William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

July 11,


We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.- Rom_8:28.


A poor sensible sinner would naturally be ready to make one exception here, and say, "How can sin, which I know and feel to be the very worst of all evils, work for any good?" But the Holy Ghost hath not excepted even this. Will any one say, Then let us do evil that good may come? St. Paul makes a terrible application to such, "Whose damnation is just,"- Rom_3:8. Therefore such cannot be the language of a believer's heart, for his salvation is sure, "he that believes shall be saved." Such, and only such, most assuredly know that all things work together for good. They love God, and this love inspires them with hatred to sin. But yet they are sinners, both by original sin and actual transgression; nevertheless, through the all-wise overruling power of a gracious covenant God, even the worst of evils, sin, shall work for his glory and their good.

Is the art of a chemist able to extract the most salutary medicine from noxious and poisonous ingredients? and cannot the infinitely wise Jehovah, who at the beginning spoke chaos and confusion into beauty, and order and darkness into light, make evil to work for good? He hath done it. He will do it. Canst thou think of that world of sin and evil which was produced by the fall of man? Dost thou not know the still greater good which it has been made to work for man by Jesus Christ? If man had not sinned the glorious attributes of Jehovah had not been so eminently displayed. As this is true of a world of sin in general, so also of every sin in particular. Sin is natural to man. To make it work for good is the supernatural power of God. Sin should never have entered into the world, nor should it continue in God's people, was it not to magnify his grace and advance the glory of his name. Judas delivers Christ to death for gain: the Jews for envy: Pilate for fear. The devil provokes each through enmity. God makes all work for the spiritual good and eternal salvation of his people. Peter's fall shall be made to work for his humility and self-diffidence, and to strengthen his brethren.

'Sin,' saith St. Austin, 'first wrought sorrow, and now godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of, to the death of sin; so the daughter destroys the mother.' "O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out."- Rom_11:33.

Sin for my good does work and win;
Yet 'tis not good for me to sin.
My pleasure issues from my pain;
My losses still increase my gain.

For all my sins my heart is sad,
Since God's dishonor'd; yet I'm glad,
Tho' once I was a slave to sin,
Since God doth thereby glory win.

July 12,


Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.- Rom_8:26.


How reviving to the soul! how encouraging to the mind of a disciple, is it to hear the experience of his brethren and companions in the faith of Jesus! To this end the blessed Spirit hath caused the saints of old to leave on record his dealings of love with their souls. Thus is the word of God most valuable for our instruction, edification, and comfort. Let no poor follower of the Lamb think he is singular in feeling an insupportable pressure of infirmities. No; the children of God in all ages knew and felt the same. Whether prophets or apostles, none were perfectly free from inward distresses, temptations, fears, dejections, etc. All which arise from our still possessing a fallen nature, which subjects us to these sensations and feelings. They are our burdens. We cannot but feel them and groan under them. O sad and dreadful fall, which has so terribly maimed and bruised the royal offspring of God! Though we are kings' sons, yet like Mephibosheth we are lame in our hands and feet. Our infirmities are the effects of our FALL. Shortly we shall be perfectly freed from them. This is our glorious hope.

But alas! how oft doth present distress deject our hopes; infirmities bow down the soul; faith grows languid; love declines; hope seems at the last gasp, just as if giving up the ghost. And indeed all would end in gloomy dejection and melancholy despair, if the Lord was entirely to forsake his new creation. But that never can be while the Father loves, the Lamb pleads, and the Spirit hath power to help to a reconciled God. Therefore when the Spirit sees the souls of his charge pressed above measure in themselves, and ready to sink under their burdens, he reaches forth a tender hand of assistance; helps against infirmities, by enabling the soul to look to the adorable Jesus, to an everlasting covenant, to precious promises of God; and puts this sweet cry in the heart, Abba, Father. Then confidence revives; hope springs afresh; love is excited; the power of prayer breaks forth in the heart, and ascends in sweet fervor from the soul. Whatever flesh and blood may allege to the contrary, infirmities are made profitable to the soul; or St. Paul would never have declared, "most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities." Why? is there any good in them for which they should be desired? No; but "that the power of Christ may rest upon us."- 2Co_12:9.

Eternal Spirit! we confess
And sing the wonders of thy grace;
Thy power conveys our blessings down
From God the Father and the Son.

Enlighten'd by thy heav'nly ray,
Our shades and darkness turn to day.
Thine inward teachings make us know
Our danger and our refuge too.

The troubled conscience knows thy voice,
Thy charming views awake our joys;
Thy words allay the stormy wind,
And calm the surges of the mind.

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

July 13,

The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.- Deu_30:6.


Even Moses, who delivered the fiery law of wrath and terror, preaches like a Barnabas, a son of consolation. In this chapter we have a precious enumeration of new-covenant blessings and evangelical promises, all settled in the eternal counsels between Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit; all founded in infinite wisdom, everlasting love, and immutable faithfulness; therefore sure to all the seed "who are chosen in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world." Such is the solid foundation of gospel faith and hope. The happy heirs of it the Lord God sets a special mark upon. Hereby he owns them as his peculiar ones. This is also an evidence to them of their special relation to him. As the Father loved his people before time, and gave them to Jesus, to be redeemed in the fulness of time; so also, at the appointed time, the Lord the Spirit performs his office upon them-he circumcises their hearts. This power belongeth to God only. This St. Paul calls "the circumcision made without hands,"- Col_2:11. Outward circumcision was a painful operation to the flesh. By it was signified the cutting off all carnal hope and legal confidence in the flesh; and was a sign and seal of new-covenant blessings by Jesus. The circumcision of the heart brings the experience and enjoyment of hope in Jesus, peace and joy in Jesus, and a longing expectation of the full enjoyment of Jesus in glory to the soul.

When the callousness and hardness of the heart is cut off, then it gladly hears and receives the love of God its crucified Saviour. This love, known and believed, begets love to God in a circumcised heart. And though there is all comfort in love, yet there is a painful sensation attends loving souls. This is the fruit and evidence of love. They mourn and grieve at feeling the sins and corruptions of their natures; they are pained at the sight of them-groan under a sense of them- are filled with shame for them, and detestation against them. O how do they strive against them and cry to Jesus for victory over them! To "love the Lord with all their heart and with all their soul," this is their one desire on earth; that they may be in love, wholly devoted to him who bought them with his blood. Of all such souls the Spirit of inspiration declares, "Happy art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord!"- Deu_33:29. "We are the circumcision who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."- Php_3:3.

[video=youtube;uxgw6pbW59E]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxgw6pbW59E[/video]

July 14,


But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sin, for ever sat down on the right hand of God.- Heb_10:12.


The cross of Christ is the Christian's glory. Yet the small share that Jesus hath in the Christian's affections is his shame. Really disciples of Jesus do not love their Saviour as they ought. Why? because they are slow of heart to believe his love to them and his sufferings for them. How little are our hearts in meditation upon the labours of love, toils of sorrows, and agonies of soul, which Jesus in our nature sustained on our account. If a friendly arm is reached forth and snatches a poor mortal from the jaws of approaching death, O how does it call forth love to his kind deliverer! when he reflects on his danger, how does it excite his gratitude! he cannot think of his preserver but he remembers his mercy.

But where is our warm affection, our fervent love to that precious MAN, whose heart was as a flame of love to us, and who willingly offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins? how was he straitened till this baptism was accomplished! how did his soul long till it was finished! But alas! we think too little of our danger. We are too prone to look upon sin as a matter of small moment; because the sacrifice of Jesus is not so constantly upon our hearts. Disciple, dost thou not see cause of mourning for this? hast thou not cause to pray daily for more heart-affecting views of Jesus by the Spirit? O the infinite value of this ONE sacrifice! Sin, how malignant its nature! How deep its stain! nothing but blood divine could atone for it. How prevalent this ONE sacrifice! it hath for ever put away ALL our sins. BEHOLD THE MAN! gaze, wonder, adore, and love; Jesus on the cross, fully atoning for sin. This work being for ever done; behold this MAN for ever sat down on the right hand of God.

There he pleads the sinner's cause and presents the perfection of his sacrifice. What singular consolation is this! A sense of sin is distressing to the converted soul. But O, when the ONE sacrifice by this ONE MAN is beheld by the eye of faith, how does it revive the drooping heart, give peace to the troubled conscience, and excite joy in the sorrowful mind? Poor sinners have nothing else to look to for hope. Pardon and peace can be had from no other object but the blood of Jesus. Of this we can never glory too much. Nor can our confidence be too strong, our expectations too great, our triumphs in Jesus over sin, Satan, the law and death, be at any time unseasonable. These precious truths are our never failing springs of consolation. "The blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin. If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father,"- 1Jn_2:1.

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

[video=youtube;0Xjrv2Ir1QA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xjrv2Ir1QA[/video]

July 15,


And lo, an horror of great darkness fell on him.- Gen_15:12.


There is somewhat very gloomy and awful in what is called 'a total eclipse of the sun.' When the earth is darkened, creation puts on a melancholy aspect and seems to mourn in silent sadness. But the surprise and astonishment which naturally affect us on these accounts are greatly abated, as these are not uncommon appearances in nature; and as they are foretold and accounted for. As in the natural, so it is in the spiritual world. The children of God in all ages have experienced darkness of soul: therefore none should think this peculiar when they are exercised thus, "as though some strange thing had happened to them,"- 1Pe_4:12.

We see Abraham, the friend of God, and father of the faithful, under an eclipse of the bright shining of the sun of righteousness. The consequence of this darkness was a horror, yea a horror of great darkness fell on him. And this too, after an extraordinary appearance of the Lord himself to him, who called him by his name, bid him FEAR NOT-assures him, I AM THY SHIELD AND THY EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD: then gives him the comfortable promise of the seed that should spring from him. Upon which, Abraham "believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness;" and he offers a sacrifice as the Lord commanded. But, alas, how soon did his bright sun of comfort disappear! How soon did darkness and horror fall upon him! How changeable are our frames! Extraordinary manifestations of comfort and joy are often succeeded by darkness of soul and trials of faith. So it was with our dear Saviour after the Father's declaration, "This is my beloved Son:" after the visible descent of the Holy Ghost upon him, he was led into the wilderness, to undergo the most sharp and trying temptations. Thus again St. Paul, after he had been caught up to the third heavens, a messenger of Satan was sent to buffet him.

Hence, O believer, under spiritual darkness and distress of soul write not bitter things against thyself. Think not God ceaseth to love thee and visits in wrath. No: God ever rests in love; he changeth not; his love is ever the same. Thou art equally as safe in his hands in the dark, though not so comfortable as in the light. Nay, love itself enquires after souls in such a state and gives precious advice to them. See and study Isa_50:10. Now the Lord teaches his sovereignty; instructs in humility; excites patience; shews thee thy nothingness; cuts off all glorying in thyself; strengthens thy trust in him; draws out thy hope from thyself to him; and shews thee that all the promises center in Jesus, and shall be fulfilled in God's own way and manner. Saith Jesus, "He who followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."- Joh_8:12.

[video=youtube;rLK2pe38hxE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLK2pe38hxE[/video]

July 16,


No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.- 1Co_12:3.


"As the heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and the firmament sheweth his handy-work:" so every page of his sacred word proclaims his grace to his people, reminds them of the insufficiency of their natural power and free-will to any saving purposes. Formal professors say, that Jesus is the Lord. The confession is easy. It is common to the openly profane, and the most decent Pharisee; but is no more profitable to salvation than the true declaration from Satan, "Thou art the Holy One of God,"- Mar_1:24. But saving confession of Jesus with the lips proceeds from inward believing on Jesus with the heart; and this from spiritual discoveries to the mind by the Holy Ghost. O believer, know thy distinguishing blessing! Esteem not this a common privilege, but special grace, that thou canst see, canst own, canst come to, trust in, and call the despised Nazarene, the once sin-bearing, sin-atoning, curse-sustaining Jesus thy Lord and thy God; in whom is all thy hope, and from whom is all thy salvation. This is truly the faith of God's elect. Hear what thy master proclaims of such a confession; "Blessed art thou; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."- Mat_16:17.

This is the mystery of the Father's kingdom: this is given only to his children to know. Therefore the Holy Ghost is sent into their hearts to make it manifest. Most blessed confession! May it be ever uppermost in our minds, in our lips, and evidenced by our lives, that Jesus is JEHOVAH. That Jesus is the LORD, the Saviour, the man, and Mediator-our atonement on the cross; our righteousness in his life; our intercessor at the right-hand of glory; this, this is our plea to all that are against us. We are sure it is a godly, righteous plea, for it is given us by the Holy Ghost in the word of truth. By it the Father is glorified; Jesus is honored; drooping, fainting hearts are revived and comforted; faith is established, hope confirmed, love increased, holiness advanced, Satan vanquished, sin subdued, the law answered, the world overcome, death conquered, and we sharers in the triumphs of glory and immortality.

Christian soul, cheer up. With this truth in thine heart: with this confession in thy mouth, go on thy way rejoicing: nor men nor devils can harm thee. Jesus thy Saviour is the Lord almighty to protect, ever-loving to save. Only fear to offend against love itself; Never suffer a doubt of Jesus' love in thy mind. Grieve not the Holy Spirit. Come, a few more days to prove thy allegiance to Jesus thy Lord on earth, and thou shalt reign with him in glory. Ever remember thy Lord's blessed promise, "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."- Mat_10:32.

[video=youtube;YVVW5EakyEc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVVW5EakyEc[/video]

July 17,


Jesus said, will ye also go away?- John_6:67.


This, O soul, is the voice of thy beloved. Thy friend put this question to his own disciples. Our captain keeps no prest men in his service. All his subjects enter as volunteers. They are made willing to come to him, believe on him and greatly esteem the day of his power, to follow and cleave to him. Force, restraint, and compulsion act not on their ingenuous minds. But what they find in Jesus now, present peace; what they expect from Jesus hereafter, glory and salvation, endears him to their souls.

Daily observation furnishes with instances of many who profess to own Christ and to follow him for a season; but anon, through not understanding his doctrine, not seeing their own misery and wretchedness, and not knowing his love, they are offended, forsake Christ, his truths and his ways. They go back again to the world, to the enjoyment of their lusts, and take up with carnal preachers, who cry peace, peace unto them. Thus they make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, which they professed to have; and the last end of such is worse than their first. They forsake their own mercies, by turning their backs upon precious Jesus; and are left to perish without hope or remedy.

But a true disciple, who knows Jesus in spirit and truth, our Saviour keeps from such folly. The sight of others falling off and leaving him is made of blessed use to such. It excites humility and gratitude-quickens to holy jealousy and godly watchfulness. Such a tender expostulation put to the soul, "Wilt thou also go away?" O how it kindles a spark of fire, and blows up a flame of love in the poor sinner's heart! As when a tender, indulgent parent says to his dear little child, Wilt thou go away and leave ME? How does it draw forth the love and affection of its heart! and the little thing, with eager embraces, clings the faster to its parent. O, by this question our dear Saviour has often roused my sluggish heart: and called forth a holy fear; and excited an earnest cry, "Lord keep me-O never, never let me forsake thee!"

When the aged Polycarp was joyfully going to seal the truth of his faith with his blood, being threatened by his proconsul with death in various shapes, answered, 'Why tarriest thou? Bring forth what thou wilt; we Christians are fixed in our minds not to change from good to evil.' Then the proconsul promised him liberty if he would reproach Christ. (O, the affecting reply! how ingenuous! how full of love!) 'Eighty and six years (said he) have I served my Lord Christ, and he has never done me the least wrong: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?' How victorious is faith! how powerful is love! Lord, increase our faith! Jesus inflame our love! "To whom should we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life."- Joh_6:68.

[video=youtube;x7wVq7OGyf8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7wVq7OGyf8[/video]

July 18,


All scripture is given by inspiration of God; and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.- 2Ti_3:16-17.


The poor sinner who writes this, being in a dangerous illness, was in a very dark and comfortless frame of mind for two days. The third day, light, peace and joy overspread his soul by these words being brought to his mind: "After two days he will revive us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight." On this he called for a bible. O how was his inexpressible joy increased when he read these words in Hos_6:2. On being asked, If he had done with the bible? he answered with a flood of joyful tears, 'No: never, never shall I have done with that blessed book, till I change time for eternity.' The Spirit of inspiration ever honors his own word of truth. All peace, comfort and joy are derived from it through faith. We shall suffer no loss, if we suspend judgment on comforts, till we have tried them by this touchstone of truth. Be on your guard against the flatteries of false peace and the delusions of unscriptural joys.

Revealed truths are inspired of God: they are the objects of faith. By the knowledge of them the Spirit consolates the soul, lovingly reproves and corrects what is amiss; profitably instructs in the fundamental truths of Jesus' righteousness unto justification of life; and the believer's obedience unto righteousness. No one doctrine of God's word should be slightly regarded. In this sense, he that rejects one point of truth is guilty of all. This is to impeach the wisdom of the Spirit, as though he had made known any one needless and insignificant doctrine. This, instead of being doers of the word, is to judge and condemn the word. Jesus is the sum and substance of the scriptures. All the promises are in him. All the doctrines of grace lead to him and centre in him. These are the furniture of faith while Jesus is the chief object of the soul. So disciples go on to perfection in knowledge, love and holiness; therefore they should prize the scripture as their companion; consult it as their familiar friend; and pray over it as their constant guide. To these ends they are given of God: when thus received by us, we shall also be "edified, and walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost."- Act_9:31.

Laden with guilt and full of fears,
I fly to thee, my Lord,
And not a glimpse of hope appears,
But in thy written word.

The volume of my Father's grace
Does all my grief assuage;
Here I behold my Saviour's face
Almost in ev'ry page.

[video=youtube;rLFt3ODEL58]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLFt3ODEL58[/video]

July 19,


We have not an high-priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are; yet without sin.- Heb_4:15.


"Without sin!" O, cries the sanctified soul, that this was my happy state. And verily, as sure as the word of God is true, thou shalt enjoy this perfect freedom from thy worst enemy. But thou must be content to wait God's time, and live in God's way; that is, by faith upon thy best friend Jesus. Thy present blessedness is to understand and rejoice in this great mystery, that Christ who knew no sin was made sin for us. Therefore, by faith we glory, knowing that God looketh on us, blesseth us as righteous in Christ, and doth not impute sin unto us. As the head is without sin, so are all the members, viewed and beloved in the sight of God. And this is the evidence that we are born of the Spirit and have the mind of Christ, that we hate all sin and long for entire deliverance from it, and aspire after full conformity to the image of God. But this we cannot enjoy in the body. We must first sleep in Jesus ere we awake up after his perfect likeness.

In the mean time we have a loving, sympathizing high-priest before the throne of God. This is our comfort. That very human nature in which our sins were expiated on earth, is now crowned with glory in heaven. This is very refreshing. Christ can as soon forget his own glory as any part of his suffering body. He feels for them. He is touched with the most tender concern and affection towards them. He knows what sore temptations mean, for he hath felt the same. Temptations, even though most violent, cannot harm us: nay, they do not defile us, unless we enter into them. Therefore, they should not deject us. And need we ever be overcome by them? Doth not Jesus live? Have we not free and familiar access to him, as the glorified man and Mediator? Is not all power in heaven and earth given unto him? Believest thou this, O soul? Think on Calvary's proof of his love. Remember Bethany's proof of his resurrection. Call to mind his tender love to, and affectionate care for, his sheep, when Saul was worrying them. O he called, "Why persecutest thou ME?" Thou canst not hurt them, but I feel it. He ever lives at the right hand of glory to intercede for and save us poor sinners. And let thy distress be what it may, his loving advice suits it. "Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."- Psa_50:15.

With joy we meditate the grace
Of our high priest above;
His heart is made of tenderness.
His bowels melt with love.

He in the days of feeble flesh
Pour'd out his cries and tears,
And in his measure feels afresh
What ev'ry member bears.

Then let our humble faith address
His mercy and his pow'r;
We shall obtain deliv'ring grace
In the distressing hour.

[video=youtube;CBtj43dCxc4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBtj43dCxc4[/video]

July 20,


Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.- 1Ti_3:9.


From a seeming zeal and regard to the ark of God, when it shook, and as he thought was in danger of falling, Uzzah put forth his hand to save it. It seems a very rational act, but it argued distrust of God's power to preserve what was for his glory and honor; therefore the Lord highly resented it. If the displeasure of Jehovah was thus displayed in regard to the type of the covenant, how jealous is the Lord of hosts of his own glory, contained in the truths of the everlasting covenant, laid up in the sacred ark, Jesus, for all his people! If a trembling ark, touched by an officious hand, was death; one should fear and tremble to attack the revealed truths of God's everlasting love to his people, power to preserve them, and grace to enable them to persevere in the faith unto eternal glory.

Human efforts often spring from unbelieving hearts. The hand of nature is often stretched forth to assist when it only counteracts divine purposes. Carnal reason ever opposeth the mystery of the gospel, but faith is supported by God's truths. The conscience can only be purified by Jesus' blood. This mystery of faith is only known to enlightened minds. To hold by it, and to hold it fast in the conscience, is the life and joy of our souls. So the Holy Spirit maintains vital, living union between Jesus and his members. So love is excited to him. A life of dependence maintained on him. A throne of grace is delightful to such. Sin becomes more and more hateful in their sight, and the fruits of righteousness are increased to God's glory. O, this is an amazing mystery of our faith!

That we, who are guilty sinners in ourselves, yet are in Christ pure and free from all sin; unrighteous in ourselves, yet in Jesus clothed with perfect righteousness; filthy and polluted by nature and practice, but in Jesus, all fair, without spot, beautiful and comely in God's sight. In ourselves, no right to God's love, no title to his inheritance; but in Jesus our right is clear, our title legal, our enjoyment of it infallibly certain. Hold fast this mystery of faith: all thy peace and comfort depend on it. Thus, disciple, fix thy steady eye on Jesus; daily view the promises in him; look constantly for the Spirit's power through him. So shalt thou have "the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus."- 1Pe_3:21. "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually."- Psa_119:117.

Why does your face, ye humble souls,
Those mournful colours wear?
What doubts are these that waste your faith,
And nourish your despair?

Awake our hearts, adore the grace
That buries all our faults,
And pard'ning blood, that swells above
Our follies and our thoughts.

Yes, there's a good reason why it says 'senior member' under your name...as the pot called the kettle black

July 21,


Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.- 2Th_2:16-17.


Believers in Jesus know that "the remembrance of sin is grievous, and the burden intolerable." A sight and sense of sin affects their conscience with sorrow and distress. There is daily need that their poor hearts should be comforted; and also that they should be established in every good word and work. But from whence shall they derive this? from striving to forget, palliate, or excuse their past sins? by promising to be more stedfast for the future in the truths of God and obedience to his will? Alas! he who truly knows what a sinful nature is, who is really acquainted with his own weakness and insufficiency to that which is good, and his proneness to all evil, will not, cannot thus deceive his own soul.

But the converted soul will ingenuously confess his sins to his God and Saviour, lay them open with their aggravating circumstances, mourn over them with a godly sorrow, own his just deserts for them; and in the exercise of faith, look "to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." Here is the everlasting spring of consolation which God hath given us, "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from ALL sin." Here is our good hope, through the grace of Jesus we are completely righteous in Christ. We stand perfectly accepted in God's beloved Son. Faith and hope are inseparable. We believe the truth as in Jesus; we hope daily for more and more of the consolations of it. In this way, disciple of Jesus, thou canst never believe nor hope too much. Nay, is it not thy distress and heaviness that thy faith is weak, thy hope languid, and thy love so cold?

But why is this? Not for want of a foundation for faith and hope; for "our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father hath loved us." Who? only the prophets, apostles, holy men of old, righteous persons? Nay, but sinners of mankind: such was the character of all those whom the apostle includes in the pronoun us. And as the consequence of this love "he hath given us EVERLASTING consolation." Not the effect of time; not subject to mutability; but solid, perpetual, and eternal. Founded in the everlasting covenant, established in everlasting righteousness, issuing in everlasting salvation, revealed in the everlasting gospel, and applied to the soul by the everlasting Spirit. Consolation and comfort are enjoyed in stability in the good word of God, and in the good works of faith, "to the praise of the glory of God's grace."- Eph_1:6.

[video=youtube;f2a9FNF2UYs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2a9FNF2UYs[/video]

July 22,


This is the true God and eternal life. Keep yourselves from idols. Amen.- 1Jn_5:20-21.


It is a common objection with the men of this world against the ministers and members of Jesus: "You can preach and talk of nothing but JESUS." Truly we "consider him as the end of all our conversation."- Heb_13:7-8. Conscious of what he hath done FOR us, what he is TO us, and what he hath done IN us; verily, Jesus is all in all to our souls. We know that the Son of God is come in our flesh. We are sure that by the blood of his cross "he hath made an end of sin, finished transgression, made reconciliation for iniquity;" and by his holy life "hath brought in an everlasting righteousness,"- Dan_9:24. All this we poor sinners wanted. Nothing short of this could save us. Yea, eternal life we have in our WONDERFUL friend, the God-man, Christ Jesus.

Blessed be his infinitely precious name! he hath given us an understanding heart to know him. We desire to be eternally indebted to his name, his grace, his love; for we see our union to him, and oneness with him. Marvel not then, that we speak so highly of OUR BELOVED; "for if we should hold our peace, the very stones in the street would cry out against us." Say, ye first-born sons of light; say, ye children of grace, of whom should we glory, if not of Jesus our true God and eternal life? We disclaim all other gods. "We know and believe that the Father is in him, and he in the Father."- Joh_10:38. He teaches us the Father's love in him to us; and he sends the comforter, which proceedeth from the Father, to shed his love abroad in our hearts.

But alas! how did we live before we knew Jesus, the only true God! Truly, though we talked of God, though we knew God, worshipped and feared him; yet we were all the while like the rest of the whole world, "lying in wickedness:" fast asleep in the arms of the wicked one: for we were without Christ, Atheists: "without God in the world; and consequently had no hope,"- Eph_2:12. How deluded are the wise and learned of this world with their notions and worship of an unknown God! While little children are truly wise and best learned, who know Jesus as their Lord and their God, and abide in him. The truth of their faith, the uprightness of their hearts, and the sincerity of their love, are best evidenced by keeping themselves from the ensnaring vanities and bewitching idols of time and sense. "Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, etc."- Tit_2:10; Tit_2:13-14.

Jesus my God, I know his name,
His name is all my trust,
Nor will he put my soul to shame,
Nor let my hope be lost.

[video=youtube;TtR0jDmW_qs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtR0jDmW_qs[/video]

July 23,


O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?- Rom_7:24.


Spiritual sense and feeling are peculiar to regenerate, heaven born souls. While in a carnal state, "dead in trespasses and sins;" though the law thunders out its dreadful curses against us, we hear not. Though by nature children of wrath and deserving hell, yet our danger we see not. Though our sins are gone over our heads, and are like a sore burden too heavy for us to bear, yet we feel them not. But when the soul is alive to God, we groan, being burdened with a body of sin, and pant after deliverance. This was the experience of holy Paul. Such the experience of saints in all ages. But, thanks be to our God, though ever so deeply distressed and greatly depressed with sin, we sorrow not as without hope. We are not ignorant of our deliverer, but know him, even Jesus Christ. None but Jesus is able; and he hath, he doth, he will deliver. He hath delivered from the curse of sin by his death. He doth deliver the conscience from the guilt and dominion of sin through faith. He will deliver the soul perfectly from the being of sin, when the body of flesh is "sown in dishonor, to be raised in glory." The last enemy, death, is not destroyed yet. None are so perfectly exempt from that which brought death into the world, SIN. But present deliverance thou hast, O believer! and perfect deliverance thou canst not but pant after and long for.

Think not, that feeling a body of sin, (which, like thy natural body, consists of many parts and members,) groaning under it, inwardly breathing out ardent desires for deliverance, inscribing "wretched man" upon thyself, like a criminal who is compelled to carry about a dead, putrefied, stinking carcass; think not all this to be inconsistent with a blessed state, and being blessed "with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus." No: thou art not singular; it was once the lot of all thy brethren now perfect in glory. It is the lot of all thy companions in the faith and patience of Jesus on earth. When Paul, in such spiritual ecstasy and joy, was caught up to the third heavens, he did not know whether he was in the body or not; he might then think he was entirely freed from his burden, that he was perfect; but a little time after, experience convinced him to the contrary; and we find him "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing."- 2Co_6:10. Blessed be our compassionate Saviour, who reaches out reviving cordials of consolation and refreshment; these cheer our drooping spirits under our burden; this favor no kind hand administered to him, when worn out and sinking under the ponderous load of our sins on the cross. O the joy of faith! Sin, though felt, grieved for, mourned over; yet "there is NO CONDEMNATION to them that are in Christ Jesus."- Rom_8:1.



[video=youtube;PFg4EELFRdw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFg4EELFRdw[/video]

[video=youtube;UIwRiDym3Xc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIwRiDym3Xc[/video]


"A modern rendition of Anne Steele's hymn with music written by Kevin Twit and sung by Sandra McCracken"

July 24,


Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.- Psa_55:22.


The soul, having lost its innocency by the sin of the first Adam, can never be happy till it knows righteousness is restored to it again by Jesus, the second Adam. Sensible sinners would be truly miserable when they see their nakedness and feel their want of righteousness, was not righteousness revealed as God's unspeakable gift by Jesus Christ. By him a glorious robe of righteousness is wrought out and imputed to naked and destitute sinners. Grace reigns through his righteousness. All the mercy and favor we receive from God is in a way of righteousness. We enjoy the knowledge and comfort that we are righteous before God through faith. If this point is not clear and settled in the mind, it is because the clouds of ignorance and unbelief are not chased away; the sun of righteousness hath not yet arose upon such hearts; therefore they are perplexed and distressed touching the hope of salvation. For this is the essential and leading point in Christianity. We may toil all the days of our life to get righteousness, but we shall go to bed in the dark without it, unless we are made righteous IN Christ.

Infinite are the blessings, most precious the promises which abound in God's word to the RIGHTEOUS. When we read of the righteous in scripture, we are ever to remember Jesus, and give glory to him who is our righteousness by faith. God "will never suffer the righteous to be moved from their hope." There is also a holy boldness and sweet familiarity between a righteous Lord and such righteous souls. As he has clothed them with the garments of salvation, they have always a sympathizing friend in their hours of trouble to flee to. This is the hope that supports them; Jesus will support their weak souls and sustain their heavy burdens; they cannot sink though they may be often ready to faint. But why is this? Truly we are apt to struggle with this difficulty and toil with the other load upon our poor minds, instead of casting all upon Jesus who careth for us. Sense opposeth faith, hence Jesus is forgotten, and the mind remains troubled. But here is the wisdom and glory of faith; whenever we feel our souls are bowed down on any account, to refer all our griefs and cast or roll all our burdens off from our own minds upon Jesus, and simply to cry out with Hezekiah, "O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me."- Isa_38:14.

But I with all my cares,
Will lean upon the Lord;
I'll cast my burdens on his arm,
And rest upon his word.

His arm shall well sustain
The children of his love;
The ground on which their safety stands
No earthly pow'r can move.

July 25,


I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.- Php_3:14.


By effectual vocation the soul is called from a death in sin to a life of righteousness. By spiritual illumination the most desirable objects are discerned; the faith of God's elect manifests itself to be an operative grace in the heart by the conduct of the life. Blessed Paul, though such a zealous champion for sovereign operations and free-grace truths, though so averse to the pride of free-will and the confidence of human righteousness in his writing and preaching, yet his life and exhortations are equally opposite to all licentious practices and unchristian sloth; he had a race to run, a prize to win, the end of his calling to attain. Thus is it with all who are partakers of like precious faith; folding the hands, sitting down contented, resting in ease and indolence, may suffice when doctrines are only received as notions in the head.

Truth may be assented to in the judgment as dry speculations, so as to engage the tongue, without warming and influencing the heart, and producing the fruits of holiness in the life. If sitting still and talking, or walking contrary to the hope of the gospel, be to imitate the apostle's blessed conduct, followers of him abound greatly every where; but the truth received in the love of it excites to activity. Says the Christian, "I press forward," like a racer who considers the mark before him, turns his back upon the place he set out from, and is solicitous so to run that he may obtain the prize. Jesus is the Christian's mark, he presses towards him, he is solicitous to enjoy much of Christ below, he longs for full enjoyment of him above; this is our glorious high calling.

What can be put in competition with it? the world, with all its sinful customs, vain pleasures, and carnal delights? No; we forsake these, and leave them behind us. We fear being entangled with the objects of time and sense, preferring Jesus above all. Earthly things grow more and more mean and contemptible to us. The more we see our all in Jesus, and expect all from him, so much the more we press towards him. Hence means of grace are prized, ordinances attended to, Christ's word is precious, the prize is glorious. Thou man of God, ever exercise a godly jealousy of being brought into bondage to the world or the flesh. Remember how unloving, how dishonorable thou actest when any object engages thy attention and rivals thy Saviour. "So run that you may obtain."

How vain are all things here below!
How false and yet how fair!
Each pleasure hath its poison too,
And ev'ry sweet a snare.

Dear Saviour, let thy beauties be
My soul's eternal food;
And grace command my heart away
From all created good.


[video=youtube;zaphdUp6xlo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaphdUp6xlo[/video]

July 26,


If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.- 1Jn_2:15.


The voice of carnal reason cries, "God hath created passions within us, therefore gratify them." At this bar, inconsistency is pronounced upon scripture; but the voice of inspiration proclaims, "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, are not of the Father;" therefore teaches, crucify them. Let no disciple of Jesus think this a hard saying. Nay, but the soul can find no happiness but in the love of God. If other objects attract our affections to seek happiness in them, as they stand in competition with, so they will keep us from the sense of the love of God; where the treasure is, there will the heart be. When the love of God lives in the heart the love of the world dies. If the love of the world gains the affections the love of the Father subsides. We can no more love two such contrary objects with a supreme love than we can exist in time and eternity, in heaven and on earth at one and the same time; one will necessarily give place to the other in experience and enjoyment. The carnal gratifications of the flesh, vain indulgences of pleasing the eye, with whatever promotes the pride of nature; the riches, pleasures, honors of this perishing world, are all contrary to the love of God in the heart, which is the essence of all true holiness and real happiness. These things war against the soul.

Alas! awful instances we see of many professors being bewitched and ensnared by the enchanting allurements of the world to forsake Jesus and the hope of the gospel. Melancholy complaint of St. Paul: "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world."- 2Ti_4:10. Saints are delivered from this evil world; they are redeemed from vain conversation by Jesus: they are forbid by his Spirit to be conformed to the world. O, it is a blessed thing to die to the world before we die in it. The men of this world are declared enemies to God's children; it is our wisdom ever to be on our guard against them; though it is our duty to behave with all kindness and courtesy, to do them all the good in our power, yet let us beware that they do us no harm. "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and not be burnt?"- Pro_6:27. Close intimacy with carnal friends exposes to danger; alluring smiles from them often wound deep where open opposition could do no harm. What is all the gain of the world to the happy sense of God's love? He who buys a fine suit of clothes, though ever so cheap, infected with the plague, hath no great bargain.

The brightest things below the sky
Give but a flatt'ring light;
We should suspect some danger nigh,
Where we possess delight.

Our dearest joys and nearest friends,
The partners of our blood,
How they divide our wav'ring minds,
And leave but half for God!


[video=youtube;Fc2ifuaMkqI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc2ifuaMkqI[/video]