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Title: Choice sayings
Notes of expositions of the Scriptures, revised by R.C. Chapman
Author: R. W. Chapman
Release date: January 4, 2025 [eBook #75038]
Language: English
Original publication: London: Robert C. Chapman, 1883
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHOICE SAYINGS ***
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| Choice Sayings. |
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Choice Sayings.
BEING NOTES OF
EXPOSITIONS OF THE SCRIPTURES
Revised by
ROBERT C. CHAPMAN
NEW EDITION.
LONDON: MORGAN AND SCOTT,
Office of "The Christian,"
12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS.
And may be ordered of any Bookseller.
Contents
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The Gospel
The Law and the Gospel
The Scriptures
The Natural Man and his Religion
Sin
Confession of Sin
Conscience
The Cross of Christ
Human Nature
Faith
Communion with God
Christ
Christ and the Church
The Holy Spirit
Christ's Example
The Trial of Faith
The Calling of the Church
The "New Creature"
Unbelief
The Sins of Believers
The Coming of the Lord
Prayer
Conflict
Service
Service to Christ
Forgiveness
Poverty of Spirit
Evil Passions
Self-Knowledge and Self-Judgement
Humility and Self-Abasement
Circumstances
Strength and Continuance
Character
Obedience
Cares
Chastisement
Discipline
Experience
A Sound Mind
Dangers and Temptations
The Christian's Walk
Trial of the Servants of Christ
Dealing with the Faults of Others
Evil Speaking
Deep and Silent Work
Little Things
Fruit
Christian Communion
Love
Justice and Judgement
The Love of God
The Heart and its Deceitfulness
The Form of Godliness
Salvation, Justification, Pardon
God's Wise and Gracious Dealings
Obedience
Watchfulness and Self-denial
Temptations and Falls
Prayer
Answers to Prayer
Holiness
The Secret Life and the Daily Path
The Day of Small Things
The Believer's Testimony to Others
Happiness, Joy, Comfort, and Peace
Church Discipline
The Servants of the Lord
Spiritual Warfare
God's Deeper Dealings
Pleasing the Lord
Providences
Gratitude
Praise
The Gospel
The very first sigh on account of sin which is begotten in the
heart of a sinner by the Holy Spirit, is the beginning of an
eternal communion with God.
Among hearers of the Gospel God remembers the sins of those only
who remember not the blood of Jesus.
If God build His glory upon Christ, shall not we build on Him
our hope of salvation?
Do we heartily renounce our own righteousness? and are we looking
only to the atoning blood of Jesus for justification and sanctification?
If so, we are poor sinners saved by grace.
The very commandment of God—"Repent"—shows a dispensation
above the law, and supposes a fountain of grace in the heart
of God. Were there not forgiveness with God, there could have
been no commandment to repent.
As divine justice was honoured by the condemnation and cross
of Christ, the Head, so is the same justice honoured by the salvation
of the members.
The natural man has no apprehension of the Gospel. "What must
I do?" is ever his cry. Man has done his work perfectly—that
of self-destruction. He is wholly bent upon evil, altogether
ruined. Hence he is a fitting object for the Gospel of God.
Unbelief is the height of presumption: it plainly proves that
we are seeking for some cause of God's love in the creature,
which can never be.
It is among the highest provocations the sinner can be guilty
of against God, when, without the blood of Christ sprinkled on
his conscience, he, in will-worship, calls God his Father.
No cup of poison so deadly as that mingled cup of law and grace,
of works and faith, which is presented to men by false teachers,
instead of the Gospel of the grace of God. Yet, alas, do men
gladly receive, and eagerly drink, seeking to satisfy conscience!
To seek healing of soul from duties instead of the blood of Christ,
is taking poison to cure disease.
When we would consider the love of God in Christ, we are as one
approaching the ocean: he casts a glance on the surface, but
the depths he cannot sound.
The Law and the Gospel
Yet a sinner look at himself in the glass of God's holiness,
he must see his own condemnation; but by faith in Jesus he beholds
himself free from condemnation, and stands before God in Christ
as Christ Himself.
The Law was magnified by Christ, and made honourable; and therefore
God in His righteousness must magnify for ever Christ and His
members with Him.
Under the Law they laboured first, and rested after (Exod. 20:8-11);
but under the Gospel we rest first, by faith in Jesus, and then
work. The Law begins with commands and ends with blessings; but
the blessings are fruit upon lofty branches, which fallen man
can never reach: he cannot and will not climb the tree. The Gospel,
on the contrary, begins with promises; and promises give birth
to precepts. The Law demands justice; the Gospel delights in
mercy through satisfied justice. Moses blesses the law-doer;
Jesus pardons the guilty and saves the lost.
Every one who hears the Gospel has a door opened to him of escape
from the wrath to come. In the Day of Judgment men shall know
all the past. Forgetful hearers of the Gospel shall then with
gnashing of teeth remember how they once neglected so great salvation
(Heb. 2:3): their worm will never die, their fire never be quenched.
(Mark 9:44.)
No child of Adam has a right to anything from God save the wages
of sin. Justice, apart from grace in Christ's cross, must allot
to every sinner hell for his wages and portion. If the sinner
is to have eternal life, he must have it as a free gift from
God. Alas that thousands of sinners who hear the Gospel will
not have it, because they are too proud to be saved on God's
terms of pure grace!
What is it to obey the Gospel, but to believe the Gospel? Unbelief
says, "I will not receive Christ as a gift from God." Faith,
on the contrary, says, "I want Christ in His fulness; my pinching
poverty makes me glad of so rich and all-sufficient a Saviour."
The Scriptures
There are mysteries of grace and love in every page of the Bible:
it is a thriving soul that finds the Book of God growing more
and more precious.
A careless reader of the Scriptures never made a close walker
with God.
Spread the Bible before the Lord; ask Him to teach you what _your_
ignorance and what _His_ wisdom.
Meditation on the Word of God is the chief means of our growth
in grace: without this even prayer itself will be little better
than an empty form. Meditation nourishes faith, and faith and
prayer are the keys which unlock the hidden treasures of the
word.
We have great need to be prepared for trials of faith and patience
in so great a business as reading the Scriptures with understanding
heart. It is only by faith and patience, and prayerful meditation
of the Word, that we are delivered from imaginations of the flesh
-- from sacrificing to our own net, and burning incense to our
own drag.
The laying open the heart of God is the great design of the Scriptures:
happy the reader who falls in with that design!
The Bible is always a new book to those well acquainted with
it.
We shall never become established in grace until we credit the
Word of God as the selfproving voice of Him who speaks it.
Satan has ten thousand devices for drawing us away from the Scriptures.
This done, we are in his net; and, though our gracious God put
us not to shame by any outward and gross transgression, we shall
become barren and unfruitful.
No believer can flourish in the ways of Christ, unless it be
his custom to deal with God by the Word in the closet.
The children of God in the furnace without a good store of Scripture
in their hearts are always impatient, struggling in self-will
for deliverance, and thereby they do but add fuel to the fire.
If we read the Word of God chiefly to get comfort, we shall have
but little, and that of doubtful kind. Let us put away this selfishness,
and use the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit against the
flesh in us; so will the Scriptures unfold themselves more and
more, and endear Christ to us. That sword, well handled against
the flesh in ourselves, will serve us in good stead against Satan.
The Book of God is a store of manna for God's pilgrim children;
and we ought to see to it that the soul get not sick and loathe
the manna. The great cause of our neglecting the Scriptures is
not want of time, but want of heart, some idol taking the place
of Christ. Satan has been marvellously wise to entice away God's
people from the Scriptures. A child of God who neglects the Scriptures
cannot make it his business to please the Lord of glory: cannot
make Him Lord of the conscience; ruler of the heart; the joy,
portion, and treasure of the soul.
The threatenings of God's Word are designed to discourage men
from their wickedness, and to drive them out of all refuges of
lies to the Saviour. For the utterly self-condemned sinner there
is nothing but encouragement in the whole compass of the Bible.
If it be asked, What is the proof that we digest our spiritual
food? — that our knowledge of God's truth turns to growth in
grace? the answer is, Does it lead us into communion with God,
and submission to His will? Among the marks of true communion
with God, two of the plainest are a spirit of thanksgiving and
a spirit of confession.
The Natural Man and his Religion
The Religion of the Natural Man is made up of pride, ignorance,
and a guilty conscience: these effectually keep the sinner far
from God. Grace, on the contrary, moves us to draw near to God
by the blood of Jesus. It was the obedience of faith that made
Abel the acceptable worshipper.
The fairest things in the world's sight are the foulest in the
sight of God; to wit, the world's Wisdom and the world's Religion.
To judge by the number of creeds in the world, its Religions
are many; yet there are but two—man's Religion and God's.
The former ever builds on the false righteousness of the flesh;
the latter on the rock Christ.
All the Religion of the Natural Man turns the Bible upside down:
it begins with works, and then leads men to hope for mercy. Whereas
the Bible begins with the pardon of sin, and then enjoins obedience.
Nadab and Abihu went up with Moses into the mount with God, yet
afterwards perished while offering strange fire. Were natural
men that profess Christ to be caught up into heaven, and sent
down to earth again, they would be still but Nadabs and Abihus
at enmity with God. The carnal mind must be crucified; it cannot
be mended or improved.
The man who worships God without the new birth is a mocker of
God, not a worshipper.
It is natural to the corrupt heart of man to deny its weakness
and sinfulness, and to boast of its strength and righteousness.
If Adam in his state of uprightness could not uphold himself,
how shall we, his corrupt seed, by native strength rise up out
of our fall?
There are many stirrings of conscience in the Natural Man which
are not grace, though often mistaken for it. Balaam, Saul, and
many others, had such stirrings-conscience pulling one way and
the heart another. Without grace there is no self-abhorrence,
and therefore no looking to the blood of Christ. Where grace is,
the soul desires deliverance from the power of sin as well as
its punishment.
If you be not converted to God, you have not to be doing good
works, but to learn that you can do none, and that you are to
come empty to receive God's gift of eternal life by faith in
Christ Jesus. Your best prayer for mercy is the true confession
of your sin. Made alive in Christ, you are to bring forth fruit
to God. That fruit will not be apples of Sodom or grapes of Gomorrah:
such are all your good works in your natural state-your fruit
will be from Jesus, the true and living vine.
Sin
The perfection of our obedience in the sight of our heavenly
Father lies not so much in _attainment_ as in _endeavour_. Reserves
spoil obedience. We may be dealing honestly with Sin that is
seen outwardly, and yet not skilfully and effectually, because
of not striking at the deep roots of evil within.
God indeed, as our Father in Christ Jesus, does not blame us
for Indwelling Sin; but He does require that we should contend
against it.
It is one thing to be blameless before men, and another to be
aiming at that perfect obedience which Christ rendered to the
Father: "I do always those things that please Him."
The first sign of spiritual life in the soul is generally the
cry of distress from the sight of that which never gave trouble
before—the pollution of Sin. The mere natural man may dread
the punishment of Sin, its uncleanness he cannot feel, he cannot
discern.
David said, "Horror hath taken hold upon me, because of the wicked
that forsake Thy law." If we be spiritually-minded, we shall
in like manner mourn over the unregenerate. Lot did not apprehend
as did Abraham the state of Sodom, because, without God's leading,
he was in it, and, alas! too much of it.
God would ever have us regard Sin in its pollution and guilt,
and deal with it as done against Him. (Ps. 51:4.)
Those who deny the Godhead of Christ, and atonement by His blood,
know not their sickness; and such need not the Physician that
God hath sent, nor the remedy that God hath provided.
It is a great principle of God's government, that a sin not repented
of becomes a seed which greatly multiplies.
The slack conscience that questions the everlasting punishment
of the ungodly, betrays the soul's neglect of solemn dealing
with the death of the Son of God on the tree, and of the testimonies
of the scriptures thereto.
Sin does not lie in being tempted, but in not resisting temptation.
The Lord Jesus Himself was tempted, and, because of His holiness,
suffered pain unspeakable, yet could not be defiled. So far as
we have His mind, we, His members, suffer pain in temptation;
and the greater the pain of the soul the less the defilement.
How precious the words of Rom. 6:10.11! "In that He died, He died
unto Sin once... Likewise reckon ye also yourselves." "He liveth
unto God." We with Him live to God. He died to Sin by dying for
Sin. It was once imputed to Him. He put it away by the sacrifice
of Himself; and now, with the glory of His atonement, lives at
the right hand of God. The poor and needy one, by faith in the
Son of God, is _in_ Christ _as_ Christ in God's sight. Is no
Sin now imputed to Christ? -so none to the believer. Is Christ,
with the glory of His atonement, accepted of God? -so the believer.
The apprehending by faith these great things is the true way
of mortifying Sin. "Sin shall not have dominion over you; for
ye are not under the law, but under grace" (v. 14).
The sinner thinks to improve himself by lopping off this or that
branch of his Sin; knows not that thereby he does but nourish
the evil root.
The greater power we have over Sin, the more intolerable do we
feel the burden of it, and the more earnestly do we seek the
cleansing of that blood which purges the conscience from its
defilement.
Let us not be discouraged by any humiliating discoveries we may
make of the evils of our hearts. God knows them all, and has
provided the blood of Jesus Christ His Son to cleanse us from
all sin.
God regards our Sins with the heart of a father, but not with
the eye of a judge; for his sin-avenging justice has no further
demands: the cross made satisfaction.
The imaginations of man's heart are only evil continually. Oh
to come to close quarters with this truth! to be willing to be
judged by it! There must be something more than man's own will
for this; there must be the working of the Spirit of God.
We little know the deep mysteries of the human heart: it is because
of our deep sin and pride that we bear correction with so much
impatience; but if we had a dangerous malady, and knew it, we
should not complain of the bitter taste and troublesome effects
of the medicine given us to heal our disease.
Romans 8:13.14. _One_ blow will sometimes take the life of the
body; but to mortify sin we must be _always_ striking, because
Sin is always struggling.
If we contend with Sin, be assured that we shall be victorious
sooner or later: there is not a single sin but the defiling power
thereof may be subdued. (1 John 1:7.)
The so-called innocent amusements of the world are only contrivances
to forget God.
It is the nature of Sin to obtain great power by little beginnings.
Confession of Sin
Soon as the word is uttered, "I have sinned," that very moment
flies the seraph. (Isa. 6) God "is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins." When we confess them in the name of Jesus, justice,
having been satisfied by the blood of Christ, is swift to pardon.
God cannot seal a pardon in the soul without confession. (Ps.
32:3-5.)
As we practise confession, so will be our happiness and joy;
for all true confession is followed by the spirit of praise.
If in coming to God we complain against ourselves, let us thank
Him that we have a heart to complain.
The Spirit of God never heals save as He wounds; and if those
seeking Christ have not peace, it is because there is still in
them some remnant of fancied goodness. Tell out the whole heart
to God, and the conscience will be cleansed by confessing sin
over the head of the scapegoat.
There is a counterfeit Confession of Sin; let us beware of this
counterfeit. We may be sure the sorrow is not deep if the sin
be not subdued.
If so be we are ready in the confession of our faults, and have
faith in the blood of sprinkling, those very faults will serve
our growth in grace: they will be like manure to the field or
garden.
God kills to make alive. He smites men's consciences to make
them judge themselves. The first great step when a man desires
to be saved is unqualified self-condemnation. Sin unconfessed
is imputed; but sin confessed is blotted out by God. The sinner,
coming in the name of Jesus, has a _title_ to life: the ground
of that title is the very name and justice of God.
We should confess to God every inward evil as soon as it is discovered
to us: and if we have trespassed against our brother, to Him
also we should speedily make confession. By so doing we shall
keep up the communion of love with God and with each other.
It was the imputation of our sins to Christ that hid from Him
the face of God the Father. It is our unconfessed disobedience
that brings a cloud between Christ and us.
When on entering a house I see a child in disgrace for disobedience,
although I tenderly consider the erring child, I especially feel
with the grieved, sorrowing parent. When we sin, and are chastened
of God, we should rather consider how the heart of our heavenly
Father has by us been grieved, than be taken up with the smart
of our stripes by His rod of correction.
If we practise the true Confession of Sin, and so cease to grieve
the Holy Spirit of God, we shall have the testimony of the Spirit
that the ear, thumb, and toe, are tipped with blood and oil.
Keep no secrets from God. Confession of Sin to Him in all detail
will greatly help us in the subduing it.
The sinful thought of the heart is, in the sight of God, the
act: evils in life always proceed from evils nourished in the
heart.
Do we think that God is pleased with shallow confessions of deep
sins? Compare Job 40:4 with 42:2-6.
After we have been able, by the grace of God, to subdue any besetting
sin, and it seems to be dead, let us still be confessing to God
that it is _within us_. By thus doing we shall show that we are
not living on the victory but on God Himself. Indwelling sin
will be thus regarded by the eye of our Father rather as our
sickness than our fault.
All unconfessed sin has power over us; but all confessed sin
God helps us to subdue: He will never blame us for sins confessed.
The speediest confession is the easiest and the best.
Conscience
When peace reigns in the Conscience there is always power over
sin. Peace is like a sentinel that keeps guard at the door of
the heart; if the sentinel be off his post, either the tumult
within drowns the voice of the Spirit, or, because of the stillness
of death, his voice is not heard.
A guilty Conscience is one of Satan's great weapons against the
children of God: faith can only be bold as the Conscience is
clean.
There is no trial to the believer like guilt upon the Conscience;
but it is the triumph of faith to see guilt removed by the atoning
blood of Christ. A very little stain upon the Conscience makes
a wide breach in our communion with God.
If we have a doubt upon our minds upon any point, we should go
straight to Jesus to get it solved. Love abhors a winding course.
If the Conscience be not rightly instructed, it becomes a tool
for Satan; if it speaks a false peace, it works ruin; and if
it does not speak peace at all, it is a tormentor.
We should never deal lightly with the whispers of a doubtful
Conscience.
Let Christ keep the heart, and the heart shall keep the life.
Our lack of walking in the Spirit often moves others to like
negligence.
How great a blessing is a tender Conscience; one that will discern
and deal with a little sin—that will lead us to say, "Search
me, O God!" In this state we not only grieve at an angry thought,
or an outbreak of temper, but even for a thought of unbelief
that may but _glance_ across the mind.
The pardon of sin sealed on the Conscience strengthens the soul
for communion with God; whilst guilt on the Conscience drives
us from God. These are noiseless things in the world, but great
things with God.
The child of God should remember that he has the root of every
evil within him: if he take not heed to tend the garden of his
Conscience, evil weeds will spring up and grow; especially will
the besetting sins of his unconverted days be his plague.
A scrupulous Conscience comes of the flesh, and ignorance of
God's will; but a good Conscience is among the best of God's
blessings, for it is cleansed by the blood of Christ, and enlightened
by the scriptures and the Spirit of God.
We must deal with our Consciences as people do with their houses:
if they would keep their dwellings clean, they must day by day
be cleaning.
A spiritual Conscience deals most with the evil of the heart;
but when the conscience is not spiritual, the heart is the last
thing dealt with.
A rebuke from the Lord duly regarded will lead us into safe paths,
whilst a rebuke not heeded is the forerunner of sharp correction.
The heavenly Conscience never says, "_Must_ I give up this? _must_
I give up that" for this pleases not the heart of Christ.
Have I faith and a good Conscience? then I can leave everything
to God—let Him give, or take, or withhold as He pleases.
A pure Conscience is a conscience so thoroughly purged by the
blood of Christ, that it makes the soul, as it were, a mirror
wherein is seen the face of our heavenly Father.
A tender Conscience concerning unbelief and its slightest stirrings,
will greatly help us in our path of obedience, and in our walk
with God.
We ought to be ever trying our Consciences by the Word of God,
and helping our neighbours to do the same. It would indeed be
a blessing to the saints, were they to exercise themselves in
judging everything by the Scriptures. A child of God may walk
unblameably in men's eyes, yet have little of the mind of Christ,
and little of the spirit of communion: his Conscience may be
in so small a measure guided by the word of God, that as to edifying
others, he is little better than a piece of lumber.
The Cross of Christ
The Cross of Christ is the life of all true communion with God,
and those who draw nearest to God best know the mystery of that
Cross.
If the sufferings of Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient
unto death—the death of the Cross, be much in my heart, I
shall see my worst enemy to be pride, especially pride of wisdom,
and pride of righteousness. I shall charge my soul, as did the
king of Syria his captains: "Fight neither with small nor great,
save only with the king of Israel." In my soul's warfare let
pride be subdued, and every other sin is held in chains.
It is the secret of the prevention and cure of all evil to begin,
and go through, each day, with the Cross of Christ. (John 6:56.)
The precepts of Scripture are given to guide the life of a Christian,
and their claims are all founded on the Cross of Christ.
In the Cross of Christ is life; in the way of His precepts, liberty.
Let us take up every cross that lies in our way—cut off the
right hand and pluck out the right eye: the blessing must come
down.
By the Cross of Christ the world is crucified to us, and we are
crucified to the world; whilst we, through the Spirit, are mortifying
the deeds of the body, we are gaining by all our losses, and
have good success even by that which the flesh accounts bitter
disappointment.
There is virtue in the name of Christ to make this vale of tears
a fruitful, pleasant place.
He who most walks in fellowship with God has the deepest and
truest apprehension of Christ. Such a one will love to consider
how He who was in the form of God, emptied Himself of His state
of pure equality with God; how the Word made flesh, at every
step of His humiliation, above all on the cross, made manifest
His glory. Of all the works of God, redemption is the greatest.
It is only in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ that the perfections
of God are fully manifested; and of that Cross we can have no
true understanding, save by the Holy Scriptures and by the Holy
Spirit of God.
When the Son of God had taken on Him the form of a servant, He
could say, "My Father is greater than I;" but His obedience showed
Him to be equal with God: obedience unto the death of the Cross
was such as only the Son of God could be called unto, and only
He could render.
From the sixth to the ninth hour there was darkness over the
land; darkness at noon-day. In the proper natural course of the
love of God the Father towards His Son, the Father's countenance
must have been ever lifted up on the Lord Jesus; but Christ was
the Surety of the better covenant, and God must deal as a sin-revenging
judge with His own Son on the cross as our surety and sin-bearer:
"Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." The land is a type
of Christ; and while from the sixth to the ninth hour, the course
of the old creation was suffering, in regard to the land, strange
and awful interruption, even thick darkness at noon, thereby
was shown forth the greatest work, the greatest event of the
new creation; God not sparing His own Son, but delivering Him
up for us all; Christ who knew no sin made sin for us, that we
might be made the righteousness of God in Him; Christ made a
curse for us, to redeem us from the curse of the law. The mind
of the Lord Jesus was at every moment one with the mind of God
the Father; but the Lord's obedience grew with growing trial,
and according to demand upon Him: it was on the Cross that He
obeyed to the uttermost; on the Cross He made manifest to the
full His oneness of mind with the Father. Now He dieth no more;
as having once been crucified, and as having glorified the Father
on the earth, He dwells for ever in the bosom of the Father,
in the light of His countenance. By faith we dwell with Christ
the Lord, and learn a little of His Cross: at the resurrection
we shall learn indeed; yet evermore be learning—and evermore
be praising the Lamb that was slain. Be it then ever present
with us in our sojourn here, that Christ, through the eternal
Spirit, _offered Himself_ without spot to God. So shall our hearts
be full of the song, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Jehovah of hosts!"
(Isaiah 6:3.)
Christ's _work_ is the light, life, joy, glory, and perfume of
heaven.
There is no testimony to God's hatred of sin like the Cross of
Christ. There are testimonies thereto above, around, and beneath
us; but in the cross, and that only, we see to the full God's
hatred of sin.
Christ _descended_ lower and lower, even to the depths of the
Cross; but in God's sight it was a perpetual ascent to the throne
of glory.
If with godly sorrow we would grieve for sin, we must regard
it in fellowship with Christ in the light of the Cross.
The law of nature, the law of Moses, and a corrupted gospel,
are so many refuges of lies which men flee to for salvation,
instead of coming to the Cross of Christ.
The Cross of Christ is the meeting-place for God and the sinner.
It is the meeting-place of God with His people. It is also the
meeting-place of saints with one another: it is only as Jesus
crucified dwells in the midst of them that they can meet each
other to profit.
Mercy to Christ, my Surety, would have been death eternal to
me.
In the Cross of Christ the holiness of God is perfectly revealed:
such is His holiness that the heavens are not clean in His sight.
The Scriptures show us that it is by the Cross of Christ God
bears with the ungodly. The justice of God is so magnified by
that Cross, that it can delight in long-suffering towards the
unregenerate; one great end of this long-suffering is the calling
out of the church.
All the trials and all the sufferings of all creatures—were
they heaped together—must not be compared with Christ's sufferings
on the cross.
As the sin avenging God of holiness and justice, God forsook
Christ on the Cross; but He was infinitely well-pleased with
Christ and His death of atonement. God accepted the work of His
beloved Son, and in token of that acceptance, raised Him from
the dead.
Human Nature
The carnal mind ever lies in wait for self-exaltation, and will
catch at any straw for this end.
Deceptions are recorded in God's Word with their corrections,
that we may avoid them: if Abraham deceived, we find him corrected;
if Isaac deceived, he is rebuked; and the deception Jacob practised
on his father was visited upon him for almost all his life. If
David and Jonathan had agreed to cast themselves only upon God,
how much after-trouble would have been prevented! (1 Sam. 20
and on.)
Correction does not always consist in bitter things coming upon
us, but it may be in our failing to obtain some higher honour,
which, had we walked in greater simplicity, we should have received
from God.
That is the hardest to bear which touches my pride; offended
pride has no bowels, and hearkens to no reason.
Hurry is the working of the flesh; faith, like God, works at
leisure.
Angels have no envy, because they have no pride. Is God glorified?
angels are happy. Let the glory of God be our delight, our meat,
our drink. Love envieth not: if one member be honoured, saith
love, that is my honour, my joy.
Christ must be extolled and be very high in our hearts, if the
unruly flesh and its wayward cravings are to be curbed.
Self-righteousness and carnal wisdom are ringleaders of the enemies
of the soul.
We should deal with our corrupt nature as we would with a notorious
thief,—never trust it.
The greater part of our sorrows arise from mortified pride, thwarted
self-will, and anxious unbelief.
Pride has always an envious eye and an envious tongue: envy is
but the vexation of pride.
It is a mark of true growth in grace and spirituality of mind,
to be looking back and dealing afresh with God respecting past
iniquities. The soul is greatly profited by a tender conscience
dealing before the Lord with the sins of _early youth_. Defects
of character, and feeble resistance of temptation, may be traced
up to neglect of dealing with God through the cross about our
easily besetting sins. Looking back and reviewing our past state
will enable us to read the story of God's present discipline,
and aid us in the present and future growth of our souls.
The gospel of Christ is a more open enemy to the pride of man
than is the law of Moses. Israel received Moses' commandments
with vows of obedience, but said of Christ, "Away with Him! crucify
Him!"
The master-sin of man is independence of God. What is the cure?
Christ the Son of God self-abased, even to the death of the cross.
(Phil. 2:5-8.)
Naaman, the Syrian, was somebody in his own sight; therefore
he was angry at the commandment which made him nothing.
If we think we are undervalued, let us weigh ourselves in God's
balances, and we shall easily bear the slight.
The vauntings of self-exalting man are but the trickery of his
pride, to hide his native vanity from his own eye and his neighbour's.
Man without God may seem something at a distance. Come near him;
be familiar with him; you find him to be nothing. But "blessed
are they that dwell in Thy house; they will be still praising
Thee." Even now, while yet in the earthly house of this tabernacle,
we find that growing acquaintance with God brings with it increase
of reverence and love. Oh, blessed hope! we shall know as we
are known; see face to face and be satisfied; waking up in the
likeness of the Lord.
Many there are who can talk well of the truth of the gospel,
but who, when called to self-denial, taking up crosses, suffering
for Christ's sake, prove sounding brass and tinkling cymbals:
knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
Absalom's vanity let his hair grow long; and his long hair did
the service of the hangman's rope. Let parents hear the warning
voice, and teach their children from earliest days to reckon
the fear of God their best ornament.
Faith
If we act only because our path is clear of difficulty, this
is not Faith. Faith acts upon God's Word whatever the difficulty;
and to walk by faith brings highest glory to God; but it is a
crucifying the flesh.
To be strong in Faith two things are needful,—a very low esteem
of ourselves, and a very high esteem of Christ.
The chief excellency of Faith is that it brings us into fellowship
with God. Abel—the first spoken of in Heb. 11.—is commended,
not because of any great deed in man's account, but because he
worshipped God acceptably. Nevertheless, if we trust God, there
is no limit to the power of Faith, whatever the thing to be done.
God shelters the weak in faith from many a storm, whereby the
strong in faith must be proved. (Gen. 22.)
When a man builds house or ship, he takes heed that no beam be
strained; so God never overtaxes our Faith, but brings in comfort,
knowing our frame, not suffering us to have sorrow upon sorrow,
according to Phil. 2:27.
By neglect of God, and forgetfulness of His word and promise,
our minds may become blinded to plainest things. Isaac, through
self-will and allowing his natural partiality to blind him, would
have set aside as nothing the purposes of God concerning Jacob.
When we are especially strong in Faith, we have especial need
to watch against unbelief (compare 1 Sam. 26:5 and on, with 27:1)
for as the flesh takes great occasion by sin, so by grace; and
no one who studies much that profitable book, his own heart,
but must know it.
Soon after Abraham had greatly trusted God, he through unbelief
denied his wife. Moses, the meekest of men, spake unadvisedly
with his lips. David, the humble, forgiving man, was moved to
proud wrath by the words of Nabal.
Faith, which always acts according to the mind of Christ, stoops
to no unworthy device for deliverance from trial, leaving consequences
wholly with God.
A little increase of Faith works great changes of judgment in
us, and brings forth the otherwise hidden riches of the grace
and wisdom of God: it stirs His power to do wonders for us, dividing
the sea when the waves thereof roar.
Heb. 11:24.—Moses' first great step of Faith was the refusing
to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Yet Moses mistook
the time for delivering Israel by forty years. He was too hasty;
right in point of purpose, not in point of time. He was not content
with the bare doing the will of God; he would straightway accomplish
some great thing. After leaving Pharaoh's house he should have
asked of God further guidance. We need guidance step by step.
"I (saith the Lord) taught Ephraim to go, taking them by their
arms (Hos. 11:3).
Faith looks straight to the command in order to obey it, and
takes the promise for her support. She pushes on her way, regardless
of dangers. Moses must "go forward," though the next step lead
the people into the sea. Whatever appearances may say to us,
it is by advancing in the narrow way of obedience that we prove
the truth of the promises; and the faithfulness, the wisdom,
and the power of our promise-giving God.
We must not be deceived by appearances, but be sustained by promises.
When Jacob looked upon Joseph's coat, which had been brought
to him, he should have said, "I see the coat that is covered
with blood; I _hear_ the report of the death of Joseph; but,
Lord, I _believe_ Thy word—Thy promises concerning the greatness
and the glory of my son: what Thou hast spoken Thou wilt perform."
It is a great proof of the strength and steadiness of Faith when,
diligent in pleasing God, we rise above our obedience to God
Himself.
Grace makes light of sacrifices, because of looking straight
to Jesus.
Unbelief begets all sorts of evils; Faith prevents and cures
them.
Would that the saints of God tried themselves by this test: "How
much do I believe?" instead of "How much do I know?"
We please God by trusting Him; trusting His grace, His love,
His wisdom; trusting without limit: but it is only by little
and little that we come to account our own wisdom folly, and
God's wisdom true wisdom—_wisdom infinite_; then we are able
to yield up ourselves unreservedly unto Him.
Faith labours, and holds on, despite of all appearances, and
in the midst of all difficulties.
Rather let us look by Faith to Christ at God's right hand, than
at the mountain of difficulties before our eyes.
One of the best answers to prayer is to be able to continue in
prayer. (See Matt. 15:21-28.)
Faith perpetually cries to God for its own increase.
All things that are within the compass of God's promises are
within the compass of Faith.
Let Faith lay heart-sins upon Christ, and there will be no plague-spots
upon the skin.
Faith waits upon God; but she waits also for God. Jacob (in Gen.
32:9-12) waited upon God regarding Esau his brother; but he did
not wait for God. Had he done so, he would not have bowed down
(33:3) seven times to his brother: Esau must have bowed down
to him (27:29).
God delights in putting faith to do that which the flesh declares
impossible. Oh, how precious a jewel is that resolute Faith which
walks with God under all circumstances, wrestling against the
powers of darkness, making no bow to the Haman of evil customs,
or evil principles!
We cannot be losers by trusting God, for He is honoured by Faith,
and most honoured when Faith discerns His love and truth behind
a thick cloud of His ways and providence. Happy those who are
thus tried! Thus saith the Lord, "Count it, all joy when ye fall
into divers temptations" (James 2:3). Let us only be clear of
unbelief and a guilty conscience, and we shall hide ourselves
in the rock and pavilion of the Lord, sheltered beneath the wings
of everlasting love till all calamities be overpast.
Faith can bear the test of death and burial, and can sing praises
to God under any circumstances.
A steadfast purpose to trust God, when He seems to unbelief to
be breaking promise, betokens a growth in faith. "Though He slay
me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).
God often encourages the weak in faith by giving speedy answers
to prayer; but the strong in faith will be tested by God's delays.
The prayer of self-will may get its answer, as with the Israelites:
"He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul"
(Ps. 106:15).
Faith is the good cable that, stretched and strained, does not
break in the storm.
Trial humbles the soul and enables it to bear the ripened blessing,
and to carry a full cup with a steady hand. Faith is not discouraged,
but holds on in patience, expecting the promised blessing in
the fitting time.
What is the food and nourishment of Faith? "My flesh is meat
indeed, and My blood is drink indeed" (John 6:55).
To take God at His word is the business of Faith.
Faith can never fail of the reward of perseverance: the Lord
delights in persevering faith.
In trial of faith, let us take heed to our spirit that we trust
God without stint. The soul's repose in Him is His delight; and
He will honour it. Jehovah sitteth King upon the floods, and
faith sits with Him.
Communion with God
God, in His dealings with His froward children, shows the forbearance
of His love; but it is with the obedient that He walks in the
fellowship of His love. In both cases He gets glory to Himself.
Happy are they who live under His smile of approbation.
Fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ, and
the communion of the Spirit, should be the daily household bread
to our souls.
Unless the great truths of God's eternal purpose of grace, and
His electing love, occupy their due place in our hearts, we must
of necessity, more or less, misapprehend all truth: we can neither
fulfil our obligations to God nor even duly discern them.
If we come forth from the closet of communion, the atmosphere
of evil speaking will be to us as the tainted air of some great
city to one that has been breathing the pure air of a mountain-top,
or the fresh breezes of the seashore.
Unless our souls are living in communion with God, the scriptures
will not yield us their strength and nourishment.
There is nothing so teaching as _walking_ with God; nothing so
sifting to the heart and conscience as seeking in all things
to walk before Him; to hear, to speak, and to act for one great
end, namely, to please God, and to do His will from the heart.
The Lord guides us with His eye; that is, He will so guide us,
as to assure us of His guidance. He will deal with us as a tender
mother with her little ones, who suffers them not out of her
sight.
There is no fellowship with God, but through the blood of His
dear Son. It is by this He speaks to us, and calls us children;
and by it we cry, "Abba, Father," pouring out our hearts into
His bosom. And we can speak to Him as we cannot speak to human
ear, because the heart of man is not as the heart of God.
We can never thrive except we seek God in secret; and if we begin
in our closets we shall not end there, we shall also seek and
find Him in the assemblies of the saints.
It is one of the blessed fruits of the habit of walking with
God, that the soul knows what to do when it has displeased God.
"A wounded spirit who can bear?" Yet, even that burden God can
enable us to cast upon Him.
When Abraham first set foot on his pilgrimage, he knew not what
meetings with God were laid up for him: he ventured on the bidding
and promise of God, and his mercies multiplied on him as he advanced.
Whenever we are living _before man_ instead of walking _before
God_, there will be restlessness and disquietude.
It is impossible for God to meet His saints in the way of fellowship,
except in the path of obedience. When they are out of that path,
He meets them with correction, in order to bring them into fellowship
with Himself.
If we see the least trace of the mind of Christ in any one, we
should remember that in such the heart of God delights.
Carelessness about the friendship of Christ is the crying sin
of the church.
When we say, "Lord, bring us near to Thyself," we pray for many
things, which, when they come, will be bitter to our taste. At
such times it is well to remember our Forerunner: He asked to
be glorified; but before heaven was opened to Him and He received
therein, He had to pass through the garden of Gethsemane, and
on the cross to cry, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken
me?"
It ought to be a grievous thing to us to have a wish, however
slight, contrary to the mind of Christ.
As soon as it is our _settled purpose_ to please Christ, He takes
us for His bosom friends.
The more we have of Christ in our hearts, the less room for self.
How sweetly, how pleasantly, may a Christian beguile his way
to glory, by casting all his burden of sin and care upon Jesus,
and walking in love and fellowship with Him all the day long!
He who casts his burdens upon the Lord walks lightly and happily,
as one who has no burden at all.
Communion with Christ can only be kept up by constant watchfulness.
Where there is much love between friends, a cold look is matter
of complaint. Let us be very jealous over ourselves for the Lord;
watching against the least shyness between the soul and Christ.
Keep up constant intercourse with Him; be quick and dexterous
in taking small matters to Him; and the fruit will be growth
of communion.
Though in a season of temptation we may see nothing in ourselves
but what is vile and hateful, our very struggles of love after
Christ betoken His Spirit dwelling within us.
If we would have experience of the sympathy of the Lord Jesus,
we must be much at His cross, and be much occupied with the sorrows
of others.
There is a short road to comfort in affliction that few of God's
people tread; it is to be thinking much more of Christ's blessedness
than of our own sorrow; but, alas! sympathy is for the most part
all on one side. Christ has perfect sympathy with us. Oh that
we had fellowship with Him in His joy at the right hand of God!
Though Christ can be grieved at a thousand things in us that
no eye but His can see, yet none so easily pleased as He by our
little endeavours of love.
Our joy in Christ speaks a language that all hearts can understand,
and is a testimony for Him, such as mere knowledge and utterance
can never give.
It is but a small proof of love to visit a friend who lives next
door, but to go to a distance over hill and dale bespeaks love
indeed. Let us show our love to Christ, by sparing no pains,
no labour, in order to seek Him in prayer, in reading the word,
and in meditation thereon. Let us joyfully surmount all difficulties,
and joyful communion will be our recompense.
If we do anything without taking counsel of God, we—to speak
of Him after the manner of men—hide the matter from Him our
Father, and so grieve His Spirit. We do Him wrong, and ourselves
also, if in anything we have not fellowship with Him.
When it is whispered by the Spirit of God, that He who is at
God's right hand would be honoured if we do such a thing, or
if we do it not—if we disregard the still small voice, although
we may not be put to open shame, we shall miss the smile of approval
so precious to the obedient child.
The cause of lack of communion with God is summed up in this
-- disobedience. Another may take away my substance, or my life,
but cannot spoil me of my communion with God; if I lack this,
I am myself the thief and the robber.
We ought to be always happy in God, and in His ways; if we are
not, we mar the quality of our obedience.
We are never so well prepared for effectual service to man, as
when we are holding fellowship with God.
Let us be skilful to make God's matters ours: then shall we see
that He makes our matters His.
Those who know what it is to deal much with God, know that their
hopes and desires must, as it were, be buried, and that they
must leave it with Him to bring about a resurrection in His own
time and way.
God measures out His communion of love according to diligence
in seeking Him.
It is well for us to shut up our desires within the compass of
trusting and pleasing God.
If our fellowship be with the Father and His dear Son, we shall
know from the character of our Father what are His wishes. Errors
in judgment spring more or less from lack of fellowship with
Him. Acquaintance with His heart of love will enlarge ours.
We have access to God with boldness and confidence through Jesus,
the Son of the Father. Do we tell out our tale at the throne
of grace? Fellowship signifies the opening the heart on both
sides, and that without reserve.
Christ
Christ twice passed the angels by. He sank far below them in
His humiliation; He rose far above them in His exaltation.
If Christ be the life and beauty of our days of sunshine, so
is He the brother born for our adversity; and His love shall
gild and strike through the darkest cloud. Having been once a
sufferer, He communes with His suffering members, and instructs
us to put our trials into a just balance; to call our affliction
light and momentary. (2 Cor. 4:17.18.)
Resting wholly on Christ; ceasing wholly from the works of the
flesh—is the secret of abiding in Him.
Growing acquaintance with Christ makes Him more and more precious
to our souls. If Christ were anything less than unsearchable,
He could not satisfy us—could neither fill the heart, nor
give peace to the conscience.
The strength of love is shown in great things; the tenderness
of love in little things. Christ showed the strength of His love
on the cross by dying and bearing the curse for us; the tenderness
of His love when He said, "Behold My mother!" "Children, have
ye any meat?" "Woman, why weepest thou?"
There was an immeasurable difference between the state of Christ
on the cross when He said, under the terrors of the Judge, "My
God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" and when He said, "Father,
into Thy hands I commend My Spirit."
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil.
2:5). He could not sink lower than His cross: we can no more
fathom the depths of His humiliation than comprehend the glory
of His Godhead. His exaltation answers to His cross. He cannot
rise higher than the right hand of God, nor find sweeter resting-place
from His sufferings and His toil than the bosom of the Father.
His rest and exaltation we must share, being joint-heirs with
Christ; nor will He be satisfied until His members be seated
with Him on His throne. Then let this mind rule and reign in
us which reigned in Christ Jesus (see Phil. 2:5-15); and since
the humble mind, so hard of attainment, must needs go before
honour from God, let us be thankful for all God's discipline,
however bitter, without which pride will not stoop, nor vain
man come to knowledge of himself.
May the fulness of Christ replenish our enlarged hearts day by
day. By communion with Him the soul grows more and more capacious,
and yet acquaintance with Him makes us feel more and more our
own littleness.
Let it be our habit to feed daily upon Christ in secret; thus
shall we eat and drink, discerning the Lord's body, in the assembly
for the supper of the Lord.
Would we be filled with love towards Christ—let us consider
Christ's love towards us in the death of the cross.
Christ and the Church
"How precious, also, are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great
is the sum of them!" (Ps. 139:17). This is the language of Christ,
the Head, regarding the members as one with Himself. The Epistle
to the Ephesians is the beating out of this piece of gold.
Never take a winding path to look for acceptance with God --
go straight to Christ; but when you would look at the children
of God, look well at _Christ first_, and then see the saints
in Him.
Christ calls Himself the Husband of His Church, because the bond
of marriage is the closest and tenderest of all human ties; and
to show the purity of His love, He calls her at the same time
His sister. His tenderness delights to take occasion by the infirmities
of His spouse. She leans on Him, not only for support, protection,
and guidance, but also and chiefly for communion; and leaning
is melted into adoring love, which is to Him as spiced wine.
He sees His own image in the Church, and this is among His chief
joys.
It was the Bridegroom who bare the sins of His spouse in His
own body on the tree. What other burden will He not bear? Even
the troubles that our own folly brings upon us are occasions
to His love, if we do but cast the burden upon Him; but if we
do not judge ourselves, He knows how to chasten us to bring us
to self-judgment, that He may comfort His mourners with His immeasurable
grace and love.
The lonely, the mournful, the friendless, the tempted, the dejected,
the despised, the forsaken, the outcast, Christ will wait on
each one of them, whatever his case, as though that one were
His only charge. By this exact and special oversight of each
member of His body, how precious, how lovely, how glorious, does
Christ appear!
If Christ will not be satisfied with His present glory at the
right hand of God without having His Church, the members of His
body, with Him, how can we be content without Him in this valley
of the shadow of death, this present evil world?
The candlestick in the temple was a type of the Church. It was
for the high priest to supply the oil, to trim the lamp, to watch
and tend it; the light must be ever brightly burning.
The ruin of a kingdom is a little thing in God's sight, in comparison
with division among a handful of sinners redeemed by the blood
of Christ.
When the body is in perfect health, there is a noiseless, perfect
co-operation of the members; so was it with the church at Pentecost,
and so it ought to be with us now.
To reform the Church of God we should always begin with self-reform.
Schisms and divisions will increase so long as we begin with
reforming others. Wisdom is only with the lowly.
Every kind of self-pleasing is rebuked and put down in the 2nd
of Philippians; but, alas! the Church of God in these days is
more like the carnal, puffed up, schismatic Corinthians, than
the lowly saints at Philippi, whose fellowship in the Spirit
made glad the heart of Paul.
The new creation is God's delight; of that new creation Christ
is the Head; as one with the Church Christ stands before God.
The Church, the body of Christ, cannot rise above its present
low estate, until there be a conscience in the members of fulfilling
each one his office in the body.
While I mourn over schisms and divisions in the Church of God
I justify God, and bless Him for the wisdom and equity of His
discipline: He gives us to reap as we sow.
The titles given to the Church in Scripture bespeak heavenly
unity, such as "the body," "the vine," "temple of God," "a holy
nation," "a chosen generation," "a royal priesthood." Such words
set forth the church of God as a witness for Him in the world;
but the names which have been invented by men are names of sects,
and declare our shame.
The Church of God is a field that needs double ploughing.
Christ ever enjoys perfect communion with His Father; He craves
also communion with us His members (Rev. 3:20); and when this
is denied Him by our ways of selfishness, He turns to the Father,
and finds joy and rest in communion with Him. The mourners in
the Church of God over its low estate must in like manner betake
themselves to the Father and the Son, for fellowship by the Spirit,
when they cannot find what their hearts long after among their
brethren.
The ark of God at Jordan went before the people—was in their
midst—followed after. Christ is the leader, the rereward,
and the glory in the midst of the Church; their life, and bond
of fellowship.
As Christ is the brightness of the glory of the Father, so is
the Church the brightness of Christ's glory. He, as the Sun of
righteousness, sheds forth, through the church, the beams of
His light.
As without Christ the perfections of the Father were not manifested,
so the glory of Christ was not shown until His body the Church,
which is His fulness, was manifested. But the Church does not
shine by native excellency; she is made up of those who, being
by nature vile and of the earth, are created anew by the Spirit
of God. The life, beauty, and glory of the Church are all from
Christ her Lord derived. Whereas Christ is by nature the brightness
of the Father's glory.
The Holy Spirit
How sure a teacher is the Spirit of Truth! He "searcheth all
things: yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10). He comprehends
the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, and all the windings
of the heart of man. He is the Paraclete within us, pleading
for Christ with our heart, printing the name of Jesus on its
fleshly tables, and causing us to increase in the knowledge of
God. We never give up what by His anointing we have once embraced;
it is graven on the heart as with the point of a diamond.
The Spirit of God, who is of one mind with Christ, the Son of
God, dwells in believers by virtue of their oneness with Christ;
and, although so often grieved, will never give up to destruction
any one, even the weakest, of Christ's members.
God always dwells by His Holy Spirit in His people. Let us be
careful not to grieve this glorious Paraclete. Let us be looking
continually at the blood of Christ, and watch against little
trespasses, little breaches of love, suspicions, rash censures,
and coldness of heart.
By the mere natural understanding men may learn much of the truth
of God, but afterwards renounce and deny it. If by the Spirit's
unction we learn anything, we hold it fast. His true teaching
carries with it assurance to the soul that it is God's truth
we are learning. Of this assurance Satan has his counterfeit,
and only by walking humbly with God shall we detect the fraud.
Christ's Example
"He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk,
even as He walked" (1 John 2:6). Christ's Example is our rule.
It is to the Christian what imperial weights and measures are
to men of traffic: from that standard there is no appeal.
It is not in every _act_ of the blessed Lord that we should follow
Him; but the mind of Christ is always our pattern. Instance:
His forty days' fasting. His precepts will guide us to discern
His mind in considering His acts.
Adam, by creation God's servant, brake away from the yoke: Christ,
the Son of God, took on Him the servant's form.
The children of God cannot grow in the knowledge of their own
hearts, unless they be accustomed to set the Example of Christ
before their inward eye. We ought to try our spirits, aims, thoughts,
and desires, by the example of Christ. If we do this, we shall
discern the current of self-willed pride running through our
corrupt nature. A great discovery!
The Saviour was especially pleasing to God when He was dumb,
and opened not His mouth—doing nothing, only suffering the
will of God. It is well with us when treading in our Master's
steps.
The child of God proves the strength and grace of His heavenly
Father only as he walks in the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Trial of Faith
We are to distinguish between Trial of Faith and chastisement:
in the former case we readily bow, and bring forth fruits of
grace; but if we be rebellious, we are under correction.
Paul's thorn in the flesh was God's gift to preserve him from
pride, although it was the messenger of Satan to buffet him.
Thus God uses the Wicked One for our profit, for the glory of
His all-sufficient grace, and for the Tempter's confusion.
Our trials are needful now for the exercise and growth of faith,
and no less needful for our joy and glory at the appearing of
the Lord.
Temptation to sin is painful to us only as we are sanctified
by the Spirit of grace, and walk with God.
We ought not to wish for deliverance from trial until the trial
has done its office. Shall the gold be taken out of the furnace
before the dross has been consumed?
Faith's expectation in the day of trouble is large showers of
blessing.
Sorrow and temptation (Pet. 1:6.7) are the seeds of joy and praise.
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Ps. 126:5).
Confidence in God proves itself in time of Trial; it grows in
the day of battle. David, in the valley of Elah, was most bold
when the giant cursed him, and drew nigh to slay him.
God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places
in Christ: we have oneness with Christ; we have faith and the
Spirit: what more, then, do we need but the Trial of Faith and
the Spirit's fellowship?
If we have a steadfast purpose to overcome temptation, sooner
or later we surely prevail. Abraham, through the weakness of
the flesh, did not leave his father when God commanded him to
go into the land of Canaan; but it was his steadfast purpose
to obey God; so that at the last, when he offered up Isaac, he
conferred not with flesh and blood.
Are we content to leave our cause in the hands of God? Job should
have done this at the first; but by justifying himself he increased
his trouble.
James 1:2. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations."
There is grace in Christ for our fulfilling the precept.
If, being tried, I am entangled in unbelief, I cannot count my
Trial joy; so to do, I must by the Spirit's power resist the
Tempter.
Satan has no pity on us, be we sick or well: if he leave us for
a season, it is because the time decreed is spent, and he cannot
exceed his commission.
Faith never expects to learn _deep_ lessons without _deep_ difficulties;
therefore she is not surprised by strange and dark providences.
How many are apt to say, "My temptation is peculiar!" But we
should remember that it is the peculiar aggravations which make
a trial effectual, and should not forget the word, "There hath
no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man" (1 Cor.
10:13).
Our faith is greatly strengthened when we are brought to see
that no arm but God's can help; no wisdom but His can guide;
and no love but His can satisfy.
The thickest cloud brings the heaviest shower of blessings.
Those very circumstances which make unbelief despond are meat
and drink to faith.
Satan is employed for God's people—for their discipline, their
correction, their sifting, but not for their destruction.
Christ often wounds in order to heal; and if He give pain it
is that we may find peace and rest in Himself. His wounds are
full of kindness, and always tend to life, and health, and peace.
We often make this great mistake—we expect in the kingdom
of patience what is only promised in the kingdom of glory; and
we ask God rather for deliverance from the warfare than grace
for it as long as He is pleased that it shall last. Our impatience
for victory often increases the heat of the battle.
To preserve _purity of life_ in time of temptation, we must take
constant heed to _purity of thought_.
God has settled in heaven certain Trials of our Faith, which
will as surely befal us as the crown of glory be given us at
Christ's appearing. God's purposes of grace are a golden chain;
not a link must be missing.
Temptations which find us dwelling in God are to our faith like
winds that more firmly root the tree. (James 1:2-4.)
How much of adversity do we need in order to bring down the lofty
thoughts within us! A knowledge of our own weakness is generally
learnt through humiliation and suffering.
Those trials which put our wisdom to confusion, thwart our pride,
and starve the lusts of the flesh, best fit and enable us to
trust the living God. Let us, then, not suffer such trials to
pass without making right use of them, giving thanks to God for
them all.
He is most likely to fall into temptation and sin who most slights
a warning. He who most truly depends upon the Lord for succour
in the time of temptation, will be the most thankful for counsel
or reproof.
When a trial comes upon me, let me look upon it as sent for a
peculiar blessing. If I receive it thus, I shall not consider
"how heavy it is!" nor ask "when will it be removed?" but "how
much advantage shall I gain through it? and how shall I turn
it to the best account?"
Often when saints, by right steps, bring afflictions upon them,
they are _tempted_ to think their course wrong; but faith seizes
the opportunity of glorifying God. Thus the _apparent_ loss becomes
great gain. (Esth. 4:13-16.)
How much will our trials weigh when this mortal shall have put
on immortality, and we shall appear with Christ in glory? (2
Cor. 4:17.18.)
The troubles of the way do us good service, if they raise the
eyes of our mind to look at things unseen and eternal.
Present faith, not past experience or comfort, keeps us from
fainting in the hour of trial.
Which of us can be kept near to Christ without some thorn in
the flesh?
Faith, patience, and prayer, can overcome all difficulties.
Affliction coming upon God's people is no proof that they are
displeasing Him. Is God with them or not? is the test. Jeremiah
was cast into the dungeon, and sank in the mire; but God was
with him. (Jer. 38.) So was it with Joseph. (Gen. 39:21.)
We can never walk with steady step in the time of trial of our
faith, save as we are looking onward to the resurrection of the
just. In 1 Cor. 15:58, the apostle, in view of it says, "Be ye
steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Difficulties and ill success encourage me; for "the life which
I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave Himself for me."
Do we meet with unkindness from brethren? Instead of shooting
our bitter words at them, let us _judge ourselves_; and endeavour,
in love and wisdom, to overcome evil with good.
Is the child of God overwhelmed by the trials of the way, and
ready to turn his back in the day of battle, because of the rage
of hellish powers? Let me remind him that Samson first slew the
lion, and afterwards out of the same lion got honey and to spare.
When God gave Paul the thorn in the flesh, he knew not at first
the value of the gift, and would have cast it away, had he been
left in his own hands. The Lord was his keeper, and taught him,
and us by him, that the strength of Christ is made perfect in
weakness.
The Calling of the Church
The church is not only quickened by Christ, but quickened together
with Him... If this truth were received into the understanding
and affections, and lived upon daily by the children of God,
their very garments would smell of myrrh and frankincense, with
all powders of the merchant; and their conversation would bespeak
their heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
To rise above the first Adam we must live in the last Adam. We
shall then be able in spirit to use the language of the 8th Psalm,
and have all things under our feet.
Our life is in Christ: therefore it is _eternal life_; for Christ
is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."
God's design was not only to save us from hell, however great
that salvation, but to make us His sons and daughters, in order
that we, with Himself and the Lord Jesus, the first-born from
the dead, might dwell for ever in our Father's house.
True love has its source in Christ Himself. It is therefore bold
in defence of His truth, and knows no man after the flesh when
His honour is to be maintained or defended.
We have three chief characters to sustain—child of God; soldier;
spouse of Christ. We have to feast; to fight; and to sing. Christ
has won the victory. We gather up the spoils; and though so doing
we must fight, the victory is ours and its fruit.
To have the Lord Jesus _revealed to us_ by the Spirit of God
is enough. It sufficed Stephen amidst his persecutors, and suffices
us amidst all our difficulties and adversaries, amidst all trials,
great and small.
God's people are His witnesses; they are the light in this dark
world: they should therefore be so filled with the Spirit, as
to be Christ's epistles, known and read of all men.
The church has spiritual, heavenly, eternal life in Christ, her
risen Lord, the last Adam. His pierced side is the fountain of
life to us His _spouse_.
We are under the law of God's love and grace in our new relation
as _children_; we are under obligation to Christ as first-born
among many _brethren_; and as His _members_, to obey Him as our
_Head_.
We have often the words _members of Christ_ upon our lips; would
that they were always accompanied with reverence and love!
Col. 2:14. The forgiveness of God is like the God who grants
it—everlasting, all-comprehensive, immeasurable.... No possibility
of condemnation. The bond that was against me is now nailed up,
as it were, in the court of justice for the protection of the
debtor. I now owe everything to the love of God; I owe my whole
self. Let Christ dwell in my heart, to guide every glance of
the eye, every thought of the mind.
How strange would it seem to us to see a prince in sorry garments
seated on the alebench in company with common men! how much greater
the inconsistency when a child of the living God, a king and
a priest unto God, degrades himself to fellowship with the unregenerate!
In order of time we were in the first man Adam, the man of the
earth, first: but not so in order of purpose and decree; according
to this we were in the last Adam, the second man, the Lord from
heaven, ere we fell in the first.
Every flock bears the mark of its owner; so the sheep of Christ
have their mark, even poverty of spirit; each one is a poor needy
sinner, self-judged and self-condemned, according to the justice
of God.
For a child of God to talk of his heavenly calling, and not to
walk according to it, how sad a sight! The moment I am born of
God, I am in the world in a new relation; I am a crucified man
and that I am such should be evident to all around.
God holds us accountable for what we have, and not for what we
have not. If I have only ten minutes to read the Word, do I employ
those ten minutes according to my accountability?
Many believers, though they live in New Testament times, walk
in the Old Testament spirit.
The "New Creature"
The believer in Jesus, being created anew, has the likeness of
God stamped upon him. In nature the child resembles the parent.
There is no feature of the countenance of God the Father but
is to be found in the feeblest child of grace. (2 Pet. 1:4.)
According to the new man, we crave the knowledge of God's truth
for the sake of obedience; but the flesh desires knowledge for
the vain-glorious talk of the lips that tendeth to penury. (Prov.
14:23.)
As a vessel takes its shape from the mould, so should our will
be formed in the mould of the will of God: then shall we have
everything our own way. (John 15:7.)
Christ had no will but the will of His Father, and in His delight
to do that will we see His perfect holiness: for what is holiness
but "Thy will be done"?
As the weakness of the old man lies in its vain conceit of its
strength; so the strength of the new man lies in its true sense
of perfect weakness.
God is no respecter of persons; but He will honour them that
honour Him, whereas they that despise Him shall be lightly esteemed.
(1 Sam. 2:30.) He honours us for His own grace in us, and corrects
us for our evil ways.
Unbelief
Unbelief is oft a hypocrite clothed in a white robe, as an angel
of light, having the semblance of all humility; but drag him
to the light, and the monster appears! He would cast down God
from His throne and set himself thereon.
Where Unbelief is, there is pride; and where pride is, her whole
brood of evils are to be found with her. So with the obedience
of faith, there is humility with all her train.
There will be no room for the fretfulness of Unbelief, if I only
see that He who is the Ruler of heaven and earth is my very Kinsman
-- my Brother.
When a child of God takes an unbelieving step, and God suffers
it to succeed, this is one of the sharpest corrections he can
be visited with. (2 Chron. 16:2-9.)
Let us not nourish Unbelief by plans and contrivances of fleshly
prudence.
One step of Unbelief unrepented of leads to another.
Hard thoughts of God are, alas! natural to us; and swarm in our
breast: it is only as the love of God is revealed to us in the
cross of Christ that we are able to cast them out.
If in great tribulation we are by faith walking upon the flood,
we shall seem to the eye of Unbelief to be sinking in the flood.
If Unbelief prevail in saints, they slight the assemblies of
God's people; but let us who diligently frequent them be able
to say, "We have seen the Lord" (John 20:25): that will be the
best rebuke for the negligent.
Unbelief is in man's sight no sin at all—whilst in God's sight
it is of all sins the greatest.
Whilst we are looking to Jesus at the right hand of God, all
circumstances are our occasions for honouring God by faith; but
if we look to circumstances and not to Christ, they cast us down,
and leave us a prey to Unbelief.
By Unbelief the child of God degrades himself; losing sight of
his heavenly robe he makes much of the earthly rags of this world's
honour, and can even envy the wearers. (Ps. 73:3.)
We do well to remember that God is as true to His forewarnings
of wrath and curse, as He is to His promises of grace. We take
the latter for our peculiar comfort, but should also solemnly
meditate the former for our ripe and full acquaintance with God.
Unbelief cripples and puts in fear where no fear is; it leads
to despair, and despair is but unbelief without a bridle.
Do you, at the Mercy-seat, confess the iniquity of Unbelief?
Remember that it makes God to be the very contrary of what He
is.
Unbelief and its rebellion will make of a mere nothing a great
mountain.
Every murmuring thought is the child of Unbelief, and makes God
a liar.
The Sins of Believers
The heart of man is a restless deep, ever casting up mire and
dirt (Isa. 57:20); but in the sins of God's children there is
a pre-eminence of guilt.
Jonah could not sin himself out of the love of God; therefore,
sinning himself out of communion with God, he had the greater
guilt.
I count myself more vile than the murderer who suffers death by
the hangman's hand, because the atoning blood of the Son of God
acquaints me with myself.... That which shows me my forgiveness
reveals to me my pollution.
By far the greater part of the sins of God's children are sins
of ignorance. How needful therefore the cry, "Cleanse Thou me
from secret faults" (Ps. 19:12)—faults hidden from mine own
eye and from mine own conscience. Without atoning blood they
would bring down God's curse on the offender's head. Oh, let
us not make light of sins of ignorance!
The sins of our unregenerate state should indeed be ever before
us; but by frowardness, since we tasted that God is gracious,
we sin (as natural men cannot sin) against the heart of Christ,
against God's love and His Spirit, who seals us unto the day
of redemption. The natural man is a rebel against his Maker;
but it is against a Father that we, the saved, offend. Forgetting
the cross, we go astray. The remedy is true and speedy confession;
for we have an Advocate with the Father. (1 John 2:1.)
We must be ever waging war with the secret workings of sin. Where
it is but in a little measure allowed, God may suffer His child
to go further and further in that allowance, until the seven
locks are shorn on Delilah's lap.
To be doubting Christ's love, to be limiting His grace, is alike
unworthy of us and grieving to Him. The last offence of Joseph's
brethren (Gen. 50:15-21) was not the least.
There is no fault in our character that the grace of God cannot
cure. It becomes us therefore to give no quarter to the Canaanites.
(Judges 2)
God deals with us after conversion otherwise than before it:
He, as a wise Father, has a rod of correction for His children,
and smites them when He might let them alone, did they not know
His love.
Peculiar temptations bring forth peculiar corruptions, after
neglected warnings.
The Lord Jesus took loving pains to make Peter acquainted with
Himself, and was compelled to humble him by his threefold denial
of his Lord, but without exposing him to the eye of enemies.
Overcome by a sudden temptation, he was quickly forgiven and
restored. (Luke 22:55-62.) Whereas David, who had deliberately
transgressed, and who had long been in a backsliding state of
heart, was exposed to the people as well as made loathsome in
his own eyes. (2 Sam. 12; 16) When Christ restores a fallen one,
He often makes that disciple stronger than before his fall. "When
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32). So
it will be with those who, like David and Peter, have been wont
to follow the Lord fully.
The people of God are in general slack and slothful in searching
out sins of ignorance; but if we persevere in the search, asking
God to reveal them to us, He will give us very humbling knowledge
of ourselves and of our secret faults; with it also blessed comfort
and communion, which otherwise we could not enjoy.
The Coming of the Lord
Yet the blessed hope of the coming of Christ keep us ever on
the watchtower; looking, longing for it, and hasting towards
it.
Would that we duly considered our accountability to Christ, who
in the day of His appearing will judge the secrets of all hearts.
Then we shall each be called on to give an account of his
stewardship - an account, not only of gifts of understanding
and substance, but of daily employment, and of all the minutes
of the day. (See 1 Cor. 4:1-6.)
Prayer
It is a high place that is given to the prayers of saints in
1 Tim. 2:1.2. If Christians only knew how their prayers for kings
and governors are heard in heaven, they would not be meddlers
with this world's politics.
Every wish that the Holy Ghost breathes into the soul of a believer
is a voice which enters into the ear of God.
It is well for a child of God to pray for himself, but a more
excellent thing to pray for others. God honours the spirit of
intercession.
We are too apt to set God a time and a way of answering our prayers;
and even when our prayers are answered, we are often surprised
and ready to faint. If we desire much communion with God and
with Christ, we must not be surprised if the Holy Spirit come
upon us as a keen north wind, revealing our own corruption and
evil to us: when it comes, let us not say, How can we bear this?
but rather be thankful for God's wise answer to prayer.
If we have not the spirit of supplication and thanksgiving, let
us begin with the spirit of confession.
When we pray, let us be sure God is hearing us. If we ask help,
kindness, favour, from a fellow-man, it cheers us to observe
the _kind attentive look_: let us by faith regard our unseen
Saviour and Priest, and settle it in our hearts that our prayer
is received; the answer will come in the best time. If we cannot
comply with God's just demands to be singing and triumphing with
Christ above, He will listen to His unbelieving, groaning children.
He _bows down_ His ear to hear their cry.
When the Word of God enters the conscience, men pour out their
hearts indeed to the Lord.
Our need of Prayer is as frequent as the moments of the day;
and as we grow in spirituality of mind, our continual need will
be felt by us more and more.
In order to have power with God in Prayer, there must be an undivided
heart; if we would come boldly to the throne of grace, we must
come obediently.
Daniel made prayer and meditation of the Scriptures the chief
business of his life; yet, if we consider the circumstances in
which he was placed, we shall see that few ever had greater obstacles
than he in the way of seeking God.
God gives, as a wise Father, prized benefits to His supplicating
children.
When we ask for more communion with God, are we willing to part
with all that hinders? Let us take heed that our ways agree with
our words when we come to the Mercy-seat.
It is a great help to us when we see that our prayers and our
labours are to be as the grain of wheat falling into the ground.
If we look for death and burial first, we shall be able to go
on in patience; and in due time shall assuredly reap an abundant
harvest.
We ought to go to God with our matters as altogether His.
How great is our favour and power with God! for we are kings
and priests unto God—His sons and daughters by adoption and
grace. Let us take heed that we grieve not the Spirit who sealed
us unto the day of redemption; and nothing will God deny us.
(John 15:7.)
The best testimony that Stephen bore was his last not when he
was preaching and working miracles, but when he pleaded for his
persecutors; for then he most resembled the Lord Jesus in patience,
forgiveness, and love.
When some peculiar pressure is upon you, be like Queen Esther,
whose first request was the king's company. In each trial "seek
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," and all other
things shall be added: your seeking first the removal of the
trial shows that you need the continuance of it.
We must not look on that only as Prayer to which our lips give
utterance; the wish of the believing heart is counted prayer
by God; it is the smoke of the incense which ascends in silence
before Him.
If a path be overgrown with moss and briers, it is difficult
to trace it; if well frequented, it is plainly seen. Our pathway
to the fountain of Jesus' blood should be ever well trodden by
our confessions.
Unbelief lightly esteems both our Own prayers and those of others.
We can never draw nigh to God in believing prayer, but the answer
will be more than we had grace to hope for. Expectation from
God is a precious fruit of prayer.
A guilty conscience stops prayer, but a cleansed conscience makes
prayer to flow. We may often have the spirit of prayer without
the comfort of prayer.
Conflict
When the corruptions of the flesh, like an armed host, invade
the soul, they aim first at the capital city, which is Faith.
Success there would ensure possession of the whole land.
It is ever Satan's aim to debase the heart and conscience of
the children of God. Their heart should be filled with Christ;
their conscience ruled by His word and ways. Satan would entice
away the heart from Christ, and set up in the conscience a standard
inferior to that of Christ's example. Oh that the saints were
not ignorant of Satan's devices, but willing to pluck out the
right eye, to cut off hand or foot, rather than give place at
all to the adversary.
Let our affections be resting in Christ, and engrossed with Him;
then will all saints be dear to us in Him, because they are one
with Him, and we shall please Him concerning them. To prevent
our attaining to this grace, or to spoil us of it, is the aim
of the powers of darkness that war against us.
It is only as we have rest in Christ, only as we have peace through
faith in His atoning blood, only as we have the purged conscience,
with the heart's affections set upon Christ, that we have any
strength to war against our spiritual enemies: it is whilst we
are fighting against them, that strength is given equal to the
need, and we experience the precious sympathy of the Captain
of our salvation. "Put on the whole armour of God." (Eph. 6:10-19.)
David put away the armour of Saul, and went against Goliath with
nothing save the weapons of weakness.
Service
God, in fitting any servant for special service, often subjects
him to painful discipline of soul: the end of this training is
the breaking down self-confidence, so that when at last the servant
goes forth to his work he says, "Who am I?" The flesh will not
say, "Who am I?" But to this we must be brought ere God can put
us to honourable use.
We are not the most useful when most wordy, but when most prayerful.
Though God marks that which is wrong in His servants, notwithstanding
all their faithfulness, He never forgets that which is right
in them, notwithstanding all their imperfections.
If we do not live _beyond_ time, we are not fit to live _in_
time.
We cannot bestow kindnesses upon the unconverted for Christ's
sake without obtaining peculiar fellowship with God.
That man is miserable who is wrapped up in himself and cares
not for others; such a man keeps happiness outside, and bolts
the door against her.
The ways of Christ in the days of His flesh are the true pattern
for His people.
It is a mark of steady progress in the ways of God, when a servant
of Christ, like his Master, makes no choice of service, seeking
only to please his Lord.
If by walking before God we rise above the praise of men, we
shall not be vexed or discouraged by their disapproval and blame.
He that is humble, and ever desiring to serve others, will surely
find others desiring to serve him.
If we have but the heart to serve Christ, He will surely employ
us; and if He have any special service for us, He will grant
us special guidance. (Acts 8:26.)
The conversion of sinners, the prosperity of saints—these
are precious things, but not the object of the soul: that should
be to please God.
The moment a servant acts independently, he acts from himself,
and out of character. (John 21:3.)
In all you do be the servant of Christ, forgetting yourself --
engrossed with Him.
We need readiness of heart, and skilfulness of hands, to serve
the church of God aright.
Service to Christ
There is much that the Lord's true servants do which no human
eye takes knowledge of. What they do they are to do as to the
Lord, and to look for reward from Him; learning also to have
fellowship with Christ in His sufferings and service.
It is our wisdom not to seek praise of men: if, in our intercourse
with saints, rather than look after a good name, we seek to approve
ourselves to God, a good name will surely follow us.
Look not at the quantity, but at the quality of your service,
whatsoever that service may be. If it be preaching, preaching
is not the first thing: the heart must first be kept; then two
or three words spoken in the power of the Spirit may avail more
than many a long discourse.
Forgiveness
Peter said to our Lord, "How oft shall my brother sin against
me, and I forgive him, until seven times?" (Matt. 18:21.22.)
What warrant had Peter for saying, "How oft?" Had he been standing
at the foot of Mount Sinai, he might have said, "How oft?" Standing
in the covenant of grace, we say, "Seventy times seven."
If we be called to judge offending brethren, we should judge
before the Mercy-seat. There we are self-judged, as oft offending
and oft forgiven.
Those injuries are often hardest to forgive which are only known
to the injured and the wrong-doer.
If others act with want of uprightness towards us, and we are
irritated, it is a proof that we are then dealing rather with
the creature than with God.
Those are the best fitted for the work of reproof, who are severe
against themselves, but gentle towards others; whilst such as
are forward to reprove most need reproof themselves.
Poverty of Spirit
We must live as beggars upon the love of Christ; we are never
safe from snares but as we are thus poor in spirit.
Christ was the only one who could, without a struggle, be content
to be "a worm, and no man." (Ps. 22:6.)
The self-exalted person as much degrades himself in God's sight,
as he exalts himself in his own.
We sink into nothingness as we grow up into Christ.
To grow in poverty of spirit is truly to grow in grace: "Without
Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5.) If we be sitting at the feet
of Jesus, all carnal boasting is excluded, we have His mind of
wisdom in all things, and cannot behave ourselves unseemly.
No rest have we for the sole of our foot except in Christ; and
whenever a poor needy one seeks Him, He deals by such an one
as did Noah by the dove. Noah put forth his hand and took her
in unto him into the ark.
If we upbraid ourselves, Christ justifies. If we be dumb in our
own defence, He opens His mouth to plead our cause, and our wounded
hearts He binds up.
If I be content to be nothing, I cannot take offence; and when
I am _really_ humble, and know myself a _worm_, I shall not complain
if trampled on.
Pride nourishes the remembrance of injuries: humility forgets
as well as forgives them.
Lot never drew near enough to God to know his own heart; it was
Abraham, and not Lot, who said, I am but "dust and ashes." (Gen.
18:27.)
Evil Passions
Oh, how unseemly in a Christian are murmurings, envyings, and
such like! If we look beneath the surface we shall find the root
of these things to be unmortified pride, and a conscience not
purged.
Pride never stoops but to take a higher flight.
The drunkard, the murderer, the idolater, cannot enter into the
kingdom of heaven. The sins of such are counted great even by
the natural conscience; but covetousness, who condemns it? Yet
the man who thirsts for gold is alike with the murderer accursed
from God.
Satan gets no more advantage over us than we allow him.
It is one of Satan's great aims to seduce the children of God
and the servants of Christ into error; if he cannot do that,
he will tempt them to keep back part of the truth, or to dwell
upon any other part rather than Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
The sum of man's excellency is "dust and ashes:" nevertheless,
Satan deludes men into thinking themselves something; he helps
them to carnal self-amendment and self-improvement, and so makes
them blind to their true state before God.
Self-Knowledge and Self-Judgement
True Self-judgment shuts out the adversary.
The more we exercise ourselves in Self-judgment, the more will
the flesh in us be discerned _by ourselves_, and the less will
it be seen _by others_.
In our exercise of Self-judgment, we should keep our eye upon
the Advocate with the Father, else we shall have a self-vexing
conscience which profits not.
Self-examination is a solemn and profitable business it should
mainly consist in this, "My soul, believest thou? lovest thou?"
(Heb. 11:6; 3:12.13; John 13:34.35; Rom. 13:10; 1 Cor. 13)
The custom of Self-judgment is among the best of spiritual habits.
"The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed"
(1 Sam. 2:3). Because God tries the _heart_, therefore, in instances
innumerable, God's judgment condemns where man may approve and
praise.
The oftener we invite Him with whom we have to do to use the
keen edge of "the sword of the Spirit" in our own consciences,
the less will there be in us for Satan's fiery darts to fix upon.
If we better considered that "we have an Advocate with the Father"
(1 John 2:1), we should not go far from the paths of the Lord
and the presence of God. This Advocate speaks to the pity and
love as well as to the holiness of the Father. It was the Advocate
who said, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matt.
26:41). He knows all our circumstances, and the power of temptation
and trial. Let it be the _first_ business of the conscience to
think of this "Advocate with the Father;" then what child of
God will be slow to make confession whenever it is due?
Each one of us has in himself some especially besetting evil
-- a weight to be laid aside. (Heb. 12:1.)
Let _me_ ask the Lord to give me self-knowledge; for self-knowledge,
though a painful, is a necessary thing, worth all the trouble
of the search, and all the mortification it may cost me.
When Israel suffers defeat before Ai, it is time to do what should
indeed have been done before: to search out the Achan in the
camp. (See Joshua 7)
When I see a brother overtaken in a fault, let me beware of my
own besetments, and seek to restore him in the spirit of meekness.
Humility and Self-Abasement
Self-humiliation brings with it tenderness of spirit; and as
we sink in our own esteem, the Lord fulfils in us that precious
promise, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and
of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word" (Isa. 66:2).
If we be self-loathed, we shall be willing, when brought low,
to sink lower still. (2 Sam. 15:25.26.)
He that is self-abased before God, and so carries himself humbly
towards others, must obtain honour; but if any child of God exalt
himself, sure as God is, shame will come of that self-exaltation.
Our reputation is the last thing we are willing to lose we cleave
to it even when, in point of justification and peace with God,
we have counted our own righteousness filthy rags. Let the saints
take heed to their walk before God and man; but this done, so
that they have in all things a conscience void of offence, let
them account their reputation God's jewel, not their own.
Knowledge often exceeds grace; but communion with God and poverty
of Spirit go together: if the one decline, so will the other.
The low place is the safe place; and whatever the tribulation,
it will surely bring its blessings, God being trusted.
Samson was never so strong as when, through his own folly brought
low and put to shame, he said, "Strengthen me, I pray Thee, O
God, only this once" (Jud. 16:28).
We are wont to consider David's slaying Goliath a great deed
of faith, and such it was; but more to be admired is David's
dominion over himself that marked his course. His blemishes and
sins were not his character.
Confidence in God and self-distrust are sure companions.
It is true humility and true holiness to judge ourselves dead
and buried with Christ as children of the first Adam, whatever
the flesh within us; and as children of God raised up together
with Christ, and seated with Him, the last Adam, the head of
the new creation. We thus discern, and subdue, and loathe the
flesh, which, though crucified with Christ in the account of
God and of faith, is ever struggling to regain lost dominion.
Satan, taking occasion by the flesh, would cast us down in the
spirit of our minds from our heavenly places. Resisting him in
faith, we wage the war of Eph. 6. Good soldiers of Christ will
have the peace of God ruling in their hearts. They cannot but
live in peace; for the God of love and peace is with them. Schism
and division proclaim the victories and triumphs of Satan. Would
God we were all by His Spirit awakened to consider these things!
The day is at hand that will make us and our ways all manifest;
and we ourselves shall then no more mistake the talk of the lips
for the obedience of faith.
Circumstances
Our Circumstances are what we make them. If they be not by faith
kept under our feet, they will by unbelief become our masters.
Our song of praise can never be checked unless we rejoice in
Circumstances, and in things around us, more than in God Himself.
It is to our shame that we are easily wrought upon by shifting
Circumstances. How good for us that we have an unchangeable God
to rest in!
The natural man is the slave of Circumstances.
Never let me be compelled to say, I have driven my stakes so
deep into the earth that I cannot pull them up; but rather let
me so pitch my tent that in a moment I may strike it at the bidding
of the Lord. (Num. 9:15-23.)
All things are working together for good to them that love God;
albeit sometimes in the way of chastening and judgment.
If we honour God in the little matters of our daily life, He
will prepare greater occasions for our faith, and so put honour
on the obedience that was little known to any but Himself. Abraham
had so dealt with God about all the daily little matters of tent
and household, that when the great occasion comes (Gen. 22) the
man of faith shines forth.
God orders our steps in our natural state (the guilt of our sins
our own) to further us in His service after regeneration. (Gal.
1:15.)
It matters little what our Circumstances, if in the spirit of
our mind we be before God offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to Him by Jesus Christ. To faith all Circumstances are opportunities
of pleasing God and serving Christ.
That station of life is most desirable which has least in it
to cumber the spirit, and to entice away the heart from Christ.
Shall we not then rather desire to stoop with our Lord, than
to rise with the men of the world? Every state in life has temptations;
but these thicken upon us, and grow in seducing power, according
to rise in earthly honour.
Howsoever we may deplore the sin of one that has injured us,
we ought to be thankful for the occasion of showing the mind
of Christ towards the wrong-doer.
If our hearts be set upon enjoying the light of our Father's
countenance, we shall find that all Circumstances, bitter as
well as sweet, will afford us opportunity of bearing something,
or doing something, for His sake.
My happiness in Christ will grow through every new Circumstance,
if I have no will but God's. God, by all Circumstances, delights
to make glad His obedient children. (2 Thess. 3:16.)
If we judge not God's character by His providences, but His providences
by His character, we shall be able to rejoice when the flesh
would repine.
When Elijah in unbelief fled from Jezebel he had the meet rebuke
from the Lord; but the fault of the hour of temptation did not
hide from God's gracious eye the faithfulness of His servant.
(1 Kings 19) In like manner dealt the Lord Jesus with that other
Elijah—John the Baptist—when he seemed like a reed shaken
with the wind. (Matt. 11:2-15.) We are to be imitators of God
as dear, as pleasant, children; and if we are not to suffer sin
upon our brethren, whatever their grace, neither should the fault
in them be a cover to our eyes of their grace and service to
Christ.
Strength and Continuance
Phil. 3:12. It is Christ's hold upon us that enables us, by faith,
to lay hold on and to keep hold of Him.
They who seem the most tried are not always those that have the
sharpest warfare.
Sometimes things appear to us so difficult that we are daunted;
at other times so easy that we think we are equal to them; and
thus in either case we fail.
He that is running a race looks not at witnesses admiring, but
only at the mark.
We need to "discern the Lord's body" [i.e. Christ as having been
crucified] (1 Cor. 11:29) for steadfastness of communion with
God, no less than to trust in His blood to obtain salvation from
wrath to come. (John 6:54.56.)
The fulfilling of God's promises depends not upon the creature's
strength, and cannot be prevented by the creature's weakness.
We need a close walk with God, a having respect to all His commandments,
if we would obtain of Him whatsoever we ask.
True persevering diligence in spiritual things always begins
in self-abasement.
It is one mark of growth in spirituality to be more afflicted
by the pleasing—than by the distressing—temptations of
Satan.
We should always take great trials and great temptations as the
forerunners of great blessings and growth of fellowship with
God.
The obedience of grace obtains for us the profitable knowledge
of truth, and teaches us to prize it more than much fine gold.
Mere knowledge puffeth up, and the talk of the lips tendeth only
to penury. (Prov. 14:23.)
Deep spirituality of mind is only obtained by a thorough crucifixion
of self: self-denial is discipline for life—the work of every
hour.
To make a good soldier, put him in front of the battle; a good
seaman, let him brave the storm: so with the Christian.
True readiness to confess sin, and joy in self-abasement, mark
a growth in grace and knowledge of the character of God.
I know of no one who, with so little promise in his beginnings
of faith, had a sunset so glorious as had Jacob. (Gen. 48, 49)
It is the constant crucifying the flesh in little things that
makes a giant in the Christian warfare. But true self-crucifixion
is a thing impossible, save by grace; and to have the needful
supplies of that grace we must be in perpetual communion with
God: it is only thus we shall overcome in little things.
It is a great salvation wrought for us, if the soul be resolved
to suffer the will of God, cost what it may.
Do you desire a humble mind, a soft heart, an obedient spirit?
Ask and receive, that your joy may be full. But remember, "The
soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing" (Prov. 13:4).
Be the clean vessel that God delights to fill and use.
Not God's answering prayer in respect of earthly things and earthly
gifts, but growth of the new man, is the true proof that we please
God.
We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin that
does so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter
-- that is unbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former?
We have every one in himself his own peculiar hindrances—weights
which, if not laid aside, will clog the soul in her race.
How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ's
approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily
put by every child of God to his own soul.
Character
In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency
of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the "flies
of death" in the apothecary's ointment (Eccles. 10:1); but in
the Lord Jesus all excellences are blended in full perfection
and harmony: He is the "altogether lovely" (Song Sol. 5:16).
But oh for a conversion of saints!—that we who are renewed,
anointed, and sealed by the Spirit of God; that we in whom dwells
that Holy Spirit of promise, who are the temple of God—might
be altogether like our Lord, altogether pleasing to Him Blessed
be God His people Israel must be by-and-by His delightsome child
knowing and doing His will. (Isa. 62)
Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.
We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are.
It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. "I dwell,"
says Jehovah, "in the high and holy place; with him also that
is of a contrite and humble spirit." (Isa. 57:15.)
If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain
_rightness of character_, so that we shall have the ready grace
for every circumstance.
God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what
it may.
Obedience
David was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him
but God's. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley
of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are
content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth
in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David's
sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.)
Obedience to Christ brings upon us opposition from Satan, the
world, the flesh in ourselves, and the unbelief, ignorance, and
lack of mind of Christ in our brethren. To meet all these aright,
let it be our business, even in the smallest matters, _to please
Christ_, that we may have His power and His truth for our strength
and guidance. He trod this path before us, and has also given
His Holy Spirit to lead us and to comfort us through the journey.
The highest attainment in the spiritual life is to be able always
and in all things to say, "Thy will be done!" Gen. 22 gives us
a perfect sample of the obedience of faith.
There is no prevailing against our enemies without full obedience
to God. When Israel must fight, Joshua must take heed that they
are keeping God's commandments. (See Joshua 7)
He that allows himself in small sins will at length break out
in great ones: be it our business, then, to watch against the
beginnings of departure from God, or these will surely lead to
bitter endings.
The Word of the Lord, and the attentive ear of the faithful servant,
are all we need to carry us safely and happily onward.
Whatever imperfections were in Abraham, whatever his haltings
and stumblings, he never settled down, as to purpose, into half-hearted
obedience; so if any child of God, howsoever he may fail, have
a steady, fixed purpose to please God, he will surely become
strong in faith at the last.
All the children of God receive Christ as Redeemer from curse
and wrath; but they do not all take Him for their portion and
inheritance: if we do this, we cannot fail to be witnesses for
Him, and lights in this dark world.
Cares
Have you one anxious thought you do not bring to Jesus? Have
you one care you deem too light, too small, to lay before Him?
It is then too small to give you one moment's concern. Either
cast your care (great or small) upon Him that careth for you,
or cast it away from you altogether: if it be unfit for His sympathy,
it is unworthy of you. (1 Peter 5:7.)
If we examine the troubles of God's children, we shall find that
too many of them arise from unbelieving fears concerning the
future; let me but remember that Christ, at the right hand of
God, counts all _my_ troubles _His own_; and then away with all
my fears concerning the morrow! It is only at the Mercy-seat
we may lawfully think of the morrow.
Chastisement
To quarrel with the instruments God used for our correction is
to quarrel with God Himself. It is, in fact, to say to Him, "I
do not approve of Thy government, and I could order matters better
if they were left to me." What is this but to aim at casting
down God from His throne, and setting ourselves thereon?
Though the Lord often spares reproof, He never spares commendation.
He is slow to anger; He makes haste to be gracious. (Neh. 9:17;
Ps. 40:13.)
Jacob underwent discipline and chastisement for upwards of fifty
years, for the withering in him the evil root of the spirit of
unbelieving contrivance. God blesses His child, and in His very
love withholds not the rod of correction.
The pain that God's discipline gives us shows its wisdom: it
is the diseased part that _feels_ under the surgeon's hand.
God never puts us to shame before the world, or even before the
church, unless we compel Him.
The Lord always deals with us according to the state of our souls.
How small the knowledge of God that Job would have attained to,
but for the deep and marvellous discipline whereby he was sifted
and taught!
When we deal with God in prayer about the difficulties of our
path, we must not set Him a time for clearing away those difficulties,
but wait upon Him, who accepts the sacrifice of our willing hearts.
The Lord's jewels need grinding, and cutting, and polishing.
Why forget?
It is not of necessity that a child of God beginning well goes
on well; but if he take good heed to his ways—according to
Psalm 119., 2 Peter 1:5-7, and like Scriptures—he will surely
run well to the end of his race.
The more bitter the cup of discipline, the more reason for our
thankfulness. If we be not thankful, let us give God no rest,
nor ourselves, until He make us so.
Correction despised brings sharper correction.
When God visits us with certain special discipline, it is our
wisdom to accept the cup and drink it cheerfully, however bitter,
for health is in it.
Let us have no reserves of conscience. When God gives us light,
let us follow it whithersoever it may lead; for, while God has
no judgments of curse for His children, He has judgments of displeasure
of love because of disobedience.
Be more desirous of inward help and deliverance, than the removal
of God's hand, when He lays affliction upon you.
Impatience under God's corrections only shows our need of the
discipline He is pleased to visit us with. We can least bear
correction when we most need it.
One of the evil fruits of long-continued spiritual negligence,
is the soul's ignorance of its own state.
How often, under discipline, are the children of God struggling
amidst the thickets and briers of circumstances, instead of judging
the state of their hearts! This lack of pondering their ways,
prevents their seeing the equity of God's dealings with them.
Discipline
Wherefore all the discipline with which Job was exercised? He
could say in truth, "I know that my Redeemer liveth" (Job 19:25).
As God's witness there was none like him in all the earth. He
walked in uprightness, humility, patience, and wisdom; a perfect
and upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil. Why then his
afflictions and humiliations, before unheard-of among the saints?
There was the flesh in Job; and the sifting discipline went on,
until Job had learnt so to know both God and himself as to abhor
himself, and justify God.
I seek to keep short accounts with God: this saves not only much
trouble and time, but also much sharp discipline.
"A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes
into a fool." (Prov. 17:10.)
It is indeed rare, when judgments come upon men, that those judgments
yield their due profit. Those who walk with a tender spirit before
God profit more by a word or gentle rebuke of His love, that
none but themselves know of, than do others, who are careless
walkers, by heavy judgments. If, however, great afflictions come,
the heart being prepared, the end will be the double blessing.
(Job 42)
The cry of "Abba, Father!" in the time of trouble, is often a
sign of quick deliverance. When we kiss the hand that smites,
the rod drops. Is it not to resist the will of God when we flee
from those trials which He sends to prove our faith?
As children we may ask for understanding of our Father's will;
but it belongs not to us to think for Him.
We may be sorrowful, yet not unhappy. Unhappiness is caused by
self-will, that frets against the Lord's way of dealing with
us. But we may have sorrow without sinning, and by such sadness
the heart is made better. (Eccl. 7:3.) Grace does not steel the
heart, but makes it more tender. We may feel, but must not rebel.
Every child of God needs to be put into the sieve: but when sifted,
if we be willing to endure the Lord's dealings with us, we shall
not be put to shame.
How few the words of Jesus when all the earth, in its representatives
-- Herod, Pilate, priests and elders—rose up against Him!
He never uttered more or less than was needed for God's glory.
That perfect guidance of the tongue proceeded from the perfect
subjection of His will to God.
The proper fruit of the Lord's discipline is that blessed state
described by the psalmist, when the fretting of the flesh is
silenced, the soul composing itself to rest in the everlasting
arms. "Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that
is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child" (Psalm
131:2).
It is not every child of God who, by reason of acquaintance with
God and with himself, reckons upon discipline, and resolves to
go through it with God, how bitter soever it may be: hence when
it comes he frets; he is the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke.
(Jer. 31:18.)
Christ had a lawful desire to be spared suffering. He could not
otherwise have been a pattern to us of patience and submission:
but His submission brought Him into the floods of His sufferings.
Our afflictions are light, soon as we can say, "Not my will,
but Thine be done."
Deep inwrought patience is precious fruit of suffering God's
will according to God's mind.
If we desire that patience have her perfect work, we shall thank
the only-wise God for all things whatsoever that afflict us;
and whosoever they be that God uses for pruning our souls --
be they unjust men or froward brethren—we shall love and pray
for them, and seek to overcome their evil with good.
A child of God may be greatly afflicted, yet be far from murmuring
against his heavenly Father. Sorrow sanctified obtains God's
embrace; rebellious grief spoils the soul of communion. The cluster
must be bruised to yield its wine, and the sufferings of heavenly
patience procure for the soul an overflowing cup of consolation,
both for its own comfort and that of others. (2 Cor. 1:4-6.)
How many snares, how much harm, and loss, and shame, would the
people of God avoid and escape, had they a little more patience
in waiting for the Lord! Had Saul but waited a few minutes longer
for Samuel then "would the Lord have established his kingdom
upon Israel for ever (1 Sam. 13:13).
Experience
It is only as by faith we see our Home above, that we are proper
pilgrims here.
We rightly use our past Experience, if, in time present, we have
no confidence in the flesh.
Experience obtained without much waiting on God is not worthy
the name: "Patience worketh Experience" (Rom. 5:4).
Our past Experience should be well pondered before God. The record
of the pilgrimage of every one of us will be found in the great
book of God's government, by-and-by to be opened.
God requires steadfastness of faith from those who have had especial
proofs of His love.
The spring of instability of purpose is some hankering within
us after praise of man.
The more we walk with God, the more we shall sorrow for our sins
and those of others. This sorrow well consists with joy in the
Holy Ghost.
We never hinder another's service or grace without hindering
our own: "Quench not the Spirit."
Let us always be aiming at perfection: thus we shall grow in
the knowledge of our imperfection.
"Tribulation worketh Patience;" but if tribulation pass by without
working patience, we cannot have "Experience" (Rom. 5:3).
A Sound Mind
One special mark of a sound mind is a readiness to take counsel
of God, and a bringing into subjection all notions of our own
or of others to His revealed will.
It is not by change of circumstances that we can be made happy,
but by submission to the will of God. This submission is manifested
by our steadfast purpose to mortify the will of the flesh, and
by our contending against everything that offends God.
Without confidence in the love of God we cannot cheerfully submit
to His discipline.
Let not the morrow be as a thief to rob you of this day's blessing.
We are apt to judge of things by present appearances; but the
Lord sees them in all their consequences.
Murmurers always extol times past as better than the present.
The people of Israel in Egypt groaned by reason of hard bondage.
Having passed the Red Sea they sang the song of redemption: but
how ready were they to say one to another, "Let us make a captain,
and let us return into Egypt" (Num. 14:4). Had Moses desired
to shame them, he might have asked: "What said you under Pharaoh's
yoke?"
Dangers and Temptations
If we would keep the creature in its place, we must take God
as our portion.
Being an heir of glory I would, by God's grace, rather break
stones on the road for Him than be put to the drudgery of ruling
an empire.
Spiritual prosperity is always attended with strong temptation
to the _high thought_, the _lofty imagination_.
The worst temptations are those which so pamper and please the
flesh that they do not vex us at all: they are perilous by their
deceitfulness.
The outward falls of the children of God always bespeak the foregoing
state of the heart.
The wearing of apparel is a special mark of our fall and shame.
How unseemly then is pride of dress! Does the convict glory in
the convict's coat?
The Christian's Walk
If we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with
God in all His ways. We should begin our every day's journey
with _Him_: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take
pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will
thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to
springs of consolation in Himself.
Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip.
Happy they who never hang upon the creature's favour they who
expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no
disappointment.
To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company,
hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character
of one with whom we have but little intercourse?
Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the
"rest" that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride.
(Matt. 11:29.)
Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times
the least painful.
When God's will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall
then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures of _having
our will_. (1 John 3:22; 5:14.15.)
The Christian's path in the world is obedience to Christ; following
Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world
to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as
it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as
citizens of earth.
We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking
for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges
of what a child of God should be.
Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more
seek worldly honours and glories than a king's son in his princely
apparel would stitch thereon a beggar's rags.
"Bless them that curse you" (Matt. 5:44). The deed of grace is
to be done at the moment of receiving the injury. When the curse
proceeds from the mouth of the enemy, let the blessing proceed
from yours. Remember the words, "Father, forgive them," "Lord,
lay not this sin to their charge." (Lu. 23:34; Acts 7:60.)
There is light for the pilgrim's path, though there be not an
unclouded sky.
If a man's heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory,
would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family,
the church, or the world?
To be spiritually-minded is "life and peace" to ourselves: but
how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may
be used aright, he that has them must walk with God.
Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that
His presence is with you.
Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name.
God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world;
even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love
-- the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for
such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may
fulfil it.
Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice.
Trial of the Servants of Christ
When Christ would put peculiar honour upon His servants, He often
suffers them to be brought low in the sight of men. If the saints
are favoured to suffer reproach for Christ's sake, then will
they own the honour put upon them to be thus conformed to their
Master. Paul and Silas, thrust into prison at Philippi, sang
praises to God.
Christ never allows any faithful servant of His to suffer loss,
but He turns that loss to great gain.
God always honours faithful servants, and comforts persecuted
ones.
Dealing with the Faults of Others
If we would wisely reprove the flesh in our brethren, we must
first, after the Lord's example, remember and commend the grace
in them.
Those who are much acquainted with the cross of Christ, and with
their own hearts, will be slow to take the reprover's office:
if they do reprove, they will make it a solemn matter, knowing
how much evil comes of the unwise handling of a fault.
Let us begin by searching ourselves, if we would be profitable
reprovers of others.
Much self-judgment makes a man slow to judge others; and the
very gentleness of such an one gives a keen edge to his rebukes.
In reproving sin in others, we should remember the ways of the
Holy Spirit of God towards us. He comes as the Spirit of Love;
and whatever His rebukes, He wins the heart by mercy and forgiveness
through Christ.
To forgive without upbraiding, even by manner or look, is a high
exercise of grace—it is imitation of Christ.
If I have been injured by another, let me bethink myself—How
much better to be the sufferer than the wrongdoer!
The flesh would punish to prevent a repetition of wrongs; but
Grace teaches us to defend ourselves without weapons. The man
who "seventy times seven" forgives injuries, is he who best knows
how to protect himself.
If one do me a wrong, let me with the bowels of Christ seek after
him, and entreat God to move him to repentance.
We partake in the guilt of an offending member of Christ, until
we have confessed his sin as our own (Dan. 9), mourned over it,
prayed for its forgiveness, and sought in the spirit of love
the restoration of the erring one.
If our tongue have been betrayed into speaking contemptuously
or even slightingly of an absent brother, let us quickly say,
Alas! we have wounded Christ.
If in love I speak to a brother of his fault, it is because I
hate the sin. If I speak of it with backbiting tongue, it is
self-pleasing that moves me.
If under the law, when the bond was only in the flesh, the Israelite
must not suffer sin upon his brother (Lev. 19:17), how much less
should it be suffered under the Gospel, which binds the saints
together spiritually and eternally!
The figure of the mote in the eye shows what skill and tenderness
he has need of who would be a reprover to his brother. Who would
trust so precious a member as the eye to a rough, unskilful hand?
The Lord loves to manifest peculiar tenderness towards those
who have been brought low, even though it may have been through
their own folly. "Go tell His disciples, and Peter." (Mark 16:7.)
Evil Speaking
We shall not escape the tongues of others, unless we first escape
from self-love and self-flattery.
No sword so sharp as the tongue.
Only the bridling of the heart can effectually bridle the lips.
The backbiter is one who maliciously speaks evil of others; the
babbler does so through lack of the thoughtfulness of love.
Deep and Silent Work
What is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed
by men.
The work of the Holy Ghost is often most mighty when least of
its power is seen by the common eye. Judas working miracles,
and king Saul prophesying, were not such proofs of the Spirit's
power as the tears of Peter after he had denied his Lord.
If we would be strong we must make pleasing God our business:
then what adversary can harm us?
Before our knowledge can be of much profit to others it must
become a channel of our own soul's communion with God in secret.
How needful is it to take heed to our ways, to seek counsel,
not only of God, but of those who are faithful and prudent! Satan
watches for our halting, and entangles us by little and little;
questionable things first, then things plainly evil. Great sins
may spring out of little trespasses.
That confession to others which is frequent and unasked, is seldom
deep before God.
They are most alive to snares and temptations who by reason of
walking with God are most blameless: we rarely see the snare
when entangled therein.
David, Elijah, and others, obtained victories over themselves
in solitude, and there had power with God: when afterwards they
came forth, how calmly did they undertake the greatest things,
and how easily perform them!
How great a victory was that which Jonathan must have gained
over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him!
He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learnt to delight
in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine
him, but another faithful man raised up for God and for Israel.
Not so Joab, who in hellish jealousy slew his kinsman Amasa.
(1 Sam. 23:17; 2 Sam. 20:9.10.)
To _have_ nothing, and to _be_ nothing, this is riches, quietness,
rest.
Little Things
Who would have thought that from Pharaoh's daughter going to
bathe in the river of Egypt would spring the deliverance of Israel?
The mind of Christ in us is chiefly to be seen in _little things_.
To walk before God in the every-day matters of life, and to have
our words and actions savoured daily with the name of Jesus,
this is true holiness.
In the least matters what need there is of looking upwards! I
ought not to write a note without looking up to God, seeking
His help; for I can write folly enough in one sentence to cause
myself and others disquietude for months.
Let us turn every circumstance of the day into an occasion of
communion with God. Things of small amount will then bring us
great blessings.
In small points of obedience are found the best test of the soul's
state.
What great grace it needs to find no excuses for our little faults!
-- still greater to confess them!
Fruit
God sometimes sends us a wintry season that we may the better
bring forth summer fruit.
It is the way of the Lord to work for a season, as it were, under
ground: and as the seed that dies in the earth, through dying,
comes to life, so God will seem to cut off the hope of fruit
of our labour; yet when we have humbled ourselves under His hand,
and He has secured the glory to Himself, He will put forth His
power and bring to life our buried hopes.
There may be much communion with God when there is but little
comfort in the soul, and much fruitfulness when there is but
little joy and gladness. We bear fruit when we credit the Word
of God against appearances, and when we submit our will to His.
There is no security for our bringing forth fruit in time to
come, if we are not bringing forth fruit in the present hour.
How often we fail and miscarry toward the end of a trial of patience!
Do not expect to make great strides at once in believing; or
that deep sanctification is to be wrought in a day.
We can never be said to have outlived our usefulness, unless
we have outlived our spirituality.
We must first come to the withering of the flesh, before we can
become spiritually strong and fruitful.
Christian Communion
We need one another; are dependent on one another—not as _fountains_,
but as _channels_ of blessing.
When mutual intercession takes the place of mutual accusation,
then will the differences and difficulties of brethren be overcome.
(Job 42:8.10.)
The infirmities of our brethren are fair occasions for our patience
and long-suffering: let us have grace for each opportunity.
The hearts of true believers crave a fellowship which will last
-- a fellowship in the Spirit with each other, because of common
fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of
division.
If Christ be not the bond of friendship and of communion, and
if His blood be not the life of love, how quickly may indifference
take the place of warm affections, and how easily may close friends
turn to stubborn adversaries, through the clashings of self-seeking
and thwarted pride, or man's native fickleness!
In John 17 and in Ephes. 1 we see what the Church is in the sight
of God in Christ—what it ought to be in its ways; and would
be, did we not grieve the Holy Ghost, which is given to us to
lead us into all truth, and to glorify Christ in us. But the
Church has not been true to her heavenly calling; she has forgotten
her dignity; she has lost her strength; the grey hairs are here
and there upon her, and she knoweth it not. (Hosea 7:9.)
The fellowship of believers ought to be like the fellowship of
the Father and the Son: any differences of judgment, therefore,
which arise between two members of Christ about the truth of
God should be a cause of humiliation, but not of strife, and
separation. God would soon make His children of one mind, did
they steadfastly set their faces toward the Mercy-seat, seeking
unity according to 1 Cor. 1 and Ephes. 4; 5
It is sweet to talk of Jesus with our brethren, the children
of God: but how much sweeter is it to talk with the Lord Jesus
Himself!
If there be but a shadow of disunion between us and any brother
or sister, let us not give ourselves rest until we bring about
a reconciliation; let us search out what in our own ways may
have caused the breach, and seek after a communion with our brother
like that of the Father with His dear Son. We should, moreover,
watch against everything in us that may wound or grieve our brother,
so that we may be wise to prevent breaches of fellowship; observant
of 1 Cor. 13; our ways fashioned by the love that behaves itself
not unseemly, and which faileth not. Nor shall we be skilful
to heal breaches, if we be not watchful to prevent them.
The secret of lasting fellowship is that Christ is the life of
it. He maintains, rules, and sanctifies its mutual tender love
and confidence, which will grow more heavenly the more we are
like Christ, the more we abide in Him. When He comes in His glory,
what joy will it be to remember former friendships, and see Jesus
Himself, the spring and the stability of them all!
Suppose all the saints in a town met together in one place, with
no outward sign of division; yet, if it were not the common aim
to be of one mind with God, and with Christ, the Spirit would
still be grieved by divisions of heart and judgment.
The communion of the members of Christ with each other is by
the Holy Ghost, who, dwelling in them, gives them fellowship
with the Father and with the Son. The oneness of mind between
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, is the spring and pattern
of the one new mind that should be found in, and mark out, the
members of Christ.
Unless we have a spiritual understanding of this divine unity,
we cannot rightly grieve for the divisions of God's people. By
looking into this glass, we discover the nature and the guilt
of schisms and divisions.
Love
"God is love" (1 John 4:16). His children please Him only so
far as they are like Him, and "walk in love" (Eph. 5:2).
True heavenly love has its life and root in the cross of Christ;
it has the single eye, and is its own recompense; endures ingratitude,
and survives indifference and contempt; has quick sense of wrongs,
but is ready to forgive; and covers a multitude of sins. The
love we speak of is meek and lowly; behaves itself wisely and
edifies; bearing with the foolish and self-conceited, while it
shuns their folly. This holy love is the durable work of the
Spirit of God: it proves faithful in wintry days; and, ever ready
to "rejoice with them that do rejoice," adds gladness to their
days of sunshine.
If we would so love all saints as to please God, we must bear
in mind that their names are written in heaven and on Christ's
heart; otherwise we shall love some because they are lovely,
and dislike others because of their blemishes.
We only know the heart and thoughts of others by proof of word
or deed. If a brother wound us, we should first hear him, and
hear him thoroughly, before we judge him to be in fault; but
in many cases we may find ourselves not less to blame than our
brother.
The "more excellent way" is love, which beareth all things, hopeth
all things, imputeth no evil. Nevertheless, if love see a fault,
love will reprove in faithfulness the fault it _sees_. I say
_sees_, for love is discerning, and love is faithful. I cannot
but deal in such faithfulness with all my brethren, and entreat
them to smite me in like manner, which, indeed, is to anoint
my head with "excellent oil." (Ps. 141:5.)
If we delight in God's glory, we shall delight to honour those
whom God honours, and shall ourselves be no losers thereby.
Justice and Judgement
Every man stands before God on the ground of justice. The unregenerate
sinner stands in his own name, and obtains death, "the wages
of sin:" the believing sinner stands in the name of Jesus; and
because sin was borne by the Lord Jesus, and justice satisfied,
has everlasting life.
As deeds and thoughts of wicked men do now appear to the all-seeing
eye of God, so will He represent them to their memory and conscience
at the great day: the offender will be chief witness against
himself.
The children of God enter heaven, not by sufferance, but by right
and title: the justice of God demands it, because Christ has
died and is risen.
The justice of God can never show mercy where sin is imputed.
No mercy, therefore, was shown to Christ. As the sinner's Surety
He drank the cup of vengeance to the dregs; and now the cup He
gives us overflows with blessings.
Christ never keeps a man outside who knocks at His door; but
those who will not come as beggars, who are blinded by pride,
self-will, and unbelief,—how can they complain if sent empty
away?
The Love of God
We speak of Christ showing His love by the death of the Cross;
let us also evermore consider the Father's love, in whose hand
was the sword. Oh, the yearnings of His heart, when He was bruising
the Son of His love!
The children of God ought to count it their chief joy, in drawing
nigh to God, that they have His ear and heart. Great is the difference
between a child of God confiding in Him, and a child of God full
of petitions and burdens, but doubting God until some outward
deliverance be granted. The character of God and His love demand
our perfect trust at all times.
The love of God is not purchased for us by the blood of Christ.
That love springs up out of God's own heart and nature. Self-moved,
He sent His Son.
We could not be the object of the Father's love, which is from
everlasting to everlasting, but as chosen in Christ. He loves
us with love perfect and unchangeable.
The Heart and its Deceitfulness
David would never have fallen into gross outward sin, had he
not been too familiar with it in his heart; there had the evil
been oft-times committed before it broke out in the wicked deed.
Nor would he have numbered the people, had he not first strayed
from the presence of God, and so become puffed up with pride.
(2 Sam. 11; 1 Chron. 21)
Saints rarely see the guilt of a murmuring, unbelieving spirit,
while they do feel the discomfort and weakness it brings with
it. How great the deceitfulness of sin that can hide such guilt
from the conscience of a child of God.
The Lord would have us all deal truly with our state, and with
our hearts. We cannot otherwise deal truly with Him.
When we desire any special guidance, let us look first at the
state of our heart: we have natural reason; let us take heed
that we put it not into the hands of the devil by self-will,
but into the hands of God.
The mistake of ignorance is one thing; the darkness of self-will
is another. There may be the former though the eye be single,
but not the latter.
It is good for a child of God to search his heart, that he may
know whether it is by nature or by grace that he is kept from
outward evil. Fear of shame, love of reputation, power of conscience,
natural affection, self-interest, greatly preserve the unregenerate
from the commission of sin; and may in part also keep the children
of God from defiling their garments; but it is only by the power
of grace, and when the heart keeps the life, that our "good conversation"
is a sweet savour to God.
The great outlet of sin is the tongue; the great inlets of temptation
are the ear and eye; but of the whole body the heart is mistress.
Therefore let grace rule the heart, and the whole man shall be
subject.
The Form of Godliness
The enmity of the carnal mind is wont to hide itself by imitating
the outward forms of the kingdom of God. The grace of God subduing
the heart to Christ is the sign of the birth from above.
The drunkard and the thief are evidently in the broad road that
leadeth to destruction. The Pharisee seems to tread the narrow
way, yet does but keep the clean side of the broad road.
All who build their hope of eternal life on their prayers, reading
the Scriptures, and other outward works of righteousness, come
short of the rest that is in Christ, and the salvation that is
in Him. The sinner's hands must be emptied of all such recommendations:
it is with his poverty, and his poverty only, that he must come
to the crucified Son of God.
The sinner that comes with his own good works to God for eternal
life, is a debtor who brings a bag of base coin of his own forging,
to pay his creditor withal.
The good works of the flesh, though so well-pleasing to the carnal
mind, tested by God's justice, are at the King's mint adjudged
base coin.
Salvation, Justification, Pardon
The salvation of God delivers a man, not only from the guilt,
but the dominion of sin, and brings him into fellowship with
God. This salvation is preached to "every creature" under heaven;
and it leaves without excuse every one who does not receive it.
"What shall I do?" says the sinner. Alas! man _has done_ his
work completely—the work of self-destruction. Christ has wrought
a perfect work—the work of redemption for the salvation of
the inexcusably guilty, the utterly lost.
God justifies the sinner believing. When God pardons, He justifies.
Man may pardon; he cannot blot out. God alone can justify; and
He justifies by Christ, who was made sin for us, that we might
be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Had the Lord waited ere He came into this world till men knew
their own sickness, then would pride and ignorance have shut
Him out for ever.
God, in self-moved love, sent His own Son to save the lost.
The poor sinner, fleeing to Christ for salvation, cannot possibly
be overtaken by the sword of the avenger, because that poor sinner
is taught by the Spirit of God, and is drawn by God's loving
kindness to the Saviour Christ. Great may be his fear and perplexity;
but he is safe from curse in Christ the City of Refuge. God sees
him already there, while he himself doubts of reaching it.
"How can I be pardoned?" says the poor self-condemned sinner.
"How can I not pardon?" says God. The sinner looks at his sins;
but God looks at His Son's atoning blood. Sinner, do thou likewise.
I was slain and hanged on the cross eighteen hundred years ago
with Christ. (Gal. 2:20.) Did He rise? Yes. Therefore I am risen.
The Christian is a dead and buried man, and also risen. As a
child of Adam, dead and buried; as a child of God, risen with
Christ: the world is crucified to him, and he is crucified to
the world. Satan ever aims to raise the dead, and bury the living.
God's Wise and Gracious Dealings
If we have especially trusted God in any matter, He will "after
these things" (Gen. 22) prove our faith: and though He may seem
not to regard us, and that for a long time; yet, in the end,
He will show that His way of performing His promise is worthy
of Him—good for us.
God's discipline of His children always bears the mark of long-suffering.
When the Lord is about to give great blessings, He commonly begins
with great trials. He writes death upon the purposed mercy, that
when life springs out of death, we may know from whom that life
proceeds—even Jesus, the "I am that I am."
Our peculiar corruptions are often brought out by the peculiarities
of others.
If God in His kindness make manifest to ourselves the evil that
is in us, it is in order that we may be driven to Christ, and
that we may know the subduing power of His blood.
The Lord has bound up the rod of correction in our bundle of
blessings.
We have not wisdom to judge of God's ways, unless we have patience
to wait their issue.
God is wont to frustrate our devices in order to execute His
own purposes, and thereby to do us good to the utmost.
Elisha was singularly honoured after going down to the grave:
a dead body touching the prophet's bones came to life again.
Elijah was honoured by translation: like Enoch, he did not see
death. God will, in manifold wisdom, honour each and every one
of them that honour Him.
When God is about to do the very best for us, His discipline
is often such that at first our flesh rebels: but let us leave
God to bless us in His own way; only let our hearts be set upon
Himself, and on pleasing Him. He will be ever true to Himself.
Obedience
"Vain man would be wise, though he be born like a wild ass's
colt" (Job 11:12). But God demands it of man that he become a
fool, that he may be wise. (1 Cor. 3:18.)
God honoured the obedience of His saints in time of the old covenant
with the abundance of earthly things: if at any time He dealt
otherwise, as in Job's case, He departed from His ordinary course.
_Now_ the obedience of faith brings with it tribulation, more
or less. If we bear not this in mind, trials will often take
us by surprise.
The state of the heart of God's children is not to be judged
by what they call "comfort," or the lack of it; by strong words
or lively feelings; but by steady obedience to His Word—not
obedience on great occasions only: it is easier to do great things
for Christ than to hold on our way, keeping heart and lips in
our every-day walk.
The only path of safety and happiness is prompt, unquestioning,
obedience to the commandments of the Lord.
If we would be led into God's truth, we must put our neck into
Christ's yoke, and in such subjection of spirit as not to be
galled thereby.
If you compare a path of obedience with one of disobedience,
the great difference may not immediately appear; but years will
speak, and show things in their true light.
It is good to bear in mind that whatever our circumstances, it
cannot be necessary to disobey God. Let us not wish for anything
unless the means to obtain it be as much approved of by God as
the _end_.
The "perfect man" is he who has a deliberate purpose to do the
will of God in all things, under all circumstances, and at all
times; never resting in this or that measure of obedience, but
still running the race, his eye fixed on the goal.
Being delivered from the law, we are under obligation to try
all our ways, past and present, by the example of the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Watchfulness and Self-denial
"Make no thought for the morrow" (Matt. 6:34)—that is, no
_anxious thought_—for this comes of distrust of God. But there
is a thought for the morrow which is a holy carefulness: "A prudent
man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself" (Prov. 22:3). Gathering
clouds bespeak a coming storm. Watch and be ready for every storm:
be it in your own heart, in the church, or in the world, provide
against it by abiding in Christ; He is our hiding-place, our
high tower into which the righteous runneth and is safe. "Watch
ye, and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."
Even when we have most of the consolations of Christ, and most
of His approval, let us be on the watch, lest like the spouse
in the Song, through the deceitfulness of the flesh, we leave
the blessedness of tender communion and put ourselves to shame
by "I sleep, but my heart waketh" (S. Sol. 5:2).
What love to the Thessalonians must Paul have had, who, though
he so greatly delighted in his brethren's fellowship, sent Timothy
from Athens to Thessalonica, and was content to be left alone!
If a child of God pleases the flesh under colour of liberty,
mistaking carnal liberty for spiritual, who can say how far he
may go wrong? It is the self-denial of grace that is true liberty.
Christ measures our kindness to others, especially toward His
members, not by the greatness of our gifts, but by our faith
and self-denial.
When we see any servant of Christ lowly and self-denying, such
we must esteem and revere. To great gifts of knowledge and utterance
unaccompanied with lowliness, we pay the tax of admiration; but
our esteem and reverence they cannot command.
The habit of denying self in little things will give us a vigour
of spiritual life.
In looking out for opportunities of doing great things in the
Lord's cause, we lose the daily, hourly opportunities for little
acts of self-denial which especially require the grace of Christ.
To be crucifying self when no eye but that of God sees us, this
is the most acceptable service to our Lord and Master.
That is the best watching and waiting which puts the keeping
of our souls into the hands of God; for, "Except the Lord keep
the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." (Psalm 127:1.)
__1__ (A Song of degrees for Solomon.) Except the LORD build
the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD
keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Temptations and Falls
When mercy comes in the form of affliction, we often need time
and grace to call it a mercy: happy they who need not time to
do so.
The letter from Hezekiah's enemy drave him to God; whilst that
from the flattering king ensnared his feet. (2 Kings 19; 20)
Some Temptations are best withstood by fleeing from them.
We should distinguish between a dead state of soul and a tempted
state. Job, in his trouble, was in a tempted state: he says in
his sorrow, "Oh that I were as in months past" (Job 29:2). David
was in a dead state of soul when he rose from his bed to walk
upon the house-top. (2 Sam. 11:2.) Job felt his temptation: David
was not awake to danger.
The devil is often like the practised sharper, who allows his
dupes a little success that he may strip them of their all at
the last. Thus can Satan suffer his slaves to break off grosser
sins, that he may hold them fast bound in the chains of self-righteousness
and false peace.
If through confidence in the flesh we take not counsel of God,
He is wont to leave us to ourselves, that we may prove our wisdom
to be folly. Had Joshua sought counsel of God, he would not have
been deceived by the Gibeonites, and their tokens of a long journey.
(Josh. 9)
The evil of the heart is best revealed to God's people by their
abiding at the Mercy-seat: if they will not learn there, God
may leave them to learn by some gross outbreak. Paul exercised
himself to keep always a conscience void of offence, and by constant
communion with God well-knew the deceitfulness of the flesh.
If we are found mourning within the vail over inward evil, we
shall be preserved from outwardly dishonouring the Lord.
No child of God ever falls at once into the mire of sin. All
declension begins in unwatchfulness and neglect of secret dealing
with God, whereby Satan finds a door of entrance into the heart,
and we are taken in his snares.
Prayer
A child knocks at the father's door with boldness and perseverance,
and, knowing the rights of a child, takes no denial. Thus should
it be with the children of God, who, through Christ's atonement,
have liberty of access to the Father.
Every child of God prays, but not all know what it is to _labour_
in prayer. (Col. 4:12.)
Much prayer for the ungodly is a sign of a thriving soul. Christ
prayed for His enemies, "Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Paul prayed for the Jews; his
"heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel was, that they might
be saved" (Rom. 10:1). God's precepts (not His decrees) are the
rule for our prayers. He would have us pray for all men. (1 Tim.
2:1.)
To be sustained in faith under long delay of the answer to prayer,
is itself an answer to prayer beyond price. (Matt. 15:22-28.)
When we cannot pray at all, then is it high time to pray. We
honour God by fighting with inward difficulties, and show our
faith in the intercession of the Lord Jesus by bringing our coldness
of spirit to the great High Priest.
True boldness in prayer is not to be judged by good words, but
by this test: How far is the will of the flesh trodden under
foot, and God's will the guide of the soul?
If the ear of sinners be shut to our words, let our mouth be
opened at the Mercy-seat in their behalf.
The children of God are apt to think meanly of their prayers
and holy things, and to doubt the acceptance of their offerings
because of imperfections. It is well indeed to have the humble
mind; but unbelief is not pleasing to God. The prattlings of
a child are sweeter in the Father's ear than all the best spoken
words of a bond-servant.
Elisha asked for "a hard thing" (2 Kings 2:10). So with many
of our requests; they are not things too hard for the Lord, who
delights to give liberally, and with whom nothing is impossible:
but a prepared heart is needed to receive a great spiritual blessing;
and it is by much self-denial the heart is prepared.
Christ's intercession is grounded on His atonement; and so is
the prayer of faith.
When we ask for conformity to Christ, and are not content to
be stripped and emptied, it is prayer going out of feigned lips.
(Ps. 15:1.)
God our Father can refuse His children nothing that is for their
good. Those who have acquaintance with God desire only what is
according to His will—they know their happiness lies in having
no will but His. Thus they have everything their own way: it
is their delight to please God, and what pleases God pleases
them.
The prayers recorded in Scripture say much in few words; and
the soul persuaded that "God is" cannot be wordy—takes hold
of God, and prevails.
Few are strangers to _making_ prayers, but how many, alas, are
strangers to prayer! The soul in true prayer looks at the Cross,
and says, Were it not for that Cross I should never have prayed
at all.
The prayer of the psalmist is often no more than a cry, a sigh,
a desire of the poor, the contrite soul.
It is not by our much outward work that the value of our service
will be judged in the day of the Lord. Many of the church's best
helpers are intercessors confined to their beds.
The importunate widow (Luke 18) represents the whole of God's
elect. They are a praying people and the parable teaches them
that God will prove their faith; will seem to the flesh to favour
their adversary; but that perseverance in prayer will surely
prevail.
The circumstances of every hour furnish us with errands to the
throne of grace; and we ought, in the secret of our hearts, to
be communing with God our Father all the day long, hearing His
voice, asking His guidance, or making confession, if in any of
these things we fail. As we advance in acquaintance with God
and with ourselves, we shall have more and more of the spirit
of _little children_, distrusting ourselves, and putting all
our trust in Him.
__1__ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel
is, that they might be saved.
__1__ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men;
1 (A Psalm of David.) LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?
who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
Answers to Prayer
The best answers to prayer are those we have to wait and trust
for. If we are answered quickly, let us be thankful; but let
us be assured that by-and-by God will change His method with
us, and that we shall be often made to wait.
"I will cry unto God... that performeth all things for me" (Psalm
62:2). Every such prayer must be answered; but we must wait God's
time and way. The finest fruit of the Spirit ripens the latest;
the longer we have to wait for answers to our prayers, the richer
the blessing we are blessed while we continue to pray; faith
grows by waiting; the blessing is full when it comes, and the
time of the answer is seen to be the right time.
Asking of God what is most precious in His sight, we surely obtain
all inferior good. Thus did Solomon. (1 Kings 3:6-14.) All mercies
are bound up with God's gift of Christ.
It is not good for us to obtain deliverance and gifts from God,
until we fully justify Him in His way of dealing with us. (Psalm
22) The answer to prayer will sometimes come when our patience
is spent. "Let patience have her perfect work" (James 1:4), that
such rebukes of God's love may not be needful.
Many of God's people pray without waiting for God to work in
His own time and manner. Let us not quiet conscience by praying,
and then, in fleshly haste, take our own way.
The way wherein it pleases God to answer our prayer, if we have
a right mind, will always please us well.
Holiness
As is our faith in Jesus, so will be the holiness of our walk.
Where there is much dealing by faith with the blood of atonement,
there will be sure and even walking in the path of obedience
to the precepts of Christ.
How careful should we be to keep clean the house that is the
dwelling of the King of Glory!
Holiness first and pardon after, says the blind Pharisee; but
God's way is, Pardon and peace with God first: holiness the fruit
of pardon.
The deep engraving of "Thou art holy" (Psalm 22:3), on the heart
of a believer, is necessary to his wise and prudent walk.
Neglected hearts become like dwellings with slovenly occupants
-- void of comfort.
Every saint is a vessel of mercy, but not every saint a vessel
unto honour: yet it is his obligation to be such; lack of obedience
gains nothing but harm and loss.
The Secret Life and the Daily Path
The soul that aims high, in point of obedience to God, will account
that a transgression, which may not seem to be a fault to the
eyes of others.
So soon as we behave and quiet ourselves, and become as a weaned
child, our troubles vanish: take away self-will, and the sorrows
that remain in our cup are made sweet.
Be much with God in secret, so will you bring profit into the
saints' assemblies, and bring profit away from them.
God makes more of the dedication of the heart, than of any outward
service we can render.
Would you grow up into Christ, make a conscience of obedience
to Him in the smallest matters.
Believers should so live and commune in secret with Christ, that
all around may see Christ in them.
If we would deal wisely with our daily matters, we must bring
God's eternal counsels into them, and consider their eternal
issues; holding ourselves God's servants, doing each his part
in preparing the way for the Lord's appearing in glory.
The path for a believer to walk in without stumbling is that
of God's precepts; in treading which he keeps his conscience
purged by the blood of Christ, takes up his cross daily, and
denies himself. This path, alas, is not much trodden by the saints
-- to the unregenerate utterly unknown.
Do you dread to grieve the heart of Christ, as you once dreaded
wrath and condemnation?
The Day of Small Things
God never blames us for our slow progress and small attainments
in holiness, but for our sluggish coldhearted submitting to evil,
and allowing it dominion over us.
Even our purposes to do right are made much of by our gracious
and pitiful God: therefore let us not despise the desires of
our hearts to please Him.
If we watch against pride; if we struggle and pray against it;
if we are pained at its inward workings—then that which we
feel to be only a struggle after humility, God accounts humility
true and deep. He accepts us in His dear Son He accepts our offerings
also; and the sighs of the contrite He calls incense.
The Believer's Testimony to Others
Let me not consider what I have as mine own; for I myself am
not mine own. Whatever I have, therefore—talents, substance
-- I am God's steward to use all at His bidding, for His glory.
The guilt of sin was not revealed to saints of Old Testament
time as now to us. Christ, that was to come, was dimly seen by
them: Christ, who has come, is fully revealed to us. Obligations
are according to revelation.
This world is but a desert—a foreign land, where the children
of God can find no rest: if, through unbelief, they seek it,
they will only find disappointment.
We ought so to behave ourselves, that the ungodly may see the
mind of Christ in all our ways; even look and voice should bear
witness for Christ: "Ye are My witnesses" (Isa. 43:10).
One word spoken with a savour of Christ may sink into the soul
of the hearer, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life.
There is something in the very countenance of those who walk
with God, that gives authority to all they say.
Happiness, Joy, Comfort, and Peace
All our wounds are for Christ's binding up: our broken hearts
become witnesses to His skill and loving kindness; for it is
spoken by the prophet, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare
our sicknesses." (Matt. 8:17.)
Special comfort and consolation may be given to any Christian;
but it is the diligence of the soul in walking with God that
brings settled comfort.
Consolation in Jesus will abound as our sorrow for sin is deep,
and our desire for obedience sincere.
If our peace be marred amidst our upright desires to please the
Lord, it is because of self-willed purposes mingled with those
upright desires.
We speak of our comfort and peace being marred by the ways of
others towards us, little considering that Self-will is the author
of our vexation.
It is our duty to be always happy. True, we may be sorrowful;
but if we be unhappy, it is because we have been drinking of
some foul stream, and not of our fountain of joy—God Himself.
A happy, joyful spirit spreads joy everywhere; a fretful spirit
is a trouble to ourselves, and to all around us.
Let us solemnly consider how much we may injure others when we
are fretful and wilful, and how much we may help others when
we are joyful in God.
If God impart to us peculiar joy in the Holy Ghost, filling us
with Christ and His love, causing us to keep holy Sabbath in
the soul by faith of Jesus, it is for this end—that we may
come down from the mount to do the work of the Lord, ready to
bear all things for Jesus' sake.
If any believer lack peace and joy, let him examine himself by
the Word, and use diligence in cleansing heart and conscience
by the blood of Jesus.
The joy of the Holy Ghost is a holy, solemn thing. It always
humbles the soul, and keeps it low. Not so the joy of the flesh.
Begin every day with the Word of God and prayer, if you would
enjoy settled blessedness. It is in the Word of God that the
fulness of Christ is revealed, as the rich portion of every one
who trusts in the blood of Christ.
The peace of the believer, through faith in the atoning blood
of Jesus, if the soul be flourishing, flows like a river; joy
in believing is the same river overflowing its banks. Let watchfulness
keep pace with joy.
Church Discipline
The discipline exercised by the church of God should be a picture
of our heavenly Father's character.
A sober mind, a tender heart, a watchful spirit, should mark
those who put away the evil doer.
All God's corrections and judgments are designed to bring to
repentance. So likewise any censure pronounced by an assembly
of saints, while manifestly righteous, should be as a medicine
to restore, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Christ.
(1 Cor. 5:5.)
Paul says not to the Corinthians, when he reproves their evil,
"lest my God should humble you," but "lest my God should humble
me among you;" not "lest I should be wrathful and cut off many,"
but lest I should "bewail many which have sinned" (2 Cor. 12:21).
My brother, defiling himself, is my own hand touching pitch.
In this mind we are like Christ, who is touched with the feeling
of our infirmities, and is able to succour the tempted.
In how many instances, alas! where sharp or bitter reproof is
given, heavenly wisdom would deal in tender-hearted counsel and
admonition.
Col. 4:10 is a testimony that Mark was restored and stablished
after having forsaken Paul and Barnabas. We find him not with
Barnabas, but with Paul, who had so gravely judged his fault.
"Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" (Prov. 9:8).
Let us imitate our Lord in His pity toward those who have erred
from His way; thus we best discountenance their sins, and help
them to make the confession that obtains forgiveness from God.
Carnal severity hardens the heart which might be won by heavenly
tenderness and compassion.
In the fellowship of saints' assemblies are many joys and many
comforts. It is not, however, a bed of roses; for it is in the
intercourse of that fellowship that the infirmities and faults
of believers especially appear. In the church's best state there
was always the flesh to be subdued, and Satan resisted. Hence
"forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man
have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, even also
do ye" (Col. 3:13).
Judgments of offences should be such as to commend themselves
to the common conscience. All are accountable to God for those
judgments.
The love of Christ filling our hearts, we shall be keen-sighted
to discern, whether in ourselves or others, whatsoever pleases
not the Lord. This love, and this love only, will enable us to
maintain the order and discipline of the house of God, so as
to be approved by the Son of God, the Lord of His own house.
We shall thereby, while observing the laws of Christ as to offending
brethren, be raised above the fear of man that bringeth a snare;
and, what is higher still, be free of false love, which spares
the rod when God would have us smite. Let the righteous smite
me; it shall be a kindness (Ps. 141:5). "Faithful are the wounds
of a friend" (Prov. 27:6).
The Servants of the Lord
Whatever carnal titles of honour men may give to professed ministers
of the Gospel, the conscience of the unregenerate will not account
them holy men of God unless they be such of a truth.
For those who are to exercise any office in the church—that
of evangelist, pastor,—it is not knowledge and utterance only
which are needed; but also, and above all, grace and an unblameable
conversation. Whilst they be harmless as doves in regard to carnal
policy, they should be wise as serpents in respect of spiritual
wisdom and prudence, so as to "cut off occasion from them which
desire occasion." (2 Cor. 11:12.)
It was a small thing with Paul to be judged by the saints at
Corinth. Whatever their judgments, he is intent on doing them
good, and holds on his course, glorifying God. He labours to
restore them to a sound heart and mind. "We do all things, dearly
beloved, for your edifying: for I fear lest, when I come, I shall
not find you such as I would." (2 Cor. 12:19.20.)
The servant of the Lord Jesus must be instant in season and out
of season, knowing that he is the Lord's messenger to every one
with whom he has to do: ever learning of the Lord; for, seeing
that he is to be continually ministering to others, he must be
receiving fresh supplies from the God of all grace through all
channels. Meditation of the Word and prayer should occupy the
chief part of his time. In his public ministry and private conversation,
he should aim at heart and conscience, seeking in every way to
magnify Christ and abase the creature. In short, he should set
the Lord always before him, and so walk in His steps as to represent
Him to every eye.
If Paul had much joy in his spiritual children at Philippi, he
had much profit, though little joy, by those at Corinth, who
by their many evils gave him so great occasion to show the heart
of Christ.
Those who walk with God hear His voice and He employs them.
A good workman gains skill by his mistakes.
The Lord Jesus always finds service for willing hearts and willing
hands: let us desire only that service for which He has fitted
us.
If each child of God, each member of Christ, had due conscience
of his own accountability, we should soon see better things in
the church of God. If we be careless in the Lord's service, He
will surely require it of us.
Let the servants of Christ put toil and hardship by the side
of the recompense, and look well to the state of their hearts,
taking heed day by day that they please God: so will they be
always rejoicing, though always sorrowful.
The joy and triumph of faith are only to be found in the way
of unreserved consecration of ourselves to God, and of diligent
service of Christ.
All who labour for Christ shall receive great wages for little
toil.
It is our wisdom to account the pleasing God our great reward.
If we leave it altogether to His will how and when to give us
fruit of our labour, we shall obtain abundantly what, as our
chief aim, we do not seek.
Martha would please the Lord in her own way; Mary in her Lord's
way. There are many who would please the Lord; but in their own
way, for lack of trying their works by the Scriptures: amid much
labour they are unspiritual and barren.
From the charge of Paul to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:12-16), we gather
the true and proper character of the servant of God.
The work of a servant of the Lord demands entire self-denial.
"Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom. 15:3). He must be the
servant of all men for Jesus' sake, that he may be, under his
Lord, a leader and a commander of the people: the foremost to
suffer; the most laborious in all service; ever caring for others,
ever forgetting himself.
Spiritual Warfare
The children of God in their spiritual warfare too much resemble
the children of Israel after Joshua fell asleep. (Jud. 3:5-8.)
They did not cast out the remnants of the Canaanites, but made
a league with them: so, alas! we have allowed remnants of evil
things to hold peaceable possession of corners of our hearts;
and, through lack of diligence in weeding the soul's garden,
God is but little with us. We have neglected to take the foxes,
the little foxes, which spoil the vines. (S. Sol. 2:15.)
There were four things which made Israel fight well under Joshua:
1st, the necessity of fighting; 2nd, the certainty of victory;
3rd, God with them; and 4th, the rich spoil. How is it that God's
people, with Christ for their Captain, are but sorry soldiers?
If Christ be with us, what is the city of strength, what are
the walls of Jericho, but an occasion to faith? (Josh. 6)
The slothful believer may have trouble through the flesh; but
he never knows the evil and power of the flesh as do those who
fight against it and subdue it.
God's Deeper Dealings
Witness for Christ lies in self-condemnation according to the
rule of the Word of God. Sinners are as many as the race of Adam;
but a poor and needy sinner is a precious jewel in the sight
of Christ.
We are not to gather from the angel's feeding Elijah that God
approved of his going to Horeb. (1 Kings 19) If God gives us
good things when we are out of the way, we ought to see keen
reproof in His very kindness.
God will put His faithful servants into the furnace to prove
them and fit them for honour. (Gen. 39) Joseph was steadfast
in obedience to God, and true to Potiphar in all things; yet
his service to Potiphar ended in bonds and dishonour. Joseph
in prison seemed forgotten of God; but God was faithful, and
raised His faithful servant to promised honour, after fitting
him for that honour by humiliation and suffering.
The cross of Christ brought in a new order of faith, so that
now the children of God, when walking in obedience and simplicity
of heart before God, should expect trials of faith like those
of Christ. Did they settle this in their hearts, they would not
be surprised at God's giving them to drink of Christ's cup, and
to share His baptism: they would suffer gladly, remembering that
the curse of the law cannot touch them.
If we walk in self-will and unbelief, the holy rebukes of the
still small voice of the Spirit will not be heard; but if our
hearts are listening, God will be ever teaching us by ways innumerable,
-- chiefly by the Holy Scriptures.
Pleasing the Lord
A wish of David's was a law to his three mighty men. (2 Sam.
23:15.16.) Should no then a wish of Christ's be a law to us?
Shall Christ have one mind; and we, His flesh and bones, another?
With this tender mind toward our Lord, we shall follow hard after
Him, and pursue nothing that may bring shame upon us.
Oh, let us think of the tenderness of the heart of Christ! No
apple of the eye so tender as that heart. Let us then be careful
to do His will; chiefly lest we grieve Him; but also for our
own comfort and joy.
A child of God ought to be ever committing himself into God's
hand, that God may direct his way for him. The natural man deviseth
his own way; but God would have His children hang upon Him for
counsel and guidance in everything.
One of David's mighty men fought singlehanded with the Philistine
host for a piece of ground full of lentiles: others might have
thought it not worth fighting for, but it was parcel of king
David's land; and to his faithful one that was enough. Let us
in our spiritual warfare be like that good soldier. (2 Sam. 23:11.12.)
Be content, for He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee." This promise was first given to Jacob; then to Joshua:
now it is spoken to all God's children. (Gen. 28:15; Josh. 1:5;
Heb. 13:5.) Let me lay up this promise in my heart, and I am
a rich man. How can I please God to-day? He will take care of
to-morrow, will be my settled, blessed mind.
Providences
Never judge God by His providence, unless your will is wholly
subject to His will. To judge Him before the issue of His dealings
is to judge rashly and wrongly. The end of the Lord will justify
all His ways. When Job rashly judged, he said, "Thou art become
cruel to me;" but at last he justified God, saying, "Behold,
I am vile." "I abhor myself." (Job 30:21; 40:4; 42:6)
Let us put all our matters into God's hands, and leave them there.
Can they be better ordered than by Him? We never think that the
sun, moon, and stars will go wrong, because man has nothing to
do with the ordering of them.
Be familiar with this precious thought, that God decrees the
little as well as the great things of His providence; and that
all His decrees are those of love to His people.
Gratitude
Mercies reviewed and pondered are even sweeter than when first
bestowed.
Amongst the perilous mercies pleasing to nature, is health of
body. Sickness, although a mark of the curse, usually favours,
more than health, communion with God.
True gratitude never says, I have done enough.
The best way to keep our mercies, is to be ready at all times
to give them up at God's call.
A child of God, taking a cup of cold water with a thankful heart,
may render a better service to God than one who gives thousands
of gold and silver.
Ingratitude towards God for benefits received makes us distrustful
of Him as to the future.
Praise
Praising God should be to us our chiefest, happiest employ. It
is the "service of song" of the sanctuary. God preserve us from
ingratitude, that abominable thing, that viper which creeps forth
when the sun is up; for when signal mercies demand especial thankfulness,
how often have we resembled Hezekiah, who rendered not again
according to the benefit. (2 Chron. 32:25)
To hang my harp upon the willows is to say, "Christ is not ruling
well."
So long as our hearts are cleaving to earthly things, we shall
not be able to sing the pilgrim's song; but if we are thorough
pilgrims, and apprehend our great High Priest ever living for
us at the right hand of God, we shall be perpetually giving thanks.
Can I fail to praise God _always for all things_, if I have no
interests but the interests of Christ, and no purposes but those
of Christ? Let me, by faith, but see Christ at the right hand
of God ordering all things by His wisdom as the head of the body
the church (Eph. 1:22.23; 5:23), I shall then see Him prospering
in all that He doeth, and with Him I shall ever rejoice.
To avoid an unthankful spirit, we must make thankfulness a business.
If we thank God for _wants_, we shall not distrust Him for _supplies_.
If, because of painful circumstances, we cannot praise the Lord,
we ought to confess the sin. (Eph. 5:20)
I would especially urge it upon the people of God to maintain
a _good conscience_ and a _thankful heart_.
Look back on the last seven days of your life how much of thanksgiving
and praise has your heart rendered to God?
Communion with God, by hearkening to His voice in the Scriptures,
and speaking with Him in praise and prayer by the Spirit of His
Son, each member of Christ fulfilling his own office, is the
proper end of every assembly of saints.
Oh that we were wise and tender-hearted, to cease from grieving
that Holy Spirit of promise, our indwelling Paraclete! Then would
the comfort of love, and fellowship of the Spirit, in every assembly,
be earnest and foretaste of our perfect fellowship at the coming
of the Lord.
"Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every
man according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12)
"If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love [that
is, in the communion of My love]; even as I have kept My Father's
commandments, and abide in His love." (John 15:10)
"Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John
15:14).
"Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4)
"He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth [or
abideth] in Me, and I in him" (John 6:56)
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