Read William Romaine's Gospel counsel to a discouraged believer. (click here)
William Romaine on dark days politically and nationally:
On dark days politically and nationally: Dear sir, here is my rest. I use means as well as you. I am at my prayers. but Jesus is my only hope. The present prospect may appear to you very dark--a black cloud gathering--you fear what may come when it bursts in all its vengeance. My good sir, this is the time for faith, to exercise it--ay, to improve it. What of fair weather and sun-shining faith? How can one tell whether it be true or genuine? But put out to sea in our little boat in the midst of a storm, the waves dashing over our heads, and threatening to swallow us up every moment: then to be able to say and feel, My Christ is with me in the boat, therefore I will trust and not be afraid. This is the proper working of the faith of God's elect. For thus the command runs, "trust ye in Jehovah for ever--because in Jah, Jehovah, is everlasting strength."
Robert Hawker (1753-1827) on Psalm 40:6-8
The Holy Ghost would not suffer the church to make her own comment upon this most momentous passage; but by his servant the apostle Paul (Hebrews 10:5-14.) hath very fully done it himself; and plainly and decidedly declared that it wholly refers to Christ. Nay, that it is Christ himself speaking these words in his own person. It would form the subject of a volume, rather than the limits of a work like this, to enter at large upon the many blessed and interesting things here spoken of Christ. I must observe shortness. But I pray the Reader to notice how Christ speaks of the inefficacy of all sacrifices but that one which is himself. It is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sin; and yet without shedding of blood there is no remission. Somewhat Christ must have therefore to offer, since He is to be the one all-sufficient sacrifice, by which he will forever perfect them that are sanctified. This then being the case, that sacrifice Jehovah did not desire, and yet that this great High Priest must have somewhat to offer, mine ears (saith Christ) hast thou opened, or as the Holy Ghost in the parallel passage expresses it, a body hast thou prepared me. The terms are the same. In the former text the appointment of Christ as Mediator, as servant to Jehovah, in the great work of redemption, is declared by an allusion to a custom in the Jewish church, that when a servant was so attached to his master, and wife, and family, as to determine to remain in his service forever, his ear was to be bored at the door post. SeeExodus 21:6. Hence the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 50:5. And in the latter passage by a body being prepared for Christ, is intimated that the hand of God our Father was in all the transaction. It was God who set him forth as a propitiation, through faith in his blood. Romans 3:25.
Was there ever a scripture more plain and express to testify the appointment of God the Father, and the free consent of the Lord Jesus, in thus giving himself an offering for sin? Yes, blessed Jesus! it might be truly said by thee, as Mediator of thy church, and the husband of it, I love my master, my wife, my children, I will not go out free. And as in this place, when neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice could go a step towards the expiation of sin; then said I, Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God. Yes! indeed it was written no doubt in the secrets of that book which none was found worthy to open but thyself. It was none but thou, blessed Jesus, that couldest open the book, or proclaim the contents of it; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Revelation 5:2-9. I detain the Reader just to remark that the expression, thy law is within my heart, might be rendered thy law is in the midst of my bowels. And indeed so it is rendered in the margin of our old Bibles. By which may be understood that so holy and sanctified was, and is, the whole nature of Christ, that the holy law of God, and the holy nature of Christ, were one and the same. Precious thought to the believer! Reader! do not forget it, Thy Redeemer's nature was altogether pure. And such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:26.
William Romaine on dark days politically and nationally:
On dark days politically and nationally: Dear sir, here is my rest. I use means as well as you. I am at my prayers. but Jesus is my only hope. The present prospect may appear to you very dark--a black cloud gathering--you fear what may come when it bursts in all its vengeance. My good sir, this is the time for faith, to exercise it--ay, to improve it. What of fair weather and sun-shining faith? How can one tell whether it be true or genuine? But put out to sea in our little boat in the midst of a storm, the waves dashing over our heads, and threatening to swallow us up every moment: then to be able to say and feel, My Christ is with me in the boat, therefore I will trust and not be afraid. This is the proper working of the faith of God's elect. For thus the command runs, "trust ye in Jehovah for ever--because in Jah, Jehovah, is everlasting strength."
Robert Hawker (1753-1827) on Psalm 40:6-8
The Holy Ghost would not suffer the church to make her own comment upon this most momentous passage; but by his servant the apostle Paul (Hebrews 10:5-14.) hath very fully done it himself; and plainly and decidedly declared that it wholly refers to Christ. Nay, that it is Christ himself speaking these words in his own person. It would form the subject of a volume, rather than the limits of a work like this, to enter at large upon the many blessed and interesting things here spoken of Christ. I must observe shortness. But I pray the Reader to notice how Christ speaks of the inefficacy of all sacrifices but that one which is himself. It is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sin; and yet without shedding of blood there is no remission. Somewhat Christ must have therefore to offer, since He is to be the one all-sufficient sacrifice, by which he will forever perfect them that are sanctified. This then being the case, that sacrifice Jehovah did not desire, and yet that this great High Priest must have somewhat to offer, mine ears (saith Christ) hast thou opened, or as the Holy Ghost in the parallel passage expresses it, a body hast thou prepared me. The terms are the same. In the former text the appointment of Christ as Mediator, as servant to Jehovah, in the great work of redemption, is declared by an allusion to a custom in the Jewish church, that when a servant was so attached to his master, and wife, and family, as to determine to remain in his service forever, his ear was to be bored at the door post. SeeExodus 21:6. Hence the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 50:5. And in the latter passage by a body being prepared for Christ, is intimated that the hand of God our Father was in all the transaction. It was God who set him forth as a propitiation, through faith in his blood. Romans 3:25.
Was there ever a scripture more plain and express to testify the appointment of God the Father, and the free consent of the Lord Jesus, in thus giving himself an offering for sin? Yes, blessed Jesus! it might be truly said by thee, as Mediator of thy church, and the husband of it, I love my master, my wife, my children, I will not go out free. And as in this place, when neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice could go a step towards the expiation of sin; then said I, Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God. Yes! indeed it was written no doubt in the secrets of that book which none was found worthy to open but thyself. It was none but thou, blessed Jesus, that couldest open the book, or proclaim the contents of it; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Revelation 5:2-9. I detain the Reader just to remark that the expression, thy law is within my heart, might be rendered thy law is in the midst of my bowels. And indeed so it is rendered in the margin of our old Bibles. By which may be understood that so holy and sanctified was, and is, the whole nature of Christ, that the holy law of God, and the holy nature of Christ, were one and the same. Precious thought to the believer! Reader! do not forget it, Thy Redeemer's nature was altogether pure. And such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:26.
On "Unanswered prayer":
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
It is a beautiful work that dazzles and confounds our sight. You may say, "The Lord does not seem to answer me in certain things." Are you asking in faith, in submission to the will of God? There may be a whole volume of words uttered for many months and years together which the Lord never answers because it is not His will. I have a word for you who are asking in faith, and the more your try to pray, the worse things are and the more impossible they become. There is one characteristic of living prayer and inspired breathings that will expound your case. It is the grace of importunity. You still persevere. Faith takes not denial because you plead in the name of Jesus. " I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26) Pray without ceasing until the Lord appears, until faith has the victory. If God gives inspired breathings, there will be a precious answer. The whole secret of importunity is laying hold of the Lord by faith, of the Lord laying hold of you and you are encouraged to lay hold of Him. From "More Handfuls of Purpose" by J.W. Sperling-Tyler $12.49
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
It is a beautiful work that dazzles and confounds our sight. You may say, "The Lord does not seem to answer me in certain things." Are you asking in faith, in submission to the will of God? There may be a whole volume of words uttered for many months and years together which the Lord never answers because it is not His will. I have a word for you who are asking in faith, and the more your try to pray, the worse things are and the more impossible they become. There is one characteristic of living prayer and inspired breathings that will expound your case. It is the grace of importunity. You still persevere. Faith takes not denial because you plead in the name of Jesus. " I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26) Pray without ceasing until the Lord appears, until faith has the victory. If God gives inspired breathings, there will be a precious answer. The whole secret of importunity is laying hold of the Lord by faith, of the Lord laying hold of you and you are encouraged to lay hold of Him. From "More Handfuls of Purpose" by J.W. Sperling-Tyler $12.49
To Those in Trial: Words you won't hear in our age!!
To you who are in the midst of trials and continual toil and know not what to do, I say: do nothing, sit still before your God, watch His Kind Hand, take no thought for the morrow, God has provided for today and will provide for tomorrow. Have you ever been in difficulties? To this moment has not God opened you a way? Why begin to entangle yourself in doubts and fears, and toil and moil (?) about this difficulty and that difficulty? Let the day come, and let God stand to His Word. He says, "Take no thought for the morrow; sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Let the Lord stand to His Word. Can God cease to be God? Can omnipotence cease to be faithful? Can His Mercy cease? Can His Justice cease? No: or He must cease to be God! God has sworn by two immutable things to preserve and save His people through His Beloved Son; and His people are promised that their bread shall be provided, and their water shall be sure. John Warburton in "Understanding the Loving Kindness of the Lord"
Note: This is not theoretical wishful thinking from Warburton. If you have read his autobiography, "Mercies Of A Covenant God". His was a life of continual trial and toil, but his God proved faithful in each need. These words are but a testimony of what He knows from God's Word in experience.
To you who are in the midst of trials and continual toil and know not what to do, I say: do nothing, sit still before your God, watch His Kind Hand, take no thought for the morrow, God has provided for today and will provide for tomorrow. Have you ever been in difficulties? To this moment has not God opened you a way? Why begin to entangle yourself in doubts and fears, and toil and moil (?) about this difficulty and that difficulty? Let the day come, and let God stand to His Word. He says, "Take no thought for the morrow; sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." Let the Lord stand to His Word. Can God cease to be God? Can omnipotence cease to be faithful? Can His Mercy cease? Can His Justice cease? No: or He must cease to be God! God has sworn by two immutable things to preserve and save His people through His Beloved Son; and His people are promised that their bread shall be provided, and their water shall be sure. John Warburton in "Understanding the Loving Kindness of the Lord"
Note: This is not theoretical wishful thinking from Warburton. If you have read his autobiography, "Mercies Of A Covenant God". His was a life of continual trial and toil, but his God proved faithful in each need. These words are but a testimony of what He knows from God's Word in experience.
Our Calling to Holiness:
We are called to holiness, and not uncleanness. Jesus Christ is not the minister of sin, no; "Let everyone that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19) It is true that we are plagued as Paul was, with a body of sin and death, but what is our plague cannot be called our element, no; glad should we be to be delivered from it altogether, but this will not be till death. Now holiness consists not in outside work only, this is at best nothing but the sheepskin, which skin when belonging to a sheep, is the fruits and effects of this holiness. But in others, it is only a mock thing, appearing outwardly righteous, but within are ravenous wolves. Now real holiness principally consists in union to Christ, and being a partaker of His Spirit. Such have the same fear in them that was on Christ; and therefore Paul says, "Perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
To have that faith that He is the Author and Finisher of, as the Apostle Jude says, "Building yourselves up on you most holy faith," and lastly to be "rooted and grounded in love"; for we are to be holy and without blame before Him in love. Now if you take these things altogether, union to Christ, the indwelling of His Spirit, fear, faith,, and love, and then join them to that liberty of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 3:17), you will see both together called to liberty, and also called unto holiness.
John Rusk in "The Chequered Life of a Christian".
We are called to holiness, and not uncleanness. Jesus Christ is not the minister of sin, no; "Let everyone that names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19) It is true that we are plagued as Paul was, with a body of sin and death, but what is our plague cannot be called our element, no; glad should we be to be delivered from it altogether, but this will not be till death. Now holiness consists not in outside work only, this is at best nothing but the sheepskin, which skin when belonging to a sheep, is the fruits and effects of this holiness. But in others, it is only a mock thing, appearing outwardly righteous, but within are ravenous wolves. Now real holiness principally consists in union to Christ, and being a partaker of His Spirit. Such have the same fear in them that was on Christ; and therefore Paul says, "Perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
To have that faith that He is the Author and Finisher of, as the Apostle Jude says, "Building yourselves up on you most holy faith," and lastly to be "rooted and grounded in love"; for we are to be holy and without blame before Him in love. Now if you take these things altogether, union to Christ, the indwelling of His Spirit, fear, faith,, and love, and then join them to that liberty of the Holy Spirit (II Corinthians 3:17), you will see both together called to liberty, and also called unto holiness.
John Rusk in "The Chequered Life of a Christian".
James Bourne in a letter to his daughter:
I feel much for my family, and especially for you who are in a measure enlightened to discern the truth. How many things are needful before we attain to any establishment. (of those truths) Many humbling and sin-subduing afflictions to lower our vain and airy imaginations. I think, at least I have hoped, that I have discovered the fear of God in your heart; yet I have seen such a lack of solidity and unbrokenness of spirit as has made me to tremble. I know that you cannot grow up to manhood in Christ Jesus all at once, but I would like to see that sweet and heaven-born grace of humility to abound more in you. A broken heart is a rare thing, and I think that though there may be something of this in you at times, yet it gets healed too quickly; and instead of bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, I see other fruits of lightness and something of a confidence which does not show the deepness of earth that our Lord speaks of in the parable of the sower. You are the subject of many prayers; and as I have been in many deep waters, I would seek by cautioning you to move you to watchfulness, for I have found it easier to fall into temptation than to get out; and you also know how dreadful I have found it to fall under the displeasure of God. It is your mercy and mine that none can pluck us out of the hands of the Lord; but there will be many pluckers, and your spirit does not seem aware of that. I who have been in these places want to persuade you that you also will presently be there, if you make not the Lord your especial refuge, and dread the lightness that seems so prevalent with you. You know the Lord says, "Be sober, be vigilant;" and He means what He says. A very serious attention to these things will cause your to escape many dangers; and in hopes that you will be led seriously to lay these things to heart, I remain, with many prayers,
Your affectionate father, J.B.
Incredible counsel from a father, especially in the light of today's light and fluffy Christianity!!!!
I feel much for my family, and especially for you who are in a measure enlightened to discern the truth. How many things are needful before we attain to any establishment. (of those truths) Many humbling and sin-subduing afflictions to lower our vain and airy imaginations. I think, at least I have hoped, that I have discovered the fear of God in your heart; yet I have seen such a lack of solidity and unbrokenness of spirit as has made me to tremble. I know that you cannot grow up to manhood in Christ Jesus all at once, but I would like to see that sweet and heaven-born grace of humility to abound more in you. A broken heart is a rare thing, and I think that though there may be something of this in you at times, yet it gets healed too quickly; and instead of bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, I see other fruits of lightness and something of a confidence which does not show the deepness of earth that our Lord speaks of in the parable of the sower. You are the subject of many prayers; and as I have been in many deep waters, I would seek by cautioning you to move you to watchfulness, for I have found it easier to fall into temptation than to get out; and you also know how dreadful I have found it to fall under the displeasure of God. It is your mercy and mine that none can pluck us out of the hands of the Lord; but there will be many pluckers, and your spirit does not seem aware of that. I who have been in these places want to persuade you that you also will presently be there, if you make not the Lord your especial refuge, and dread the lightness that seems so prevalent with you. You know the Lord says, "Be sober, be vigilant;" and He means what He says. A very serious attention to these things will cause your to escape many dangers; and in hopes that you will be led seriously to lay these things to heart, I remain, with many prayers,
Your affectionate father, J.B.
Incredible counsel from a father, especially in the light of today's light and fluffy Christianity!!!!
What will you be, Gold or Lead?
"Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Luke 9:55
I am sure that until the Holy Spirit of God comes and convinces me of many things, I am totally unaware that they will be found in me. "The heart is deceitful above all things"; none can fathom it; but when the Spirit discovers some of its depths, the very sight turns our gaiety and light love into corruption, and we cannot help sinking under it. It is God's design that we should, of else our religion would be without SALT. We would like to brush the moon with our feathers, but the Lord chooses to lower our topsails; and it is our mercy to stoop under His Mighty Hand, and soberly consider that when He says, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" He means what He says. Let us therefore unceasingly cry to Him to be with us in the furnace, as He was with the three children in the days of Daniel.
The Lord never has any purpose of destruction in His dealings with those who fear Him; but the finer the metal, the hotter must be the furnace. Lead does not require the same heat as gold; and if we would be the latter, to the glory of God and our eternal salvation, we must expect the means which He has appointed in His Word. "If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Hebrews 12:8) All the means which the Lord has graciously appointed for us are for the express purpose of teaching us to die to this world, and to the world within us. This is a painful and lingering death. It disappoints all our fleshly prospects, and leaves noting in view to our fleshly minds but death, death, death. So it really seems as if Christ is beclouded but if we can attain to a sweet sense of His dying love, then we can sweetly die with Him, and find that we also rise with Him into a better life, even divine and spiritual. While this is enjoyed, we are willing to nail our old man to the cross, and rejoice in the conquest Christ has made.
This is a life which is of no esteem in the world, but we who are in a measure partakers of it find it a reality; and it is safe from destruction, because it is "hid with Christ in God"; yet it is always to be found by us in times of great extremity, and is only hidden from our enemies, so that the devil cannot get at it to destroy it. James Bourne
"Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Luke 9:55
I am sure that until the Holy Spirit of God comes and convinces me of many things, I am totally unaware that they will be found in me. "The heart is deceitful above all things"; none can fathom it; but when the Spirit discovers some of its depths, the very sight turns our gaiety and light love into corruption, and we cannot help sinking under it. It is God's design that we should, of else our religion would be without SALT. We would like to brush the moon with our feathers, but the Lord chooses to lower our topsails; and it is our mercy to stoop under His Mighty Hand, and soberly consider that when He says, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" He means what He says. Let us therefore unceasingly cry to Him to be with us in the furnace, as He was with the three children in the days of Daniel.
The Lord never has any purpose of destruction in His dealings with those who fear Him; but the finer the metal, the hotter must be the furnace. Lead does not require the same heat as gold; and if we would be the latter, to the glory of God and our eternal salvation, we must expect the means which He has appointed in His Word. "If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." (Hebrews 12:8) All the means which the Lord has graciously appointed for us are for the express purpose of teaching us to die to this world, and to the world within us. This is a painful and lingering death. It disappoints all our fleshly prospects, and leaves noting in view to our fleshly minds but death, death, death. So it really seems as if Christ is beclouded but if we can attain to a sweet sense of His dying love, then we can sweetly die with Him, and find that we also rise with Him into a better life, even divine and spiritual. While this is enjoyed, we are willing to nail our old man to the cross, and rejoice in the conquest Christ has made.
This is a life which is of no esteem in the world, but we who are in a measure partakers of it find it a reality; and it is safe from destruction, because it is "hid with Christ in God"; yet it is always to be found by us in times of great extremity, and is only hidden from our enemies, so that the devil cannot get at it to destroy it. James Bourne
The Father is not slack concerning His Promises.
All the promises that our covenant God and Father has made to His people are made to them in Christ. "For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Cor. 1:20) Had the promises been made to us on the ground of something being done by us, on condition of which our God would bless us, we should be in despair of enjoying the promised blessing. For we who know the plague of our own hearts cannot kneel down before God and plead with Him to bless upon the ground of any worth or worthiness there is in us. It is the self-righteous pharisee who pleads with God to bless him upon the ground of his own doings, saying, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other menare, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess." (Lk. 18:11-12) Can any of you, my hearers, kneel before the Lord your Maker, and like this pharisee, tell the Lord a good tale of yourselves and your own doings? If you can, your hearts are like Simon Magus's not right in the sight of God; for you are in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. Whatever fair show you may make in the flesh, you are but whited walls and painted sepulchres, appearing outwardly beautiful, "but within are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."
How different is the conduct of the true Christian, who knows and daily feels his own weakness and infirmities! Hear his language when pleading with the Lord for His blessing. "Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes." "I am not worthy the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant." "We do not present our supplications before thee for our own righteousness, but for thy great mercies sake." If ever we rise in ourselves the width of a straw above the prayer of the poor publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner," we are to high and must come down. The Christian begins with this prayer, he has to use it all his pilgrimage through, and it will be his prayer on a dying bed. John Kershaw in "Grace Alone"
All the promises that our covenant God and Father has made to His people are made to them in Christ. "For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Cor. 1:20) Had the promises been made to us on the ground of something being done by us, on condition of which our God would bless us, we should be in despair of enjoying the promised blessing. For we who know the plague of our own hearts cannot kneel down before God and plead with Him to bless upon the ground of any worth or worthiness there is in us. It is the self-righteous pharisee who pleads with God to bless him upon the ground of his own doings, saying, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other menare, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess." (Lk. 18:11-12) Can any of you, my hearers, kneel before the Lord your Maker, and like this pharisee, tell the Lord a good tale of yourselves and your own doings? If you can, your hearts are like Simon Magus's not right in the sight of God; for you are in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. Whatever fair show you may make in the flesh, you are but whited walls and painted sepulchres, appearing outwardly beautiful, "but within are full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."
How different is the conduct of the true Christian, who knows and daily feels his own weakness and infirmities! Hear his language when pleading with the Lord for His blessing. "Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes." "I am not worthy the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant." "We do not present our supplications before thee for our own righteousness, but for thy great mercies sake." If ever we rise in ourselves the width of a straw above the prayer of the poor publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner," we are to high and must come down. The Christian begins with this prayer, he has to use it all his pilgrimage through, and it will be his prayer on a dying bed. John Kershaw in "Grace Alone"
For more Morning Readings, see Page 2
Life a Journey From Augustus Toplady
If a believers journey should prove a long one, he must expect to meet with diversity of paths. The face of the country will not always be the same. Even with regard to temporal things, perhaps, he may experience a series of ups and downs. Sometimes the road will be rough, and sometimes smoothe. Today it may be that he is high on the mountain tomorrow low in the valley. Now his way is carpeted with moss, later it is planted with the piercing brier and grieving thorn. But remember, O child of God, that both the one and the other is thy Father's ground; that thou art still in the land of Providence, and that the land of Providence is also a land where grace is displayed to them who are strangers and pilgrims upon the earth. So likewise in a spiritual sense, when faith is in lively exercise, we may be said to travel through a rich, level, open country, where all is easy, lightsome, and pleasant. Soon perhaps may faith sicken (sicken it may, but, blessed be God, it cannot die) and hope may flag its wing; fear may set in upon thee, as a strong man armed, and the overshadowings of doubt may for a while eclipse thy comforts. In that case, the believer still goes forward as best he can, and the way will mend ant the prospect brighten in God's own time. In the meanwhile, that precious promise will be fulfilled: Thy shoes shall be iron and brass' and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." If thou canst not go on, sit down, but let it be by the wayside. Wait; but let it be as Jacob's well.
On Our Depravity--Our love and dependence upon our God is directly related to our understanding of how far short of the glory of God we come!
Thoughts from Thomas Adam 1701-1784
*Nothing in nature is more unknown to man than himself.
*All of our happiness as mere men, consists in forgetting ourselves. If we think, we are miserable.
*The heart of man pants everlastingly after distinction and preferment; and our pride only changes our appearance. Mine, I find, is grown to a goodly size, under the show of humility.
*So Long as we think we are what we are not, and have what we have not, we can receive nothing at the hands of God; and reformation is impossible.
*It is the devils master-piece to make us think well of ourselves.
*We cannot go the bottom of sin without the convincing searching Spirit of God. If the work were left up to ourselves, we shall deal so very tenderly with ourselves, that nothing can ever come of it!
*It is said that riches, power, and distinction, are apt to corrupt the heart. The truth is, they find it corrupt, and all they do is to set men at liberty to act according to their nature, and thus add to the strength of it. But are not many persons humble, orderly, and well disposed in a low estate, who become unsolent and insufferable in prosperity? They might be hypocrites in a low estate, and conceal their passions and tempers for various causes, but they never were humble or well disposed.
*I bring my pride with me to the work of God, it will feed as sweetly upon it as upon any other distinction, and in the end fatally blast it.
*If I grapple with sin in my own strength, the devil knows he may go to sleep.
Life a Journey From Augustus Toplady
If a believers journey should prove a long one, he must expect to meet with diversity of paths. The face of the country will not always be the same. Even with regard to temporal things, perhaps, he may experience a series of ups and downs. Sometimes the road will be rough, and sometimes smoothe. Today it may be that he is high on the mountain tomorrow low in the valley. Now his way is carpeted with moss, later it is planted with the piercing brier and grieving thorn. But remember, O child of God, that both the one and the other is thy Father's ground; that thou art still in the land of Providence, and that the land of Providence is also a land where grace is displayed to them who are strangers and pilgrims upon the earth. So likewise in a spiritual sense, when faith is in lively exercise, we may be said to travel through a rich, level, open country, where all is easy, lightsome, and pleasant. Soon perhaps may faith sicken (sicken it may, but, blessed be God, it cannot die) and hope may flag its wing; fear may set in upon thee, as a strong man armed, and the overshadowings of doubt may for a while eclipse thy comforts. In that case, the believer still goes forward as best he can, and the way will mend ant the prospect brighten in God's own time. In the meanwhile, that precious promise will be fulfilled: Thy shoes shall be iron and brass' and as thy days, so shall thy strength be." If thou canst not go on, sit down, but let it be by the wayside. Wait; but let it be as Jacob's well.
On Our Depravity--Our love and dependence upon our God is directly related to our understanding of how far short of the glory of God we come!
Thoughts from Thomas Adam 1701-1784
*Nothing in nature is more unknown to man than himself.
*All of our happiness as mere men, consists in forgetting ourselves. If we think, we are miserable.
*The heart of man pants everlastingly after distinction and preferment; and our pride only changes our appearance. Mine, I find, is grown to a goodly size, under the show of humility.
*So Long as we think we are what we are not, and have what we have not, we can receive nothing at the hands of God; and reformation is impossible.
*It is the devils master-piece to make us think well of ourselves.
*We cannot go the bottom of sin without the convincing searching Spirit of God. If the work were left up to ourselves, we shall deal so very tenderly with ourselves, that nothing can ever come of it!
*It is said that riches, power, and distinction, are apt to corrupt the heart. The truth is, they find it corrupt, and all they do is to set men at liberty to act according to their nature, and thus add to the strength of it. But are not many persons humble, orderly, and well disposed in a low estate, who become unsolent and insufferable in prosperity? They might be hypocrites in a low estate, and conceal their passions and tempers for various causes, but they never were humble or well disposed.
*I bring my pride with me to the work of God, it will feed as sweetly upon it as upon any other distinction, and in the end fatally blast it.
*If I grapple with sin in my own strength, the devil knows he may go to sleep.
On Our Union With Christ
With all the plagues of my heart--notwithstanding them all, burdened and blackened by them all--I am free as a sinner, by faith alone, without one single qualification or good thing to show, to accept Christ, to enter into Christ and stand steadfast in Him, God's Righteous Servant, God's Beloved Son. Sharing this position with Him, sharing His relation to God, in Him and with Him, righteous and a son, justified and adopted, I am also counted God's righteous servant and beloved son, with all my Holy Sovereign's approval resting on me, and all my heavenly Father's love. And from this position, with all its glorious securities and immunities, all its privileges, all its hopes and prospects, I am placed in circumstances now to wage a hopeful, healthful, victorious war with all my plagues and sins and foes. Is not this precisely Christ's doctrine when He says, "Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; nor more ca ye, except ye abide in me.' But when by faith, we abide in Christ, sharing His position and drawing on His grace, we then act in His authority and by His power. In a word, we then act in His Name. from "Christ For Us" by Hugh Martin (1822-1855)
With all the plagues of my heart--notwithstanding them all, burdened and blackened by them all--I am free as a sinner, by faith alone, without one single qualification or good thing to show, to accept Christ, to enter into Christ and stand steadfast in Him, God's Righteous Servant, God's Beloved Son. Sharing this position with Him, sharing His relation to God, in Him and with Him, righteous and a son, justified and adopted, I am also counted God's righteous servant and beloved son, with all my Holy Sovereign's approval resting on me, and all my heavenly Father's love. And from this position, with all its glorious securities and immunities, all its privileges, all its hopes and prospects, I am placed in circumstances now to wage a hopeful, healthful, victorious war with all my plagues and sins and foes. Is not this precisely Christ's doctrine when He says, "Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; nor more ca ye, except ye abide in me.' But when by faith, we abide in Christ, sharing His position and drawing on His grace, we then act in His authority and by His power. In a word, we then act in His Name. from "Christ For Us" by Hugh Martin (1822-1855)
On Our Union With Christ
The true way of mortifying sin, and quickening us to holiness, is by receiving a new nature, out of the fullness of Christ; and that we do no more to the production of a new nature, than of original sin, though we do more to the reception of it. (by growing in the Grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus). The great mystery in the way of sanctification, is the glorious manner of our fellowship with Christ, in receiving a new heart of holiness from Him. It is by our being in Christ, and having Christ Himself in us; and that not merely by His universal preference as He is God, but by such a close union, as that we are one spirit and one flesh in Him, which is a privilege peculiar to those who are truly sanctified.....
Though Christ is in heaven, and we on earth; yet He can join our souls and bodies to His at such a distance without any substantial change of either, by the same Infinite Spirit dwelling in Him and us, and so our flesh will become His, when it is quickened by His Spirit (Romans 8:10-11); and His flesh ours, as truly as if we ate His fleshand drank His blood (John 6:53-58). And He will be in us Himself by His Spirit, who is one with Him, and who can unite us more closely to Christ than any material substance can do, or who can make a more close and intimated union between Christ and us. Ad it will not follow from this that a believer is one person with Christ, any more than that Christ is one person with the Father, by that great mysterious union (the Trinity). Neither will a believer be in this way made God, but only the temple of God, as Christ's body and soul is; and the Sprit's lively instrument, rather that the principle cause of it. Neither will a believer be necessarily perfect in holiness in the way; or Christ made a sinner. For Christ knows how to dwell in believers by certain measures and degrees, and to make them holy so far as He dwells in them. And though this union seem too high a blessing for such unworthy creatures as we are; yet, considering the preciousness of the blood of Christ, by which we are redeemed, we should dishonor God if we should not expect a miraculous advancement to the higest dignity that creatures ae capable of, through the merits of that blood. from "The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification" by Walter Marshall, published in 1692
The true way of mortifying sin, and quickening us to holiness, is by receiving a new nature, out of the fullness of Christ; and that we do no more to the production of a new nature, than of original sin, though we do more to the reception of it. (by growing in the Grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus). The great mystery in the way of sanctification, is the glorious manner of our fellowship with Christ, in receiving a new heart of holiness from Him. It is by our being in Christ, and having Christ Himself in us; and that not merely by His universal preference as He is God, but by such a close union, as that we are one spirit and one flesh in Him, which is a privilege peculiar to those who are truly sanctified.....
Though Christ is in heaven, and we on earth; yet He can join our souls and bodies to His at such a distance without any substantial change of either, by the same Infinite Spirit dwelling in Him and us, and so our flesh will become His, when it is quickened by His Spirit (Romans 8:10-11); and His flesh ours, as truly as if we ate His fleshand drank His blood (John 6:53-58). And He will be in us Himself by His Spirit, who is one with Him, and who can unite us more closely to Christ than any material substance can do, or who can make a more close and intimated union between Christ and us. Ad it will not follow from this that a believer is one person with Christ, any more than that Christ is one person with the Father, by that great mysterious union (the Trinity). Neither will a believer be in this way made God, but only the temple of God, as Christ's body and soul is; and the Sprit's lively instrument, rather that the principle cause of it. Neither will a believer be necessarily perfect in holiness in the way; or Christ made a sinner. For Christ knows how to dwell in believers by certain measures and degrees, and to make them holy so far as He dwells in them. And though this union seem too high a blessing for such unworthy creatures as we are; yet, considering the preciousness of the blood of Christ, by which we are redeemed, we should dishonor God if we should not expect a miraculous advancement to the higest dignity that creatures ae capable of, through the merits of that blood. from "The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification" by Walter Marshall, published in 1692
Our Lord's Heart
In the first place, we may look at the Lord Jesus Christ in the love of His Heart. We pause upon that; it is a pleasing subject for us to look at; the love of His Heart, His fond affections, firmly fixed upon the objects of His eternal choice from before all worlds. The concluding part of that memorable chapter, Proverbs 8, abundantly proves that His delight was with them before any part of creation was begun. Christ loved His people from the beginning with an everlasting love; as the effect of that love, He became their covenant Head, their Surety, and Mediator. It was the love of His heart that constrained Him to lay aside His radiant glory, and veil His Godhead in a clay tabernacle; that constrained Him to suffer, bleed, and die, "the Just for the unjust." "Herein is love, no that we loved God, but that God loved us," aand that "when we were enemied," as the effect of that love, "Christ died for us."
And having finished and completed salvation's work in fulfillment of His covenant engagement, He has entered into heaven itself, and is the church's Head and representative in glory; with the love of His Heart firmly fixed on His church to this day; and blessed be His Name, He does not love His church in glory one jot or tittle more than His church on earth. The church in glory is more happy and blessed, but not more near and dear to the Redeemer, not more locked up in His Heart, than His spouse, His bride, in this her militant state of trial and difficulty on earth. Neither our corruption inwardly, nor our sins outwardly, nor the powers of darkness unitedly, can ever turn the Loving Heart of Jesus away from His people. It is always the same. Hearken to the solemn declaration ; there is food in it for our souls: Jesus, "having loved His own which were in the world, he loved tham unto the end." (John 13:1) His love does not, cannot change as ours does. From "Grace Alone" by John Kershaw (1792-1870)
In the first place, we may look at the Lord Jesus Christ in the love of His Heart. We pause upon that; it is a pleasing subject for us to look at; the love of His Heart, His fond affections, firmly fixed upon the objects of His eternal choice from before all worlds. The concluding part of that memorable chapter, Proverbs 8, abundantly proves that His delight was with them before any part of creation was begun. Christ loved His people from the beginning with an everlasting love; as the effect of that love, He became their covenant Head, their Surety, and Mediator. It was the love of His heart that constrained Him to lay aside His radiant glory, and veil His Godhead in a clay tabernacle; that constrained Him to suffer, bleed, and die, "the Just for the unjust." "Herein is love, no that we loved God, but that God loved us," aand that "when we were enemied," as the effect of that love, "Christ died for us."
And having finished and completed salvation's work in fulfillment of His covenant engagement, He has entered into heaven itself, and is the church's Head and representative in glory; with the love of His Heart firmly fixed on His church to this day; and blessed be His Name, He does not love His church in glory one jot or tittle more than His church on earth. The church in glory is more happy and blessed, but not more near and dear to the Redeemer, not more locked up in His Heart, than His spouse, His bride, in this her militant state of trial and difficulty on earth. Neither our corruption inwardly, nor our sins outwardly, nor the powers of darkness unitedly, can ever turn the Loving Heart of Jesus away from His people. It is always the same. Hearken to the solemn declaration ; there is food in it for our souls: Jesus, "having loved His own which were in the world, he loved tham unto the end." (John 13:1) His love does not, cannot change as ours does. From "Grace Alone" by John Kershaw (1792-1870)
On Chastening
"Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yealds the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them who are exercised thereby."
The cross is the only tree upon which the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of the Spirit, will ripen. Although sense cannot perceive how they should grow or ripen on the cross of Christ, yet faith can. The promise is sure, and waiting faith, exercised with suffering , finds many promised fruits. O my soul, consider this precious scripture, and with close attention. Study it; treasure it up in your heart. It contains a rich cordial for the afflicted. Observe, there is love in sending the cross, love to be manifested by it, and heavenly fruits of love to grow upon it. Why then is suffering so hard? Why are you so little profited by it? Is it not generally barren, because you are not looking to the word of promise, and not depending upon the Holy Spirit to give you the promised fruit. Ask yourself therefore, especially in the hour of suffering, Am I now expecting the communion of the Holy Spirit, that by His grace I may partake with the Son in His salvation , and with the Father in his Love? Is this my present experience? There is no bearing the cross without it. William Romaine
"Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yealds the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them who are exercised thereby."
The cross is the only tree upon which the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of the Spirit, will ripen. Although sense cannot perceive how they should grow or ripen on the cross of Christ, yet faith can. The promise is sure, and waiting faith, exercised with suffering , finds many promised fruits. O my soul, consider this precious scripture, and with close attention. Study it; treasure it up in your heart. It contains a rich cordial for the afflicted. Observe, there is love in sending the cross, love to be manifested by it, and heavenly fruits of love to grow upon it. Why then is suffering so hard? Why are you so little profited by it? Is it not generally barren, because you are not looking to the word of promise, and not depending upon the Holy Spirit to give you the promised fruit. Ask yourself therefore, especially in the hour of suffering, Am I now expecting the communion of the Holy Spirit, that by His grace I may partake with the Son in His salvation , and with the Father in his Love? Is this my present experience? There is no bearing the cross without it. William Romaine
True Conversion
How universal is the profession of religion, and how general and frivolous is that universal profession! It appears chiefly to consist of--"I think so and so", "My sentiments are these and I don't agree in this or that", without the least regard to such words as those of Psalm 66, "How terrible art Thou in Thy works (Thy work of conversion is one); though the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies submit themselves unto Thee".
The Lord's eyes behold the general hypocrisy that rules in men's hearts. Though we make many enquiries after religion yet when the only true and right way is set before us, it is often manifest that in our pride and rebellion we exalt ourselves against it. But if spiritual life is in us, our feet are not removed by the discipline He brings us into, with which He proves and tries us, as silver is tried. And then we do not cry out, "I believe the Methodists are right--the Baptists are right, or the Evangelical clergy are right". but we stand deeply convicted that we are wrong, and here we cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" The Lord brings us into the Gospel net, and lays "affliction upon our loins". This is passing (in some measure) through the fire of God's law and through the waters of affliction, and in the end the soul is humbled to come in God's way of saving sinners, and eventually we are made acquainted with the "wealthy place" and open our mouths to sing the high praises of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.....This truth has power, efficacy, and light in it, by which we shall see our way, and make it manifest that we are His sheep by turning from all false ways and hearing His voice and following it.
How universal is the profession of religion, and how general and frivolous is that universal profession! It appears chiefly to consist of--"I think so and so", "My sentiments are these and I don't agree in this or that", without the least regard to such words as those of Psalm 66, "How terrible art Thou in Thy works (Thy work of conversion is one); though the greatness of Thy power shall Thine enemies submit themselves unto Thee".
The Lord's eyes behold the general hypocrisy that rules in men's hearts. Though we make many enquiries after religion yet when the only true and right way is set before us, it is often manifest that in our pride and rebellion we exalt ourselves against it. But if spiritual life is in us, our feet are not removed by the discipline He brings us into, with which He proves and tries us, as silver is tried. And then we do not cry out, "I believe the Methodists are right--the Baptists are right, or the Evangelical clergy are right". but we stand deeply convicted that we are wrong, and here we cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" The Lord brings us into the Gospel net, and lays "affliction upon our loins". This is passing (in some measure) through the fire of God's law and through the waters of affliction, and in the end the soul is humbled to come in God's way of saving sinners, and eventually we are made acquainted with the "wealthy place" and open our mouths to sing the high praises of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.....This truth has power, efficacy, and light in it, by which we shall see our way, and make it manifest that we are His sheep by turning from all false ways and hearing His voice and following it.
On Affliction
We seem to think that the work of God is primarily external, or so our prayers seem to indicate. We cry upon God to fix this crisis, bless that endeavor, change our circumstance, or provide this need! But such is not the case. Scripture plainly indicates that our Father's primary work is internal, for everything proceeds out of the heart. The first work of the New Covenant is a new heart.(Ezek 36:26-27) God shines in our hearts by His Glory Spirit(2 Cor 4:6)--to first of all scatter the roaches of our lust and defilement, and then to set a purer light on a hill which cannot be hid.
But the process requires us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, bound to His altar by chords of His love, that He may bring us to that internal liberty of the sons of God. So very often, the calamity or malignancy that we pray so passionately to be removed is the very yoke that is binding us to the altar required to learn Christ!(Matt 11:28-29) We want to be free so that we may DO. The Father binds us close to His bosom that me might BE. If we are not lights radiating God's Glory, our deeds are wood, hay, and stubble, defiling the landscape of God's will and purpose. Our Father is working by His Spirit to conform us to the delighted obedience of our Savior as He evidenced in "Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42) Do not fear the cross and the altar, for they are the instruments of resurrection, instruments for the radiating of God's glory from out of our innermost being. As our Lord was raised from the cup of death that He drank, so shall we be raised from the cup of trial and suffering that we drink, by the glory of the Father. He will supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory by Christ Jesus. RF
We seem to think that the work of God is primarily external, or so our prayers seem to indicate. We cry upon God to fix this crisis, bless that endeavor, change our circumstance, or provide this need! But such is not the case. Scripture plainly indicates that our Father's primary work is internal, for everything proceeds out of the heart. The first work of the New Covenant is a new heart.(Ezek 36:26-27) God shines in our hearts by His Glory Spirit(2 Cor 4:6)--to first of all scatter the roaches of our lust and defilement, and then to set a purer light on a hill which cannot be hid.
But the process requires us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, bound to His altar by chords of His love, that He may bring us to that internal liberty of the sons of God. So very often, the calamity or malignancy that we pray so passionately to be removed is the very yoke that is binding us to the altar required to learn Christ!(Matt 11:28-29) We want to be free so that we may DO. The Father binds us close to His bosom that me might BE. If we are not lights radiating God's Glory, our deeds are wood, hay, and stubble, defiling the landscape of God's will and purpose. Our Father is working by His Spirit to conform us to the delighted obedience of our Savior as He evidenced in "Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will but yours be done." (Luke 22:42) Do not fear the cross and the altar, for they are the instruments of resurrection, instruments for the radiating of God's glory from out of our innermost being. As our Lord was raised from the cup of death that He drank, so shall we be raised from the cup of trial and suffering that we drink, by the glory of the Father. He will supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory by Christ Jesus. RF
ON THE WORD:
Too many Christian people are content to hear anything so long as it is put forth by a clever man, in a compelling manner. I want them to try the spirits, whether they are of God, for many false prophets have gone forth into the world. What God has joined together, these modern thinkers willfully put asunder and separate the Revealer from His Own Revelation. I believe the Savior thinks their homage to be more insulting than their scorn would be. Well may He do so, for they bow before Him and say, "Hail, Master!" while their foot is on the blood of His Covenant and their souls abhor the doctrine of His substitutionary sacrifice. They are crucifying the Lord afresh and putting Him to an open shame by denying the Lord that bought them, by daring to deride His purchase of His people as a "mercantile transaction", and I know not what a blasphemy beside. Christ and His Word must go together! What is true of the Christ is here predicated both of Him and of His Word. Behold this day the everlasting Gospel has Christ within it. He rides in it as in a chariot. He rides in it as, of old, Jehovah "did ride upon a cherub and did fly--yes, He did fly upon the wings of the wind." It is only because Jesus us not dead that the Word becomes living and powerful, "and sharper than any two-edged sword.
If you leave Christ out of it, you have left out its vitality and power. As I have told you that we will not have Christ without the Word, so neither will we have thw Word without Christ. Yes, if you leave out of it Christ as a Substitute, Christ in His death, Christ in His garments dyed in blood, you have left out of it all that is living and powerful. How often have we reminded you that as concerning the Gospel, even as concerning every man, "the blood is the life thereof:--a bloodless Gospel is a lifeless gospel! C. H. Spurgeon
Too many Christian people are content to hear anything so long as it is put forth by a clever man, in a compelling manner. I want them to try the spirits, whether they are of God, for many false prophets have gone forth into the world. What God has joined together, these modern thinkers willfully put asunder and separate the Revealer from His Own Revelation. I believe the Savior thinks their homage to be more insulting than their scorn would be. Well may He do so, for they bow before Him and say, "Hail, Master!" while their foot is on the blood of His Covenant and their souls abhor the doctrine of His substitutionary sacrifice. They are crucifying the Lord afresh and putting Him to an open shame by denying the Lord that bought them, by daring to deride His purchase of His people as a "mercantile transaction", and I know not what a blasphemy beside. Christ and His Word must go together! What is true of the Christ is here predicated both of Him and of His Word. Behold this day the everlasting Gospel has Christ within it. He rides in it as in a chariot. He rides in it as, of old, Jehovah "did ride upon a cherub and did fly--yes, He did fly upon the wings of the wind." It is only because Jesus us not dead that the Word becomes living and powerful, "and sharper than any two-edged sword.
If you leave Christ out of it, you have left out its vitality and power. As I have told you that we will not have Christ without the Word, so neither will we have thw Word without Christ. Yes, if you leave out of it Christ as a Substitute, Christ in His death, Christ in His garments dyed in blood, you have left out of it all that is living and powerful. How often have we reminded you that as concerning the Gospel, even as concerning every man, "the blood is the life thereof:--a bloodless Gospel is a lifeless gospel! C. H. Spurgeon
ON CHASTENING:
Psalm 94:12 "Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest Him out of Thy law." Job 5:17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."
WE CANNOT KNOW THE LOVE OF GOD BUT BY MEANS OF THESE CHASTENINGS. (Hebrews 12:7-8) Therefore, beware not to let that which is lame be turned out of the way, but cherish the convictions of the Spirit; for if you do not, a terrible day of reckoning will come. A general profession will not serve.(raising of the hand, praying a prayer) You must have the witness of God's Holy Spirit, which far exceeds all fleshly testimony to our state....We should escape innumerable evils if we would hearken to the voice of God on our hearts, and judge ourselves; for He will deliver His people, though with the rod. James Bourne
Psalm 94:12 "Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest Him out of Thy law." Job 5:17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."
WE CANNOT KNOW THE LOVE OF GOD BUT BY MEANS OF THESE CHASTENINGS. (Hebrews 12:7-8) Therefore, beware not to let that which is lame be turned out of the way, but cherish the convictions of the Spirit; for if you do not, a terrible day of reckoning will come. A general profession will not serve.(raising of the hand, praying a prayer) You must have the witness of God's Holy Spirit, which far exceeds all fleshly testimony to our state....We should escape innumerable evils if we would hearken to the voice of God on our hearts, and judge ourselves; for He will deliver His people, though with the rod. James Bourne
ON THE HOLY SPIRIT:
The triumph of the Holy Spirit in the soul implies there are enemies to combat opposing His entrance. The Spirit takes possession of the sinner's heart in order to make it a fit habitation for King Jesus to reign and dwell in. "In Whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." (Eph. 2:22, 3:17) As Christ had many enemies to meet and combat, sin, Satan, hell, death, the grave and the world, so the Holy Spirit has to contest and dispute every inch of territory made good against the inhabitants of the heart before that He can take full possession and plant His standard there, Himself with all His graces. He comes to reign over, rule, and govern all the faculties of the soul (Rom 5:21). Like Joshua of old, who had first to conquer and drive out the Canaanites from the land before he could plant the Israelites there and give each tribe its portion, so our spiritual Joshua, the great Captain of our salvation, by His Blessed Spirit conquers the heart, and plants in it the true Israelite, that is, the new man, there to remain settled and established in spite of all the Canaanites within and without. Edward Samuel from The Triumph of the Holy Spirit
The triumph of the Holy Spirit in the soul implies there are enemies to combat opposing His entrance. The Spirit takes possession of the sinner's heart in order to make it a fit habitation for King Jesus to reign and dwell in. "In Whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." (Eph. 2:22, 3:17) As Christ had many enemies to meet and combat, sin, Satan, hell, death, the grave and the world, so the Holy Spirit has to contest and dispute every inch of territory made good against the inhabitants of the heart before that He can take full possession and plant His standard there, Himself with all His graces. He comes to reign over, rule, and govern all the faculties of the soul (Rom 5:21). Like Joshua of old, who had first to conquer and drive out the Canaanites from the land before he could plant the Israelites there and give each tribe its portion, so our spiritual Joshua, the great Captain of our salvation, by His Blessed Spirit conquers the heart, and plants in it the true Israelite, that is, the new man, there to remain settled and established in spite of all the Canaanites within and without. Edward Samuel from The Triumph of the Holy Spirit
ON BUSINESS:
Whatever may be your thoughts, where you are to settle and how to manage your business, they ought to run in this channel: "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) While I make business first, I find "death in the pot" (II Kings 4:38-41); everything goes counter, and I am as lifeless as a post (spiritually); but when I am earnestly seeking for a better portion, and eternal things are uppermost, then I consider by what means God will preserve this spiritual life, and what steps will be most conducive to it; whether a distant country, where no fellowship with the saints is found, no sound of the gospel is heard, no affliction with the people of God suffered, but plenty of business, and pleanty of admirers, and a soul as dark and as dry as a potsherd; or to be content with the daily manna, watching the hand of God, living with His people, like Ruth of old, saying, let nothing prevent me following the people of God: Thy people shall be my people, thy God my God; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16-17) So let all your plans and pursuits be, and so shall they have a happy issue. James Bourne
Whatever may be your thoughts, where you are to settle and how to manage your business, they ought to run in this channel: "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) While I make business first, I find "death in the pot" (II Kings 4:38-41); everything goes counter, and I am as lifeless as a post (spiritually); but when I am earnestly seeking for a better portion, and eternal things are uppermost, then I consider by what means God will preserve this spiritual life, and what steps will be most conducive to it; whether a distant country, where no fellowship with the saints is found, no sound of the gospel is heard, no affliction with the people of God suffered, but plenty of business, and pleanty of admirers, and a soul as dark and as dry as a potsherd; or to be content with the daily manna, watching the hand of God, living with His people, like Ruth of old, saying, let nothing prevent me following the people of God: Thy people shall be my people, thy God my God; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me." (Ruth 1:16-17) So let all your plans and pursuits be, and so shall they have a happy issue. James Bourne
THE UNFAILING WORD:
"Gen. 28:15: :And. behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
It is said, "Jacob lighted upon a certain place." All the places we get into are of God's appointment. Some are suffered to get into a high place, that they may fall and break their necks; and some are brought low, that they may be exalted. God has the ordering of all these things; and whatever word He speaks on your heart, or whatever He leads you in the remotest degree to expect--nay, moreover, all those wishes that He has led you to form and to bring before Him in prayer according to His mind and will, He will most assuredly fulfill. He would not have helped you by His Holy Spirit to ask for such things if it were not so. Therefore I go to Him, and call to mind the words He has led me to hope in, and beg of Him that I may neither lay hold in presumption of anything He has not said, nor give up what He has said. For surely it is as great a sin to give up what He has spoken as to presume on what He has never spoken. And if we fear we have mistaken what He has said, then if we come to Him, He will set us right in this also. Only let is seek His blessing in all things, and not think that anything can happen by chance. He orders and disposes of all things. James Bourne
"Gen. 28:15: :And. behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
It is said, "Jacob lighted upon a certain place." All the places we get into are of God's appointment. Some are suffered to get into a high place, that they may fall and break their necks; and some are brought low, that they may be exalted. God has the ordering of all these things; and whatever word He speaks on your heart, or whatever He leads you in the remotest degree to expect--nay, moreover, all those wishes that He has led you to form and to bring before Him in prayer according to His mind and will, He will most assuredly fulfill. He would not have helped you by His Holy Spirit to ask for such things if it were not so. Therefore I go to Him, and call to mind the words He has led me to hope in, and beg of Him that I may neither lay hold in presumption of anything He has not said, nor give up what He has said. For surely it is as great a sin to give up what He has spoken as to presume on what He has never spoken. And if we fear we have mistaken what He has said, then if we come to Him, He will set us right in this also. Only let is seek His blessing in all things, and not think that anything can happen by chance. He orders and disposes of all things. James Bourne
THE ARMOR OF GOD:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11
We have here a very great power described which we have to contend with; but yet a strength is pointed out by which we are made more than a match for it; namely, " Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." Now you may say, "I wish I could put Him on." How has this to be done? THE MEANS IS ALL PRAYER. While we are filled with fear at seeing the many wiles of our great adversary and a little feeble cry is put forth to the Lord for help, although we seem very clumsy often at putting on His strength, yet this little cry does it. When we are fainting, we find some little word or other comes in for our support; and we put on the strength of the Lord. The wiles of the adversary are manifested to hinder us from pressing on , and following the guidance of this good Spirit. He (Satan) will set us to some ceremony of outward worship: "You must read or pray so much, you must do something, to add to Christ;" and if we think we have wisdom enough to avoid these wiles, we have already fallen. We can be kept in no way whatsoever but in fearing and trembling and making God our Refuge; and they who are not able so to do will surely fall. James Bourne
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11
We have here a very great power described which we have to contend with; but yet a strength is pointed out by which we are made more than a match for it; namely, " Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." Now you may say, "I wish I could put Him on." How has this to be done? THE MEANS IS ALL PRAYER. While we are filled with fear at seeing the many wiles of our great adversary and a little feeble cry is put forth to the Lord for help, although we seem very clumsy often at putting on His strength, yet this little cry does it. When we are fainting, we find some little word or other comes in for our support; and we put on the strength of the Lord. The wiles of the adversary are manifested to hinder us from pressing on , and following the guidance of this good Spirit. He (Satan) will set us to some ceremony of outward worship: "You must read or pray so much, you must do something, to add to Christ;" and if we think we have wisdom enough to avoid these wiles, we have already fallen. We can be kept in no way whatsoever but in fearing and trembling and making God our Refuge; and they who are not able so to do will surely fall. James Bourne
THE PIT OF SELF PITY:
"For by Thee have I run through a troop; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18.28) The Lord will search the innermost parts of the belly. (inner man) "For by Thee have I run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall."(Psalm 18:29) It is all by God, and not by ourselves, that we shall run through this troop of charges(an army of accusations); it must be by the witness of the Holy Spirit. "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet" to fly to Him. "He teacheth my hands to war" (Psalm 18:34) by confession, by prayer; and there will never be an end to this war in this life. The last enemy that remains is death; and we must stand and fight, and not turn again, till all are consumed. Paul says, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37) "They cried, but there was none to save them." (Psalm 18:41) There will be many cries to be heard against us--"How can you do this. You will come to poverty, this will be your ruin." Satan is wonderfully busy with all these things; but God will help us, and make us upright to set our faces against all these cries, and to be resolute that the flesh shall all be put off. NO SELF PITY, FOR THIS WORKS DEATH; AND IT IS ONLY BY CLEAVING TO THE LORD THAT THE VICTORY IS GIVEN! "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and Thou hast made me the head of the heathen;"(Psalm 18:43) that is, the Lord Jesus Christ, who takes the lead in this battle. In these conflicts, Satan will be ever telling us that God has done nothing for us, that He will never come again; but it is our mercy to contend against his insinuations, and not to give up any hope that God has given us, though we may now have a feeble recollection of it. In the end, everyone in this battle will have to say with David, "The Lord liveth, and blessed by my Rock and let the God of my salvation be exalted."(Psalm 18:46) James Bourne
"For by Thee have I run through a troop; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18.28) The Lord will search the innermost parts of the belly. (inner man) "For by Thee have I run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall."(Psalm 18:29) It is all by God, and not by ourselves, that we shall run through this troop of charges(an army of accusations); it must be by the witness of the Holy Spirit. "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet" to fly to Him. "He teacheth my hands to war" (Psalm 18:34) by confession, by prayer; and there will never be an end to this war in this life. The last enemy that remains is death; and we must stand and fight, and not turn again, till all are consumed. Paul says, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37) "They cried, but there was none to save them." (Psalm 18:41) There will be many cries to be heard against us--"How can you do this. You will come to poverty, this will be your ruin." Satan is wonderfully busy with all these things; but God will help us, and make us upright to set our faces against all these cries, and to be resolute that the flesh shall all be put off. NO SELF PITY, FOR THIS WORKS DEATH; AND IT IS ONLY BY CLEAVING TO THE LORD THAT THE VICTORY IS GIVEN! "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and Thou hast made me the head of the heathen;"(Psalm 18:43) that is, the Lord Jesus Christ, who takes the lead in this battle. In these conflicts, Satan will be ever telling us that God has done nothing for us, that He will never come again; but it is our mercy to contend against his insinuations, and not to give up any hope that God has given us, though we may now have a feeble recollection of it. In the end, everyone in this battle will have to say with David, "The Lord liveth, and blessed by my Rock and let the God of my salvation be exalted."(Psalm 18:46) James Bourne
A READY HELP IN EVERY TROUBLE:
Here it is said, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee, in whose heart are the ways of them." Such men will dread above all things, the slightest motion and offered help of that legal spirit which will ruin all, and will rather, have their strength in Jesus Christ and not in themselves. Such go from strength to strength; that is, they become weaker and weaker in themselves, but are taught by the Holy Spirit, and by experience to find the Lord Jesus Christ a ready help in every trouble. So that a confidence at length is worked in the soul that all things, however dark they may be, will by His wonderful working, be made to work for good, and that in all troubles they shall be more than conquerors through Him that loved them. James Bourne
Here it is said, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee, in whose heart are the ways of them." Such men will dread above all things, the slightest motion and offered help of that legal spirit which will ruin all, and will rather, have their strength in Jesus Christ and not in themselves. Such go from strength to strength; that is, they become weaker and weaker in themselves, but are taught by the Holy Spirit, and by experience to find the Lord Jesus Christ a ready help in every trouble. So that a confidence at length is worked in the soul that all things, however dark they may be, will by His wonderful working, be made to work for good, and that in all troubles they shall be more than conquerors through Him that loved them. James Bourne
ONE THING DESIRED:
Psalm 84:1, 10 "How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts!......For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand."
This does not mean outward worship only, but to spend a day in communion with God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, seeking His face, watching His hand, praising Him, and asking wisdom of Him in all our temporal and spiritual affairs. This is my desire, to bring my family and all my concerns before God, that He may guide and conduct all for me. Blessed are they that dwell in this house; they cannot help praising Thee. They see Thy wonderful wisdom in so overruling even temporal matters that they cannot but feel the utmost admiration and astonishment. Let our affairs be ever so numerous or complicated-as David had to rule a kingdom-and let us live in whatever tumult we may, yet this sweet communion is to be enjoyed and carried on in the midst of it; as I have found in the midst of great bustle. Only let us take heed to the secret warnings and cautions and checks of the Holy Spirit, and not slight them, but pay tender regard to them and stand in awe of them; and if He frown, fall down under it, and never rest till this peace is restored. James Bourne
Psalm 84:1, 10 "How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts!......For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand."
This does not mean outward worship only, but to spend a day in communion with God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, seeking His face, watching His hand, praising Him, and asking wisdom of Him in all our temporal and spiritual affairs. This is my desire, to bring my family and all my concerns before God, that He may guide and conduct all for me. Blessed are they that dwell in this house; they cannot help praising Thee. They see Thy wonderful wisdom in so overruling even temporal matters that they cannot but feel the utmost admiration and astonishment. Let our affairs be ever so numerous or complicated-as David had to rule a kingdom-and let us live in whatever tumult we may, yet this sweet communion is to be enjoyed and carried on in the midst of it; as I have found in the midst of great bustle. Only let us take heed to the secret warnings and cautions and checks of the Holy Spirit, and not slight them, but pay tender regard to them and stand in awe of them; and if He frown, fall down under it, and never rest till this peace is restored. James Bourne
CHRIST ONLY:
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all."
The righteous are they who cry, and make their needs known to God, and cannot be satisfied without His Presence.(Exodus 33:14-15) And the deliverance that He sends is not such as flesh and blood can often see, but it is of a divine and spiritual nature. We think naturally that if we are poor, it is His deliverance that will make us rich; or if sick, to make us well. No, but the deliverance is in the power to cast our burden on the Lord; it is to get His sensible favor. And we find that in His Presence we have all we need. Whatever deliverance you have short of Christ is no deliverance at all; and as for the outward trouble, that will often come on again and again. As the wave subsides, another comes. But if we get a little ease and rest in Him, a little hope in Him, this is deliverance. This should be our aim wherever we are or however engaged; To take Christ with us, not to go without Him; to watch this point, and then He says, " in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world for you, and will overcome it in you." James Bourne
Psalm 34:19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all."
The righteous are they who cry, and make their needs known to God, and cannot be satisfied without His Presence.(Exodus 33:14-15) And the deliverance that He sends is not such as flesh and blood can often see, but it is of a divine and spiritual nature. We think naturally that if we are poor, it is His deliverance that will make us rich; or if sick, to make us well. No, but the deliverance is in the power to cast our burden on the Lord; it is to get His sensible favor. And we find that in His Presence we have all we need. Whatever deliverance you have short of Christ is no deliverance at all; and as for the outward trouble, that will often come on again and again. As the wave subsides, another comes. But if we get a little ease and rest in Him, a little hope in Him, this is deliverance. This should be our aim wherever we are or however engaged; To take Christ with us, not to go without Him; to watch this point, and then He says, " in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world for you, and will overcome it in you." James Bourne
THIS NAME OF JESUS:
This name of Jesus is better to us than all the titles of God; there is goodness and greatness in the name of Jehovah, but we merited so little good, and deserved so much evil, that in it alone there had been small comfort for us. But in the name of Jesus, there is comfort, and with the name of Jesus there is comfort in the name of God. In old times God was known by His names of majesty; but His name of mercy was reserved till now, when God did purpose to pour out the whole treasure of His mercy, by the mediation of His Son. AND AS THIS NAME IS EXALTED ABOVE ALL NAMES, SO ARE WE TO EXALT HIS MERCY ABOVE ALL HIS WORKS! Isaac Ambrose 1604-1664
This name of Jesus is better to us than all the titles of God; there is goodness and greatness in the name of Jehovah, but we merited so little good, and deserved so much evil, that in it alone there had been small comfort for us. But in the name of Jesus, there is comfort, and with the name of Jesus there is comfort in the name of God. In old times God was known by His names of majesty; but His name of mercy was reserved till now, when God did purpose to pour out the whole treasure of His mercy, by the mediation of His Son. AND AS THIS NAME IS EXALTED ABOVE ALL NAMES, SO ARE WE TO EXALT HIS MERCY ABOVE ALL HIS WORKS! Isaac Ambrose 1604-1664
PRAYER TO BE KEPT FROM EVIL: John 17:15; Matthew 6:9-13
"I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil."
When we get entangled in the spirit of the world, it is in consequence of this intercession of Christ that we are again brought out. And if we are made simple (babes in Christ), we must be hated of all men; because all we say and do in our life in Christ is contrary to the maxims of this world, and is a reproach to them. It is by the fear of God implanted in us by which He brings us out of the world. THE LEAST THOUGHT THAT HAS A TENDENCY TO BRING ONE TO GOD COMES FROM CHRIST; THERE IS NOTHING OF THIS IN US NATURALLY. And He says, "I will that they also whom You have gave Me, be with Me where I am"--on the cross, in reproach, in tribulation, in desertion, as well as in glory. And He tells us of the Father's love: "You have loved them as You have loved Me."
Here He prays, "That You should keep them from the evil." This evil is seen when guilt is contracted and sin has power, and there is no access to God, but we are in bondage. The way to be delivered from such places is to come to God with confession and prayer, and pray as Jabez did, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" (I Chron. 4:10) They who pray so shall be delivered. And our Lord teaches us to pray, "Hallowed be Your Name." That is, that God would impress us with a Divine awe of Him; for unless this be found in us, we shall not be kept from evil. James Bourne
"I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil."
When we get entangled in the spirit of the world, it is in consequence of this intercession of Christ that we are again brought out. And if we are made simple (babes in Christ), we must be hated of all men; because all we say and do in our life in Christ is contrary to the maxims of this world, and is a reproach to them. It is by the fear of God implanted in us by which He brings us out of the world. THE LEAST THOUGHT THAT HAS A TENDENCY TO BRING ONE TO GOD COMES FROM CHRIST; THERE IS NOTHING OF THIS IN US NATURALLY. And He says, "I will that they also whom You have gave Me, be with Me where I am"--on the cross, in reproach, in tribulation, in desertion, as well as in glory. And He tells us of the Father's love: "You have loved them as You have loved Me."
Here He prays, "That You should keep them from the evil." This evil is seen when guilt is contracted and sin has power, and there is no access to God, but we are in bondage. The way to be delivered from such places is to come to God with confession and prayer, and pray as Jabez did, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" (I Chron. 4:10) They who pray so shall be delivered. And our Lord teaches us to pray, "Hallowed be Your Name." That is, that God would impress us with a Divine awe of Him; for unless this be found in us, we shall not be kept from evil. James Bourne
GODLINESS IN ITS OUTWORKING:
I Timothy 4:8 "But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." This godliness is not about our doing good, but is described thus: "Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Tim. 3:16) This godliness is to have communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ; and there is no created enjoyment in the slightest degree to be compared with this. Having this, we desire nothing else, we are fully satisfied; it is better than life itself. James Bourne
I Timothy 4:8 "But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." This godliness is not about our doing good, but is described thus: "Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Tim. 3:16) This godliness is to have communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ; and there is no created enjoyment in the slightest degree to be compared with this. Having this, we desire nothing else, we are fully satisfied; it is better than life itself. James Bourne
I AM THE LORD THY GOD:
"I am the Lord thy God." By this appropriation, God gives us a right in Him, yea a possession of Him, a right to Him. When a Christian comes at length, and says, This God that made all the world is mine, this is enough; indeed this is the greatest promise that ever was made, or ever can be made to any creature. God herein gives Himself to be wholly ours. In His essence and glorious attributes He communicates Himself to us for good; and God Personally considered, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, they all enter into covenant with us. The Father promises to be a Father to us; hence, saith the Lord, 'Israel is my son, my first born.' The Son speaks to us in this language, 'You are mine,' I have redeemed You, I have called you by your name; and therefore you are mine.' This is Christ's covenant with us: He brings us back to His Father, from Whose Presence we were banished, and sets us before His Face (the Father's) forever: He promises to restore us to the adoption and inheritance of sons. What the Father has purposed, and the Son has purchased for us, the Holy Ghost effects in us. He applies the blood of Christ for remission of sins; He writes the law in our hearts; He comforts us in our sadness; He supports us in our faintings, and guides us in our wanderings. Thus Elohim, God Personally considered, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are in covenant with us. Isaac Ambrose
"I am the Lord thy God." By this appropriation, God gives us a right in Him, yea a possession of Him, a right to Him. When a Christian comes at length, and says, This God that made all the world is mine, this is enough; indeed this is the greatest promise that ever was made, or ever can be made to any creature. God herein gives Himself to be wholly ours. In His essence and glorious attributes He communicates Himself to us for good; and God Personally considered, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, they all enter into covenant with us. The Father promises to be a Father to us; hence, saith the Lord, 'Israel is my son, my first born.' The Son speaks to us in this language, 'You are mine,' I have redeemed You, I have called you by your name; and therefore you are mine.' This is Christ's covenant with us: He brings us back to His Father, from Whose Presence we were banished, and sets us before His Face (the Father's) forever: He promises to restore us to the adoption and inheritance of sons. What the Father has purposed, and the Son has purchased for us, the Holy Ghost effects in us. He applies the blood of Christ for remission of sins; He writes the law in our hearts; He comforts us in our sadness; He supports us in our faintings, and guides us in our wanderings. Thus Elohim, God Personally considered, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, are in covenant with us. Isaac Ambrose
IN ORDER TO ASSIST YOU TO BELIEVE:
Consider the gracious nature of God. That which undoes broken hearts and trembling souls is misconceiving of God. We have many times low thoughts of God's goodness, but large thoughts of His power and wrath. Now to rectify these misapprehensions, consider His Name, and therein His Nature: "The Lord, the Lord God, Merciful, Gracious, Long-suffering, and abundant in Goodness, and Truth, keeping Mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin." (Ex 34:6-7) Consider the gracious nature of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts of God are necessarily more strange than of Christ, because of our infinite distance from the God-head; but in Christ, God is come down into our nature and so infinite Goodness is incarnate. Art thou afraid, O my soul, at this Name Jah, and Jehovah! Remember His Name is Emmanuel: the Lion is here disrobed of his garment of terror. See thy God disrobed of His terrible Majesty; see, thy God is a Man, and thy Judge is a Brother. This (New Covenant Vision) speaks healing for every wound, settlement for every distraction, comfort of every sorrow. But here is the misery. Souls in distress had all too often rather be poring over hell than heaven.
Isaac Ambrose 1604-1664
Consider the gracious nature of God. That which undoes broken hearts and trembling souls is misconceiving of God. We have many times low thoughts of God's goodness, but large thoughts of His power and wrath. Now to rectify these misapprehensions, consider His Name, and therein His Nature: "The Lord, the Lord God, Merciful, Gracious, Long-suffering, and abundant in Goodness, and Truth, keeping Mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin." (Ex 34:6-7) Consider the gracious nature of Jesus Christ. Our thoughts of God are necessarily more strange than of Christ, because of our infinite distance from the God-head; but in Christ, God is come down into our nature and so infinite Goodness is incarnate. Art thou afraid, O my soul, at this Name Jah, and Jehovah! Remember His Name is Emmanuel: the Lion is here disrobed of his garment of terror. See thy God disrobed of His terrible Majesty; see, thy God is a Man, and thy Judge is a Brother. This (New Covenant Vision) speaks healing for every wound, settlement for every distraction, comfort of every sorrow. But here is the misery. Souls in distress had all too often rather be poring over hell than heaven.
Isaac Ambrose 1604-1664
PRAYER TO BE KEPT FROM EVIL:
John 17:15 "I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil."
When we get entangled in the spirit of the world, it is in consequence of this intercession of Christ that we are again brought out. And if we are made conformable to Christ, we will be hated of all men; because all we do in our Christian faith is contrary to the maxims of the world, and is a reproach to them. It is by the fear of God implanted that He brings us out of the world. The least thought that has a tendency to bring us to God comes from Christ; there is nothing of this in us naturally. And He says, "I will that they also Whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am"--on the cross, in reproach, in tribulation, in desertion, as well as in Glory. and He tells us of the Father's love for us: "You have loved them as You have loved me."
Here He prays, "That you would keep them from the evil." This evil is seen when guilt is contracted and sin has power, and there is no access to God, but we are in bondage. The way to be delivered from such places is to come to God with confession and prayer, and pray as Jabez did., "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me form evil, that it may not grieve me!" (I Chron 4:10 They who pray so shall be delivered. And our Lord teaches us to pray, "hallowed be Your Name." That is, that God would impress us with a divine awe of Him; for unless this be found in us, we shall not be kept from evil. James Bourne
John 17:15 "I pray not that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from evil."
When we get entangled in the spirit of the world, it is in consequence of this intercession of Christ that we are again brought out. And if we are made conformable to Christ, we will be hated of all men; because all we do in our Christian faith is contrary to the maxims of the world, and is a reproach to them. It is by the fear of God implanted that He brings us out of the world. The least thought that has a tendency to bring us to God comes from Christ; there is nothing of this in us naturally. And He says, "I will that they also Whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am"--on the cross, in reproach, in tribulation, in desertion, as well as in Glory. and He tells us of the Father's love for us: "You have loved them as You have loved me."
Here He prays, "That you would keep them from the evil." This evil is seen when guilt is contracted and sin has power, and there is no access to God, but we are in bondage. The way to be delivered from such places is to come to God with confession and prayer, and pray as Jabez did., "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me form evil, that it may not grieve me!" (I Chron 4:10 They who pray so shall be delivered. And our Lord teaches us to pray, "hallowed be Your Name." That is, that God would impress us with a divine awe of Him; for unless this be found in us, we shall not be kept from evil. James Bourne
JUDGMENTS SANCTIFIED:
Psalm 50 "The Mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken.....Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence." He shall speak continually to our hearts. We stand in need of these ongoing judgments. For after the greatest things God has done for us, which humble us in the dust, the flesh comes and looks at those great things, and takes advantage of them. Therefore is God obliged to judge us continually, to afflict and bruise us; and we absolutely stand in need of these things to teach us the exceeding sinfulness of sin and His holiness, and how little we can help ourselves. His judgments work in us a deep sense of our sinful nature, and cause us to cleave closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. These judgments always work for good, making us more sick of the world, and to seek our happiness more in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will circumcise the foreskin of your heart; He will cut you off from the spirit of the world, by teaching you that there is nothing but misery to be had there, and by this continual bring you into judgment. But He always hears our cry, and nothing is burned in the furnace of His judgment but our fetters. We are sorely fettered by guilt, fear, and unbelief; and God puts us into the hot furnace (of affliction), and no harm comes of it. Only the fetters are burned off. There He works such faith in the heart as to believe He does all things well. Though He shows us great troubles, yet He will quicken us again. "You brought us into the net, You laid affliction on our backs........but You brought us out into a wealthy place." (Psalm 66:11-12) And this way is so safe and encouraging for a poor, broken-hearted sinner that in the end, he is lost in the contemplation of the wisdom and power of God.
From "Morning Readings" by James Bourne
Psalm 50 "The Mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken.....Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence." He shall speak continually to our hearts. We stand in need of these ongoing judgments. For after the greatest things God has done for us, which humble us in the dust, the flesh comes and looks at those great things, and takes advantage of them. Therefore is God obliged to judge us continually, to afflict and bruise us; and we absolutely stand in need of these things to teach us the exceeding sinfulness of sin and His holiness, and how little we can help ourselves. His judgments work in us a deep sense of our sinful nature, and cause us to cleave closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. These judgments always work for good, making us more sick of the world, and to seek our happiness more in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will circumcise the foreskin of your heart; He will cut you off from the spirit of the world, by teaching you that there is nothing but misery to be had there, and by this continual bring you into judgment. But He always hears our cry, and nothing is burned in the furnace of His judgment but our fetters. We are sorely fettered by guilt, fear, and unbelief; and God puts us into the hot furnace (of affliction), and no harm comes of it. Only the fetters are burned off. There He works such faith in the heart as to believe He does all things well. Though He shows us great troubles, yet He will quicken us again. "You brought us into the net, You laid affliction on our backs........but You brought us out into a wealthy place." (Psalm 66:11-12) And this way is so safe and encouraging for a poor, broken-hearted sinner that in the end, he is lost in the contemplation of the wisdom and power of God.
From "Morning Readings" by James Bourne
STRAIGHT PATHS:
Hebrews 12:1 "Lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us."
This weight is the spirit of the world in all directions, speaking and doing as we like, pleasing ourselves. The only way of putting it off is by looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Now I feel so many things in the world desirable, whatever is offered is so suitable to my natural inclinations that it is hard to put it off; but this is the cross, this we must do! And this is the work of faith--to deny those things which are so sweet. It is the conflict not of one day, but of every hour and every day. And if we do deny things by confession and prayer and coming to the blood of sprinkling, God will never find fault with us for having those inclinations. For this is the conflict of the two natures.
Now whatever temptation comes upon us, it is our mercy not to choose a way of our own, but to commit our way to Him, for we should be sure to choose wrong. The way to be enabled to do this (make right choices) is by the Spirit of Adoption, witnessing that we are no more servants, but sons; for if we have this sweet testimony on our hearts, it will enable us to bear every cross. Do not let the vanities and cares of the world drown the voice of the Spirit in your conscience.
From "Morning Readings" by James Bourne
Hebrews 12:1 "Lay aside every weight and the sin that does so easily beset us."
This weight is the spirit of the world in all directions, speaking and doing as we like, pleasing ourselves. The only way of putting it off is by looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Now I feel so many things in the world desirable, whatever is offered is so suitable to my natural inclinations that it is hard to put it off; but this is the cross, this we must do! And this is the work of faith--to deny those things which are so sweet. It is the conflict not of one day, but of every hour and every day. And if we do deny things by confession and prayer and coming to the blood of sprinkling, God will never find fault with us for having those inclinations. For this is the conflict of the two natures.
Now whatever temptation comes upon us, it is our mercy not to choose a way of our own, but to commit our way to Him, for we should be sure to choose wrong. The way to be enabled to do this (make right choices) is by the Spirit of Adoption, witnessing that we are no more servants, but sons; for if we have this sweet testimony on our hearts, it will enable us to bear every cross. Do not let the vanities and cares of the world drown the voice of the Spirit in your conscience.
From "Morning Readings" by James Bourne