William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God
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A
i have this silly autoimmune disease that's affected my eyes, so i am SO happy to have books on the Kindle my sweet husband got for me...
but how i miss the feel...the smell...the sound of pages turning...
but how i miss the feel...the smell...the sound of pages turning...
Lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Jdg_7:2.
Thus the Lord reasoned with Gideon. He knows what is in man. He sees the pride of the human heart: how prone we all are to boast in an arm of flesh. The Lord is jealous of his own glory. Gideon’s army of two and thirty thousand, is brought down to three hundred. By this handful of men, and no more, did Gideon gain the victory of the Midianites. The Lord’s wisdom in this was, “Lest Israel should vaunt themselves, and say, Mine own hand hath saved me.” But I have not transcribed the text right. There are two little words of great import, which I have omitted. Mind then, O Christian-against me. Now remember, whenever thou dost boast of thy power, thy free-will, thy human goodness, thy works, ditties, conditions, and performances in order to be saved, thou art then, as it were, two and thirty thousand strong. “Thou vauntest thyself against the Lord.” Thou art glorying in thine own arm of might and power to save thyself, in some measure or degree. Thou art trusting to thy works to save thee, in whole or in part. Be assured thy Lord will bring thee down, and weaken thy numbers, that he may have the sole glory of thy heart, for saving thee. (1st.) The Lord proclaimed, That all who were afraid should depart. Two and twenty thousand returned. So he will proclaim the terrors of his just, holy, and righteous law in thine ears, and cause thy heart to tremble. Then shalt thou get rid of much of thy self-righteous confidence. It shall depart from thee. (2d.) He brought the people down to the water, and tried them by lapping. Here also he reduced their numbers, to prevent their vaunting. So he will try thee, by lapping the waters of affliction. Here he will cut off the strength of thy vain confidence, and prevent thy vaunting thyself against him. Thus when thou findest the commandment come with power, and sin revive, then wilt thou die to self-confidence, and glory alone in the Lord. When the pruning knife of affliction has cut off the luxuriant branches of pride and vain-glory, then wilt thou say in deep humility, Wretch that I am, that I should trust in myself, and depart in heart from the Lord. I thank thee, my dear Saviour, for all the pains thou takest with my proud nature, to bring me to glory only in thee, and to say, “In God is my salvation and my glory.” Psa_62:7.
I’ll trust my Saviour’s word alone
To justify and save;
No grace in me, nor works I’ve done,
The smallest share can have.
Tho’ poor, alas! I’m full of pride,
And prone to vaunt of pow’r:
Lord, humble, that I may confide
In thee alone each hour.
Thus the Lord reasoned with Gideon. He knows what is in man. He sees the pride of the human heart: how prone we all are to boast in an arm of flesh. The Lord is jealous of his own glory. Gideon’s army of two and thirty thousand, is brought down to three hundred. By this handful of men, and no more, did Gideon gain the victory of the Midianites. The Lord’s wisdom in this was, “Lest Israel should vaunt themselves, and say, Mine own hand hath saved me.” But I have not transcribed the text right. There are two little words of great import, which I have omitted. Mind then, O Christian-against me. Now remember, whenever thou dost boast of thy power, thy free-will, thy human goodness, thy works, ditties, conditions, and performances in order to be saved, thou art then, as it were, two and thirty thousand strong. “Thou vauntest thyself against the Lord.” Thou art glorying in thine own arm of might and power to save thyself, in some measure or degree. Thou art trusting to thy works to save thee, in whole or in part. Be assured thy Lord will bring thee down, and weaken thy numbers, that he may have the sole glory of thy heart, for saving thee. (1st.) The Lord proclaimed, That all who were afraid should depart. Two and twenty thousand returned. So he will proclaim the terrors of his just, holy, and righteous law in thine ears, and cause thy heart to tremble. Then shalt thou get rid of much of thy self-righteous confidence. It shall depart from thee. (2d.) He brought the people down to the water, and tried them by lapping. Here also he reduced their numbers, to prevent their vaunting. So he will try thee, by lapping the waters of affliction. Here he will cut off the strength of thy vain confidence, and prevent thy vaunting thyself against him. Thus when thou findest the commandment come with power, and sin revive, then wilt thou die to self-confidence, and glory alone in the Lord. When the pruning knife of affliction has cut off the luxuriant branches of pride and vain-glory, then wilt thou say in deep humility, Wretch that I am, that I should trust in myself, and depart in heart from the Lord. I thank thee, my dear Saviour, for all the pains thou takest with my proud nature, to bring me to glory only in thee, and to say, “In God is my salvation and my glory.” Psa_62:7.
I’ll trust my Saviour’s word alone
To justify and save;
No grace in me, nor works I’ve done,
The smallest share can have.
Tho’ poor, alas! I’m full of pride,
And prone to vaunt of pow’r:
Lord, humble, that I may confide
In thee alone each hour.
October 29th,
Wisdom is justified of all her children. Luk_7:35.
“ O! could I but know, and be sure, I am a child of God, I should be quite happy. The want of this makes me very uncomfortable.” Such is the language of many a doubting believer. Well, soul, here is a mark laid down: by it judge of thyself, and know thy state. Art thou a child of wisdom? If so, thou wilt justify wisdom. But what is wisdom? What is it to justify wisdom? (1st.) Thy Saviour is “the wisdom of God.” (1Co_1:24.) He is not only wise to win souls, but is wisdom itself. He makes all his children wise unto salvation, by knowing him, “of God, made unto them wisdom.” (1Co_1:30.) Wisdom is here arraigned, and his ways censured by the calumny of fools. He is condemned as a licentious person; a sot; an epicure; a jovial friend, and companion of wicked sinners. If you are a child of wisdom, you will also meet with the same treatment from a carnal world and self-righteous men. If you dare openly confess salvation by the Son of God alone-free and full justification unto eternal life, by his blood and righteousness only, without your works contributing thereto, either in whole or in part, you will be condemned as a licentious Antinomian. Both the profane and self-righteous will unite, to proclaim you a friend to sin, and an enemy to all good works. Why? Because their carnal hearts were never under the constraints of Christ’s love. Their licentious thoughts were never brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Therefore, their lips proclaim their ignorance, while they are opened against his truths. Now, you are called to justify wisdom, who has justified you. (2d.) How is this to be done? (1st.) Hold fast, wisdom’s truths in your hearts, as your chief glory, in opposition to all gain-sayers. So, (2d.) From a warm and lively sense of comfort by them, your lives will justify their holy influence. You will loudly proclaim to all the world, that, though you dare not attempt a single act, to justify your souls before God; yet you dare not continue in sin, because grace hath abounded. Your holy faith forbids it. The heavenly love of Christ animates to all obedience. Your glorious hope in Christ makes you ready, and obedient, unto every good word and work. For the grace of God which bringeth salvation to the soul, teaches all the children of wisdom “to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world.” (Tit_2:12.) Thus we know, we have the faith of God’s elect, and are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal_3:26.
I know my soul is made alive,
By Jesus’ mighty power;
For sin I hate, against it strive,
And pray to love Christ more.
Wisdom is justified of all her children. Luk_7:35.
“ O! could I but know, and be sure, I am a child of God, I should be quite happy. The want of this makes me very uncomfortable.” Such is the language of many a doubting believer. Well, soul, here is a mark laid down: by it judge of thyself, and know thy state. Art thou a child of wisdom? If so, thou wilt justify wisdom. But what is wisdom? What is it to justify wisdom? (1st.) Thy Saviour is “the wisdom of God.” (1Co_1:24.) He is not only wise to win souls, but is wisdom itself. He makes all his children wise unto salvation, by knowing him, “of God, made unto them wisdom.” (1Co_1:30.) Wisdom is here arraigned, and his ways censured by the calumny of fools. He is condemned as a licentious person; a sot; an epicure; a jovial friend, and companion of wicked sinners. If you are a child of wisdom, you will also meet with the same treatment from a carnal world and self-righteous men. If you dare openly confess salvation by the Son of God alone-free and full justification unto eternal life, by his blood and righteousness only, without your works contributing thereto, either in whole or in part, you will be condemned as a licentious Antinomian. Both the profane and self-righteous will unite, to proclaim you a friend to sin, and an enemy to all good works. Why? Because their carnal hearts were never under the constraints of Christ’s love. Their licentious thoughts were never brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Therefore, their lips proclaim their ignorance, while they are opened against his truths. Now, you are called to justify wisdom, who has justified you. (2d.) How is this to be done? (1st.) Hold fast, wisdom’s truths in your hearts, as your chief glory, in opposition to all gain-sayers. So, (2d.) From a warm and lively sense of comfort by them, your lives will justify their holy influence. You will loudly proclaim to all the world, that, though you dare not attempt a single act, to justify your souls before God; yet you dare not continue in sin, because grace hath abounded. Your holy faith forbids it. The heavenly love of Christ animates to all obedience. Your glorious hope in Christ makes you ready, and obedient, unto every good word and work. For the grace of God which bringeth salvation to the soul, teaches all the children of wisdom “to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world.” (Tit_2:12.) Thus we know, we have the faith of God’s elect, and are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal_3:26.
I know my soul is made alive,
By Jesus’ mighty power;
For sin I hate, against it strive,
And pray to love Christ more.
A
Crossnote please forgive me for adding something to your thread. I was just in my prayer time and I was praising God with a cd, as a song came on.. God spoke to me to share in this thread this song. He is going to have to show me how to post a song.. and if I do it wrong please forgive me. I think this song is Gods love song to you today. I strongly feel Gods love in this song. I love you brother.. again thank you for sharing these wonderful passages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTohc858NRM
oh its called Lenny Leblanc Portrait of my king. sigh!! I love this song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTohc858NRM
oh its called Lenny Leblanc Portrait of my king. sigh!! I love this song
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October 30th,
Giving all diligence: add to your faith, etc. 2Pe_1:5.
Here is the Christian’s work. All diligence is required in it. O believer, be assured (the Lord impress it upon your heart and mine) there is no being a lively, comfortable disciple, without it. Beware you do not add to your faith licentious notions and Antinomian sloth, instead of Christian virtues, holy tempers, and heavenly affections, which adorn our profession, and glorify our Saviour. Ever remember, you are called to honour Christ by your life on earth, as well as to be saved by and enjoy him in heaven. By faith we receive Christ, rest upon him, and look to him alone for justification unto eternal life. But a lively faith will not leave us barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If there be not an habitual disposition of soul, to add to faith, virtue, knowledge, patience, godliness, etc., we should examine and see to it; lest, instead of Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith, we have only a notion which floats in our heads. If so, this will only make us idle talkers; but not diligent workers and holy walkers. That we are guilty sinners, justified and saved by Christ only, is a truth which is ever to be held fast in the conscience. We can add nothing to Christ’s work. To attempt to do any thing towards our own justification before God, is the basest act of unbelief. But faith is the queen of graces. She lives upon the King of saints. She will have a noble retinue to attend her. Let us never desire to get beyond this blessed rule of addition. Let us never subtract from it. Let us give all diligence to multiply more and more. Have we got into the rule of three? Do we know the love of the Three One God?-the everlasting love of God the Father; the redeeming love of God the Son; the sanctifying love of God the Holy Ghost? Still we must never leave the rule of addition: add to your faith; but go on to all diligence in practice. Christ hath taught it: faith enjoins it; love constrains to it: Christ’s honour and glory demand it. But beware of getting into fraction, as though any thing you do gives you a title to glory. But see, hence, the glory and spirituality of the gospel, and the reason why the belief of it is called, “our most holy faith.” (Jud_1:20.) We are called by the faith of Christ to glorify God, by adding an obedient life to our most holy faith. This is our way in Christ: walk in it, and ye shall find rest for your souls from Christ. Jer_6:16.
Add to my faith!-the sluggard smiles:
“I want no more than Christ:”
But him you want, for sin beguiles-
His truth you do resist.
Dear Lord, stir up to diligence,
To walk in all thy ways:
O! arm my soul with vigilance,
Which thou hast sav’d by grace.
Giving all diligence: add to your faith, etc. 2Pe_1:5.
Here is the Christian’s work. All diligence is required in it. O believer, be assured (the Lord impress it upon your heart and mine) there is no being a lively, comfortable disciple, without it. Beware you do not add to your faith licentious notions and Antinomian sloth, instead of Christian virtues, holy tempers, and heavenly affections, which adorn our profession, and glorify our Saviour. Ever remember, you are called to honour Christ by your life on earth, as well as to be saved by and enjoy him in heaven. By faith we receive Christ, rest upon him, and look to him alone for justification unto eternal life. But a lively faith will not leave us barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. If there be not an habitual disposition of soul, to add to faith, virtue, knowledge, patience, godliness, etc., we should examine and see to it; lest, instead of Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith, we have only a notion which floats in our heads. If so, this will only make us idle talkers; but not diligent workers and holy walkers. That we are guilty sinners, justified and saved by Christ only, is a truth which is ever to be held fast in the conscience. We can add nothing to Christ’s work. To attempt to do any thing towards our own justification before God, is the basest act of unbelief. But faith is the queen of graces. She lives upon the King of saints. She will have a noble retinue to attend her. Let us never desire to get beyond this blessed rule of addition. Let us never subtract from it. Let us give all diligence to multiply more and more. Have we got into the rule of three? Do we know the love of the Three One God?-the everlasting love of God the Father; the redeeming love of God the Son; the sanctifying love of God the Holy Ghost? Still we must never leave the rule of addition: add to your faith; but go on to all diligence in practice. Christ hath taught it: faith enjoins it; love constrains to it: Christ’s honour and glory demand it. But beware of getting into fraction, as though any thing you do gives you a title to glory. But see, hence, the glory and spirituality of the gospel, and the reason why the belief of it is called, “our most holy faith.” (Jud_1:20.) We are called by the faith of Christ to glorify God, by adding an obedient life to our most holy faith. This is our way in Christ: walk in it, and ye shall find rest for your souls from Christ. Jer_6:16.
Add to my faith!-the sluggard smiles:
“I want no more than Christ:”
But him you want, for sin beguiles-
His truth you do resist.
Dear Lord, stir up to diligence,
To walk in all thy ways:
O! arm my soul with vigilance,
Which thou hast sav’d by grace.
OCTOBER 31st,
He who lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2Pe_1:9.
It is hard to say, whether St. Peter here draws the character of a mere formal professor; or of one who has really tasted that the Lord is gracious, and has awfully backslidden. Be it which it may, it holds forth a solemn lesson of instruction to our souls. We may hence lay this down as a sacred truth, that whatever profession a man makes of faith in Christ- justification by him, hope of salvation through him; yet, if he is destitute of the graces of the Spirit, and the fruits of righteousness in his life, he is blind to the glorious end of the gospel of peace, and is a stranger to the purifying grace and pardoning love of Christ to his soul. Think of this. Pardoning love, purifying grace, and sanctifying influences are inseparable. Where there is the root of grace, there will be the fruits of righteousness. This is as natural as for any cause to produce its effects. But may not these words be accommodated to some, whom we have good reason to hope are the children of God, but are sadly backslidden from him? Do we not see awful instances around us? (1st.) He who lacketh these things, as virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, etc. not totally, (for there may be a partial lack of them) has sadly departed from the stedfastness of faith, and that degree of liveliness he once had; has left his first love, and has lost the sweet favour of Christ from his heart. Hence, there is a lack, in not abounding in these things. There may be true faith, and yet somewhat lacking in it. (1Th_3:10.)
But such a soul is in sorrow, concern, and distress about it. So the life of grace manifests, that it is not quite extinct. (2d.) He is blind, not totally so; for he may see, but not afar off. He only sees himself, and his own misery and unprofitableness. This causes him to weep and bewail himself. But he cannot see; he does not enjoy the love of Christ, and the sweet peace of God. His sight is dimmed, and his comforts marred. (3d.) He hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. He has lost the sense of pardon in the blood of Christ. Though he remembers there is such a thing, yet he has lost the comfort of it. It is to him, as though it had never been. Satan has obtained the advantage. So false prophets seek “to cause my people to forget my name, saith the Lord.” (Jer_23:27.) That is, the pardon and comfort of his name. Is not this an awful state? O, how much to be deplored! how greatly to be deprecated!
Ten thousand snares our souls surround,
To blind and to deceive:
With watchful care we should abound.
Lest we God’s Spirit grieve.
He who lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2Pe_1:9.
It is hard to say, whether St. Peter here draws the character of a mere formal professor; or of one who has really tasted that the Lord is gracious, and has awfully backslidden. Be it which it may, it holds forth a solemn lesson of instruction to our souls. We may hence lay this down as a sacred truth, that whatever profession a man makes of faith in Christ- justification by him, hope of salvation through him; yet, if he is destitute of the graces of the Spirit, and the fruits of righteousness in his life, he is blind to the glorious end of the gospel of peace, and is a stranger to the purifying grace and pardoning love of Christ to his soul. Think of this. Pardoning love, purifying grace, and sanctifying influences are inseparable. Where there is the root of grace, there will be the fruits of righteousness. This is as natural as for any cause to produce its effects. But may not these words be accommodated to some, whom we have good reason to hope are the children of God, but are sadly backslidden from him? Do we not see awful instances around us? (1st.) He who lacketh these things, as virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, etc. not totally, (for there may be a partial lack of them) has sadly departed from the stedfastness of faith, and that degree of liveliness he once had; has left his first love, and has lost the sweet favour of Christ from his heart. Hence, there is a lack, in not abounding in these things. There may be true faith, and yet somewhat lacking in it. (1Th_3:10.)
But such a soul is in sorrow, concern, and distress about it. So the life of grace manifests, that it is not quite extinct. (2d.) He is blind, not totally so; for he may see, but not afar off. He only sees himself, and his own misery and unprofitableness. This causes him to weep and bewail himself. But he cannot see; he does not enjoy the love of Christ, and the sweet peace of God. His sight is dimmed, and his comforts marred. (3d.) He hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. He has lost the sense of pardon in the blood of Christ. Though he remembers there is such a thing, yet he has lost the comfort of it. It is to him, as though it had never been. Satan has obtained the advantage. So false prophets seek “to cause my people to forget my name, saith the Lord.” (Jer_23:27.) That is, the pardon and comfort of his name. Is not this an awful state? O, how much to be deplored! how greatly to be deprecated!
Ten thousand snares our souls surround,
To blind and to deceive:
With watchful care we should abound.
Lest we God’s Spirit grieve.