William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

June 28,


Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life; and few there be that find it.- Mat_7:14.


So Jesus taught. But teachers in every age have taught a broad way and wide gate. The greatest part of professors have readily received their doctrine. This is a melancholy truth. Therefore Jesus adds, "Beware of false prophets." It is the sole prerogative of the king of saints to open a gate and make a way to his own kingdom. Glory to our God, who in sovereign grace and everlasting love hath done this. The gospel proclaims, FREE WELCOME: COME WHO WILL: ENTER FREELY, WITHOUT MONEY AND WITHOUT PRICE. Jesus is the strait gate of God's love, the only gate of righteousness: by him we enter with access to God, stand perfectly justified and graciously accepted before him. Jesus is the narrow way. By the blood of his cross he hath made peace, atoned for the sins of transgressors by one offering. Hence called strait and narrow, because the only way to life is by ONE man, ONE righteousness, ONE atonement. Thus it is a gate of love: a way of grace. Too strait a gate for blind men to see: too narrow a way for proud, natural men to submit to walk in. Hence "few there be that find it." But it is very awful to think of, whoever takes any other way or aims to enter by any other gate, goeth in the broad road to everlasting destruction. His boldness and confidence is no proof that he is right; but a melancholy sign that he is blind and deceived. For "the way of a fool is right in his own eyes."- Pro_12:15. And "there is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death."- Pro_14:12. But whoever enters the kingdom by Jesus, feeds in the pastures of grace, truth and love; he drinks of the river of consolation, and shall be nourished up to eternal life. Like a person who takes up his residence for life, in a more delightful kingdom than he was born in: so the believer is conformed to the laws, speaks the language, of the New Jerusalem, and "hates the garment spotted with the flesh." Thus the Holy Spirit leads the blind by the way they knew not, even the right way to peace, love, holiness, happiness, eternal life and salvation. Thus to a "little flock it is the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom." By his word he directs them: by his Spirit he guides them: by his love he comforts them: by afflictions he profits them: by conviction of sin he humbles them: by the prospects of hope he animates them. All this is to make them walk steadily in Christ, who is THE WAY.

Christ is the sure foundation stone,
Which God in Zion lays,
To build our heav'nly hopes upon,
And his eternal praise.

Chosen of God, to sinners dear,
And saints adore the name;
They trust their whole salvation, here,
Nor shall they suffer shame.

[video=youtube;KddDCDk4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KddDCDk4[/video]

June 29,


The Lord is in his holy temple: Let all the earth keep silence before him.- Hab_2:20.


What God's people of old were favored with in type and figure, we now enjoy in reality and substance. The temple of old was an eminent type of the body of Jesus. In it Jehovah made his presence known. Here troubled consciences sought relief. The mercy-seat was set up for poor sinners to approach to. Here Jehovah was consulted. From hence he spoke in grace and love to his people, and silenced every guilty fear. Thus God was in his holy temple: thus God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Was this ministration glorious in the eyes of spiritual worshippers? How doth ours exceed in glory! The fulness of the godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. This is the temple in which God delights to dwell. Hence grace is dispensed, peace communicated, mercy bestowed, life and salvation freely given.

Here, Christian, believe and adore; behold and wonder; look and admire; admire and love! Jesus is the Lord thy God, worship thou him-Hear the gracious words that are spoken from this living temple. KEEP SILENCE, at the last and most joyful words Jesus spoke, IT IS FINISHED: my Father's work is done, my dear member's salvation is completed. Hear this with joy, meditate on it with love, let the voice of pride and self-righteousness be exalted no more, hear the voice of Jesus only. So shall words of legal terror and wrath be silenced: conscience shall be at peace: the murmuring cry, and the lustful desires of the flesh shall cease. Thus attend the voice of Jesus. Silence every carnal cavil: every lofty word and proud imagination, which exalt themselves against him.

Doth the Lord thus speak in and from his temple to his children? Yea more, he dwells in them. Each sanctified member of Jesus is also called his holy temple.- 1Co_3:17.

What exalted honor are believers called to! "Your bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost!"-chap. 6:19. Most powerful motive to holiness! Be attentive to the voice of Jesus within. The temple of thy heart is the throne of his residence. Here he speaketh comfort to the troubled conscience: like as Jesus spoke to the tempestuous sea, "PEACE, be still." And as he called to his affrighted disciples, "It is I, be not afraid:" so to the listening soul, who saith, "I will watch to hear what he will say"-to every waiting heart at his feet, Jesus will speak silence to the clamors of the law, the commotions of sin, and the accusations of Satan.

Send comforts down from thy right hand,
While we pass thro' this barren land.
And in thy temple let us see
A glimpse of love, a glimpse of thee.

[video=youtube;z5AJJjwmKyM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5AJJjwmKyM[/video]

June 30,


He will guide you into all truth.- Joh_16:13.


Our Lord here gives his disciples a farther exhibition of the covenant of grace, and a fuller display of the grace of the covenant. Here is a full proof of the personality of the Holy Spirit, and also of his sovereignty in his operations and influences upon his members. Christ did not tell his apostles, as some ignorantly talk, "If ye will but be yielding and tractable, and suffer my Spirit to lead you, ye shall enjoy his kind assistance." No: this were to degrade the glory of this divine agent, to exalt the pride of the creature, and render the gracious guidance of the Spirit dependent upon the will of the flesh. As though instead of being the cause of life, he was to be only a mere auxiliary to aid and assist man's pious motions and good dispositions. Far be such thoughts from our hearts. All glory to this heavenly paraclete, "he will work, and who shall let him?" He WILL GUIDE into the whole truth of covenant-love and salvation by Jesus Christ. This is the adorable person the Spirit is to testify of, and to glorify in the sight, heart and affections of his people. The apostles themselves were at this time in much ignorance about, and strong prejudices against many things concerning Jesus. As to the nature of his kingdom, they still dreamed of the grandeur of a temporal one. Their prejudices were great in favor of their own nation, and they thought "God was a respecter of persons:" of Jews above Gentiles; and were very hardly brought to give up the types and shadows, particularly the sign of the covenant-circumcision, as not fully seeing that Jesus the substance was really come, who is essentially THE TRUTH itself.

There is no hope for poor guilty sinners but in the truth. For when the Lord declares his name to Moses, this is part of it, "I will by no means clear the GUILTY,"- Exo_34:7. This must be very distressing to sensible sinners. I know one who has found it so. My poor soul has been sadly distressed with this text. But the Spirit teaches that the truth of God is inviolably preserved, while the guilty sinner is perfectly saved in the Lord Jesus, with an everlasting salvation. Jesus stood as our guilty substitute. The Lord laid all our iniquities upon him. He suffered as our surety all the wrath due to our transgressions, "and with his stripes we are healed."- Isa_53:5. The reputed guilty died. The real guilty become guiltless. "His blood cleanseth them from all sin,"- 1Jn_1:7. "God is just while he is the justifier of the ungodly sinner who believes in Jesus,"- Rom_3:26. Glory to the condescending Lord, who leads us out of the destructive paths of natural pride, self-will, and self-righteousness, "and gives us repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,"- 2Ti_2:25, "that we may be sanctified through the truth."- Joh_17:17.

[video=youtube;1z4Y-f6v-kc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z4Y-f6v-kc[/video]

July 1,


Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised).- Heb_10:23.


Poor Christian! thy profession is envied by the malice of devils; it is the scorn and ridicule of natural men; and is contrary to thy carnal reason. Hence thou hast the combined force of a threefold alliance in arms against thee; if that by any means they may rob thee of thy hope. Happy Christian! who like thy blessed master, in the face of every adversary, hast "witnessed a good profession,"- 1Ti_6:13. What an animating exhortation backed with a most precious assertion is this! Thou must expect to be assaulted by the rage of devils, treated with scorn and contempt from wicked men; and often put to a stand by the carnal reasonings of thy flesh. Here is thy duty: "hold fast" in spite of all opposition: hold fast the truths of God. "It is written," is sufficient to silence every carnal argument, to support thy soul against every attack from the wisdom of this world. With this weapon thy blessed master put Satan to flight. Thus defend thyself with the sword of the Spirit against every foe. Thus encourage thy soul daily to "hold fast its profession." God's revealed truths are faith's objects, faith's confidence, faith's security; for God's foundation standeth sure. "He is faithful that promised." Why then should thy mind at any time waver, agitate, or be tossed to and fro?

The foundation of God standeth sure. To confide in the word, promises, and oath of a faithful, covenant-keeping, promise-fulfilling God, is the glory of thy soul and glorifies thy Lord. Is Jesus thy profession? is all thy hope in him? all thy expectation from him? Is he thy all for pardon, for righteousness, for sanctification, for wisdom, and eternal redemption? dost thou profess him thy alpha and omega? Then be careful for nothing but to please him-fear thou nothing but what may offend him. Whilst thou lookest to him only, thou wilt be of good courage. Remember thy foes are his conquered enemies. When they oppose, attack, assault, it is to try thy faith, that thou mayest glorify him the more. What hast thou already? Hast thou not thy Lord's faithful word; his precious promises; his solemn oath, all pledged for thy safety and salvation? Hast thou not found peace of conscience, comfort of heart, joy of soul in Jesus? Then cleave close to him: hold fast by him. Ever plead (not thy own) but his faithfulness. Attend his sweet call from heaven above to all his conflicting members below: "That which ye have already, hold fast till I come."- Rev_2:25.

The fearful soul, that tires and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more,
Is but esteem'd almost a saint,
And makes his own destruction sure.

Lord, let not all my hopes be vain,
Create my heart entirely new,
Which hypocrites could ne'er attain,
Which base apostates never knew.

[video=youtube;z4tTPDyEtPE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4tTPDyEtPE[/video]

July 2,


A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.- Eze_36:26.


What absolute declarations are here! all display the sovereign will and almighty favor of a covenant God. As God's heart of love is towards his people in Christ, so his spirit of power works in them according to the counsel of his will. Hence they know, love and serve him. By the blood of Jesus their sins are pardoned and their consciences cleansed from guilt. By the Spirit of Jesus they are inwardly sanctified from their filthiness and idols: a new heart and a new spirit is put within them; and they are enabled to walk in his statutes, and keep his judgments. Thus "all things are of God, who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ,"- 2Co_5:17-18. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

'A Christian,' as Luther says, 'is a new creature in a new world.' He has a new heart; he is under a new government; serves a new master, obeys new laws, is actuated by new fears, influenced by new love, animated with new delights and new joys. 'Ah,' says a disciple, 'this is sweet in theory and true in doctrine; but in experience I find and feel to my grief an old nature of sin and unbelief; and groan under a body of death.' This is also very true: yea it is perfectly consistent with a state of regeneration. Saints of God in all ages found it so. The Lord in this very text, accounts for it: "I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." Naturally thy heart is as hard as a stone. Thou couldst neither feel sin, mourn for sin, nor be humbled under a sense of sin, but through the blood of Jesus applied by the Spirit in believing the truth: thou hast a soft, tender, yielding heart, a heart of flesh, susceptible of impressions, looking to Jesus by faith, melted by love, and mourning for sin. Though the King's daughter, the Lamb's wife is all-glorious within, though her clothing is of wrought gold; yet she is unhappily allied to a base, wretched, churlish Nabal. Hence, though "thou hast no confidence in the flesh, and in it dwells no good thing;" yet thou dost delight in the law of God after the inward man; and hast continual cause of rejoicing in Christ Jesus.- Php_3:3.

Our heart, that flinty stubborn thing,
That terrors cannot move,
That fears no threat'nings of God's wrath,
Shall be dissolved by love.

There shall his sacred Spirit dwell,
And deep engrave his law,
And ev'ry motion of our souls
To swift obedience draw.

Thus will he pour salvation down,
And we shall render praise;
We the dear people of his love,
And he our God of grace.


[video=youtube;WlcA5Wf1ziI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlcA5Wf1ziI[/video]

July 3,


My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.- Joh_10:27.


All our mercies in time and eternity flow from Jesus' knowing us as his sheep. To all such salvation is certain; both as to present grace and future glory. As a shepherd knoweth every sheep committed to his care; so doth our good shepherd. All his sheep were everlastingly beloved of the Father, "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world," and given to Jesus in the eternal counsel. He became surety for them, he redeemed them to God by his own blood. Hence he calls them "MY SHEEP,"-mine by gift-mine by redemption. Thus he hath a distinct knowledge of them, and special property in them. For "died Jesus as a fool dieth?" spilt he his precious blood at uncertainty? paid he the dreadful debt of law and justice at a peradventure, whether any soul would receive the eternal benefit or not? Surely no: for his undertaking was in infinite wisdom and counsel, as well as wonderful in grace and love. Jesus well knew the nature-state of his sheep. They were all gone astray and turned every one to his own way.

They would all count their shepherd an enemy and fly from him as a destroyer, if left to themselves. But Jesus saith, I am the good shepherd. He inclines their ears to hear, and their hearts to believe in him; to come to him as such; and to follow him. They have the properties of his own sheep; they give evidence of it. They live upon his word and feed upon his love. O alas! what deplorable circumstances were we all in when this sweet voice first reached our ears! when this powerful voice affected our hearts! It was a sound of glad tidings, love, and salvation to lost sheep indeed. It proved effectual to recall our souls from the dangerous and destructive paths in which we had lost ourselves. Truly we also may say of Jesus, "never man spake like this man." The power of his voice begets obedience; and, like the blind man restored to sight, we follow Jesus as the shepherd and bishop of our souls. We know he hath the words of eternal life. To whom then should we go but to him? and it is the delight of our souls to see the footsteps of our shepherd, that we may tread therein. Though, O soul, thou canst not see whether thy name is wrote in the Lamb's book of life; yet in the light of the Spirit thou mayest read thy name in the book of grace, if thou hast heard the voice of Jesus, and art following him. Thou mayest safely conclude, "the Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want."- Psa_23:1.

The Lord my shepherd is,
Since he is mine, and I am his,
I shall be well supply'd;
What can I want beside?

He leads me to the place
Where living waters gently pass,
Where heav'nly pasture grows,
And full salvation flows.

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

July 4,


If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.- 1Jn_1:9.


Doubtless there are many confessions of sin made by the lips of men which are vain and fruitless. Yea, a man may be under a sense of legal terror and wrath in his conscience; and, like Judas, in the anguish of his spirit confess that he has sinned, and yet never obtain forgiveness from God. But every believer in Jesus is made a priest unto God, to offer spiritual sacrifices by Jesus Christ. And as the high-priest under the law laid both his hands upon the scapegoat and made confession of sins, Levit. 16:21-so the Christian, every anointed one, lays both his hands of faith and hope on Jesus Christ, confessing the evil of sin, the desert of sin, the sin of his nature, and the sin of his life, and pleads for forgiveness. The sacrifice of Jesus is the alone object of his faith. And the blood of the Lamb is his only hope for pardon. This will be the daily exercise of believing souls; for we have daily need both of pardon and cleansing.

Such souls, thus confessing sin, are not left in doubtful suspense. Do not argue, God is merciful and perhaps he may forgive sin: but through the perfection of the one atonement of Jesus, by the word of truth they are fully assured, God the Father absolutely will pardon; not merely as an act of mercy, but because he is faithful and just. FAITHFUL to his own word, his oath, his counsel and his covenant-promises. JUST to fulfill the engagements entered into with Jesus, and to bestow what the precious blood of his Son hath procured for poor sinners. The blood of Christ was the stipulated price for ALL our sins. This, Christ as our surety hath paid to God. To demand payment for that debt of the debtor, which his surety has paid, is not just. But God is just, he doth not this. And thus through the faith of his heart the sinner is brought to make confession of sin with his mouth, with godly sorrow and holy shame for sin; and sincere abhorrence and detestation of sin. And lest such a soul should be "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow," God the Spirit is just, he will assuredly "cleanse him from all unrighteousness"-sprinkle his heart from a guilty conscience-cleanse his mind from every guilty fear, through the application of the blood of Jesus. So that the soul shall have, "the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,"- Isa_61:3.

And now the scales have left mine eyes,
Now I begin to see;
O the curs'd deeds my sins have done:
What murd'rous things they be!

What, is't for crimes that I had done,
My dearest Lord was slain,
When justice seiz'd God's only Son,
And put his soul to pain?

Forgive my guilt, O prince of peace,
Nor let me wound thee more;
Hence from my heart, ye sins, begone,
For Jesus I adore.

[video=youtube;x3qebDnoaFQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3qebDnoaFQ[/video]

July 5,


Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.- 1Pe_1:6.


Though a Christian be not always in a joyful frame, yet he has abundant cause to "rejoice always." Though many things may rob him of his frame, yet nothing can deprive him of the foundation of his comfort. Happy for us, this is permanent and abiding for ever: for it is founded in the love and truth of an unchangeable God. These disciples to whom the apostles wrote, "rejoiced greatly." Why? was it because they were perfectly delivered from a body of sin and death? that they were not like thee and me, O disciple, sinners? No; but the matter of their joy, the cause of their rejoicing was, their "election according to the foreknowledge of God the Father- sanctification by the Spirit-sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, being begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus;"-and the assurance of being "kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation." Wherein, "in these soul comforting truths ye greatly rejoice," saith Peter.

Thus, believer, thou seest the streams that make glad the citizens of heaven, flow from the ocean of God's everlasting love. The more thou drinkest of this water, it will allay the thirst of pride and self-righteousness, and make thy soul glory and rejoice in Christ Jesus alone. But here is a full conviction, that these joyful souls were imprisoned in a body of sinful flesh: they had their heavy seasons; were assaulted with manifold temptations; there was a season for them, and a need be also. So there is now. Wilt thou not be content to go the same path? canst thou expect freedom from such exercises? Deceive not thyself. It is all the children's lot; and the Father sees it as needful as our food: yea, he makes it profitable also. Whilst thou art in the flesh sin dwelleth in thee, temptation will assault thee, heaviness and affliction will bow thee down. Soul-exercises are faith's trials. In the issue they are made world-conquering, creature-humbling, Jesus endearing, heavenly-longing blessings. "I am oppressed," said Hezekiah: What then? doth he sink under it? No; it called forth the exercise of his faith and prayer to the Saviour: "Do thou undertake for me." So the Psalmist- Psa_116:3, "I found trouble and sorrow." What was the blessing of it? Self despair. He saw no help elsewhere: "Then called I on the name of the Lord." Verily thy faith must be tried, thy patience exercised, prayer excited, as well as rejoicing of soul. Thy Saviour loves to have it so. The government is upon his shoulders. Here is thy mercy, while the wicked, like Saul, seek to the sorcery and witchcraft of the world; Jesus, "the eternal God is our refuge."- Deu_33:27.


[video=youtube;zn7RHpQ6ots]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn7RHpQ6ots[/video]

My wife has a brain aneurysm, horrendous osteosporosis, lower spine pain, MRSA and she won't get follow ups on these. So yes you can pray accordingly and no, no teeth grinding. thx

July 6,


But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.- Mat_5:44.


Love is the very badge and characteristic of a disciple of Jesus. Love is of God. All tempers and passions which are contrary to love, "are earthly, sensual, and devilish." Let no disciple say, This is a hard saying, who can obey it? Nay, but it is the command of thy loving Saviour; he practised it; he has left thee an example. To this end art thou born from above of the Spirit of love; and art possessed with "faith, which worketh by love." Therefore though hard and impossible it may seem to carnal reason, and to flesh and blood; yet we are under the indispensable obligation to follow the steps, and obey the commands of that Jesus, who loved us and died for us, though his enemies. He hath blessed us, and prays for us, and does good unto us, though we have rebellious natures which are at enmity and hatred against him. Never, never till thine enemy's hatred and variance against thee exceed thine to thy Lord, art thou at liberty to dispense with this command. It is for the health and profit of thy soul. In keeping this command of love, verily there is a great reward of inward peace and consolation from the God of love. So shalt thou enjoy the witness of his Spirit, of thine adoption. Tell thy Lord of thine enemies and pray for them by name.

See how David, the man after God's own heart acts-how his faith works by love. When his persecuting foe, Saul, was delivered into his hand, love would not suffer him to do him any hurt. Behold the blessed effects of love upon the heart of a most bitter and implacable foe-1 Samuel 24. Yea, love smote his heart for only cutting off the skirts of his robe. Hear the pathetic cry of the bloody-minded Saul; struck with astonishment, and melted by love, he said, "Is this thy voice, such thy conduct to me, my son David? and he wept. Thou art more righteous than I; thou hast rewarded me good for evil; the Lord reward thee for it." Admire and imitate. Love is the weapon of thy spiritual warfare; by it thou art sure to prevail against, and conquer thine enemy. Therefore "if he hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head." So strive to burn up his wrath, and melt him into affection. But suppose it hath not this effect upon him: it shall turn to the blessing and comfort of thy own soul. Thou shalt enjoy peace and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Lord, shall thy bright example shine
In vain before my eyes?
Give me a soul akin to thine,
To love my enemies.

The Lord shall on my side engage,
And in my Saviour's name
I shall defeat their pride and rage,
Who slander and condemn.

[video=youtube;wcnJWFLjgn4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcnJWFLjgn4[/video]

July 7,


Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.- Heb_4:1.


Fear without faith enslaves the soul to wrath and bondage. Faith without fear tends to licentiousness. But a loving, filial fear of offending our dear Father and precious Saviour, ever accompanies the grace of faith in the heart. Jesus is the rest of his people. This rest is by promise: and therefore it is sure to all his spiritual seed. They now enter into it and enjoy it by faith. But, from awful instances of others falling away from the hope of Jesus, the apostles ever exercised a loving fear and a godly jealousy over their dear converts, lest any of them should even seem to come short through unbelief. The Lord only knoweth who are his elect according to the covenant of grace. This did not lie open to the eyes even of his chosen apostles. It could only be made manifest by their faith and its fruits. Hence they were continually exhorting disciples to give all diligence to make their calling and election sure. To work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Not with a fear of suspicion of the love and faithfulness of a covenant God; but nothing doubting the finished work of Jesus' salvation, or the safety and security of every believer in him. These are truths of the greatest certainty and are to be held with the strongest confidence. But so to fear, lest their own souls should at any time be so captivated by the devices of Satan, so enslaved by the snares of the world, so allured by the lusts of the flesh, and the pleasures of sense, so kept from Jesus by the workings of unbelief, that their conduct should give sad evidence of their state. Lest it should seem they sought other lovers but Jesus, other rest but in him, other hope and other comforts beside those which the gospel affords.

So the apostles were excited to a godly fear over their professing brethren. Blessed also art thou, disciple, who thus fearest continually. By this evangelical fear, verily thou shalt be kept from departing from the Lord. Count not this fear LEGAL, as though it tended to bondage. Nay, but it is a fruit of thy Father's love, a grace of the gospel-covenant. It is as essential to the health of thy soul as faith is to thy being a disciple of Jesus. "Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long." If at any time this fear is cast off, thou art that moment in danger of falling. But "in the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge."- Pro_14:26.

Praise, everlasting praise be paid
To him that earth's foundation laid;
Praise to the God whose strong decrees
Sway the creation as he please.

Praise to the goodness of the Lord,
Who rules his people by his word;
And there, as strong as his decrees,
He sets his kindest promises.


[video=youtube;UDqcle0-7yQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDqcle0-7yQ[/video]

July 8,


Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?- Num_20:10.


It is most probable that this harsh, severe speech of Moses, cut many of God's dear children to the very heart and struck terror to their souls. Here we see the true nature of the holy law. It demands attention with power and authority, HEAR. Its voice is of terror; it speaks nothing but wrath to poor sinners' consciences; it calls them by their proper name, REBELS. And what can the poor guilty trembling soul do to appease its terror and escape the wrath to come? Nothing. Alas, it "concludes him under sin," and leaves him as much without hope of mercy, as he has of drawing liquid streams from a barren rock. But by the gospel eye of faith we see that spiritual rock, Jesus, whom the law struck, and thirsty souls in all ages drink living water from this rock of their salvation. Jehovah loves his people; from the affection of his heart (notwithstanding their murmurings) he commands his servant to procure drink for them. But meek Moses reproves the children in wrath and in anger strikes the rock twice. The Lord resents his conduct and expressions toward them. Because the dear Lamb stood up in their behalf, and spoke in effect what Paul wrote to Philemon concerning Onesimus: "What my people owe to law and justice, put that to my account; I will pay all."

Therefore the sword of divine justice "awoke against him;" he was struck by the severe rod of the law; and hence cooling streams of mercy, refreshing streams of peace, reviving streams of love, richly gushed out to parched, thirsty, dying souls. Yea, the water of this rock follows believing souls, as it did the children of Israel, all the way through the wilderness of this world. They all drink the same spiritual drink at the hands of the Spirit. What consolation to disciples, to consider that our spiritual rock ever stands stedfast and unmovable! that all who are built upon him are safe and secure from every danger! The storms of temptations, the waves of corruption may dash against them; but can never prevail. Jesus sustains them; everlasting love secures them; omnipotence surrounds them; and even justice and truth are engaged in their defence. Yes, poor believing soul, though the law rates thee a REBEL, and speaks in wrath against thee as such: though thou dost exceedingly quake and fear; yet ever remember, precious "Jesus hath received gifts for the rebellious." Waters of salvation flow plenteously from Jesus. It is thy mercy daily to "drink of this spiritual rock,"- 1Co_10:4.

Rebels, we broke our Maker's laws;
He from the threat'ning sets us free.
Bore the full vengeance on his cross,
And nail'd the curses to the tree.

The law proclaims no terror now,
And Sinai's thunder roars no more:
From all his wounds new blessings flow.
A sea of joy without a shore.

[video=youtube;h_WMh9TUvM8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_WMh9TUvM8[/video]

For the full text...

[h=2]Let us love and sing and wonder[/h]Author: John Newton (1774)

1 Let us love, and sing, and wonder,
Let us praise the Savior's name!
He has hushed the law's loud thunder,
He has quenched Mount Sinai's flame.


2 Let us love the Lord, who bought us,
Pitied us when enemies;
Called us by his grace, and taught us,
Gave us ears, and gave us eyes.


3 Let us sing, though fierce temptations
Threaten hard to bear us down!
For the Lord, our strong salvation,
Holds in view the conqueror's crown,


4 Let us wonder, grace and justice
Join and point to mercy's store;
When we trust in Christ our fortress,
Justice smiles, and asks no more.

5 Let us praise and join the chorus
Of the saints enthroned on high;
Here they trusted him before us,
Now their praises fill the sky.


6 Hark! the name of Jesus, sounded
Loud, from golden harps above!
Lord we blush, and are confounded,
Faint our praise, and cold our love!

July 9,


But faith which worketh by love.- Gal_5:6.


In the religion of Jesus, every hope of salvation is excluded, but what springs from faith. For faith receives every blessing of covenant love of a gracious Lord. The faith of God's elect hath Jesus for its author, his truths for its object, his word for its warrant, his power for its support, his glory for its aim, and love for its inseparable companion. Thus the faith of the gospel, is ever distinguished from natural notions. But it is natural to us all, to mistake error for truth, fancy for faith, the heat of animal passions for love. Yea, and also to be very confident herein. But true faith ever worketh by love; even that "love which rejoiceth in the truth."- 1Co_13:6. Jesus is essentially THE TRUTH. All the love which God hath to us centers in him, and flows to us through him. Hence "God hath chosen us IN him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame before GOD IN LOVE: having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted IN the beloved, and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things IN Christ,"- Eph_1:3-6 -"and we are made the righteousness of God IN Christ,"- 2Co_5:21.

Thus faith hath truth for its foundation, and from the knowledge of the truth it worketh by love. Love to the God of truth, and to our brethren, (not as being of this sect or that party, but) "for the truth's sake that dwelleth in them,"- 2Jn_1:1-2. There is no fellowship in love, but what consists in the light of the truth. Thus our Lord and we "have fellowship one with another."- 1Jn_1:7. Take away any part of God's truth, you subvert the foundation of faith, and prevent the operations of love. If we reject the truth, that we are elected to salvation in Christ, redeemed by the blood of Christ, sanctified in Christ, righteous by the righteousness of Christ, and safely kept by the power of God through the faith of Christ to eternal salvation, faith is made void. Then love ceaseth to exist. Truth and love are equally precious. "The belief of the truth," is the precious love of a Christian. Love, is the blessed fruit of faith. Herein consists thy blessedness, O Christian! "What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Therefore we are exhorted, "Hold fast the form of sound words, in FAITH AND LOVE, which is in Christ Jesus,"- 2Ti_1:13. So by "speaking the TRUTH IN LOVE, we grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ,"- Eph_4:15.

Happy the heart where graces reign,
Where love inspires the breast:
Love is the brightest of the train,
And strengthens all the rest.

This is the grace that lives and sings,
When faith and hope shall cease;
'Tis this shall strike our joyful strings
In the sweet realms of bliss.


[video=youtube;4ga9ngL0Fiw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ga9ngL0Fiw[/video]

July 10,


I will not leave you comfortless.- Joh_14:18.


We are born into this world crying; we live in it complaining; and we go out of it sorrowing, for any comfort it can yield us. When cardinal Woolsey was cast off by his king, he said, 'Had I served my God as faithfully as I have my prince, he would not have treated me thus.' The more we know of this world the more we see of its folly and vanity. The more we enjoy of its smiles and friendship, so much the more sorrow and reluctance we have in leaving it. But with our heavenly friend it is quite otherwise. "He never leaves nor forsakes: whom he loves, he loves unto the end."-Nor will he ever leave his dear disciples in a comfortless state of sorrow and dejection: like poor orphans, cast upon a wide world of sorrow and woe, without any kind heart to pity them, or kind hand to relieve them: for when all other comforts forsake us, still Jesus abides by us: his Spirit comforts us, by shewing what he is to us; what he has done, is doing, and will do for us.

The apostles had full experience of the promise of their gracious Lord. "He comforteth us in all tribulations,"- 2Co_1:4. "In me ye shall have peace." And why doth our Lord also assure us, "In the world ye shall have tribulation!"- Joh_16:33 - truly he loves us too well to suffer us to take up our rest in it. If with Paul at Ephesus, "after the manner of men, we fight with beasts,"- 1Co_15:32 -all this is suffered to render the world more inhospitable; to make us loathe swine's food, the husks of this world; that the bread of life, the comforts of Jesus, may be more sought after and enjoyed. Why is sin suffered to dwell in us, and to make us groan, and distress us? To make it more hateful to us; to put us out of conceit of ourselves and our own righteousness; and to endear the atonement and righteousness of Jesus to our souls, that all our comfort should spring from him.

Why is Satan suffered to harass and perplex us? That as the sheep of Christ's pasture we should keep close to our shepherd; or like frighted children, when surly dogs bark at them, fear keeps them near their father's protection and within the bounds of his habitation. So we find the comforts of living near our Saviour. Do we carry about a weak disordered body? Here is our comfort, "We faint not, knowing that the outward man decayeth, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,"- 2Co_4:16. Thus, glory to our loving Lord! "he comforts us concerning our faith, and causes us to rejoice in hope of the glory of God; and to glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost,"- Rom_5:2-5.

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