William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

July 27,



In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. (Isa 26:8)



Herein appears the wisdom and glory of our Lord. He hath ordained the way wherein his people should walk, as well as the end which they shall surely enjoy, salvation. Thus is it manifest, by perseverance in grace and holiness, that any sinner is effectually called to the knowledge of Jesus and salvation by him.

Though in regeneration the carnality and corruption of our nature are not destroyed, yet by the word and Spirit the soul is possessed with a desire after Jesus, and the sweet remembrance of his name is fixed in the heart; he is all their desire and all their salvation; they know and feel themselves to be poor and lost; they are humbled in soul; hope from every object but Christ is cut off. But yet some cannot speak of such manifestations of joy and tokens of comfort which others tell of. Hence they distress and disquiet their minds, are ready to question whether they have any true knowledge of, love to, and interest in the Lord. But this is not right; for it is plain and evident, where there is a desire of soul to the name of Jesus, and a remembrance in the heart of his salvation, as our only hope, this ariseth from a degree of knowledge and faith; and love also in proportion is drawn out after precious Christ. Such will be found waiting upon the Lord, for they see his grace.

There is something in the name of Jesus that is attracting; that in the nature of his work and salvation which suits their desperate state, and which they love to hear of and wait for. The secret power of the Spirit inclines the heart in the way of God's judgments, in the ordinances of his house, in private duties, secret meditation and reading, etc. Yea, though in distress and affliction, still they wait upon, yea wait FOR the Lord, for more knowledge, stronger faith, greater love.

Therefore such who lightly esteem, yea speak contemptibly of such "good desires," speak unadvisedly with their lips; they "make sad the heart of the righteous, whom the Lord would not have made sad." Jesus doth not despise "the day of small things," he loves the weakest lamb in his flock, he delights in the smallest work of his own Spirit, he doth not despise the least desire of the soul towards him, his loving heart will not "break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, till he send forth judgment unto victory."

God is mine all-sufficient good,
My portion and my choice;
In him my vast desires are fill'd,
And all my pow'rs rejoice.

I bless thy grace, that e'er my soul
Had one desire to thee.
No name so sweet whereon to hope,
As Jesus is to me.


[video=youtube;cYq_N0XBEeA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYq_N0XBEeA[/video]

July 28,


I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts: According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my Spirit remaineth among you: Fear ye not.- Hag_2:4-5.


When the Lord calls his people to great work, or grievous sufferings, he animates them with strong consolations; for as their day is, their strength shall be. This passage shines bright, as it manifests the most comforting views and clearest discoveries of covenant-grace and love to saints of old, engaged in a very arduous work of Jehovah. "Whatever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we might have hope."- Rom_15:4. Our hope is established and strengthened through patience and comfort of the scriptures; and as they encourage our hope, they also forbid our fears; as if salvation was precarious and uncertain, as though the foundation of hope rested upon conditions we fulfil to secure it. Blessed be God faith hath a surer anchor-hold, even the word, the covenant, the oath of Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit. The knowledge of this, under all the discouraging views of nature and sense, lifts the believer above himself, and makes him triumph in the everlasting, unchangeable love and sovereign grace of the glorious trinity.

So children of God in every age feed upon one and the same bread of life, Jesus. He is the Logos, the word, with whom the Father covenanted for sinners. According to this, the love of the Father is towards us, even while we are in our natural state, in Egyptian bondage; yea the love of the Lord of hosts is the cause of our deliverance from it, and conversion to his blessed self; so also his Spirit remaineth with us. By his sweet agency and power our blind eyes are enlightened to see the glory and suitableness of Jesus, our deaf ears opened to hear the loving voice of this dear charmer, and an understanding heart is given us to disclaim all other hope, and to know and choose Jesus, believe in and love him as our only precious Saviour. What blessed confidence is this! We are exhorted to "hold it fast." "FEAR YE NOT," saith the Lord, "I am ever with you." Fear and distrust are most unreasonable; pride and self glorying most abominable; sin and disobedience most hateful; love, humility, and gratitude, most powerfully operate upon such highly-favored hearts. Hence faith in a covenant God, and his loving declarations, ever excite the most generous expressions from the heart. "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me! Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."- Psa_116:8-9; Psa_116:12.


[video=youtube;WTZKw3j6XbU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTZKw3j6XbU[/video]

July 29,


The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.- Rom_8:16.


These words dropt not from the pen of a saint in a state of sinless perfection; nor is this invaluable privilege, this heavenly blessing, peculiar to the experience of Paul the apostle, but to Paul, less than "the least of all saints, and chief of all sinners," as he confesseth himself to be. It hath been enjoyed by poor sinners, through faith in Jesus, in all ages; it is the common privilege of all Christians. We may well cry out in astonishment with Solomon, "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee."- 2Ch_6:18.

Amazing condescension! "Lord what is man, sinful, hell deserving man, that thou shouldest thus visit him" with thy comforting presence! Delightful to think of. There is a sweet relation subsists between the high and lofty one and wretched miserable sinners. In Jesus they both unite. The fulness of the godhead, and the misery and curse of the manhood state of his people meet in him. From the head Jesus, the Spirit proceeds, and like the oil on Aaron's head descends to all the members. To their spirits he bears witness, agreeable to the word of truth, of their covenant-relation as children, adopted sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Let no believing soul be distressed or deluded by the deceiving of others, so as to expect a vision, manifestation, or revelation that may be seen, heard, or felt by the outward senses. No; the Spirit bears witness to our spirits, not to our senses! even as the law bears witness to the conscience that we are sinners, and works wrath there; so the blessed Spirit bears an inward witness to the mind, that we are the righteous children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus; that "he died for our sins and rose again for our justification;" that in him we are chosen, beloved, accepted, justified, pardoned, and shall be glorified with him. Thus saith Jesus, "He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."- Joh_16:14.

See, O believer, the riches of covenant-grace! Admire and adore the wonderful love of the trinity! Hast thou received the witness of the Spirit of Jesus in the word through faith? Happy, highly favored art thou among men. Art thou waiting and longing for the promise of the Father? the joyful testimony and assurance of the Spirit to thy heart that thou art his child? It is sure; not because of any good thing naturally found in thee, but because Jesus intercedes before the throne. Therefore thou mayest pray in the assurance of faith, having this promise to all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, "Your heavenly Father will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him."- Luk_11:13.


[video=youtube;fIvKDgktutI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIvKDgktutI[/video]

July 30,


And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.- Lev_26:44.


Can any child of God read his Father's awful threatenings in this chapter, and think light of sin? Can he count it a small thing to walk contrary to God's revealed mind and will? Indeed one would think it impossible; nor can we hardly believe any one who has known the true grace of God could read this verse and ever dare open his mouth and shoot his arrows of bitter words against the doctrines of everlasting, electing love, sovereign grace, and the certain salvation of every redeemed soul. But alas! when the mouth of proud man is not held in by the bridle of humility, what awful, what horrid speeches will he dare to utter, even against the plain and express declarations of Jehovah himself! The rank weeds of natural notions are offensive to gracious souls. Pride, unbelief, and corrupt reason, mutually strengthen each other in carnal hearts, in enmity and opposition to free-grace truths. But what is a bone of contention to such, is wholesome comfortable food to self-emptied and humble souls, through the faith of Jesus.

To every self-abased soul, who has no hope but in the word of the Lord, no confidence but in the covenant-love of Jesus our Mediator, the Lord our God speaks thus comfortably; "Though in the land," yea as thou often fearest, in the hand and under the power of thine enemy, O hear and rejoice! thy Lord saith, "I will not cast away, abhor, utterly destroy."

Though thou hast broken the covenant, yet God will not. It is firm as the mountains; unshaken as the rocks. God will visit for sin, chastise for provocations, correct for backsliding. All this is covenant-love; but to cast away his children he will not: to abhor them he cannot; to destroy and punish them in hell is contrary to his truth, his justice, his promise, his oath, his covenant, established in love, and ratified by the blood of Jesus, his Son, our Saviour. What tongue saith, Is it so? Come then, let us sin with an high hand! Poor soul, thy speech bewrayeth thee. The sound of grace has only reached thine ear; but where it is known and felt in the heart, it speaks otherwise. God's free, loving, absolute declarations attract to love and obedience. The grace of God that brings salvation, teaches to deny all ungodliness, etc.- Tit_2:11-12.

The promise of my Father's love
Shall stand for ever good:
He said, and gave his soul to death,
And seal'd the grace with blood.

To this dear cov'nant of thy word
I set my worthless name;
I seal th' engagement to my Lord
And make my humble claim.

[video=youtube;-xMgWC87W38]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xMgWC87W38[/video]

July 31,


They shall put you out of the synagogues.- Joh_16:2.


So it must be in all ages. The scriptures cannot be broken. But what are the crimes of the ministers of Jesus, to deserve such usage? Is it for a life of intemperance and lewdness, of sin and folly, in frequenting play-houses, card-tables, routs, assemblies, horse-racing? etc. No; friends of the Lamb have done with all such vain paltry matter. Their hearts feed upon infinitely higher delights, and their time is too precious to be devoted to sacrifice upon the altars of heathenish vanities. For these things they might gain no censure, but keep their places in the synagogues, and their characters in the world as good, honest, orthodox preachers, and stand free from the charge of mopish, dreaming enthusiasts; chief priests themselves being judges.

But they stand arraigned of crimes of the highest nature, even of inverting the very order of things; "turning the world upside down;" "preaching one Jesus who was hanged upon a tree,"- Act_10:39 -as the sinner's only hope and salvation. That hence glory is given to God in the highest; peace on earth, and good-will to men is proclaimed:-that the whole of salvation is of God's free grace and unmerited love. From this charge faithful ministers of Christ will not desire to be acquitted. Love to their precious master, to his blessed truth, to his dear people, inspires them with boldness. It is the highest honor, the greatest glory Jesus puts upon them, when they are called to suffer for this. "Yea," saith our Lord, "the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think he doth God service."

Zeal for God is a pretense for persecution. But what is our Lord's reason? "These things will they do unto you, because they have not KNOWN THE FATHER NOR ME." But he observed that on hearing these things, sorrow filled his disciples' hearts. Sympathizing Lord! he instantly gives them a promise-of what? Power to call fire from heaven to destroy their adversaries? No; quite the reverse; of a blessed, inward comforter, THE DOVE. He was to teach them to act with meekness, and in patience to possess their souls. See the Spirit's influence in the conduct of Peter and John, and their courage and constancy in the cause of their dear master,- Acts 4. Their very enemies, who commanded them not to preach in the name of Jesus, saw their boldness with wonder, and were silenced with their reasoning. Admire and imitate, O ye suffering servants of a once suffering Lord. "How forcible are right words!" Job_6:25. How prevailing is a meek spirit! Peter and John said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye!" "And the apostles departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."- Act_5:41.


[video=youtube;V3NmQQoDSaU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3NmQQoDSaU[/video]

August 1,


For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?- Mar_8:36-37.


Hast thou heard the voice of thy beloved? art thou a willing disciple of a despised master? But does the flesh shrink from, murmur and reason against taking up the cross daily, "and suffering the loss of all things?" Listen, O soul, to the reasonings of WISDOM. Though the followers of the Lamb are counted fools and madmen, yet their dear master here teaches them such reasoning and argument, drawn from the nature and fitness of things, as will in a dying hour, and at the judgment-day, silence the tongue of every adversary. Ever use thy master's weapon. Reason daily, O, Christian, upon thy spiritual gain, by the knowledge of Jesus. Study to look with contempt upon thy trifling worldly loss. What is all the wisdom of this world but folly? the righteousness of the whole world, but filthy rags? the hopes of a fallen world, but miserable delusion? the pleasures of a gay world, but vanity? the riches of the world, but deceitfulness? the honors of the world, but an empty sound? All these, though possessed and enjoyed, cannot profit the soul.

Nay, rather like Job's friends, they often only prove miserable comforters, distress the mind, but can never bring comfort to the soul. Though often set by the enemy before our eyes in the most conspicuous view and advantageous light, as Satan tempted our Lord; yet, is there any comparison between an eternal gain and a temporal loss? Verily, one moment's communion with Jesus by faith, infinitely transcends a whole life of threescore years and ten, spent in all the glory and happiness this whole world can yield. O, this one word, "thou fool, this hour thy soul is required of thee," is a death stroke to all worldly enjoyments.

What then can be placed in competition with an "exceeding and an eternal weight of glory?" How great is the worth of the soul! it is immortal. How rich the love of God! it is everlasting. How transcendent the love of Jesus! it passeth knowledge. How amazing the grace of the Holy Ghost! it proceeds from both. It is through his power any poor sinner is able to say, "What things were gain to me, those I count loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless; and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them dung, that I may win Christ and be found in him," etc.- Php_3:7-9.

When I survey the wond'rous cross
On which the Prince of glory dy'd,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all beside.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

[video=youtube;coHKdhAZ9hU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coHKdhAZ9hU[/video]

Yeah, sorta an unpredictable guy....sorry.

Hey remember, 66 is the new 26

August 2,


God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.- Gal_6:14.


Satan is very busy to hinder the Christian's glorying in Jesus ONLY. As an adversary to the truth, he objects, by the men of the world, and it is frequently suggested to the believer's mind, "Jesus is ever uppermost in your heart and tongue; you ascribe no glory to God the Father, and to the Holy Spirit." But this is vain and ignorant; for in our crucified Jesus we behold the great love of the Father. Our glorying in the cross of Christ alone, is by the grace and teaching of the Holy Spirit, whose office it is to testify of Jesus ONLY, and of salvation by none other; so saith our Lord, "He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."- Joh_16:14.

God forbid that any man upon earth, all the devils in hell, all the lusts in our nature, or unbelief of our hearts, should corrupt our minds from the simplicity of Christ, or prevent our glorying in our ever dear, ever lovely Jesus of Nazareth; for he hung on the accursed tree, with all our guilt, and sin, and shame, in his naked, exposed body. Was he ashamed to own our vile characters, or love our sinful persons? No: shall we be ashamed to own and confess his innocent person, his glorious name, his gracious words, his accursed death, his perfect salvation? Surely then the very stones in the street would cry out against us. And Jesus says, "whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."- Mar_8:38. To expect salvation from no other, and all salvation from this man JESUS, this fellow, this malefactor, as the Jews accounted him, as suffering, dying on the cross, a gibbet, a gallows; this is the very essence of the gospel, the glory of God's grace, the wonder of angels, and the envy of devils; this is the only hope of a poor humble sinner, and the triumph of faith.

Who can fully describe the blessedness of Jesus-glorifying souls! As they find and feel new life from his cross, they experience a crucifixion and death to all legal hopes and vain confidence, which a self-righteous world glory in. From the cross of Jesus they view the world with all its pomps and pleasures, riches and honors, glory and happiness, as accursed, sentenced and devoted to destruction. Therefore, as crucified persons by the faith of Jesus, we die daily to the world. "Christ is our life."- Col_3:4.

Our faith adores thy bleeding love,
And trusts for life in one that dy'd;
We hope for heavenly crowns above,
From "Redeemer crucified."

Let the vain world pronounce it shame,
And fling their scandals on the cause!
We come to boast our Saviour's name.
And make our triumphs in his cross.

[video=youtube;mLb-4kwpcDI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLb-4kwpcDI[/video]

[video=youtube;aowdjLeaCYs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowdjLeaCYs[/video]


a 'rerun' but a good one, i think

August 3,


And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say it is my people; and they shall say, the Lord is my God.- Zec_13:9.


O, Give me comforts or I die, saith the soul! for surely was I a child of God, I should not be thus tried, afflicted, and distressed. Nay, saith the Saviour, "ye know not what ye ask." Dost thou forget the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children? "My son despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him."- Heb_12:5. Did I bid thee believe on me? Believe also my words: "it is through much tribulation thou must enter my kingdom."- Act_14:22. This profitable lesson, though grievous to the flesh, must be learned. Like Peter, we pray to be excused being washed by our Lord. But we consider not his love, nor our own advantage. "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me," saith Jesus. "If ye are without chastisement, then are ye bastards and not sons." "I WILL bring thee through the fire; I WILL refine thee; I WILL try thee." Why? Because thou art not reprobate silver, nor counterfeit metal; therefore I WILL take pains with thee. "I WILL purge away thy dross and thy sin, and purify thee in the furnace." Verily, thy graces shall shine brighter, thy faith grow stronger, thy love burn more fervent, and thy obedience be more cheerful. Therefore "I chasten whom I love," saith the Lord.

Nothing can reconcile souls to afflictive allotments, but looking on them as covenant-dispensations. The loving Father's promise is the beloved children's portion. "I will never turn away from them to do them good."- Jer_32:40. Such is the covenant-love of our covenant God. Here faith fixes its hold, and waits the promised blessing. Though saints desire to be passive, yet they cannot be silent; "for they shall call on my name," even the name above all other names, Jesus the precious Saviour. Saith the Lord, "I will not only hear, but answer." "It is I," saith Jesus to the terrified disciples, "be not afraid." "It is my dear people that call," saith the Lord. As the affectionate mother knows the voice of her own dear child, she listens, she runs to its relief. So the Lord speaks with affection and love, "MY PEOPLE." So souls reply in faith, with Thomas, MY LORD, MY GOD. O, happy to live, not so much on comforts as on "the God of all comfort."- 2Co_1:3.

Blest is the man thy hands chastise,
And to his duty draw;
Thy scourges make thy children wise,
When they forget thy law.

But God will ne'er forsake his saints,
Nor his own promise break;
He pardons his inheritance
For their Redeemer's sake.

My guess, is it covered states like Colorado, New Mexico and parts of Texas.

August 4,


And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?- 2Ki_8:13.


O, the treachery of the human heart! both scripture and experience prove this melancholy truth, that it is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Who can fathom the depths of its deceits? who can understand the misery of iniquity which lies concealed in the nature of sinful man? Alas! presumptuous confidence that our nature is not so totally corrupt and abominable, too, too oft deceives and betrays even the children of God. This wretch Hazael, who had premeditated rebellion and murder in his heart, yet starts at the prediction of these crimes which as yet had no real existence. Doubtless he thought Elisha judged very hard of him; he could almost stare the prophet out of countenance; and, as though he charged him with degrading the dignity of his human nature, he demands whether he looked on him no better than an unclean beast, a fierce devouring DOG, that he should commit such abominable wickedness? His very nature even shuddered at the very thoughts. But the history assures us "lust had conceived, and it brought forth sin;" which ended in the murder of his royal master! Hazael fully verified all the prophet's prediction.

Boast not of thyself, O Christian; say not, I am a converted man, a believer in Jesus, not an unclean wretch like this Hazael; therefore I shall not fall into that and the other sin. Be not high-minded, but fear. Thou standest not by thine own strength, but by faith. This grace ever leads out of self to its object, Christ. Flatter not thyself, that thy corrupt nature is in any-wise better than another; know there is no difference. Deceive not thyself with conceits of perfection in the flesh, or with the deluded dream, that the root of sin is entirely destroyed in thy nature. Ever remember, "that in the flesh dwells no good thing;" that it is and ever will be prone to evil continually. Happy for thee that thou art new-born, new created in the spirit of thy mind. It is thy privilege to live under the influence of grace and love. But still thy fallen nature is ever the same, the old man is still alive; there is the tinder of corruption, which may take fire from the devil's sparks of temptation. What thou art least suspecting, yea when thou art most confident of standing, thou mayest be in the greatest danger of falling. What thou fearest not to-day, tomorrow may overcome thee. Think not more highly of thyself than thou oughtest to think. Be sober; watch unto prayer. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."- 1Pe_5:5.

Sin hath a thousand treach'rous arts,
To practise on the mind;
With flatt'ring looks she tempts our hearts,
But leaves a sting behind.

She pleads for all the joy she brings,
And gives a fair pretence;
But cheats the soul of heav'nly things,
And chains it down to sense.


[video=youtube;6qL1lDx4V6g]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qL1lDx4V6g[/video]

August 5,


Let us run with patience the race set before us.- Heb_12:1.


A lively faith begets a cheerful heart. A joyful hope makes a resigned soul. An humble mind produceth a patient spirit. So we run with pleasure our short race, "looking unto Jesus." But alas! shame to us, there is a sin which easily besets us and which draws a train of burdens and distresses along with it. Why are poor disciples' minds harassed by frequent murmurings and impatience? Why their tempers soured with evil passions, and they utter hasty, angry, unbecoming speeches? Verily, UNBELIEF is the cause of all this. Their minds are clouded; they do not see Jesus; they do not consider Jesus as seeing them; they do not look to Jesus for patience: hence Satan gets an advantage over them: pride begets impatience of spirit. Then, with fretful Jonah they cry out, "I do well to be angry."

Well, soul, and how do you find your mind after doing thus well? what is the frame of your soul after thus gratifying the will of the flesh, your proud self-will? what hast thou gained hereby but dejection of spirit and sorrow of heart? what hast thou lost? Even the comforting view of Jesus, and the sweet sense of peace: thus the feet are entangled in a snare; and, instead of running with patience, we sit down in sorrow. Tossed by stormy winds, in a tempestuous ocean, the poor bark seems driven back many degrees from the haven of rest and peace. So we suffer loss of patience by looking from Jesus to other objects. While our beloved is viewed, patience possesses the heart, the feet run with delight the way of God's commandments, and we look forward with cheerful hope. Patience sweetens afflictions and improves exercises and trials. It keeps the heart from envy, the hand from revenge, the tongue from evil-speaking, and overcomes enemies without weapons; for it draws all its strength from Christ's love, the sweetness of his presence, and hope of his glory. A martyr tormented by infidels, was asked by way of reproach, what miracle his Christ had done? He replied, you now behold one: he enables me to bear your reproaches, and suffer your tortures with patience. I am not moved. Is not this a miracle worthy your notice? Whatever befalls our souls is the wise allotment of our loving Father! We are exhorted to "run with patience," that we may not lie down in sorrow. The sun of consolation shall shine bright on our souls, while "we press forward towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."- Php_3:14.

O let my thoughts be humble still,
And all my carriage mild,
Content, my Father, with thy will,
And quiet as a child.

The patient soul, the lowly mind
Enjoys a sweet reward;
Let saints in sorrow be resign'd,
And trust a faithful Lord.


[video=youtube;9MwVp4K9lAk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MwVp4K9lAk[/video]

August 6,


He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself.- 1Jn_5:10.


Many of the weak lambs of Jesus, are sadly perplexed in their minds about the nature of faith. From the corruption of their hearts, the workings of the enemy, unscriptural notions they have been taught, and opposings of unbelief to the weakness of their faith, they are often ready to question, nay, sometimes to conclude they have not "the faith of God's elect." Here is a certain rule to determine by: this, if clearly understood in the light of the Spirit, will satisfy and comfort weak hearts. Mind, the apostle doth not say, he that believeth hath no sin, no doubts; knows his sins are forgiven, and has full assurance of his own salvation. No: "but he hath the witness in himself." What is this but an inward testimony of what is outwardly revealed in the word? As the Spirit bears witness in the word to Jesus the incarnate Son of God, the only true and all-sufficient Saviour of guilty, perishing sinners, so he, who thus believeth on the Son of God, hath this divine, satisfying, experimental testimony brought into his mind and conscience by the Holy Ghost. He hath an evidence in himself which neither men nor devils can destroy. Though he finds and feels himself a lost creature, a helpless sinner; so weak that he can do nothing to save himself; so vile that his nature is at enmity against Jesus and his salvation; yet he believes the Son of God came to seek and to save such-that there is all salvation in him and in no other for such. Thus believing, he hath the witness or testimony of the love of the ever blessed trinity in the salvation of sinners in his heart. The love of the Father in the gift of his Son; the love of Jesus in coming to save, and the love of the Spirit in testifying to this in the word, and by the faith of it in his heart.

Happy would it be for poor sinners, if instead of poring over themselves, they looked more steadily to the work of Jesus; considered more constantly the fulness of his redemption, the freeness of his salvation, and regarded the outward witness to the truth in the word. Faith in this would bring comfort to the heart; so would their doubts and fears vanish; the fruits of faith more evidently appear; and their minds, in God's own time, would be fully satisfied about their own interest in Jesus, and the knowledge of forgiveness of their sins by the witness of the Holy Spirit through faith: for faith in the Son of God, above all other things hath the preeminence. If the soul is filled with peace and joy, it is in believing; if with assurance of pardon of sins, it is through faith in Jesus; if sealed with the Spirit, it is in believing. "And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."- 1Jn_5:4.


[video=youtube;csjtr_QN-Fs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csjtr_QN-Fs[/video]

but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (Jn 20:31)

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb 10:19-22)

August 7,


I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.- 1Co_11:3.


By a godly fear in the heart, the Lord keeps his people from totally departing from him. But there is ever danger from Satan, from men, yea and from brethren too, of our minds being corrupted and beguiled, so as to suffer the loss of that singleness of eye and simplicity of heart towards our dear Saviour, by which the soul is only kept happy. If the Lord's prophet had been more jealous over himself, and more simple to his master's voice, the fair speech of his brother had not betrayed him to disobedience and death, by the mouth of the lion. See- 1Ki_13:24.

Could Satan so beguile Eve as to make her an instrument of death to herself, to the dear partner of her life, and to all their posterity? O disciples, "take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother, for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders."- Jer_9:4. But how comes all this? Alas! because "they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth," Jer_9:3. Satan's subtlety hath robbed them of Christ's simplicity. The abiding, comforting presence, the sweet fellowship of Jesus are obscured to their mind. Jesus is not simply and constantly lived upon. The living actings of faith, the constant outgoings of the soul, the continual looking to, and daily hanging upon Jesus for salvation from hour to hour, is not enjoyed in the heart. Corrupted minds grow clouded. Hence they lose sight of our beloved friend; sweet simplicity departs, and other objects too oft become the subjects of converse and meditation. This is an infectious disorder; it rages among the children of God; it is easily caught; simple faith in Jesus is bewildered by perplexing notions; love to Jesus grows cold by keeping at a distance from him; and once humble, simple hearts get into doubting-castle. Satan cries, "There, there, so would I have it." Though Jesus will never forsake them, yet he suffers their own folly to correct them. By their smarting he teaches them to be wiser. Chaste virgins are jealous over their eyes, their tongues, and hearts, lest they give encouragement to unlawful love. We are equally to be on our guard against the corrupt principles of proud self-righteous Pharisees, as against the licentious principles of Antinomians. Both draw from the simplicity that is in Christ. The light of the body is the eye; "if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."- Mat_6:22.

Satan appears almost divine,
Like innocence and love;
But the old serpent lurks within,
When he assumes the dove.

Fly from the false deceiver's tongue,
Ye sons of Adam, fly;
Our parents found the snare too strong,
Nor should the children try.

(When all music search fails there is always...)

[video=youtube;uVgPQm06g2c]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgPQm06g2c[/video]