assures us that peace passing all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds. He does not wish that any who believe in him — should be anxious, distrustful, or troubled with cares. He therefore provided for all their needs beforehand — and appointed every day's portion according to the day; and requires them to live and walk by faith; believing that he can and will supply all of their needs.
He bids them not to worry about food, clothing, or life; nor to look forward to tomorrow with alarm, or fear; but to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, with the assurance that every necessary good shall be added unto them. To set their hearts at rest — He has willed them a sufficiency for every day and all their days! This enables them to rejoice in God, and in all things to aim primarily at his glory.
Is his word true? Then it ought to be trusted!
Is he faithful? Then we ought not to doubt!
Was he ever proved false? Why then should we fear?
He will keep in perfect peace — all whose minds are stayed on him, because they trust in him.
Jesus is over all, possesses all, rules all, and directs all! And he bids us to cast all of our cares for body and soul, for time and eternity — on him; assuring us that he will care for us. He gave his life for us — and he will not withhold one good thing from us! He will give us his peace — and we receive the legacy and enjoy it, to the praise of his grace.
4. To those who feel weak, timid, and fearful; those who have . . .
foes to face,
difficulties to encounter,
corruptions to mortify,
temptations to resist,
trials to endure, and
troubles to pass through
— he has left this valuable legacy, "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness." His grace, his strength — are to be employed for us, and to be used by us. The same grace which made Paul what he was, and by which all the martyrs triumphed — is left as a legacy to us! The legacy is payable Now, and the proclamation from the high court of Heaven runs thus, "Come boldly to the throne of grace — that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!" His grace enables you . . .
to conquer foes — sin, Satan, world and self;
to overcome difficulties — however numerous or peculiar;
to resist temptations — however powerful, well-timed, or deceitful;
to endure trials — with fortitude, courage and patience; and
to pass through troubles — without fear or distrust.
All things are possible to grace — and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God — without grace! But we can do all things — through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God — we cannot fail! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone — we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him — but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of his family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; his person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world — the Spirit and graces of his Savior, and thus live to his glory, who died for his sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary — is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need — and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in his name — he will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty — but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Our Savior in his wisdom has apportioned to his people enough, enough for their real welfare — though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty — or gives us more. He gives more grace, he gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is coarse, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant — it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart — for this is not your rest — for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance — he will come himself! And to satisfy us with it — he will abide with us forever!
One branch of his will runs thus, "Father, I will that those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! Our sun will no more go down, neither will our moon withdraw itself — for the Lord shall be our everlasting light, and the days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
To this we are fast hastening, every moment brings us nearer! So shall we allow ourselves to be much affected, by any of the trials along the way? Shall we be much cast down, on account of the difficulties of the road? Rather, let us lift up our heads rejoicing — for our redemption draws near. We have willed to us an immeasurable and eternal inheritance — and we are on the road to take possession of it! Let us then be sober and vigilant, that we may be found of our Lord in peace, without spot and blameless. Let us . . .
submit to his wisdom;
walk by his directions;
depend on his veracity; and
imitate those who through faith and patience, now inherit the promises.
In a very little while — Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is!" 1 John 3:1-2.
James Smith, 1855
"For a will is in force only after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives." Hebrews 9:17
People who have property and riches, in the prospect of death, have long been in the habit of making a will, and bequeathing their riches, according to their pleasure, among their relations and friends. The will of the dead is considered sacred, and the executors are expected to perform their duty with fidelity and care.
The Lord Jesus Christ being in possession of unsearchable riches, and intending to bestow them upon a variety of classes of character; before he left this world to go unto the Father — made a will, and has left behind him a will containing legacies of incalculable value! These legacies are payable upon application at the proper court, to each and every person entitled to them. The characters entitled are described, and the blessings to which they are entitled are stated with great clearness and perspicuity. The will is now put into our hands that we may . . .
make out our claim,
apply for the blessings, and
enjoy the blessings-to the praise of him who has blessed us in his will.
1. The first class of beneficiaries, are those who have been guilty of crimes against the law, government, and majesty of God — who deserve to die, who are under sentence of death, and exposed to eternal wrath! All such characters discovering this to be their true condition, feeling alarm at their danger, and being willing frankly to confess their crimes — are promised a free, full, and everlasting PARDON!
Jesus purchased a right to pardon, and in his will expresses his determination to give the pardons which he procured — to the vilest of the vile! If any man reflecting upon his conduct, surveying his thoughts, and examining his heart — finds that he has been a traitor from the beginning, and that even now his heart is the dwelling place of every abomination — yet even to such, a free pardon is promised upon confession! Through the infinite grace of the testator unto all such, is proclaimed "forgiveness of sins, and by Him, all who believe are justified from all things!" He says, "I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned against me! He who confesses and forsakes his sin — shall find mercy!"
He is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness! He has willed the pardon, and it shall be enjoyed upon application — not on account of anything felt, feared, or done by the applicant — but solely out of his great love, rich mercy, and sovereign favor!
Are you then, my reader — a poor, sinful, wretched, condemned sinner? Are you filled with fears of Hell, and trembling at the wrath of God? Are you desirous of escaping the curse, and enjoying the favor of Jehovah? Are you willing, heartily to confess your guilt, and his justice in your condemnation? If so, then you are one of the people named in the will of Jesus, there is a certain pardon for you!
But do not give way to fear or doubt, nothing can be plainer than that you are warranted to expect to be forgiven all trespasses for Jesus' sake! The Father honors the will of Jesus — when he pardons such as you; and the Spirit glorifies the Savior when he delivers that pardon to the praying soul!
2. Another class of beneficiaries, are those who are stripped of self, and find themselves wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. To them — Jesus wills the gift of his perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS! He labored to fulfill the precept of the law, and died to pay its penalty; that he might produce a righteousness which would justify God in justifying an ungodly sinner. This righteousness is infinitely glorious, and answers all the claims of law and justice! It honors the divine government, and exalts the possessor to glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life! It is all that the law can demand, and just what a sinner needs.
This righteousness was Jesus' own working, and was therefore his own personal property — and he wills to every ungodly sinner who believes on his name. His Father is well-pleased with it, and has agreed that it shall be imputed to all, and be worn by all who have believe, without any difference.
This garment which is ever new, always available, and the perfection of beauty — is freely bestowed upon all who renounce their own good works — and are willing to venture entirely, and without reserve, upon Jesus' word and work, for life and salvation. But it is only willed to the naked, the poor, and the destitute; and it is willed to all such. If you therefore feel that you are destitute of a righteousness; discover the absolute necessity of one for justification before God; and hunger and thirst for this blessing, as the hungry man for food — then for you it is intended, and to you it will certainly be given! You shall receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, that you may reign in life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Only believe — and this legacy is yours!
3. If any are troubled in mind on account of sin, or distressed with the perplexing circumstances of this earthly life, and make application in his name at the throne of grace — unto them Jesus has left the legacy of PEACE. "Peace I leave with you — My peace I give unto you." Tranquility of mind, flows from . . .
receiving his work,
believing his word, and
entrusting all our concerns to his care.
He invites us to commit all unto him by faith, in prayer — and to leave all with him — as with a wise, kind, and faithful friend. And so acting, he assures us that peace passing all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds. He does not wish that any who believe in him — should be anxious, distrustful, or troubled with cares. He therefore provided for all their needs beforehand — and appointed every day's portion according to the day; and requires them to live and walk by faith; believing that he can and will supply all of their needs.
He bids them not to worry about food, clothing, or life; nor to look forward to tomorrow with alarm, or fear; but to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, with the assurance that every necessary good shall be added unto them. To set their hearts at rest — He has willed them a sufficiency for every day and all their days! This enables them to rejoice in God, and in all things to aim primarily at his glory.
Is his word true? Then it ought to be trusted!
Is he faithful? Then we ought not to doubt!
Was he ever proved false? Why then should we fear?
He will keep in perfect peace — all whose minds are stayed on him, because they trust in him.
Jesus is over all, possesses all, rules all, and directs all! And he bids us to cast all of our cares for body and soul, for time and eternity — on him; assuring us that he will care for us. He gave his life for us — and he will not withhold one good thing from us! He will give us his peace — and we receive the legacy and enjoy it, to the praise of his grace.
4. To those who feel weak, timid, and fearful; those who have . . .
foes to face,
difficulties to encounter,
corruptions to mortify,
temptations to resist,
trials to endure, and
troubles to pass through
— he has left this valuable legacy, "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness." His grace, his strength — are to be employed for us, and to be used by us. The same grace which made Paul what he was, and by which all the martyrs triumphed — is left as a legacy to us! The legacy is payable Now, and the proclamation from the high court of Heaven runs thus, "Come boldly to the throne of grace — that you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need!" His grace enables you . . .
to conquer foes — sin, Satan, world and self;
to overcome difficulties — however numerous or peculiar;
to resist temptations — however powerful, well-timed, or deceitful;
to endure trials — with fortitude, courage and patience; and
to pass through troubles — without fear or distrust.
All things are possible to grace — and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God — without grace! But we can do all things — through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God — we cannot fail! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone — we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him — but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of his family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; his person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world — the Spirit and graces of his Savior, and thus live to his glory, who died for his sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary — is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need — and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in his name — he will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty — but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Our Savior in his wisdom has apportioned to his people enough, enough for their real welfare — though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty — or gives us more. He gives more grace, he gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is coarse, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant — it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart — for this is not your rest — for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance — he will come himself! And to satisfy us with it — he will abide with us forever!
One branch of his will runs thus, "Father, I will that those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! Our sun will no more go down, neither will our moon withdraw itself — for the Lord shall be our everlasting light, and the days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
To this we are fast hastening, every moment brings us nearer! So shall we allow ourselves to be much affected, by any of the trials along the way? Shall we be much cast down, on account of the difficulties of the road? Rather, let us lift up our heads rejoicing — for our redemption draws near. We have willed to us an immeasurable and eternal inheritance — and we are on the road to take possession of it! Let us then be sober and vigilant, that we may be found of our Lord in peace, without spot and blameless. Let us . . .
submit to his wisdom;
walk by his directions;
depend on his veracity; and
imitate those who through faith and patience, now inherit the promises.
In a very little while — Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is!" 1 John 3:1-2.
The mercy of God
The mercy of God
(Charles Spurgeon)
"I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever!" Psalm 52:8
Meditate a little on the mercy of God.
It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of His mercy--as in the matter of it.
It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; His mercy is like Himself--infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great--that it forgives great sins of great sinners, after great lengths of time; and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great Heaven of the great God!
It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part, to the saving mercy of the Most High God. Had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire--he would have justly merited the doom; and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself.
It is rich mercy. Some things are large--but have little efficacy in them--but this mercy is:
a cordial to your drooping spirits;
a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds;
a heavenly bandage to your broken bones;
a royal chariot for your weary feet;
a bosom of love for your trembling heart!
It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy--but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies.
It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it--yet far from its being exhausted, it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever!
It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave you. If saved by sovereign mercy--mercy will be . . .
with you in temptation--to keep you from yielding;
with you in trouble--to prevent you from sinking;
with you in living--to be the light and life of your countenance; and
with you in dying--to be the joy of your soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast!
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever!" Psalm 89:1
(Charles Spurgeon)
"I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever!" Psalm 52:8
Meditate a little on the mercy of God.
It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of His mercy--as in the matter of it.
It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; His mercy is like Himself--infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great--that it forgives great sins of great sinners, after great lengths of time; and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great Heaven of the great God!
It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part, to the saving mercy of the Most High God. Had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire--he would have justly merited the doom; and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself.
It is rich mercy. Some things are large--but have little efficacy in them--but this mercy is:
a cordial to your drooping spirits;
a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds;
a heavenly bandage to your broken bones;
a royal chariot for your weary feet;
a bosom of love for your trembling heart!
It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy--but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies.
It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it--yet far from its being exhausted, it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever!
It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave you. If saved by sovereign mercy--mercy will be . . .
with you in temptation--to keep you from yielding;
with you in trouble--to prevent you from sinking;
with you in living--to be the light and life of your countenance; and
with you in dying--to be the joy of your soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast!
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever!" Psalm 89:1
Evidences of Grace
Evidences of Grace
James Smith, 1855
We sometimes look at our evidences — instead of looking to the Lord Jesus. This is sure to be injurious. We sometimes begin to look for our evidences in a season of darkness, or when laboring under violent temptations — this is as useless as it would be to attempt to use an hour-glass in the dark and dreary night.
Evidences are very useful in their place, and he who despises them, or never examines to see if he has any — is almost sure to be destitute of them. Signs of life — prove its existence; and evidences of grace — prove that we have grace. What believer does not ask:
Am I really born again?
Am I in Christ?
Am I a partaker of the grace of God?
The writer has proposed these questions a thousand times; and sometimes has obtained a very satisfactory answer — but at others has been left in doubt, and, not being able to go to God as a saint, but as been obliged to go as a sinner. And the best thing we can do, when our evidences are beclouded, or rendered questionable — is not to yield to doubt, or pore over the past — but to go to Jesus as warranted by his Word, and cast ourselves as guilty sinners into his gracious arms.
On one occasion, when deeply tried and dejected in spirit — I began to look for my evidences; examined them, and to my surprise found, and wrote as follows —
This morning, I felt low and depressed in spirit. My path was gloomy; my trials were painful. I endeavored to place myself in the presence of a heart-searching God; and, as under his piercing, penetrating eye — I have been looking for the evidences I have at this time (now, while I feel so low, and am so tried), of my being a child of God. And, as in his sight who tries the thoughts and the heart, and will judge me in the last day by Jesus Christ, I believe that I possess the following:
1. A feeling sense of sin. Yes, I do really feel myself a sinner — lost, ruined, and wretched in myself. I can find nothing in myself to trust to, to boast of, or bring before the Lord as a plea. I am indeed a wretched, polluted, and depraved creature. This I clearly see, deeply feel, and satisfactorily know.
2. I find a hatred to sin. I loathe myself on account of sin, I deeply deplore that I have been guilty of sin, and go mourning before God because I am the subject of sin. Yes, I feel, I know, I am certain — that I hate sin; and cannot but cry out in consequence of it, "O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death!"
3. I feel willing to confess my sins to God, with grief on account of them, and cry for the pardon of them. Yes, nothing can satisfy me but the knowledge that my sins are forgiven me for Jesus Christ's sake.
4. I feel willing and desirous that God should search me and try me, chasten me for my folly, and purge away my iniquity from me. While I write, my very soul cries out, "Oh, that I were thus freed from sin!"
5. I find a love to, and a longing for, true holiness. Yes, I do indeed long to be like the holy Jesus. Oh, for every power and faculty of my soul to be conformed to him! Sin is my burden, inward corruption my plague! Holiness is the desire of my heart! Conformity to Christ the blessing for which I earnestly pray.
6. I find a fear lest I should dishonor God, disgrace his cause, and, by my misconduct, make the souls of the righteous sad. I would not for the world give the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme. My inmost soul cries, "Lord, keep me, preserve me, and by your grace prevent my doing so."
7. I do feel a love to the Lord's people. However some of them have tried me, wronged me, and distressed me, I feel that I could heartily forgive every one of them — if I could only see Christian meekness, sorrow for sin, concern for pure holiness, and the prosperity of God's cause.
8. I feel an intense longing for submission, resignation, and acquiescence to the will of God. Oh, to be entirely resigned to the will of my good God and gracious Redeemer, and to say, from the bottom of my heart, "Not my will — but may yours be done!"
9. I find a spirit of prayer. I cannot live without prayer. Wherever I am, in whatever company, or however engaged — every now and then my soul is ascending to God. No set form, no stated times, no one kind of prayer will do. I must vent my feelings — and call to God every time I feel oppressed — and petition, silently or vocally, with All-Prayer. Prayer is now natural, and though I feel frequently lifeless, I never feel quite prayerless.
10. I find a turning from all, to God. I love the company of the Lord's people, especially godly ministers. I love my books. I love preaching, reading, and speaking of Christ; but none of them, nor would all of them — yield me satisfaction. I must at times turn from them all to God, for he alone is a sufficient portion for the soul — he must be our ALL.
11. I feel a dissatisfaction with everything without the presence of Christ. Nothing, no nothing, can be substituted for this. Jesus is the object of my love. His presence is the delight of my soul, and his presence alone can make me truly happy.
12. I find a love to the gospel. As God's good news to poor sinners — it just suits me. I feel grateful for it. I delight to preach it. I rejoice in any opportunity to spread it, and desire to diffuse it to the utmost of my power — by my tongue and pen.
13. I am the subject of the fear of God. I do fear to offend him, I love to please him, and I earnestly pray to be kept from dishonoring him.
14. I am panting for more spirituality. I am so carnal — this grieves me. I am so much like the world — this perplexes me. I am so unlike Jesus — this distresses me. I want to be spiritually-minded. I desire to be spiritual in my conversation, and to walk under the influence, direction, and guidance of spiritual principles.
15. I find I am the subject of spiritual warfare. The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Yes, I do daily feel the two distinct and opposite principles working and warring in my soul. I cannot do the things that I would. I would love God supremely, obey his precepts perfectly, and walk with him in holy fellowship daily. But I am hindered, confused, and often cast down by the principles of depravity within me. Yet I rejoice to know that the elder shall serve the younger. Grace shall reign — and corruption become subordinate.
16. I am very jealous at times lest I should be wrong. This argues sincerity, and a desire to be right before God. Oh, how painful are the sensations which I feel, when the suspicious doubt is nourished. The Lord knows I would rather undergo any difficulty now — than be deceived and be found wrong forever.
17. I find in my heart a great desire to glorify God. I am willing that God should use me in any way to show forth his praise, exalt his dear Son, and spread abroad his glorious truth.
18. I have a love to poor sinners, especially for such, as I cherish the hope, that Christ died for. I would willingly lay myself out to be useful to them in any way — so that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
19. I feel a cleaving to Christ. My soul follows after Jesus, and I am determined to sink or swim with him. Can fallen human nature produce this? I think not.
20. I hate, detest, and abhor hypocrisy. Few things are to me more hateful. I desire to be sincere. I am, I must be sincere; therefore I often pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24
21. I do heartily and constantly believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. I love him, I confess him, I adore him as such. Now, John says, "He who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." I do believe and trust my soul's salvation in his hands.
22. I have been enabled, hitherto, to endure temptation. My trials have not been few; the solicitations to evil which I have experienced, have not been weak. James says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him."
23. I have been, and am often chastened of the Lord, which Paul brings forward as a proof of sonship; and of our being judged by the Lord, that we would not be condemned with the world.
24. I have sometimes a desire to depart and be with Christ, which I am sure is far better than being here. I very often long for the second coming of Jesus, and especially, because I believe that he will then be glorified in his saints, and be admired in all those who believe. Oh, may I share in the first resurrection, and be favored with a place at the marriage-supper of the Lamb!
25. I cannot love, follow, or be at home with the ungodly world. They are not my company. I do heartily pray, "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood."
26. I cannot approve of folly even when I detect it in myself — but desire to be truly wise, and thoroughly imbued with the wise and holy Spirit of Christ.
27. I do believe I have been, and am, at least at times — led by the Spirit. I find a secret, sacred, and powerful drawing out of my soul after Jesus, in prayer, praise, and confession. If I am not deceived, he at times bears his witness with my spirit, that I am born of God, and enables me to cry, "Abba, Father!"
28. I do know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, in a different and distinct manner to what I did once: and Jesus says, that "this is life eternal."
29. I have received, do hold fast, and in a measure obey, Christ's Word; and I long to obey it perfectly, universally, and perpetually.
30. I do disclaim all trust, confidence, or dependence in any one, or on anything of my own, and rely alone on Christ Jesus. He is my only foundation. His atonement is the ground of my hope. He is my ALL.
All these things I find within me — and yet I am low, discouraged, distressed, perplexed, and cast down. Satan could not produce them, nor would he if he could. I myself could not, for if I could, I might, and would banish every fear, conquer every doubt, and fill my soul with strong confidence in God. God himself must have wrought them.
But I must have tribulation. Trouble is my lot below. Still I incessantly cry, "Not trials from this quarter, not in this way, not in this part!" Lord, I am foolish. I confess it. I deplore it. My conduct seems to say that I have more wisdom than my God. But I renounce the idea. I reject the suggestion.
My soul, just ask:
Has my Heavenly Father ceased to love me?
Has Jesus left off to be concerned for me?
Has the Holy Spirit turned against me?
Oh no, my God is without variableness, and does not change like shifting shadows.
"Quiet, Lord, my froward heart." These thoughts are sweet, they have some influence upon my mind. I feel softened, soothed, and a little refreshed. O Lord, keep up a sense of your presence, your love, and my covenant interest in you, in my mind. Fill me with light, love, and spirituality; that I may run the race set before me, looking to, and rejoicing in, Christ Jesus.
Dear Lord, I cast on you my care,
For you have been my guide;
My sure resource in time of fear,
When all has failed beside.
Your promise often yields me joy,
And I your presence know;
But still there's something will annoy,
And tarnish all below!
Yet every cross a mercy is,
A blessing every thorn —
That tells me, here is not my rest,
I am for nobler born.
Your mercy sweetens my distress,
And, while I feel the rod,
Gives me abundant cause to bless
An all-sufficient God.
Soon, very soon you will appear,
With all your blood-bought sheep,
To wipe from every face the tear,
And I no more shall weep!
James Smith, 1855
We sometimes look at our evidences — instead of looking to the Lord Jesus. This is sure to be injurious. We sometimes begin to look for our evidences in a season of darkness, or when laboring under violent temptations — this is as useless as it would be to attempt to use an hour-glass in the dark and dreary night.
Evidences are very useful in their place, and he who despises them, or never examines to see if he has any — is almost sure to be destitute of them. Signs of life — prove its existence; and evidences of grace — prove that we have grace. What believer does not ask:
Am I really born again?
Am I in Christ?
Am I a partaker of the grace of God?
The writer has proposed these questions a thousand times; and sometimes has obtained a very satisfactory answer — but at others has been left in doubt, and, not being able to go to God as a saint, but as been obliged to go as a sinner. And the best thing we can do, when our evidences are beclouded, or rendered questionable — is not to yield to doubt, or pore over the past — but to go to Jesus as warranted by his Word, and cast ourselves as guilty sinners into his gracious arms.
On one occasion, when deeply tried and dejected in spirit — I began to look for my evidences; examined them, and to my surprise found, and wrote as follows —
This morning, I felt low and depressed in spirit. My path was gloomy; my trials were painful. I endeavored to place myself in the presence of a heart-searching God; and, as under his piercing, penetrating eye — I have been looking for the evidences I have at this time (now, while I feel so low, and am so tried), of my being a child of God. And, as in his sight who tries the thoughts and the heart, and will judge me in the last day by Jesus Christ, I believe that I possess the following:
1. A feeling sense of sin. Yes, I do really feel myself a sinner — lost, ruined, and wretched in myself. I can find nothing in myself to trust to, to boast of, or bring before the Lord as a plea. I am indeed a wretched, polluted, and depraved creature. This I clearly see, deeply feel, and satisfactorily know.
2. I find a hatred to sin. I loathe myself on account of sin, I deeply deplore that I have been guilty of sin, and go mourning before God because I am the subject of sin. Yes, I feel, I know, I am certain — that I hate sin; and cannot but cry out in consequence of it, "O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death!"
3. I feel willing to confess my sins to God, with grief on account of them, and cry for the pardon of them. Yes, nothing can satisfy me but the knowledge that my sins are forgiven me for Jesus Christ's sake.
4. I feel willing and desirous that God should search me and try me, chasten me for my folly, and purge away my iniquity from me. While I write, my very soul cries out, "Oh, that I were thus freed from sin!"
5. I find a love to, and a longing for, true holiness. Yes, I do indeed long to be like the holy Jesus. Oh, for every power and faculty of my soul to be conformed to him! Sin is my burden, inward corruption my plague! Holiness is the desire of my heart! Conformity to Christ the blessing for which I earnestly pray.
6. I find a fear lest I should dishonor God, disgrace his cause, and, by my misconduct, make the souls of the righteous sad. I would not for the world give the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme. My inmost soul cries, "Lord, keep me, preserve me, and by your grace prevent my doing so."
7. I do feel a love to the Lord's people. However some of them have tried me, wronged me, and distressed me, I feel that I could heartily forgive every one of them — if I could only see Christian meekness, sorrow for sin, concern for pure holiness, and the prosperity of God's cause.
8. I feel an intense longing for submission, resignation, and acquiescence to the will of God. Oh, to be entirely resigned to the will of my good God and gracious Redeemer, and to say, from the bottom of my heart, "Not my will — but may yours be done!"
9. I find a spirit of prayer. I cannot live without prayer. Wherever I am, in whatever company, or however engaged — every now and then my soul is ascending to God. No set form, no stated times, no one kind of prayer will do. I must vent my feelings — and call to God every time I feel oppressed — and petition, silently or vocally, with All-Prayer. Prayer is now natural, and though I feel frequently lifeless, I never feel quite prayerless.
10. I find a turning from all, to God. I love the company of the Lord's people, especially godly ministers. I love my books. I love preaching, reading, and speaking of Christ; but none of them, nor would all of them — yield me satisfaction. I must at times turn from them all to God, for he alone is a sufficient portion for the soul — he must be our ALL.
11. I feel a dissatisfaction with everything without the presence of Christ. Nothing, no nothing, can be substituted for this. Jesus is the object of my love. His presence is the delight of my soul, and his presence alone can make me truly happy.
12. I find a love to the gospel. As God's good news to poor sinners — it just suits me. I feel grateful for it. I delight to preach it. I rejoice in any opportunity to spread it, and desire to diffuse it to the utmost of my power — by my tongue and pen.
13. I am the subject of the fear of God. I do fear to offend him, I love to please him, and I earnestly pray to be kept from dishonoring him.
14. I am panting for more spirituality. I am so carnal — this grieves me. I am so much like the world — this perplexes me. I am so unlike Jesus — this distresses me. I want to be spiritually-minded. I desire to be spiritual in my conversation, and to walk under the influence, direction, and guidance of spiritual principles.
15. I find I am the subject of spiritual warfare. The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. Yes, I do daily feel the two distinct and opposite principles working and warring in my soul. I cannot do the things that I would. I would love God supremely, obey his precepts perfectly, and walk with him in holy fellowship daily. But I am hindered, confused, and often cast down by the principles of depravity within me. Yet I rejoice to know that the elder shall serve the younger. Grace shall reign — and corruption become subordinate.
16. I am very jealous at times lest I should be wrong. This argues sincerity, and a desire to be right before God. Oh, how painful are the sensations which I feel, when the suspicious doubt is nourished. The Lord knows I would rather undergo any difficulty now — than be deceived and be found wrong forever.
17. I find in my heart a great desire to glorify God. I am willing that God should use me in any way to show forth his praise, exalt his dear Son, and spread abroad his glorious truth.
18. I have a love to poor sinners, especially for such, as I cherish the hope, that Christ died for. I would willingly lay myself out to be useful to them in any way — so that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
19. I feel a cleaving to Christ. My soul follows after Jesus, and I am determined to sink or swim with him. Can fallen human nature produce this? I think not.
20. I hate, detest, and abhor hypocrisy. Few things are to me more hateful. I desire to be sincere. I am, I must be sincere; therefore I often pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24
21. I do heartily and constantly believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. I love him, I confess him, I adore him as such. Now, John says, "He who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." I do believe and trust my soul's salvation in his hands.
22. I have been enabled, hitherto, to endure temptation. My trials have not been few; the solicitations to evil which I have experienced, have not been weak. James says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him."
23. I have been, and am often chastened of the Lord, which Paul brings forward as a proof of sonship; and of our being judged by the Lord, that we would not be condemned with the world.
24. I have sometimes a desire to depart and be with Christ, which I am sure is far better than being here. I very often long for the second coming of Jesus, and especially, because I believe that he will then be glorified in his saints, and be admired in all those who believe. Oh, may I share in the first resurrection, and be favored with a place at the marriage-supper of the Lamb!
25. I cannot love, follow, or be at home with the ungodly world. They are not my company. I do heartily pray, "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood."
26. I cannot approve of folly even when I detect it in myself — but desire to be truly wise, and thoroughly imbued with the wise and holy Spirit of Christ.
27. I do believe I have been, and am, at least at times — led by the Spirit. I find a secret, sacred, and powerful drawing out of my soul after Jesus, in prayer, praise, and confession. If I am not deceived, he at times bears his witness with my spirit, that I am born of God, and enables me to cry, "Abba, Father!"
28. I do know God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, in a different and distinct manner to what I did once: and Jesus says, that "this is life eternal."
29. I have received, do hold fast, and in a measure obey, Christ's Word; and I long to obey it perfectly, universally, and perpetually.
30. I do disclaim all trust, confidence, or dependence in any one, or on anything of my own, and rely alone on Christ Jesus. He is my only foundation. His atonement is the ground of my hope. He is my ALL.
All these things I find within me — and yet I am low, discouraged, distressed, perplexed, and cast down. Satan could not produce them, nor would he if he could. I myself could not, for if I could, I might, and would banish every fear, conquer every doubt, and fill my soul with strong confidence in God. God himself must have wrought them.
But I must have tribulation. Trouble is my lot below. Still I incessantly cry, "Not trials from this quarter, not in this way, not in this part!" Lord, I am foolish. I confess it. I deplore it. My conduct seems to say that I have more wisdom than my God. But I renounce the idea. I reject the suggestion.
My soul, just ask:
Has my Heavenly Father ceased to love me?
Has Jesus left off to be concerned for me?
Has the Holy Spirit turned against me?
Oh no, my God is without variableness, and does not change like shifting shadows.
"Quiet, Lord, my froward heart." These thoughts are sweet, they have some influence upon my mind. I feel softened, soothed, and a little refreshed. O Lord, keep up a sense of your presence, your love, and my covenant interest in you, in my mind. Fill me with light, love, and spirituality; that I may run the race set before me, looking to, and rejoicing in, Christ Jesus.
Dear Lord, I cast on you my care,
For you have been my guide;
My sure resource in time of fear,
When all has failed beside.
Your promise often yields me joy,
And I your presence know;
But still there's something will annoy,
And tarnish all below!
Yet every cross a mercy is,
A blessing every thorn —
That tells me, here is not my rest,
I am for nobler born.
Your mercy sweetens my distress,
And, while I feel the rod,
Gives me abundant cause to bless
An all-sufficient God.
Soon, very soon you will appear,
With all your blood-bought sheep,
To wipe from every face the tear,
And I no more shall weep!
What God has prepared for those who love Him!
What God has prepared for those who love Him!
(Charles Spurgeon)
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9
Oh! what enlightenment, what joys, what consolation, what delight of heart--is experienced by him who has learned to feed on Jesus--and on Jesus alone. Yet the realization which we have of Christ's preciousness is, in this life, imperfect at the best. As an old writer says, "Tis but a taste!" We have but tasted "that the Lord is gracious," but we do not yet know how good and gracious He is; although what we know of His sweetness, makes us long for more. We have enjoyed the first fruits--and they have set us hungering and thirsting for the fullness of the heavenly vintage! Here on earth, we are like Israel in the wilderness, who had but one cluster from Eshcol--but there, we shall be in the vineyard!
We are but beginners now in spiritual education; for although we have learned the first letters of the alphabet, we cannot read words yet, much less can we put sentences together! As one says, "He who has been in heaven but five minutes--knows more than all the theologians on earth!"
We have many ungratified desires at present--but soon every wish shall be satisfied! All our powers shall find the sweetest employment in that eternal world of unbounded joy.
O Christian, within a very little time, you shall be rid of all your trials and your troubles! Your eyes which are now suffused with tears--shall weep no longer. You shall gaze in ineffable rapture upon the splendor of Him who sits upon the throne! Nay, more--you yourself shall sit upon His throne! The triumph of His glory shall be shared by you! His crown, His joy, His paradise--these shall be yours! You shall be co-heir with Him who is the heir of all things!
(Charles Spurgeon)
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined--what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Corinthians 2:9
Oh! what enlightenment, what joys, what consolation, what delight of heart--is experienced by him who has learned to feed on Jesus--and on Jesus alone. Yet the realization which we have of Christ's preciousness is, in this life, imperfect at the best. As an old writer says, "Tis but a taste!" We have but tasted "that the Lord is gracious," but we do not yet know how good and gracious He is; although what we know of His sweetness, makes us long for more. We have enjoyed the first fruits--and they have set us hungering and thirsting for the fullness of the heavenly vintage! Here on earth, we are like Israel in the wilderness, who had but one cluster from Eshcol--but there, we shall be in the vineyard!
We are but beginners now in spiritual education; for although we have learned the first letters of the alphabet, we cannot read words yet, much less can we put sentences together! As one says, "He who has been in heaven but five minutes--knows more than all the theologians on earth!"
We have many ungratified desires at present--but soon every wish shall be satisfied! All our powers shall find the sweetest employment in that eternal world of unbounded joy.
O Christian, within a very little time, you shall be rid of all your trials and your troubles! Your eyes which are now suffused with tears--shall weep no longer. You shall gaze in ineffable rapture upon the splendor of Him who sits upon the throne! Nay, more--you yourself shall sit upon His throne! The triumph of His glory shall be shared by you! His crown, His joy, His paradise--these shall be yours! You shall be co-heir with Him who is the heir of all things!
Fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets!
Fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets!
(J. R. Miller, "Miller's Year Book--a Year's Daily Readings")
"Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20
God often does better for us--than we ask.
We go to Him--with our little requests.
We are in need--and ask for temporal relief.
We are suffering--and ask that our pain may cease.
We are poor--and ask Him for more money.
We are just like the beggar, holding out our hands for paltry alms to eke out the day's need. Then God looks down upon us and says, "My child, are these little trifles all you want Me to give to you--daily bread, clothing, fuel for your fire, medicine for your sickness, comfort for your grief? The small things to supply your common needs--are these the only gifts and blessings you want and ask from the hand of your heavenly Father, who has infinite treasures to give to you?"
Yet thousands never get beyond just such requests in their praying! Bowing daily before a God of infinite power and love, in whose hands are unsearchable riches--they never ask for anything but fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets! They ask only for things for their bodies, or to beautify their homes--making no requests for the heavenly and spiritual gifts that God has for their souls! We should learn to ask for the best things in all God's treasure house!
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
(J. R. Miller, "Miller's Year Book--a Year's Daily Readings")
"Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20
God often does better for us--than we ask.
We go to Him--with our little requests.
We are in need--and ask for temporal relief.
We are suffering--and ask that our pain may cease.
We are poor--and ask Him for more money.
We are just like the beggar, holding out our hands for paltry alms to eke out the day's need. Then God looks down upon us and says, "My child, are these little trifles all you want Me to give to you--daily bread, clothing, fuel for your fire, medicine for your sickness, comfort for your grief? The small things to supply your common needs--are these the only gifts and blessings you want and ask from the hand of your heavenly Father, who has infinite treasures to give to you?"
Yet thousands never get beyond just such requests in their praying! Bowing daily before a God of infinite power and love, in whose hands are unsearchable riches--they never ask for anything but fleeting earthly comforts and worldly trinkets! They ask only for things for their bodies, or to beautify their homes--making no requests for the heavenly and spiritual gifts that God has for their souls! We should learn to ask for the best things in all God's treasure house!
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
Evangelism
Evangelism
by Arthur Pink, July 1948
Most of the so-called evangelism of our day is a grief to genuine Christians, for they feel that it lacks any Scriptural warrant, that it is dishonoring unto God, and that it is filling the churches with empty professors. They are shocked that so much frothy superficiality, fleshly excitement, and worldly allurement should be associated with the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They deplore the cheapening of the Gospel, the beguiling of unwary souls, and the carnalizing and commercializing of what is to them, ineffably sacred. It requires little spiritual discernment to perceive that the evangelistic activities of Christendom during the last century have steadily deteriorated from bad to worse — yet few appear to realize the root from which this evil has sprung. It will now be our endeavor to expose the same.
Its AIM was wrong, and therefore, its fruits faulty. The grand design of God, from which He never has and never will swerve — is to glorify Himself: to make manifest before His creatures what an infinitely glorious Being He is. To glorify Himself is the great aim and end He has in all that He does and says.
For His glory — He allowed sin to enter the world.
For His glory — He willed His beloved Son to become incarnate, render perfect obedience to the divine Law, suffer, and die.
For His glory — He is now taking out of the world a people for Himself, a people who shall eternally show forth His praises.
For His glory — everything is ordered by His providential dealings, unto that everything on earth is now being directed, and shall actually effect the same.
Nothing other than His glory — is what regulates God in all His actings: "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things — to Him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom 11:36).
That grand and basic truth is written right across the Scriptures with the plainness of a sunbeam, and he who sees it not, is blind. All things are appointed by God to that one end. His saving of sinners is not an end in itself, for God would have been no loser had every one of them eternally perished. No, His saving of sinners is but a means unto an end: "To the praise of the glory of his grace" (Eph 1:6).
Now from that fundamental fact, it necessarily follows that we should make the same our aim and end — that God may be magnified by us, "Whatever you do — do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). In like manner, it also follows that such must be the preacher's aim; and that everything must be subordinated thereto, for everything else is of secondary importance and value. But is it so?
Take the latest slogans of the religious world. If the evangelist fails to make the glory of God his paramount and constant aim — he is certain to go wrong, and all his efforts will be more or less a beating of the air. When he makes an end of anything less than that, he is sure to fall into error, for he no longer gives God His proper place. Once we fix on ends of our own — we are ready to adopt means of our own. It was at this very point, that evangelism failed two or three generations ago; and from that point, it has farther and farther departed. Evangelism made "the winning of souls" its goal, its summum bonum — and everything else was made to serve and pay tribute to the same. Though the glory of God was not actually denied — yet it was lost sight of, crowded out, made secondary.
Further, let it be remembered that God is honored in exact proportion as the preacher cleaves to His Word, and faithfully proclaims "all His counsel," and not merely those portions which appeal to him. To say nothing here about those cheap-jack evangelists, who aim no higher than rushing people into the making of a formal profession of faith in order that the membership of the churches may be swelled — take those who are inspired by a genuine compassion and deep concern for the perishing, who earnestly long and zealously endeavor to deliver souls from the wrath to come — yet unless they are much on their guard, they too will inevitably err! Unless they steadily view conversion in the way that God does — as the way in which He is to be glorified — they will quickly begin to compromise in the means they employ.
The feverish urge of modern evangelism is not how to promote the glory of the triune Jehovah — but how to multiply conversions. The whole current of evangelical activity during the past fifty years has taken that direction. Losing sight of God's end, the churches have devised means of their own. Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free reign; and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently "successful," only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves, "the end justified the means." Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed — not for the soundness of his message, but by the visible "results" he secured. He was valued — not according to how far his preaching honored God, but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the truth in its purity — he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction — his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore, favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away. It inevitably reacts upon his own theology, and various verses in the Word are shunned, if not repudiated.
What place will he give in his thoughts to such declarations as "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" (Jer 13:23), "No man can come to me — unless the Father who sent me, draws him" (John 6:44), "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you" (John 15:16). He will be sorely tempted to modify the truth . . .
of God's sovereign election,
of Christ's particular redemption,
of the imperative necessity for the supernatural operations of the Holy Spirit.
In twentieth-century evangelism, there has been a woeful ignoring of the solemn truth of the total depravity of man. There has been a complete underrating of the desperate case and condition of the sinner. Very few indeed have faced the unpalatable fact . . .
that every man is thoroughly corrupt by nature,
that he is completely unaware of his own wretchedness,
that he is blind and helpless, and dead in trespasses and sins!
Because such is the reality of man's case, because his heart is filled with enmity against God — then it follows that no man can be saved without the special and immediate intervention of God.
According to our view here, so will it be elsewhere: to qualify and modify the truth of man's total depravity — will inevitably lead to the diluting of collateral truths. The teaching of Holy Writ on this point is unmistakable: man's plight is such that his salvation is impossible — unless God puts forth His almighty power.
No stirring of the emotions by anecdotes,
no regaling of the senses by music,
no oratory of the preacher,
no persuasive appeals —
are of the slightest avail!
In connection with the old creation — God did all without any assistance. But in the far more stupendous work of the new creation — it is intimated by the Arminian evangelism of our day that He needs the sinner's cooperation. Really, it comes to this: God is represented as helping man to save himself — the sinner must begin the work by becoming willing — and then God will complete the business. Whereas, none but the Spirit can make him willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He alone can produce godly sorrow for sin, and saving faith in the Gospel. He alone can change us from "lovers of ourselves," and bring us into subjection to the Lordship of Christ.
Instead of seeking the aid of outside evangelists, let the churches get on their faces before God, confess their sins, seek His glory, and cry for His miracle-working operations. "Not by might [of the preacher], nor by power [of the sinner's will] — but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty!" (Zechariah 4:6).
by Arthur Pink, July 1948
Most of the so-called evangelism of our day is a grief to genuine Christians, for they feel that it lacks any Scriptural warrant, that it is dishonoring unto God, and that it is filling the churches with empty professors. They are shocked that so much frothy superficiality, fleshly excitement, and worldly allurement should be associated with the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They deplore the cheapening of the Gospel, the beguiling of unwary souls, and the carnalizing and commercializing of what is to them, ineffably sacred. It requires little spiritual discernment to perceive that the evangelistic activities of Christendom during the last century have steadily deteriorated from bad to worse — yet few appear to realize the root from which this evil has sprung. It will now be our endeavor to expose the same.
Its AIM was wrong, and therefore, its fruits faulty. The grand design of God, from which He never has and never will swerve — is to glorify Himself: to make manifest before His creatures what an infinitely glorious Being He is. To glorify Himself is the great aim and end He has in all that He does and says.
For His glory — He allowed sin to enter the world.
For His glory — He willed His beloved Son to become incarnate, render perfect obedience to the divine Law, suffer, and die.
For His glory — He is now taking out of the world a people for Himself, a people who shall eternally show forth His praises.
For His glory — everything is ordered by His providential dealings, unto that everything on earth is now being directed, and shall actually effect the same.
Nothing other than His glory — is what regulates God in all His actings: "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things — to Him be glory forever. Amen" (Rom 11:36).
That grand and basic truth is written right across the Scriptures with the plainness of a sunbeam, and he who sees it not, is blind. All things are appointed by God to that one end. His saving of sinners is not an end in itself, for God would have been no loser had every one of them eternally perished. No, His saving of sinners is but a means unto an end: "To the praise of the glory of his grace" (Eph 1:6).
Now from that fundamental fact, it necessarily follows that we should make the same our aim and end — that God may be magnified by us, "Whatever you do — do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). In like manner, it also follows that such must be the preacher's aim; and that everything must be subordinated thereto, for everything else is of secondary importance and value. But is it so?
Take the latest slogans of the religious world. If the evangelist fails to make the glory of God his paramount and constant aim — he is certain to go wrong, and all his efforts will be more or less a beating of the air. When he makes an end of anything less than that, he is sure to fall into error, for he no longer gives God His proper place. Once we fix on ends of our own — we are ready to adopt means of our own. It was at this very point, that evangelism failed two or three generations ago; and from that point, it has farther and farther departed. Evangelism made "the winning of souls" its goal, its summum bonum — and everything else was made to serve and pay tribute to the same. Though the glory of God was not actually denied — yet it was lost sight of, crowded out, made secondary.
Further, let it be remembered that God is honored in exact proportion as the preacher cleaves to His Word, and faithfully proclaims "all His counsel," and not merely those portions which appeal to him. To say nothing here about those cheap-jack evangelists, who aim no higher than rushing people into the making of a formal profession of faith in order that the membership of the churches may be swelled — take those who are inspired by a genuine compassion and deep concern for the perishing, who earnestly long and zealously endeavor to deliver souls from the wrath to come — yet unless they are much on their guard, they too will inevitably err! Unless they steadily view conversion in the way that God does — as the way in which He is to be glorified — they will quickly begin to compromise in the means they employ.
The feverish urge of modern evangelism is not how to promote the glory of the triune Jehovah — but how to multiply conversions. The whole current of evangelical activity during the past fifty years has taken that direction. Losing sight of God's end, the churches have devised means of their own. Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free reign; and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently "successful," only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves, "the end justified the means." Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed — not for the soundness of his message, but by the visible "results" he secured. He was valued — not according to how far his preaching honored God, but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the truth in its purity — he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction — his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore, favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away. It inevitably reacts upon his own theology, and various verses in the Word are shunned, if not repudiated.
What place will he give in his thoughts to such declarations as "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?" (Jer 13:23), "No man can come to me — unless the Father who sent me, draws him" (John 6:44), "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you" (John 15:16). He will be sorely tempted to modify the truth . . .
of God's sovereign election,
of Christ's particular redemption,
of the imperative necessity for the supernatural operations of the Holy Spirit.
In twentieth-century evangelism, there has been a woeful ignoring of the solemn truth of the total depravity of man. There has been a complete underrating of the desperate case and condition of the sinner. Very few indeed have faced the unpalatable fact . . .
that every man is thoroughly corrupt by nature,
that he is completely unaware of his own wretchedness,
that he is blind and helpless, and dead in trespasses and sins!
Because such is the reality of man's case, because his heart is filled with enmity against God — then it follows that no man can be saved without the special and immediate intervention of God.
According to our view here, so will it be elsewhere: to qualify and modify the truth of man's total depravity — will inevitably lead to the diluting of collateral truths. The teaching of Holy Writ on this point is unmistakable: man's plight is such that his salvation is impossible — unless God puts forth His almighty power.
No stirring of the emotions by anecdotes,
no regaling of the senses by music,
no oratory of the preacher,
no persuasive appeals —
are of the slightest avail!
In connection with the old creation — God did all without any assistance. But in the far more stupendous work of the new creation — it is intimated by the Arminian evangelism of our day that He needs the sinner's cooperation. Really, it comes to this: God is represented as helping man to save himself — the sinner must begin the work by becoming willing — and then God will complete the business. Whereas, none but the Spirit can make him willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He alone can produce godly sorrow for sin, and saving faith in the Gospel. He alone can change us from "lovers of ourselves," and bring us into subjection to the Lordship of Christ.
Instead of seeking the aid of outside evangelists, let the churches get on their faces before God, confess their sins, seek His glory, and cry for His miracle-working operations. "Not by might [of the preacher], nor by power [of the sinner's will] — but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty!" (Zechariah 4:6).
Sleeping sickness
Sleeping sickness
(Arthur Pink "Sleepy Saints!" 1948)
"So then, we must not sleep, like the rest--but we must stay awake and be serious!" 1 Thessalonians 5:6
What an anomaly! Drowsing on the verge of eternity!
A Christian is one who, in contrast to the unregenerate, has been awakened from the sleep of death in trespasses and sins, made to realize the unspeakable awfulness of endless misery in Hell, and the ineffable joy of everlasting bliss in Heaven; and thereby brought to recognize the seriousness and solemnity of life! A Christian is one who has been experientially taught the worthlessness of mundane things--and the preciousness of divine things! He has turned his back on Vanity Fair and has started out on his journey to the Celestial City.
Nevertheless, it is sadly possible . . .
for him to suffer a relapse,
for his zeal to abate,
for his graces to languish,
for him to leave his first love, and
become weary of well-doing.
Yes, unless he is very much on his guard, drowsiness will steal over him--and he will fall asleep!
Corruptions still indwell him--and sin has a stupefying effect!
He is yet in this evil world--and it exerts an enervating influence!
Satan seeks to devour him, and unless resisted steadfastly--will hypnotize him!
Thus, the menace of this spiritual "sleeping sickness" is very real.
Slumbering saints! What an incongruity!
Taking their ease, while threatened by danger!
Lazing, instead of fighting the good fight of faith!
Rusting, instead of wearing out in His service!
Trifling away opportunities to glorify their Savior, instead of redeeming the time!
How startling and reprehensible is a careless Christian, who has departed from God, bewitched by a world which is doomed to eternal destruction!
"It is high time to awake out of sleep!" Romans 13:11
(Arthur Pink "Sleepy Saints!" 1948)
"So then, we must not sleep, like the rest--but we must stay awake and be serious!" 1 Thessalonians 5:6
What an anomaly! Drowsing on the verge of eternity!
A Christian is one who, in contrast to the unregenerate, has been awakened from the sleep of death in trespasses and sins, made to realize the unspeakable awfulness of endless misery in Hell, and the ineffable joy of everlasting bliss in Heaven; and thereby brought to recognize the seriousness and solemnity of life! A Christian is one who has been experientially taught the worthlessness of mundane things--and the preciousness of divine things! He has turned his back on Vanity Fair and has started out on his journey to the Celestial City.
Nevertheless, it is sadly possible . . .
for him to suffer a relapse,
for his zeal to abate,
for his graces to languish,
for him to leave his first love, and
become weary of well-doing.
Yes, unless he is very much on his guard, drowsiness will steal over him--and he will fall asleep!
Corruptions still indwell him--and sin has a stupefying effect!
He is yet in this evil world--and it exerts an enervating influence!
Satan seeks to devour him, and unless resisted steadfastly--will hypnotize him!
Thus, the menace of this spiritual "sleeping sickness" is very real.
Slumbering saints! What an incongruity!
Taking their ease, while threatened by danger!
Lazing, instead of fighting the good fight of faith!
Rusting, instead of wearing out in His service!
Trifling away opportunities to glorify their Savior, instead of redeeming the time!
How startling and reprehensible is a careless Christian, who has departed from God, bewitched by a world which is doomed to eternal destruction!
"It is high time to awake out of sleep!" Romans 13:11
ENOCH; Or, The Young Man's Walk
ENOCH; Or, The Young Man's Walk
James Smith, 1856
"Enoch walked with God." Genesis 5:24
There is often a striking adaptation in the names of people whose history is recorded in God's Word — to their characters. The all-presiding mind of God, seems to have influenced their parents in naming them.
Enoch signifies instructed, or dedicated — and he was evidently taught of God, and consecrated to God. The Holy Spirit gave him a correct view of himself and the world, and revealed the glorious and gracious character of Jehovah to him. He knew God, he felt the need of God, he had faith in God, and, therefore he "walked with God." He was dedicated to God, not by any outward ordinance — but by the inward consecration of the Holy Spirit; and other consecration is of little account, except it is preceded by this.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was quickened by the Holy Spirit of God — for there is no fellowship between the living God and dead sinners. He was made alive unto God by the secret working and invincible power of the blessed Spirit. We must be born again, we must be generated anew, before we are capacitated to walk with God. Without this change — we are neither capable of perceiving, desiring, or enjoying the society of the Most High God.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was reconciled to God; for "how can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" But God and the sinner in his natural state, are not agreed upon any one point. Man is God's enemy. Hatred against God, lurks and works in his heart. His carnal mind is enmity against God, and until this is changed and renewed — he cannot, he will not, walk with God. Nothing could be more irksome to him. There is nothing he more dislikes — as God's company; and the further from God — the better pleased he is. Until God is seen in Jesus, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them — until God is beheld as "gracious, merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth," — until the love of God shines forth before the soul, and it perceives that God is love — there is no reconciliation, for only divine love will subdue our enmity and change the bias of our minds.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was like-minded with God. If we walk together — we must be going the same road; and if we walk comfortably together — we must . . .
admire the same objects,
sympathize with the same subjects, and
have, to a certain extent, the same tastes.
Godliness is godlikeness, and before Enoch could walk with God — he must have been a godly man, renewed in the spirit of his mind, and changed into the divine image and likeness.
Sinners and God are going in opposite directions, aiming at opposite objects, and seeking opposite ends; so that is impossible for an unconverted sinner to walk with God, enjoy God, or arrive where God unfolds his glories, and feasts his saints.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he became familiar with God. If we walk together long, and converse together freely — we shall be sure to become intimate; especially if our tastes, pursuits, and objects agree. The secret of true happiness, is being familiar with God:
rising every day, and feeling that God is with me;
communicating every desire, fear, hope and sorrow to him;
going through the day as having God at our right hand,
and lying down at night as under the shadow of his wing.
So that it becomes natural to turn to God upon all occasions, to consult him, to confer with him, and to seek his approbation — to turn everything into prayer or praise.
We cannot walk closely with God without becoming familiar with God. Familiarity with God will extract . . .
the sting from our troubles,
the poison from our fears, and
the bitterness from death!
Oh, to be growing familiar with God!
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was happy in the company of God. He had no wish to exchange it for the company of any of his creatures. As we . . .
walk by the Lord's side,
delve into the Lord's mind,
become assimilated to the Lord's likeness,
realize the Lord's smile, and
enjoy the Lord's approbation —
we become happy in the Lord's company.
And if at any time we miss his presence, or lose the savor of his fellowship — we are something like the restless patriarch, who cried, "If only I knew how to find Him, so that I could go to His throne. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments."
"Enoch walked with God," — then he daily aimed to please God. It is impossible to walk with God — but as we realize that it is our duty to please him, and to aim at this habitually. The man who walks as Enoch did, will ask, in reference to his motives, plans, pursuits, objects, society, and aims, "Will this please God?" If he perceives that anything is likely to please him — he will encourage it; if not, he will discard it.
No wonder that some of us know so little of the blessedness of close walking with God, when we are so little concerned to please him. And no wonder that we so seldom seek to please him, seeing we live and walk at such a distance from him.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he lived, moved, and acted as under the eye of God. This is a most holy principle — to do everything that we do in the world, in the family, and in the church — as under the immediate eye of God. To look up in the midst of every action, and whisper, "You see me O God!" Oh, to live under this impression increasingly from day to day!
Here, then, is an example for young people, especially young men. Enoch was but young, when he began to walk with God; but he pursued that course for more than three hundred years. Nor did he leave the world, or the family, or retire to some mountain or cave — to do it. No! He did so in active life, as a man, a father, and a member of God's church.
Enoch, my young friends, speaks to you!
Enoch says to us: "Seek divine teaching!" It was because he was taught of God, and deeply taught — that he became so exemplary, so familiar with God, so pleasant in the sight of God, that at last he "was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God!"
Enoch says to us: "Dedicate yourself to his service!" Enoch was dedicated to God; first his person, and then all that he had. Neither himself nor his property were his — all was the Lord's. He gave himself unreservedly to God, he consecrated all he had to the service of God, and he kept close to the Lord's side all through his wilderness journey.
Enoch says to us: "Believe the divine testimony, that God is love." This lay at the root of his holiness, and was the source of his exemplary conduct. Had he not believed that God was love, he would have never chosen his company, or become familiar with him in his daily walk.
Our course is always influenced by our faith, and our faith is influenced by our fellowship with God.
Enoch says to us: "Accept the Lord's invitation to come to him and walk with him." The voice of God cries, "Come unto me!" Jesus adds, "Abide with me!" Distance from God is the source of all our misery — and nothing but nearness to God will make us truly happy. How long has God been calling to some of us in his blessed Word, and saying, "Come unto me;" and we have not come yet. Let us delay no longer — but at once do as Enoch did, come to God, and abide with God.
Enoch says to us: "Trust in the Lord's gracious and most faithful promises." He did so, and proved the Lord's words to be true. The promises of God to us are exceeding great and very precious; but they do us no good — unless we believe them, trust in them, and expect the Lord to make them good. Unless we receive the promises as from God's hand, and place our trust and confidence in them — we shall not be properly affected by them; but if we do, they will draw us near to God, lead us to repose in God, and teach us to walk with God.
Enoch says to us: "Realize the presence of God as with you. Walk by his holy Word. Aim singly at his glory." God, as our father, goes every step with his children, gives them the precepts of his holy Word to direct them, sets his own glory before them to be aimed at by them — and so secures them safety, holiness, and happiness.
Dear friends, we walk with God — or do we walk away from God? Which is it? Every step we take is in the right, or wrong direction. Which is it?
If we would walk with God, we must converse with him daily. Do you? Have you been in his company today? Has he heard your voice at the throne? And have you heard his voice in his holy Word? If God is not your companion — then Satan is. If you walk with God — then you are going to Heaven. If you walk with Satan — then you are going to Hell! A man is generally known by the company he keeps, for we insensibly imbibe the spirit of our companions. If we walk with God — we shall imbibe the spirit of God, and the spirit of God is holy. "He who walks with wise men will be wise;" but he who walks with the infinitely wise God will be more so:
wise to salvation,
wise to escape danger,
wise to secure good,
wise to gain honor and renown,
wise to win souls.
Walk, then, with God, and peace at present, and glory forever — shall be yours!
James Smith, 1856
"Enoch walked with God." Genesis 5:24
There is often a striking adaptation in the names of people whose history is recorded in God's Word — to their characters. The all-presiding mind of God, seems to have influenced their parents in naming them.
Enoch signifies instructed, or dedicated — and he was evidently taught of God, and consecrated to God. The Holy Spirit gave him a correct view of himself and the world, and revealed the glorious and gracious character of Jehovah to him. He knew God, he felt the need of God, he had faith in God, and, therefore he "walked with God." He was dedicated to God, not by any outward ordinance — but by the inward consecration of the Holy Spirit; and other consecration is of little account, except it is preceded by this.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was quickened by the Holy Spirit of God — for there is no fellowship between the living God and dead sinners. He was made alive unto God by the secret working and invincible power of the blessed Spirit. We must be born again, we must be generated anew, before we are capacitated to walk with God. Without this change — we are neither capable of perceiving, desiring, or enjoying the society of the Most High God.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was reconciled to God; for "how can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" But God and the sinner in his natural state, are not agreed upon any one point. Man is God's enemy. Hatred against God, lurks and works in his heart. His carnal mind is enmity against God, and until this is changed and renewed — he cannot, he will not, walk with God. Nothing could be more irksome to him. There is nothing he more dislikes — as God's company; and the further from God — the better pleased he is. Until God is seen in Jesus, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them — until God is beheld as "gracious, merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth," — until the love of God shines forth before the soul, and it perceives that God is love — there is no reconciliation, for only divine love will subdue our enmity and change the bias of our minds.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was like-minded with God. If we walk together — we must be going the same road; and if we walk comfortably together — we must . . .
admire the same objects,
sympathize with the same subjects, and
have, to a certain extent, the same tastes.
Godliness is godlikeness, and before Enoch could walk with God — he must have been a godly man, renewed in the spirit of his mind, and changed into the divine image and likeness.
Sinners and God are going in opposite directions, aiming at opposite objects, and seeking opposite ends; so that is impossible for an unconverted sinner to walk with God, enjoy God, or arrive where God unfolds his glories, and feasts his saints.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he became familiar with God. If we walk together long, and converse together freely — we shall be sure to become intimate; especially if our tastes, pursuits, and objects agree. The secret of true happiness, is being familiar with God:
rising every day, and feeling that God is with me;
communicating every desire, fear, hope and sorrow to him;
going through the day as having God at our right hand,
and lying down at night as under the shadow of his wing.
So that it becomes natural to turn to God upon all occasions, to consult him, to confer with him, and to seek his approbation — to turn everything into prayer or praise.
We cannot walk closely with God without becoming familiar with God. Familiarity with God will extract . . .
the sting from our troubles,
the poison from our fears, and
the bitterness from death!
Oh, to be growing familiar with God!
"Enoch walked with God," — then he was happy in the company of God. He had no wish to exchange it for the company of any of his creatures. As we . . .
walk by the Lord's side,
delve into the Lord's mind,
become assimilated to the Lord's likeness,
realize the Lord's smile, and
enjoy the Lord's approbation —
we become happy in the Lord's company.
And if at any time we miss his presence, or lose the savor of his fellowship — we are something like the restless patriarch, who cried, "If only I knew how to find Him, so that I could go to His throne. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments."
"Enoch walked with God," — then he daily aimed to please God. It is impossible to walk with God — but as we realize that it is our duty to please him, and to aim at this habitually. The man who walks as Enoch did, will ask, in reference to his motives, plans, pursuits, objects, society, and aims, "Will this please God?" If he perceives that anything is likely to please him — he will encourage it; if not, he will discard it.
No wonder that some of us know so little of the blessedness of close walking with God, when we are so little concerned to please him. And no wonder that we so seldom seek to please him, seeing we live and walk at such a distance from him.
"Enoch walked with God," — then he lived, moved, and acted as under the eye of God. This is a most holy principle — to do everything that we do in the world, in the family, and in the church — as under the immediate eye of God. To look up in the midst of every action, and whisper, "You see me O God!" Oh, to live under this impression increasingly from day to day!
Here, then, is an example for young people, especially young men. Enoch was but young, when he began to walk with God; but he pursued that course for more than three hundred years. Nor did he leave the world, or the family, or retire to some mountain or cave — to do it. No! He did so in active life, as a man, a father, and a member of God's church.
Enoch, my young friends, speaks to you!
Enoch says to us: "Seek divine teaching!" It was because he was taught of God, and deeply taught — that he became so exemplary, so familiar with God, so pleasant in the sight of God, that at last he "was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God!"
Enoch says to us: "Dedicate yourself to his service!" Enoch was dedicated to God; first his person, and then all that he had. Neither himself nor his property were his — all was the Lord's. He gave himself unreservedly to God, he consecrated all he had to the service of God, and he kept close to the Lord's side all through his wilderness journey.
Enoch says to us: "Believe the divine testimony, that God is love." This lay at the root of his holiness, and was the source of his exemplary conduct. Had he not believed that God was love, he would have never chosen his company, or become familiar with him in his daily walk.
Our course is always influenced by our faith, and our faith is influenced by our fellowship with God.
Enoch says to us: "Accept the Lord's invitation to come to him and walk with him." The voice of God cries, "Come unto me!" Jesus adds, "Abide with me!" Distance from God is the source of all our misery — and nothing but nearness to God will make us truly happy. How long has God been calling to some of us in his blessed Word, and saying, "Come unto me;" and we have not come yet. Let us delay no longer — but at once do as Enoch did, come to God, and abide with God.
Enoch says to us: "Trust in the Lord's gracious and most faithful promises." He did so, and proved the Lord's words to be true. The promises of God to us are exceeding great and very precious; but they do us no good — unless we believe them, trust in them, and expect the Lord to make them good. Unless we receive the promises as from God's hand, and place our trust and confidence in them — we shall not be properly affected by them; but if we do, they will draw us near to God, lead us to repose in God, and teach us to walk with God.
Enoch says to us: "Realize the presence of God as with you. Walk by his holy Word. Aim singly at his glory." God, as our father, goes every step with his children, gives them the precepts of his holy Word to direct them, sets his own glory before them to be aimed at by them — and so secures them safety, holiness, and happiness.
Dear friends, we walk with God — or do we walk away from God? Which is it? Every step we take is in the right, or wrong direction. Which is it?
If we would walk with God, we must converse with him daily. Do you? Have you been in his company today? Has he heard your voice at the throne? And have you heard his voice in his holy Word? If God is not your companion — then Satan is. If you walk with God — then you are going to Heaven. If you walk with Satan — then you are going to Hell! A man is generally known by the company he keeps, for we insensibly imbibe the spirit of our companions. If we walk with God — we shall imbibe the spirit of God, and the spirit of God is holy. "He who walks with wise men will be wise;" but he who walks with the infinitely wise God will be more so:
wise to salvation,
wise to escape danger,
wise to secure good,
wise to gain honor and renown,
wise to win souls.
Walk, then, with God, and peace at present, and glory forever — shall be yours!
Nothing is so filthy, so impure, so loathsome!
Nothing is so filthy, so impure, so loathsome!
(James Smith, "The Voice of Mercy in the House of Affliction!" 1855)
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!" Psalm 51:2
"Create in me a clean heart, O God!" Psalm 51:10
A clean heart is one that is . . .
purified from guilt--by the blood of Jesus; and
cleansed from filth--by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts by nature, are all unclean. They are the most unclean things in existence! Nothing is so filthy, so impure, so loathsome--as the human heart!
The awakened sinner discovers that he is unclean, that his heart is unholy--and he desires to be thoroughly cleansed. He is not, he cannot be satisfied with outward reformation; he wants inward renovation. No promise in God's book suits him so well as, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws!" Ezekiel 36:25-27
"O Lord," he cries, "fulfill this precious promise in my experience. Give me the new heart, and take away the stony heart from me. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sin. Make me holy--whatever I may suffer in the process."
The clean-hearted person . . .
hates sin,
shrinks from sin, and
longs for entire freedom from sin!
But if the heart is not changed, the only thing feared is punishment, and the only thing sought is happiness.
The Holy Spirit alone can give us such views of sin--as will lead us to hate it; and He alone can give us such views of our own hearts--as will prompt us to cry, "Create in me a clean heart, O God! Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!"
(James Smith, "The Voice of Mercy in the House of Affliction!" 1855)
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!" Psalm 51:2
"Create in me a clean heart, O God!" Psalm 51:10
A clean heart is one that is . . .
purified from guilt--by the blood of Jesus; and
cleansed from filth--by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts by nature, are all unclean. They are the most unclean things in existence! Nothing is so filthy, so impure, so loathsome--as the human heart!
The awakened sinner discovers that he is unclean, that his heart is unholy--and he desires to be thoroughly cleansed. He is not, he cannot be satisfied with outward reformation; he wants inward renovation. No promise in God's book suits him so well as, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws!" Ezekiel 36:25-27
"O Lord," he cries, "fulfill this precious promise in my experience. Give me the new heart, and take away the stony heart from me. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities, and cleanse me from my sin. Make me holy--whatever I may suffer in the process."
The clean-hearted person . . .
hates sin,
shrinks from sin, and
longs for entire freedom from sin!
But if the heart is not changed, the only thing feared is punishment, and the only thing sought is happiness.
The Holy Spirit alone can give us such views of sin--as will lead us to hate it; and He alone can give us such views of our own hearts--as will prompt us to cry, "Create in me a clean heart, O God! Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!"
Dangers of wealth
O, it is noble to see a man lifted up into the high places of wealth and position, made to wear a crown and scarlet robe, and yet for all that walking humbly with his God and fulfilling his duty without a flaw, even as those do who have not such high things to try them. I read this week of a vessel at sea which was overtaken by a storm, and a mountainous wave, a very alp of water, went right over it, putting out the engine fires at once, and sweeping away the wheel and the steering house, so that the vessel lay like a log in the trough of the sea. Now many a man has been like that, a great mass of wealth and prosperity has come upon him, put out the fires of his former zeal, taken away all the steerage of his soul, and he has lain like a log tossed up and down between the waves of worldliness and pride, and has become a total wreck.
Conscience Not Enough
Though I have heard ten thousand times that conscience is the vicegerent of God in the soul of man, I have never been able to subscribe to that dogma. It is no such thing. In many persons conscience is perverted, in others only a fragment of it remains, and in all it is fallible, and subject to aberrations. Conscience is in all men a thing of degrees dependent upon education, example, and previous character; it is an eye of the soul, but it is frequently purblind and weak, and always needs light from above, or else it does but mock the soul.
Conscience is a faculty of the mind, which, like every other, has suffered serious damage through our natural depravity, and it is by no means perfect. It is only the understanding acting upon moral subjects; and upon such matters it often puts bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, darkness for light and light for darkness. Hence it is that men’s sins do not appear to them sin. In all probability there is not one, even among renewed men, who fully knows the evil of sin, nor will there be until in heaven we shall be perfect; and then, when we shall see the perfection of divine holiness, we shall understand how black a thing was sin. Men who have lived underground all their lives do not know how dark the mine is, nor can they know it until they stand in the blaze of a summer’s noon.
Conscience is a faculty of the mind, which, like every other, has suffered serious damage through our natural depravity, and it is by no means perfect. It is only the understanding acting upon moral subjects; and upon such matters it often puts bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, darkness for light and light for darkness. Hence it is that men’s sins do not appear to them sin. In all probability there is not one, even among renewed men, who fully knows the evil of sin, nor will there be until in heaven we shall be perfect; and then, when we shall see the perfection of divine holiness, we shall understand how black a thing was sin. Men who have lived underground all their lives do not know how dark the mine is, nor can they know it until they stand in the blaze of a summer’s noon.
The Remedy for a Troubled Heart!
The Remedy for a Troubled Heart!
James Smith
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. Inward commotion, or confusion, such as is referred to in the text, unfits us for social duties, pious exercises, and usefulness in the church of God. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me." Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you, to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you!
Believe that I will fill my characters in your experience, as your Savior, Brother, Friend!
Believe that I will fulfill my word to you; every promise, the largest, the kindest — "for Heaven and earth shall pass away — but my word shall not pass away, until all be fulfilled."
"Let not your heart therefore be troubled. It does not befit you as My redeemed child. It is injurious to you. It dishonors me. It can do no good. Therefore watch against it, as against a foe! Pray against it, that you may have grace to overcome it. Strive against it, for it is your duty. Always view worry as an evil, as an evil which it is possible to overcome. View it as . . .
inconsistent with your profession,
as injurious to your soul,
as dishonoring to your God."
There is no cause for you to be troubled, for your God performs all things for you. It is inconsistent for you to be troubled, for your Savior has bequeathed you His peace. It is sinful for you to be troubled, for you are bidden to cast all your care upon the Lord, and are assured that He cares for you. All your worry will not change the color of a hair, will not weaken the power of one foe, will not lighten a single burden — it is therefore folly — as well as sin!
The remedy is before you. It was prescribed by the great Physician; it has proved effectual in innumerable instances; it is just suited to you, it was intended for you! Will you use it, and prove its beneficial effect?
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
Be still, my heart — these anxious cares,
To you are burdens, thorns, and snares;
They cast dishonor on your Lord,
And contradict his precious Word!
Did ever trouble yet befall
And He refuse to hear your call?
And Has he not His promise past,
That you shall overcome at last?
He who has help'd me hitherto.
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New Ebenezers to His praise!
James Smith
"Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!" John 14:1
We often trouble ourselves. We often allow our hearts to be tossed about like the waves of the sea, without any real cause. Our Savior forbids it. He forbids it in tender love. He forbids it because it is injurious. Inward commotion, or confusion, such as is referred to in the text, unfits us for social duties, pious exercises, and usefulness in the church of God. It lays us open to temptations, and fosters unbelief and anxiety. Our Lord would have us calm, patient, and composed; therefore He says, "Let not your heart be troubled!"
He prescribes a remedy for heart trouble, or inward anxiety:
1. "Believe in God." Believe in God as your Father — as loving you, acting for you, and rejoicing in your welfare. See Him . . .
ordering all events with consummate wisdom;
overruling all with infinite skill; and
sanctifying all to your welfare, by His sovereign grace.
There is no room for 'chance' — for His government is perfect.
There can be no unkindness — for His love is infinite.
All will be directed right — for He personally superintends every detail in the universe!
The floating of the atom,
the rolling of the sea, and
all the movements of every mind —
are alike under His control and direction!
"He works all things after the counsel of His own will."
2. "Believe also in Me." Believe. . .
that I sympathize with you;
that I feel the deepest interest in your welfare;
that I never withdraw my eye or heart from you for one moment;
that I will support you in every place, and under every trial;
that My arm shall be stretched out for you, to lean upon, as you come up out of the wilderness of this world;
that I will save you to the uttermost;
that I will show you a brother's love;
that I will stand by you as a firm friend in every distress;
that I will overturn all the designs of your foes against you!
Believe that I will fill my characters in your experience, as your Savior, Brother, Friend!
Believe that I will fulfill my word to you; every promise, the largest, the kindest — "for Heaven and earth shall pass away — but my word shall not pass away, until all be fulfilled."
"Let not your heart therefore be troubled. It does not befit you as My redeemed child. It is injurious to you. It dishonors me. It can do no good. Therefore watch against it, as against a foe! Pray against it, that you may have grace to overcome it. Strive against it, for it is your duty. Always view worry as an evil, as an evil which it is possible to overcome. View it as . . .
inconsistent with your profession,
as injurious to your soul,
as dishonoring to your God."
There is no cause for you to be troubled, for your God performs all things for you. It is inconsistent for you to be troubled, for your Savior has bequeathed you His peace. It is sinful for you to be troubled, for you are bidden to cast all your care upon the Lord, and are assured that He cares for you. All your worry will not change the color of a hair, will not weaken the power of one foe, will not lighten a single burden — it is therefore folly — as well as sin!
The remedy is before you. It was prescribed by the great Physician; it has proved effectual in innumerable instances; it is just suited to you, it was intended for you! Will you use it, and prove its beneficial effect?
Remember Jesus, that Jesus who . . .
lived for you,
labored for you,
suffered for you,
died for you,
rose for you, and
is now in Heaven pleading for you —
says, "Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God — believe also in Me!"
Be still, my heart — these anxious cares,
To you are burdens, thorns, and snares;
They cast dishonor on your Lord,
And contradict his precious Word!
Did ever trouble yet befall
And He refuse to hear your call?
And Has he not His promise past,
That you shall overcome at last?
He who has help'd me hitherto.
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New Ebenezers to His praise!
What is conviction of sin?
The Lord shuts us up to hopelessness and helplessness in order that he may come, as a God of grace, and display his abounding mercy. All our hope lies in him, and all other hopes are delusions. The great work in conversion is not to make people better, so that they may come to God on a good footing, it is to strip them completely and lay them low, so that God may come to them when they are on a bad footing, or rather on no footing at all, but down in the dust at his feet. The Son of man is come to seek and to cave that which is lost, but it wants* God himself to convince men that they are lost; and the Spirit’s work of soul-humbling is just this - to get man to feel so diseased that he will accept the physician; to get him to feel so poor that he will accept the charity of heaven; to get him to know that he is so stripped, that he will no longer be proud of his fig leaves, but will be willing to take the robe of righteousness which Christ has wrought out.
Conviction is sent to kill the man, to break him in pieces, to bury him, to let him know his own corruption; and all this as a preliminary to his quickening and restoration. We must see the bones in the valley to be dead and dry, or we shall not hear the voice out of the excellent glory, saying, “Thus saith the Lord, ‘Ye dry bones live!’” May God in his mercy teach us what all this means, and may we all experience an old-fashioned conversion.
Conviction is sent to kill the man, to break him in pieces, to bury him, to let him know his own corruption; and all this as a preliminary to his quickening and restoration. We must see the bones in the valley to be dead and dry, or we shall not hear the voice out of the excellent glory, saying, “Thus saith the Lord, ‘Ye dry bones live!’” May God in his mercy teach us what all this means, and may we all experience an old-fashioned conversion.
The Purchaser's Sin!
The Purchaser's Sin!
by James Smith
(Editor's note: This is a necessary article for all who seek bargains at 'yard-sales'.)
"It's no good, it's no good! says the buyer. Then off he goes and boasts about his purchase!" Proverbs 20:14
Most people seem to be upon the lookout for bargains — they are not satisfied with fairness. Selfishness carries them beyond the golden rule, "So in everything, do unto others — what you would like to have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12.) The practices both of buyers and sellers must be grievous in the sight of God — but it is with the buyers whom we have now to do.
See them trying to cheapen an article — they are looking out for every fault; not with a view to estimate its real value — but to reduce it below the fair price! They often state what they do not believe — and yet think themselves honest! All they want is to get a bargain; they are not particular as to the means by which they obtain it. They do not think of the cost of the item, the wages of the workmen, or the profits of the tradesman; but leave all these out of the question, and only try to reduce the price of the article as cheap as possible.
"It's no good, it's no good! says the buyer!" "It is not worth so much!" and yet at the very moment, they believe it to be worth more! "It is an inferior article!" and yet they are conscious that it is an excellent one. They speak as if they cared nothing about it — and yet they feel that they must have it, they cannot do without it. They try in every way to depreciate it — that they themselves may obtain a larger profit by it.
"Then off he goes and boasts about his purchase!" "Look!" he says to his friends, "What a bargain! I only gave a pittance for it — and it is worth a great deal. It's like brand-new — look at the quality!" And yet he had greatly depreciated it in front of the seller! Is this honest? Is this lying? Is there anything honorable in such conduct? Is it not a disgrace to the Christian name? Ought not such practices to be left to infidels and heathens? Can we expect God's blessing on such a deceitful course? It is impossible! God is neither the author, nor the sanctioner of sin!
Buyers should remember:
1. that the eye of God follows them into the shop or market;
2. that the ear of God listens to every word they say;
3. that the book of God records every lie they tell;
4. that the Word of God assures them, "that for every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the Judgment!"
5. that the God they profess to revere and serve — hates sin, hates it perfectly, hates it always and everywhere; that He makes no allowance for it, that He will not admit of any excuse for it!
Buyers should also remember, that they are to do all to the glory of God; they are therefore to keep God's glory in view while buying; and as much in the market as in the house of prayer.
Reader, be a Christian in the market — as well as in the sanctuary! Be a Christian in dealing with your fellow men — as well as in serving your God.
Be scrupulously honest.
Maintain a tender conscience.
Always fear a lie, or the appearance of a lie.
Never be vile enough to stoop to practice deception; but always realize that God is with you, and observes your conduct at the market. If all who profess the religion of Christ would only act out their Christian principles — they would soon put an end to this wicked practice of deceit! When you next go to market, be sure that you take this thought with you: "God is going with me, and is saying — Be holy, for I am holy! He will observe my conduct and mark my words. I must give an account of myself to God!"
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do unto others — what you would like to have them do unto you.
Be a pattern of good works.
Live in full prospect of eternity!
by James Smith
(Editor's note: This is a necessary article for all who seek bargains at 'yard-sales'.)
"It's no good, it's no good! says the buyer. Then off he goes and boasts about his purchase!" Proverbs 20:14
Most people seem to be upon the lookout for bargains — they are not satisfied with fairness. Selfishness carries them beyond the golden rule, "So in everything, do unto others — what you would like to have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12.) The practices both of buyers and sellers must be grievous in the sight of God — but it is with the buyers whom we have now to do.
See them trying to cheapen an article — they are looking out for every fault; not with a view to estimate its real value — but to reduce it below the fair price! They often state what they do not believe — and yet think themselves honest! All they want is to get a bargain; they are not particular as to the means by which they obtain it. They do not think of the cost of the item, the wages of the workmen, or the profits of the tradesman; but leave all these out of the question, and only try to reduce the price of the article as cheap as possible.
"It's no good, it's no good! says the buyer!" "It is not worth so much!" and yet at the very moment, they believe it to be worth more! "It is an inferior article!" and yet they are conscious that it is an excellent one. They speak as if they cared nothing about it — and yet they feel that they must have it, they cannot do without it. They try in every way to depreciate it — that they themselves may obtain a larger profit by it.
"Then off he goes and boasts about his purchase!" "Look!" he says to his friends, "What a bargain! I only gave a pittance for it — and it is worth a great deal. It's like brand-new — look at the quality!" And yet he had greatly depreciated it in front of the seller! Is this honest? Is this lying? Is there anything honorable in such conduct? Is it not a disgrace to the Christian name? Ought not such practices to be left to infidels and heathens? Can we expect God's blessing on such a deceitful course? It is impossible! God is neither the author, nor the sanctioner of sin!
Buyers should remember:
1. that the eye of God follows them into the shop or market;
2. that the ear of God listens to every word they say;
3. that the book of God records every lie they tell;
4. that the Word of God assures them, "that for every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the Judgment!"
5. that the God they profess to revere and serve — hates sin, hates it perfectly, hates it always and everywhere; that He makes no allowance for it, that He will not admit of any excuse for it!
Buyers should also remember, that they are to do all to the glory of God; they are therefore to keep God's glory in view while buying; and as much in the market as in the house of prayer.
Reader, be a Christian in the market — as well as in the sanctuary! Be a Christian in dealing with your fellow men — as well as in serving your God.
Be scrupulously honest.
Maintain a tender conscience.
Always fear a lie, or the appearance of a lie.
Never be vile enough to stoop to practice deception; but always realize that God is with you, and observes your conduct at the market. If all who profess the religion of Christ would only act out their Christian principles — they would soon put an end to this wicked practice of deceit! When you next go to market, be sure that you take this thought with you: "God is going with me, and is saying — Be holy, for I am holy! He will observe my conduct and mark my words. I must give an account of myself to God!"
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do unto others — what you would like to have them do unto you.
Be a pattern of good works.
Live in full prospect of eternity!
Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!
Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!
(James Smith, "Privilege, Duty, and Promise")
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours--then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan--
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah--the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah--the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah--the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah--your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY--ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY--do not be afraid--but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY--I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need--I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child--as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide--and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me--they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain--read it; it is faithful--trust it; it is honest--plead it; it is sure--expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!"
(James Smith, "Privilege, Duty, and Promise")
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!" Psalm 81:10
Our great privilege is to have God for our God:
to know Him,
to love Him,
to adore Him,
and to trust in Him.
If God is ours--then all must be well. If God has delivered us from . . .
the Egypt of this world,
the power of sin, and
the tyranny of Satan--
then He is our God indeed.
He says, "I am Jehovah--the compassionate God . . .
who sympathizes with My people in their sorrows,
who counts their tears,
who feels their groans, and
who records their prayers."
"I am Jehovah--the God of power . . .
who delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage;
whose strength is as infinite as My nature,
for whom nothing is too hard."
"I am Jehovah--the God of love . . .
whose resources are boundless,
whose pity is tender, and
who never fails or forsakes those who trust in Him."
"I am Jehovah--your God . . .
pledged to you by promise;
engaged for you by covenant;
and bound to you by oath!
As I am your God . . .
look to Me,
trust in Me,
expect from Me."
"Open your mouth wide!" That is, "Ask LARGELY--ask for great, numerous, and costly blessings! Do not be afraid of asking for too much!
My heart is large,
My love is great,
My wealth is unbounded!
Ask BOLDLY--do not be afraid--but come boldly to My throne of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ask FREQUENTLY--I am always ready to give! I am never weary of listening to your prayers. Come whenever you are in need--I rejoice to do you good. No parent ever delighted to give to a darling child--as I delight to give to you! Therefore ask and receive, that your joy may be full.
"Open your mouth wide--and I will fill it!" That is, "I have the very blessings which you need. They are from Me--they are for you! I have the disposition to give! Do not doubt My benevolence, for this grieves My heart. I give you My word, that I will bestow My favors upon you freely, plentifully, and frequently! My Word is plain--read it; it is faithful--trust it; it is honest--plead it; it is sure--expect the fulfillment of it. I will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think!"
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth--and I will fill it!"
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Open-Air on Third Street Promenade
Tony Miano preached from Isaiah 53, on Third Street Promenade, in Santa Monica, CA.
The Mayflower Compact, a Condemned Pastor, and Freedom in Christ
Tony Miano preaches the gospel in the middle of the street, before the start of the City of Santa Clarita's 4th of July Parade.
Christian Homes
Christian Homes
Arthur Pink
September, 1948
Many of those who look no farther than the temporal happiness of individuals and the welfare of the State are not insensible of the importance and value of domestic relationships, realizing that the family is but the unit of the nation. No matter how excellent the constitution and laws of a country may be, or what its material resources, they are insufficient and ineffectual, unless a sure foundation for social order and public virtue is laid in the healthy regulation and wise discipline of its families. The nation is but the aggregate of individuals comprising it; and unless there are good fathers and mothers, good sons and daughters, brothers and sisters — there will be no good citizens. It is because our home life has so sadly deteriorated, that social decay is now so far advanced, nor can it be arrested until parents once again properly discharge their responsibility. We have no hesitation in saying that the future welfare of Britain (and the U.S.A. too) is more seriously menaced by the relaxation of family government and the breakdown of home life, than by any governmental incompetence or foreign hostility.
HOME! How much that one word used to convey! It is still one of the most precious in the English language unto some of us. Much more so when to all its natural attractions are added the hallowed associations which gather around a Christian home. Is not our favorite concept of heaven embodied in that blessed expression, "my Father's House" (John 14:2). Because the Christian is not his own, but bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), he is to aim at glorifying God in every relation of life. No matter what station he occupies, or wherever he is — he is to serve as a witness for Christ.
Next to the church of God, his own home should be the sphere of his most manifest devotedness unto Him. All its arrangements should bear the stamp of his heavenly calling. All its affairs should be so ordered that everyone entering it should feel, "God is here!"
The supreme aim of family life should be household piety, everything else being subordinated thereto. It is in the home our real characters are most manifested and best known. Out in the world, a certain measure of restraint is placed upon both our corruptions and our graces; but in the home, we are freer to act naturally, and it is there that our worst and best sides alike are exhibited the plainest.
As a close observer and one of wide experience said, "I can never form a correct judgment of a man from seeing or hearing him in a religious meeting. He may seem a very spiritual person there, and say very beautiful things — but let me go home with him, and there I learn the actual state of the case!" He may indeed pray like a saint in the church — but unless his home is governed according to the Word of God, and his own conduct be regulated by the spirit of Christ — he fails to witness for him in that most important and influential sphere. The reality and extent of "a work of grace" in the soul, are most clearly revealed amid the petty trials of home life.
In the Scriptures, we find some of its most eminent characters subjected to that severe test. For example, the Lord gave as the reason for the intimate confidences He was about to make unto Abraham, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD" (Gen 18:19): thus his home life was as pleasing unto God as was his public life.
Nor are the Scriptures less explicit in showing us the disastrous consequences which attend a believer's unfaithfulness in this relation. A notable case in point is the fearful ruin of Eli's family: "I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not" (1 Samuel 3:13).
The state of a preacher's home is likewise made the test of his character: he is disqualified from the sacred office, unless he be "one who rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity," adding, "(For if a man knows not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" (1 Timothy 3:4-5).
"What have they seen in your house?" (2 Kings 20:15). Have you observed, my reader, how much in the Scriptures is in the interrogatory form? How frequently the Lord used that method of teaching, both with His disciples, the masses, and His enemies! It is a most definite and searching form of instruction. A considerable part of God's Word is made up of questions; and it is our wisdom not only to thoughtfully and prayerfully ponder them — but to regard the same as being addressed to us individually — and thereby bare our hearts to their penetrating power. This we should do with the "Where are you?" of Genesis 3:9, right through the Scriptures to the "Why did you marvel" of Revelation 17:7.
The one now before us was uttered by way of rebuke unto Hezekiah's vanity, who — in a spirit of pride and ostentation — had shown the messengers from Babylon the treasures of his palace. "What have they seen in your house?" Let each of us take that inquiry home to himself and herself. What do visitors, especially those who spend a night under your roof, behold in your home? Do they see a household which is well ordered, everything regulated according to God's Word — or do they behold a scene of confusion and turmoil? Do the furnishings of your home bespeak a heart which is dead to the world? Is there a noticeable absence of that carnal luxury and fleshly display which mark those whose affections are set upon things below? On the other hand, is there that cleanliness and tidiness everywhere which honors the Lord? Nothing is more incongruous for one who professes to be a stranger and pilgrim (1 Peter 2:11) here than to behold him or her endeavoring to outshine their godless neighbors in that which caters to "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). Equally so, do neglect and dirt indicate that something is wrong with the heart, and mar a Christian's testimony.
"What have they seen in your house?" Do they behold a husband "under petticoat government," or one who takes his proper place at the head of the home? The household must have a leader; and God has committed rule to the husband, and holds him responsible for its management. It is no valid excuse for him to say that he is the breadwinner, and therefore, he leaves the wife to run the house. Not that he is to be a tyrant — but firm, asserting his authority, ruling in holy love. Yet unless the wife fully co-operates, much of his effort will be unavailing. Not only does God require her to be subject unto her husband's will (Eph 5:22, 24), but to loyally support and further him — unless his requirements manifestly clash with the Bible. He is necessarily absent from the home most of the day, and therefore, it largely devolves upon her to "train up" their children "in the way they should go" (Pro 22:6).
"What have they seen in your house?" Little or nothing to distinguish it from the worldlings? Or everything in it aiming at the glory of God? The husband and wife conducting themselves as "being heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7)? The children brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph 6:4) and "in subjection with all gravity" (1 Timothy 3:4) — or utterly spoiled, unruly, and a trial to those who have to endure their presence? Do visitors behold an example of parental piety, of beneficial discipline maintained, evidences on every side that their hearts are set upon something higher than the baubles of earth? Do they see the family altar? If they do not, they will rightly suspect the genuineness of your Christian profession! If those things be absent, be not surprised if your children abandon religion as they grow older, having no confidence in what they were raised. God search every one of us with this important question.
Arthur Pink
September, 1948
Many of those who look no farther than the temporal happiness of individuals and the welfare of the State are not insensible of the importance and value of domestic relationships, realizing that the family is but the unit of the nation. No matter how excellent the constitution and laws of a country may be, or what its material resources, they are insufficient and ineffectual, unless a sure foundation for social order and public virtue is laid in the healthy regulation and wise discipline of its families. The nation is but the aggregate of individuals comprising it; and unless there are good fathers and mothers, good sons and daughters, brothers and sisters — there will be no good citizens. It is because our home life has so sadly deteriorated, that social decay is now so far advanced, nor can it be arrested until parents once again properly discharge their responsibility. We have no hesitation in saying that the future welfare of Britain (and the U.S.A. too) is more seriously menaced by the relaxation of family government and the breakdown of home life, than by any governmental incompetence or foreign hostility.
HOME! How much that one word used to convey! It is still one of the most precious in the English language unto some of us. Much more so when to all its natural attractions are added the hallowed associations which gather around a Christian home. Is not our favorite concept of heaven embodied in that blessed expression, "my Father's House" (John 14:2). Because the Christian is not his own, but bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), he is to aim at glorifying God in every relation of life. No matter what station he occupies, or wherever he is — he is to serve as a witness for Christ.
Next to the church of God, his own home should be the sphere of his most manifest devotedness unto Him. All its arrangements should bear the stamp of his heavenly calling. All its affairs should be so ordered that everyone entering it should feel, "God is here!"
The supreme aim of family life should be household piety, everything else being subordinated thereto. It is in the home our real characters are most manifested and best known. Out in the world, a certain measure of restraint is placed upon both our corruptions and our graces; but in the home, we are freer to act naturally, and it is there that our worst and best sides alike are exhibited the plainest.
As a close observer and one of wide experience said, "I can never form a correct judgment of a man from seeing or hearing him in a religious meeting. He may seem a very spiritual person there, and say very beautiful things — but let me go home with him, and there I learn the actual state of the case!" He may indeed pray like a saint in the church — but unless his home is governed according to the Word of God, and his own conduct be regulated by the spirit of Christ — he fails to witness for him in that most important and influential sphere. The reality and extent of "a work of grace" in the soul, are most clearly revealed amid the petty trials of home life.
In the Scriptures, we find some of its most eminent characters subjected to that severe test. For example, the Lord gave as the reason for the intimate confidences He was about to make unto Abraham, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD" (Gen 18:19): thus his home life was as pleasing unto God as was his public life.
Nor are the Scriptures less explicit in showing us the disastrous consequences which attend a believer's unfaithfulness in this relation. A notable case in point is the fearful ruin of Eli's family: "I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not" (1 Samuel 3:13).
The state of a preacher's home is likewise made the test of his character: he is disqualified from the sacred office, unless he be "one who rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity," adding, "(For if a man knows not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" (1 Timothy 3:4-5).
"What have they seen in your house?" (2 Kings 20:15). Have you observed, my reader, how much in the Scriptures is in the interrogatory form? How frequently the Lord used that method of teaching, both with His disciples, the masses, and His enemies! It is a most definite and searching form of instruction. A considerable part of God's Word is made up of questions; and it is our wisdom not only to thoughtfully and prayerfully ponder them — but to regard the same as being addressed to us individually — and thereby bare our hearts to their penetrating power. This we should do with the "Where are you?" of Genesis 3:9, right through the Scriptures to the "Why did you marvel" of Revelation 17:7.
The one now before us was uttered by way of rebuke unto Hezekiah's vanity, who — in a spirit of pride and ostentation — had shown the messengers from Babylon the treasures of his palace. "What have they seen in your house?" Let each of us take that inquiry home to himself and herself. What do visitors, especially those who spend a night under your roof, behold in your home? Do they see a household which is well ordered, everything regulated according to God's Word — or do they behold a scene of confusion and turmoil? Do the furnishings of your home bespeak a heart which is dead to the world? Is there a noticeable absence of that carnal luxury and fleshly display which mark those whose affections are set upon things below? On the other hand, is there that cleanliness and tidiness everywhere which honors the Lord? Nothing is more incongruous for one who professes to be a stranger and pilgrim (1 Peter 2:11) here than to behold him or her endeavoring to outshine their godless neighbors in that which caters to "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). Equally so, do neglect and dirt indicate that something is wrong with the heart, and mar a Christian's testimony.
"What have they seen in your house?" Do they behold a husband "under petticoat government," or one who takes his proper place at the head of the home? The household must have a leader; and God has committed rule to the husband, and holds him responsible for its management. It is no valid excuse for him to say that he is the breadwinner, and therefore, he leaves the wife to run the house. Not that he is to be a tyrant — but firm, asserting his authority, ruling in holy love. Yet unless the wife fully co-operates, much of his effort will be unavailing. Not only does God require her to be subject unto her husband's will (Eph 5:22, 24), but to loyally support and further him — unless his requirements manifestly clash with the Bible. He is necessarily absent from the home most of the day, and therefore, it largely devolves upon her to "train up" their children "in the way they should go" (Pro 22:6).
"What have they seen in your house?" Little or nothing to distinguish it from the worldlings? Or everything in it aiming at the glory of God? The husband and wife conducting themselves as "being heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Peter 3:7)? The children brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph 6:4) and "in subjection with all gravity" (1 Timothy 3:4) — or utterly spoiled, unruly, and a trial to those who have to endure their presence? Do visitors behold an example of parental piety, of beneficial discipline maintained, evidences on every side that their hearts are set upon something higher than the baubles of earth? Do they see the family altar? If they do not, they will rightly suspect the genuineness of your Christian profession! If those things be absent, be not surprised if your children abandon religion as they grow older, having no confidence in what they were raised. God search every one of us with this important question.
A sedative to all sorrows--and a solace under all sharp afflictions
A sedative to all sorrows--and a solace under all sharp afflictions
(Theodore Cuyler, "Beulah-Land" or, Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims)
"After a little while--you will see Me!" John 16:17
Those sweet tender words, "After a little while," have deep thoughts in them, like the still ocean at the twilight--thoughts too deep for our fathoming. They breathe some precious consolations to those believers whose burdens are heavy--either with care, or poverty, or sickness. Neither shall the mourner weep much longer, or God's poor children carry the pains and privations of poverty much longer. The daily toil to earn the daily bread, the carking care to keep the barrel from running low and the scanty "cruse" from running out--will soon be over. Cheer up, my brother! "After a little while--you will see Me!" says your blessed Master, "for I am going to prepare a place for you!"
Oh the infinite sweep of that glorious transition! A few years here in a poor dwelling, whose rent it is hard to pay--and then infinite ages in the palace of the King of kings! Here a scanty table and coarse clothing--and yonder a robe of resplendent light at the marriage-supper of the Lamb! Let this blissful thought put new courage into your soul, and fresh sunshine into your countenance!
I sometimes go into a sick chamber where the godly are suffering with no prospect of recovery. Perhaps the eyes of some of those chronic invalids may fall upon this article. My dear friends, put under your pillows these sweet words of Jesus, "After a little while--you will see Me!" It is only for a little while--that you are to serve your Master by patient submission to His holy will. That chronic suffering--will soon be over. That disease which no earthly physician can cure--will soon be cured by your Divine Physician, who by the touch of His messenger death, will cure you in an instant, and bring you into the perfect health of Heaven! You will exchange this weary bed of pain--for that crystal air in which none shall ever say, "I am sick;" neither shall there be any more pain.
Not only to the sick and to the poverty-stricken children of God, do these tender words of our Redeemer bring solace. Let these words bring a healing balm to hearts that are smarting under unkindness, or wounded by neglect, or pining under privations, or bleeding under sharp bereavements. I offer them as a sedative to all sorrows--and a solace under all sharp afflictions. "After a little while--you will see Me!" The sight of Him shall wipe out all the memories of the darkest hours through which you made your way through this wilderness world--to mansions of glory!
"A few more struggles here,
A few more conflicts more,
A little while of toils and tears--
Then we shall weep no more!"
May God help us all to be faithful--only for a little while--and then comes the unfading crown of glory!
(Theodore Cuyler, "Beulah-Land" or, Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims)
"After a little while--you will see Me!" John 16:17
Those sweet tender words, "After a little while," have deep thoughts in them, like the still ocean at the twilight--thoughts too deep for our fathoming. They breathe some precious consolations to those believers whose burdens are heavy--either with care, or poverty, or sickness. Neither shall the mourner weep much longer, or God's poor children carry the pains and privations of poverty much longer. The daily toil to earn the daily bread, the carking care to keep the barrel from running low and the scanty "cruse" from running out--will soon be over. Cheer up, my brother! "After a little while--you will see Me!" says your blessed Master, "for I am going to prepare a place for you!"
Oh the infinite sweep of that glorious transition! A few years here in a poor dwelling, whose rent it is hard to pay--and then infinite ages in the palace of the King of kings! Here a scanty table and coarse clothing--and yonder a robe of resplendent light at the marriage-supper of the Lamb! Let this blissful thought put new courage into your soul, and fresh sunshine into your countenance!
I sometimes go into a sick chamber where the godly are suffering with no prospect of recovery. Perhaps the eyes of some of those chronic invalids may fall upon this article. My dear friends, put under your pillows these sweet words of Jesus, "After a little while--you will see Me!" It is only for a little while--that you are to serve your Master by patient submission to His holy will. That chronic suffering--will soon be over. That disease which no earthly physician can cure--will soon be cured by your Divine Physician, who by the touch of His messenger death, will cure you in an instant, and bring you into the perfect health of Heaven! You will exchange this weary bed of pain--for that crystal air in which none shall ever say, "I am sick;" neither shall there be any more pain.
Not only to the sick and to the poverty-stricken children of God, do these tender words of our Redeemer bring solace. Let these words bring a healing balm to hearts that are smarting under unkindness, or wounded by neglect, or pining under privations, or bleeding under sharp bereavements. I offer them as a sedative to all sorrows--and a solace under all sharp afflictions. "After a little while--you will see Me!" The sight of Him shall wipe out all the memories of the darkest hours through which you made your way through this wilderness world--to mansions of glory!
"A few more struggles here,
A few more conflicts more,
A little while of toils and tears--
Then we shall weep no more!"
May God help us all to be faithful--only for a little while--and then comes the unfading crown of glory!
If a man can still pray
Now, while a man can pray he is never far from light; he is at the window, though, perhaps, as yet the curtains are not drawn aside. The man who can pray has the clue in his hand by which to escape from the labyrinth of affliction. Like the trees in winter, we may say of the praying man, when his heart is greatly troubled, “his substance is in him, though he has lost his leaves.” Prayer is the soul’s breath, and if it breathes it lives, and, living it will gather strength again. A man must have true and eternal life within him while he can continue still to pray, and while there is such life there is assured hope.
He Ever Lives!
He Ever Lives!
James Smith, 1855
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he ever lives to intercede for them!" Hebrews 7:25
He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He ascended to Heaven to plead our cause with his Father, and he ever lives at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This is a most delightful fact. It is full of comfort. It should often engage our minds. It should fill us with peace and joy.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he LOVES his redeemed people. He cannot but love his people. They are part of himself. They are dearer to his heart than all other created objects. He lives to love them, and he loves to live for them. He loves them every moment. He loves them with a love . . .
as vast as infinity,
stronger than death,
as changeless as his nature,
and as lasting as eternity.
"He ever lives." And while he lives — he CARES for us. His thoughts are filled with his people's concerns. He cares for them all — and for all that concerns them. His care is incessant. It is . . .
a father's care, for his beloved family;
a husband's care, for his chosen bride;
a shepherd's care, for his valued flock.
He cares for their bodies. He cares for their souls. He lives to care for them, and will care for them while he lives.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he WATCHES over us. His eye is ever upon us. Nothing can divert it from us. He never loses sight of one of his people for a moment.
No refiner ever watched his gold, during the process of purification, with such interest.
No mother ever watched over a sick child with such tender affection.
No husband ever watched over the desire of his eyes, in the article of death, with half such affection or concern, as Jesus watches over his people.
His eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cries. He watches over them for good, to preserve, sanctify, and bless them.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he PROVIDES for us. He knows our needs. He is well acquainted with all our circumstances. He is intensely interested in our welfare. He has the resources of time and eternity at his command. He is pledged to supply us. He never forgets his promises. He will not forfeit his Word. Our supplies are certain, for he lives to provide them, to impart them, and to bless them. Blessed thought! Jesus lives as Jehovah Jireh, as our constant, kind, and careful provider!
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he LISTENS to us. His ear and his heart are always open.
He hears . . .
the softest sigh,
the most suppressed groan, and
the silent breathings of the soul.
He catches every desire.
He knows every wish.
He bows to hear every prayer.
He loves to hear us call upon his name, and tell out our trials, troubles, and temptations unto him. Nothing delights him more, than to hear us pour out our hearts before him, plead his precious promises, and ask him in faith for the blessings we need.
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he INTERCEDES for us. This is his present employment. He uses all his influence for us. He pleads his precious blood — his perfect righteousness — his relationship to his Father — and the promises made to him in the everlasting covenant. What a mercy is this, that when our hearts are hard, our affections cold, and our spirits straitened — Jesus pleads for us. Yes, at this very moment, while the eye is passing over these lines — Jesus is presenting his nail-pierced hands, his opened side, and his thorn-crowned brow — for us!
In life, and all its trials;
in death, and its unknown sufferings;
in health, and its pleasures;
in sickness, with its weakness and pains;
in prosperity, with its allurements; and
in adversity, with its temptations —
Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us!
Precious pleader! I would put my entire cause into your hand, and leave all my affairs with you.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall LIVE. His own words are, "Because I live — you shall live also" (John 14:19). He has united us with himself. We are really one with him. He is our life. He lives in us, and we live by him. Nothing can ever separate us from him. He is the vine — and we the branches. He is the head — and we are the members of his body. He has identified himself with us — and our concerns with his.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be JUSTIFIED. "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).
Dying — he put away our sins.
Rising — he secured our release.
As Advocate — he carries our cause.
The sin he atoned for, is pardoned.
The righteousness he wrought, is imputed.
The people he represents, are justified.
Those justified by his obedience, are safe.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be SAVED. "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10 ).
His death procured our release.
His resurrection, procured our justification.
His admission to Heaven, procured our acceptance with the Father.
His life of intercession secures our endless salvation.
He says of us, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand!" His heart is set upon their salvation, and nothing short of this will ever satisfy him. He travailed in death for us — he rejoiced in our new creation — he is pledged to be ever with us — and he will keep us unto his eternal kingdom and glory. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." He will present us to his Father at last, and say, "Here am I, Father, and the children which you have given me, not one of them is lost!"
Does Jesus ever live?
Then let your faith be strong.
Believe his Word.
Confide in his faithfulness.
Expect his blessing.
Look for his glorious appearing.
Wait patiently his time.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your HOPE be lively. His Word is true. His heart is kind. His mercy is everlasting. His promises shall be fulfilled. Expect him . . .
to do as he has promised;
to give as you need;
to answer your prayers;
to guide you by his counsel, and
afterward receive you to glory.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your COURAGE live. Hear him speak to his servant John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell!" (Revelation 1:17-18 ).
"He ever lives;" think of this truth!
In seasons of sorrow, it will console you;
under bereavements, it will support you;
in the prospect of death, it will animate you.
James Smith, 1855
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he ever lives to intercede for them!" Hebrews 7:25
He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification. He ascended to Heaven to plead our cause with his Father, and he ever lives at the right hand of the Majesty on high. This is a most delightful fact. It is full of comfort. It should often engage our minds. It should fill us with peace and joy.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he LOVES his redeemed people. He cannot but love his people. They are part of himself. They are dearer to his heart than all other created objects. He lives to love them, and he loves to live for them. He loves them every moment. He loves them with a love . . .
as vast as infinity,
stronger than death,
as changeless as his nature,
and as lasting as eternity.
"He ever lives." And while he lives — he CARES for us. His thoughts are filled with his people's concerns. He cares for them all — and for all that concerns them. His care is incessant. It is . . .
a father's care, for his beloved family;
a husband's care, for his chosen bride;
a shepherd's care, for his valued flock.
He cares for their bodies. He cares for their souls. He lives to care for them, and will care for them while he lives.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he WATCHES over us. His eye is ever upon us. Nothing can divert it from us. He never loses sight of one of his people for a moment.
No refiner ever watched his gold, during the process of purification, with such interest.
No mother ever watched over a sick child with such tender affection.
No husband ever watched over the desire of his eyes, in the article of death, with half such affection or concern, as Jesus watches over his people.
His eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cries. He watches over them for good, to preserve, sanctify, and bless them.
"He ever lives," and while he lives — he PROVIDES for us. He knows our needs. He is well acquainted with all our circumstances. He is intensely interested in our welfare. He has the resources of time and eternity at his command. He is pledged to supply us. He never forgets his promises. He will not forfeit his Word. Our supplies are certain, for he lives to provide them, to impart them, and to bless them. Blessed thought! Jesus lives as Jehovah Jireh, as our constant, kind, and careful provider!
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he LISTENS to us. His ear and his heart are always open.
He hears . . .
the softest sigh,
the most suppressed groan, and
the silent breathings of the soul.
He catches every desire.
He knows every wish.
He bows to hear every prayer.
He loves to hear us call upon his name, and tell out our trials, troubles, and temptations unto him. Nothing delights him more, than to hear us pour out our hearts before him, plead his precious promises, and ask him in faith for the blessings we need.
"He ever lives" and while he lives — he INTERCEDES for us. This is his present employment. He uses all his influence for us. He pleads his precious blood — his perfect righteousness — his relationship to his Father — and the promises made to him in the everlasting covenant. What a mercy is this, that when our hearts are hard, our affections cold, and our spirits straitened — Jesus pleads for us. Yes, at this very moment, while the eye is passing over these lines — Jesus is presenting his nail-pierced hands, his opened side, and his thorn-crowned brow — for us!
In life, and all its trials;
in death, and its unknown sufferings;
in health, and its pleasures;
in sickness, with its weakness and pains;
in prosperity, with its allurements; and
in adversity, with its temptations —
Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us!
Precious pleader! I would put my entire cause into your hand, and leave all my affairs with you.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall LIVE. His own words are, "Because I live — you shall live also" (John 14:19). He has united us with himself. We are really one with him. He is our life. He lives in us, and we live by him. Nothing can ever separate us from him. He is the vine — and we the branches. He is the head — and we are the members of his body. He has identified himself with us — and our concerns with his.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be JUSTIFIED. "Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34).
Dying — he put away our sins.
Rising — he secured our release.
As Advocate — he carries our cause.
The sin he atoned for, is pardoned.
The righteousness he wrought, is imputed.
The people he represents, are justified.
Those justified by his obedience, are safe.
"He ever lives," and therefore we shall be SAVED. "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:10 ).
His death procured our release.
His resurrection, procured our justification.
His admission to Heaven, procured our acceptance with the Father.
His life of intercession secures our endless salvation.
He says of us, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand!" His heart is set upon their salvation, and nothing short of this will ever satisfy him. He travailed in death for us — he rejoiced in our new creation — he is pledged to be ever with us — and he will keep us unto his eternal kingdom and glory. "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." He will present us to his Father at last, and say, "Here am I, Father, and the children which you have given me, not one of them is lost!"
Does Jesus ever live?
Then let your faith be strong.
Believe his Word.
Confide in his faithfulness.
Expect his blessing.
Look for his glorious appearing.
Wait patiently his time.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your HOPE be lively. His Word is true. His heart is kind. His mercy is everlasting. His promises shall be fulfilled. Expect him . . .
to do as he has promised;
to give as you need;
to answer your prayers;
to guide you by his counsel, and
afterward receive you to glory.
Does Jesus ever live? Then let your COURAGE live. Hear him speak to his servant John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hell!" (Revelation 1:17-18 ).
"He ever lives;" think of this truth!
In seasons of sorrow, it will console you;
under bereavements, it will support you;
in the prospect of death, it will animate you.
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