William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God
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August 20,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.- Gal_5:22-23.
This numerous issue is of supernatural generation; like Isaac, who sprang from the dead body of Abraham and barren womb of Sarah. Though believers love to bring forth such fruits, delight to see them, yet through humility they are backward in speaking of them, and averse to glory in them as productions of their own. Hence when these fruits of the Spirit appear inward or outward, like the bride of the Lamb on another occasion, she cries out in lowliness of heart, "Who hath begotten me these?"- Isa_49:21. But is any thing too hard for God? "He maketh the barren soul to be a joyful mother of children."- Psa_113:9. To this very end believers are "married to Jesus by faith, that they may bring forth fruit unto God."- Rom_7:4. There is no member of the church of which Jesus is the husband, barren. Some bring forth more fruit than others-some more eminent for one kind, and some for another. Every one "according to the measure of the gift of Christ."- Eph_4:7. But it is by the same Spirit that dwelleth in all: each esteem other's fruits better than their own.
The graces of a true Christian shine brightest in the sight of his brethren. With the pleasant fruits of his Spirit, which his members bear, Jesus our head is delighted and God our Father is glorified. Will not this be the prayer, the daily prayer of every believer? O that I may bring forth more fruit to God! So let thy all-commanding voice pronounce on me, "be fruitful and multiply." Thus is "the bride, the Lamb's wife, all-glorious within." But yet, conscious of what she was, of what she still is by opposing nature, which brings forth contrary fruits, she wears a conscious blush, and dares not glory in herself. She knows she is wholly indebted for the root of all grace, JESUS, as well as for the fruits of the Spirit, to unmerited grace and sovereign power. Thus truly Paul says, "I am become a fool in glorying," though compelled to it.
That holy, faithful, loving, tender-hearted martyr of Jesus, ever styled himself 'the unbelieving, unloving, hard-hearted Bradford.' Yet, "against such there is no law." The law cannot accuse or condemn those who believe in Jesus; "for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made them free from the law of sin and death."- Rom_8:2. Indeed the law may trouble and terrify the conscience; but Christ, apprehended by faith, vanquisheth all its terror and threatenings; "for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes."- Rom_10:4. They are as righteous in him, as if they had fulfilled the law themselves. "Ye shall know them by their fruits,"- Mat_7:16.
[video=youtube;22CVogvFWks]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22CVogvFWks[/video]
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.- Gal_5:22-23.
This numerous issue is of supernatural generation; like Isaac, who sprang from the dead body of Abraham and barren womb of Sarah. Though believers love to bring forth such fruits, delight to see them, yet through humility they are backward in speaking of them, and averse to glory in them as productions of their own. Hence when these fruits of the Spirit appear inward or outward, like the bride of the Lamb on another occasion, she cries out in lowliness of heart, "Who hath begotten me these?"- Isa_49:21. But is any thing too hard for God? "He maketh the barren soul to be a joyful mother of children."- Psa_113:9. To this very end believers are "married to Jesus by faith, that they may bring forth fruit unto God."- Rom_7:4. There is no member of the church of which Jesus is the husband, barren. Some bring forth more fruit than others-some more eminent for one kind, and some for another. Every one "according to the measure of the gift of Christ."- Eph_4:7. But it is by the same Spirit that dwelleth in all: each esteem other's fruits better than their own.
The graces of a true Christian shine brightest in the sight of his brethren. With the pleasant fruits of his Spirit, which his members bear, Jesus our head is delighted and God our Father is glorified. Will not this be the prayer, the daily prayer of every believer? O that I may bring forth more fruit to God! So let thy all-commanding voice pronounce on me, "be fruitful and multiply." Thus is "the bride, the Lamb's wife, all-glorious within." But yet, conscious of what she was, of what she still is by opposing nature, which brings forth contrary fruits, she wears a conscious blush, and dares not glory in herself. She knows she is wholly indebted for the root of all grace, JESUS, as well as for the fruits of the Spirit, to unmerited grace and sovereign power. Thus truly Paul says, "I am become a fool in glorying," though compelled to it.
That holy, faithful, loving, tender-hearted martyr of Jesus, ever styled himself 'the unbelieving, unloving, hard-hearted Bradford.' Yet, "against such there is no law." The law cannot accuse or condemn those who believe in Jesus; "for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made them free from the law of sin and death."- Rom_8:2. Indeed the law may trouble and terrify the conscience; but Christ, apprehended by faith, vanquisheth all its terror and threatenings; "for Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes."- Rom_10:4. They are as righteous in him, as if they had fulfilled the law themselves. "Ye shall know them by their fruits,"- Mat_7:16.
[video=youtube;22CVogvFWks]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22CVogvFWks[/video]
August 21,
That no flesh should glory in his presence: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.- 1Co_1:29; 1Co_1:31.
Humble, self-abased souls, who drink deep into self knowledge, sensible what human nature is; whose eye of faith is to the Lord Jesus, and to what he is made of God to them; are as jealous of the pride of the flesh as they are of its sinfulness. This is a safe state; such have little reason to murmur because they do not experience high flights and ravishing ecstacies which appear to arise from nature and sense, because they lead to glory in the righteousness of the flesh. Flesh is proud and prone to glory, even in the presence of God; but faith in Jesus cuts off all glorying in the flesh, as viewing all salvation out of ourselves in Jesus. This is the very essence of the faith of God's elect. Yet, while we are in the flesh, we are daily exposed to the workings of pride, which darken the views of Jesus, and tend to self-exalting and self glorying. What pains doth the loving Spirit take to humble us! he testifies of Jesus, ONLY; he shews us, by line upon line, and precept upon precept, by prophets and apostles, that "IN Jesus all his children shall be justified, and shall glory."- Isa_45:25.
Am I made wise unto salvation? Glory to Jesus, this is from him; he is my wisdom. Am I righteous in the sight of God? Glory to Jesus, his life wrought it out; it is mine: not obtained by my works, but by God's free gift. Jesus is my righteousness. Am I sanctified? Glory to Jesus; it is through the faith of him, by the Spirit, that I have any drops from the fountain of Jesu's blood to wash away my guilt, and to cleanse my soul. Have I faith in, and hope of complete redemption from all misery, to all happiness? Glory to Jesus, he is my redemption; he hath bought me; he hath conquered for me. In whom then should I glory but in Jesus alone? IN him all my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption center. "It pleased the Father, that in him all fulness should dwell." It pleases the Spirit to bear witness of, and to glorify Jesus ONLY. Shall we glory in the fruits of the Spirit as the foundation of hope, and the cause of our acceptance with God? That were to deceive ourselves. The Holy Spirit produceth no fruits in us to this end. This is contrary to his office; inverts the economy of the covenant; makes faith void; and turns the eye of the soul from the only object of hope and salvation, Jesus, to somewhat within us, instead of Christ crucified for us: but by the Spirit we glory in Christ alone. By faith in precious promises, we pray to be filled with "fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ." To what end? That we should glory in these? Glory in the flesh because of these? No; but "unto the glory and praise of God."- Php_1:11.
[video=youtube;GDwjTURYZxs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDwjTURYZxs[/video]
That no flesh should glory in his presence: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.- 1Co_1:29; 1Co_1:31.
Humble, self-abased souls, who drink deep into self knowledge, sensible what human nature is; whose eye of faith is to the Lord Jesus, and to what he is made of God to them; are as jealous of the pride of the flesh as they are of its sinfulness. This is a safe state; such have little reason to murmur because they do not experience high flights and ravishing ecstacies which appear to arise from nature and sense, because they lead to glory in the righteousness of the flesh. Flesh is proud and prone to glory, even in the presence of God; but faith in Jesus cuts off all glorying in the flesh, as viewing all salvation out of ourselves in Jesus. This is the very essence of the faith of God's elect. Yet, while we are in the flesh, we are daily exposed to the workings of pride, which darken the views of Jesus, and tend to self-exalting and self glorying. What pains doth the loving Spirit take to humble us! he testifies of Jesus, ONLY; he shews us, by line upon line, and precept upon precept, by prophets and apostles, that "IN Jesus all his children shall be justified, and shall glory."- Isa_45:25.
Am I made wise unto salvation? Glory to Jesus, this is from him; he is my wisdom. Am I righteous in the sight of God? Glory to Jesus, his life wrought it out; it is mine: not obtained by my works, but by God's free gift. Jesus is my righteousness. Am I sanctified? Glory to Jesus; it is through the faith of him, by the Spirit, that I have any drops from the fountain of Jesu's blood to wash away my guilt, and to cleanse my soul. Have I faith in, and hope of complete redemption from all misery, to all happiness? Glory to Jesus, he is my redemption; he hath bought me; he hath conquered for me. In whom then should I glory but in Jesus alone? IN him all my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption center. "It pleased the Father, that in him all fulness should dwell." It pleases the Spirit to bear witness of, and to glorify Jesus ONLY. Shall we glory in the fruits of the Spirit as the foundation of hope, and the cause of our acceptance with God? That were to deceive ourselves. The Holy Spirit produceth no fruits in us to this end. This is contrary to his office; inverts the economy of the covenant; makes faith void; and turns the eye of the soul from the only object of hope and salvation, Jesus, to somewhat within us, instead of Christ crucified for us: but by the Spirit we glory in Christ alone. By faith in precious promises, we pray to be filled with "fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ." To what end? That we should glory in these? Glory in the flesh because of these? No; but "unto the glory and praise of God."- Php_1:11.
[video=youtube;GDwjTURYZxs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDwjTURYZxs[/video]
August 22,
Gideon said, Alas! O Lord God: for I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. The Lord said, Peace be unto thee: fear not; thou shalt not die.- Jdg_6:22-23.
"Jesus is the same Lord over all, rich in mercy to all who call upon him."- Rom_10:12. There is no difference between Old Testament saints and New, in regard to the object of salvation; "Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." Poor Gideon thought a sight of the Lord must surely be present death; for, saith the Lord, "There shall no man see me and live."- Exo_33:20. But the Lord appeared to him, as the angel of the covenant, the Mediator, the interposer. Not in terrible majesty and fiery wrath, to strike him dead, but as the Saviour, the merciful one. This sight was attended with life to his soul and death to his fears. So Gideon found it, when he heard that ever-dear and most precious word, PEACE. This is ever the word of the bridegroom to his church. His birth is ushered in with "PEACE on earth." His dying legacy to his children is PEACE. Nothing but love dwells in his heart; nothing but peace is heard from his lips. This was his affectionate salutation to his beloved though dejected disciples, when he first appeared to them after his sufferings and death. His tender heart well knew how troubled their poor minds were: therefore over and over he repeats, "PEACE be unto you."- Joh_20:21.
As it was in the beginning, so it is now. Jesus silences guilty fears and perplexing doubts in disciples' hearts. Woe is me, saith the poor sinner, I am undone, I am unclean; mine eyes have seen the Lord of hosts in the purity and spirituality of his law, as a just God and a holy; a consuming fire, and who will by no means clear the guilty: I shall die. FEAR NOT, saith Jesus to every such trembling, repenting, believing heart; thou shalt not die, but live; neither shalt thou want(lack) my peace. Look unto me and be saved: inwardly listen to my word; treasure it up in thine heart. Wait in faith for the sweet and still voice of my Spirit: I create the fruit of the lips. "Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, and I will heal them." Such shall not only hear Christ's voice but feel his power. Their fears shall be taken away, and their sorrow removed. So shall their souls be joyful in him. Thus JESUS is precious to them. "He delivers them who through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage."- Heb_2:15. "Having made peace for us through the blood of his cross."- Col_1:20.
My groans and tears, and forms of woe,
Are turn'd to joy and praises now;
I throw my sackcloth on the ground,
And ease and gladness gird me round.
My tongue, the glory of Christ's name,
Shall ne'er be silent of his fame,
His praise shall sound thro' earth and heav'n,
For sickness heal'd, and sins forgiv'n.
[video=youtube;Hecaz4NkQVY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hecaz4NkQVY[/video]
Gideon said, Alas! O Lord God: for I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. The Lord said, Peace be unto thee: fear not; thou shalt not die.- Jdg_6:22-23.
"Jesus is the same Lord over all, rich in mercy to all who call upon him."- Rom_10:12. There is no difference between Old Testament saints and New, in regard to the object of salvation; "Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." Poor Gideon thought a sight of the Lord must surely be present death; for, saith the Lord, "There shall no man see me and live."- Exo_33:20. But the Lord appeared to him, as the angel of the covenant, the Mediator, the interposer. Not in terrible majesty and fiery wrath, to strike him dead, but as the Saviour, the merciful one. This sight was attended with life to his soul and death to his fears. So Gideon found it, when he heard that ever-dear and most precious word, PEACE. This is ever the word of the bridegroom to his church. His birth is ushered in with "PEACE on earth." His dying legacy to his children is PEACE. Nothing but love dwells in his heart; nothing but peace is heard from his lips. This was his affectionate salutation to his beloved though dejected disciples, when he first appeared to them after his sufferings and death. His tender heart well knew how troubled their poor minds were: therefore over and over he repeats, "PEACE be unto you."- Joh_20:21.
As it was in the beginning, so it is now. Jesus silences guilty fears and perplexing doubts in disciples' hearts. Woe is me, saith the poor sinner, I am undone, I am unclean; mine eyes have seen the Lord of hosts in the purity and spirituality of his law, as a just God and a holy; a consuming fire, and who will by no means clear the guilty: I shall die. FEAR NOT, saith Jesus to every such trembling, repenting, believing heart; thou shalt not die, but live; neither shalt thou want(lack) my peace. Look unto me and be saved: inwardly listen to my word; treasure it up in thine heart. Wait in faith for the sweet and still voice of my Spirit: I create the fruit of the lips. "Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, and I will heal them." Such shall not only hear Christ's voice but feel his power. Their fears shall be taken away, and their sorrow removed. So shall their souls be joyful in him. Thus JESUS is precious to them. "He delivers them who through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage."- Heb_2:15. "Having made peace for us through the blood of his cross."- Col_1:20.
My groans and tears, and forms of woe,
Are turn'd to joy and praises now;
I throw my sackcloth on the ground,
And ease and gladness gird me round.
My tongue, the glory of Christ's name,
Shall ne'er be silent of his fame,
His praise shall sound thro' earth and heav'n,
For sickness heal'd, and sins forgiv'n.
[video=youtube;Hecaz4NkQVY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hecaz4NkQVY[/video]
August 23,
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.- Joh_3:7.
Spiritual doctrines ever appear to the judgment of carnal reason, foolishness. Marvel not to find the wisdom of natural men ever crying out, "How can these things be?" and explaining away their spiritual meaning by corrupt reasonings. We are not to expect a total freedom from our own carnal objections. The old man is yet alive; the kingdom of his residence, the flesh, is at war against that kingdom into which the soul is spiritually born. Many souls see clearly the nature of the doctrine of a new-birth of the soul, and are convinced of the necessity of it, in order to see the kingdom of God. But how are they straitened, pained, and perplexed to know whether it be accomplished in them or not! And indeed, many have so unscripturally treated of the new birth, as sadly to puzzle and grievously distress simple hearts. Is it not marvellous to find men gravely telling us how many steps a dead sinner must take, in order to get into this new birth? The time WHEN, many are uncertain of; for the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. The manner HOW, none can explain; "for the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." But the effects are visible and evident. As sense and motion are the properties of natural life, so when the soul is born again of the Spirit, there is a sight of Jesus, a hearing of his voice, the affections of the soul go out after him, believing him to be the way, the truth, and the life.
Hence, St. John lays down this infallible mark, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."- 1Jn_5:1. This is a simple, plain truth. Am I born of God? This must be answered by enquiring, do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed Son of GOD to the office of a Saviour, for lost and perishing sinners? Does this truth enter into my heart and mind? Is it received and believed as a matter which can only and alone bring relief to my guilty conscience, peace to my troubled mind, and hope to my dejected spirit? If so, I do believe in JESUS-he is the object of my faith and the hope of my heart. I am born again, born of GOD, born to see, to enter into, and enjoy the kingdom of GOD. The evidence of this, the soul, gets more and more strongly and clearly settled in the conscience as faith grows and increases. For its fruits will be manifest and abound in seeing sin's filthiness, feeling its burdens, hating and resisting it: striving to maintain a holy fellowship with God the Father, and his Son Jesus, through the Spirit.
Who can describe the joys that rise
Thro' all the courts of paradise,
To see a prodigal return,
To see an heir of glory born?
With joy the Father doth approve
The fruit of his eternal love;
The Son with joy looks down and sees
The purchase of his agonies.
The Spirit takes delight to view
The holy soul he form'd anew;
The saints and angels join to sing
The growing empire of their King.
[video=youtube;4m_dP2n-5W8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m_dP2n-5W8[/video]
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.- Joh_3:7.
Spiritual doctrines ever appear to the judgment of carnal reason, foolishness. Marvel not to find the wisdom of natural men ever crying out, "How can these things be?" and explaining away their spiritual meaning by corrupt reasonings. We are not to expect a total freedom from our own carnal objections. The old man is yet alive; the kingdom of his residence, the flesh, is at war against that kingdom into which the soul is spiritually born. Many souls see clearly the nature of the doctrine of a new-birth of the soul, and are convinced of the necessity of it, in order to see the kingdom of God. But how are they straitened, pained, and perplexed to know whether it be accomplished in them or not! And indeed, many have so unscripturally treated of the new birth, as sadly to puzzle and grievously distress simple hearts. Is it not marvellous to find men gravely telling us how many steps a dead sinner must take, in order to get into this new birth? The time WHEN, many are uncertain of; for the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. The manner HOW, none can explain; "for the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." But the effects are visible and evident. As sense and motion are the properties of natural life, so when the soul is born again of the Spirit, there is a sight of Jesus, a hearing of his voice, the affections of the soul go out after him, believing him to be the way, the truth, and the life.
Hence, St. John lays down this infallible mark, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God."- 1Jn_5:1. This is a simple, plain truth. Am I born of God? This must be answered by enquiring, do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed Son of GOD to the office of a Saviour, for lost and perishing sinners? Does this truth enter into my heart and mind? Is it received and believed as a matter which can only and alone bring relief to my guilty conscience, peace to my troubled mind, and hope to my dejected spirit? If so, I do believe in JESUS-he is the object of my faith and the hope of my heart. I am born again, born of GOD, born to see, to enter into, and enjoy the kingdom of GOD. The evidence of this, the soul, gets more and more strongly and clearly settled in the conscience as faith grows and increases. For its fruits will be manifest and abound in seeing sin's filthiness, feeling its burdens, hating and resisting it: striving to maintain a holy fellowship with God the Father, and his Son Jesus, through the Spirit.
Who can describe the joys that rise
Thro' all the courts of paradise,
To see a prodigal return,
To see an heir of glory born?
With joy the Father doth approve
The fruit of his eternal love;
The Son with joy looks down and sees
The purchase of his agonies.
The Spirit takes delight to view
The holy soul he form'd anew;
The saints and angels join to sing
The growing empire of their King.
[video=youtube;4m_dP2n-5W8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m_dP2n-5W8[/video]
August 24,
The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.- Gal_5:17.
Christian experience fully proves this apostolic truth. Hence the children of God cannot do the things that they would: nor have we any authority from God's word to conclude this lusting ever ceased in any of the saints till they got to glory; none are delivered from it while in the flesh. For, as the renewed soul or spirit loves to enjoy spiritual and heavenly objects, so the flesh, or unrenewed part, lusts after those objects it is naturally conversant with, and from which it derives its happiness. Here is thy conflict, O Christian. Hence the necessity of thy Lord's command, "Watch always." This is the use of the doctrine.
What woeful effects have fulfilling the lusts or desires of the flesh produced in eminent saints! Thou standest by faith, be not high-minded, but fear. The conceptions of lust are the productions of sin.- Jam_1:15. The commission of sin contracts fresh sense of guilt. This is the malady and sickness of the soul. Hence, the many symptoms attendant on guilt, legal fears, terrors of conscience, accusations from the law, triumphs of Satan, dejection of soul, distance from God, backwardness to duty, coolness of affection to Jesus, shyness at or neglect of a throne of grace.
Alas! poor souls, when they have fallen, and are sensible of the melancholy effects, they feel the hurt they have received. Verily their hearts know the bitterness of it. Awful effects of fresh contracted guilt! How much to be deplored! how carefully to be watched against, and prayed to be kept from!
But whilst there is "a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness," whilst the Mediator's "blood cleanseth from all sin," whilst the glad tidings of the gospel proclaim salvation by grace for the chief of sinners, there is no ground for black despair to any backsliding children, though they have revolted from a God of love. Here is all encouragement-to what? To love to live at a distance from Jesus, and lie down and wallow in the mire of sin because grace abounds? No godly soul can do this; for "the Spirit also lusteth against the flesh;" the Spirit renews again to repentance. Thus Luther: 'The more godly a man is, the more doth he feel this battle between the flesh and the Spirit.' Hereof cometh those lamentable complaints in the Psalms and other scriptures. It profiteth us very much to see sometimes the wickedness of our nature and corruption of the flesh, that by this means we may be waked and stirred up to call upon Christ. So a Christian is made to see Jesus a wonderful Creator, who out of heaviness can make joy; of terror, comfort; of sin, righteousness; and of death, life. This is our ground and anchor-hold, that Christ is our ONLY AND PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS.
[video=youtube;c7uRX4srnsM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7uRX4srnsM[/video]
The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.- Gal_5:17.
Christian experience fully proves this apostolic truth. Hence the children of God cannot do the things that they would: nor have we any authority from God's word to conclude this lusting ever ceased in any of the saints till they got to glory; none are delivered from it while in the flesh. For, as the renewed soul or spirit loves to enjoy spiritual and heavenly objects, so the flesh, or unrenewed part, lusts after those objects it is naturally conversant with, and from which it derives its happiness. Here is thy conflict, O Christian. Hence the necessity of thy Lord's command, "Watch always." This is the use of the doctrine.
What woeful effects have fulfilling the lusts or desires of the flesh produced in eminent saints! Thou standest by faith, be not high-minded, but fear. The conceptions of lust are the productions of sin.- Jam_1:15. The commission of sin contracts fresh sense of guilt. This is the malady and sickness of the soul. Hence, the many symptoms attendant on guilt, legal fears, terrors of conscience, accusations from the law, triumphs of Satan, dejection of soul, distance from God, backwardness to duty, coolness of affection to Jesus, shyness at or neglect of a throne of grace.
Alas! poor souls, when they have fallen, and are sensible of the melancholy effects, they feel the hurt they have received. Verily their hearts know the bitterness of it. Awful effects of fresh contracted guilt! How much to be deplored! how carefully to be watched against, and prayed to be kept from!
But whilst there is "a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness," whilst the Mediator's "blood cleanseth from all sin," whilst the glad tidings of the gospel proclaim salvation by grace for the chief of sinners, there is no ground for black despair to any backsliding children, though they have revolted from a God of love. Here is all encouragement-to what? To love to live at a distance from Jesus, and lie down and wallow in the mire of sin because grace abounds? No godly soul can do this; for "the Spirit also lusteth against the flesh;" the Spirit renews again to repentance. Thus Luther: 'The more godly a man is, the more doth he feel this battle between the flesh and the Spirit.' Hereof cometh those lamentable complaints in the Psalms and other scriptures. It profiteth us very much to see sometimes the wickedness of our nature and corruption of the flesh, that by this means we may be waked and stirred up to call upon Christ. So a Christian is made to see Jesus a wonderful Creator, who out of heaviness can make joy; of terror, comfort; of sin, righteousness; and of death, life. This is our ground and anchor-hold, that Christ is our ONLY AND PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS.
[video=youtube;c7uRX4srnsM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7uRX4srnsM[/video]
August 25,
And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? Will ye save him?- Jdg_6:31.
When the Lord Jesus appears and manifests himself to the soul, it is so struck with his glory and grace, that it cries out in holy ecstasy, "What have I to do any more with idols?"- Hos_14:8 -and an altar for spiritual worship is presently set up in the heart, and consecrated to Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord of peace. In this chapter is a sweet view of the zeal of Gideon for the true worship of Jehovah. He instantly obeyed the word of Jesus, the angel of the presence, the man, the PEACE who appeared to him, and at his command he threw down the altar of Baal. He expected opposition from his Father's household and from the men of the city, therefore he did it by night. A blessed instance of the obedience of faith joined to sanctified reason. As to the consequence after the work done, he "conferred not with flesh and blood;" he was "in nothing terrified by his adversaries." They demanded his life; but Joash his father was raised up like the fire of zeal from the Lord to argue with them. "Will ye, ye men of Israel, ye professed people of Jehovah, will ye plead for Baal? will ye serve an idol?" Be zealous, O disciple, for thy Lord; fear no consequences.
The Lord is on thy side, what hast thou to fear from those who are against thee? Be not discouraged, though thou dost find great professors; children of the visible church, thy mother; yea the children of thy Father's grace also join in pleading by word or practice for Baal. This name signifies he that rules or subdues; a master, lord, or husband. This may most justly be applied to sin in general, and every idol lust in particular. So saith Paul, "His servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness."- Rom_6:16. Thou free man, thou heaven born son of the Lord, know thy freedom, study thy liberty.
Strive by the Spirit's aid to live up to thy privilege, (in spite of all that professing men or opposing devils plead against it) above the domineering power of lusts, the galling yoke of sin: thy Saviour has all power in heaven and earth! Plead with him; expect power from him; thou canst do all things through Christ strengthening thee. Faith surmounts every difficulty; it silences carnal reasonings and vain pleadings from every quarter. While Jesus is viewed, sin is abhorred and holiness loved, desired, and shall be increased in the soul.
Thou art my portion, O my God;
Make me to know thy way:
O cause my heart t' obey thy word,
And that without delay.
I choose the path of heav'nly truth,
And glory in my choice;
Not all the riches of the earth
Could make me so rejoice.
The testimonies of thy grace
I set before my eyes;
Thence I derive my daily strength,
And there my comfort lies.
[video=youtube;BpfWnOOvlL8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpfWnOOvlL8[/video]
And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? Will ye save him?- Jdg_6:31.
When the Lord Jesus appears and manifests himself to the soul, it is so struck with his glory and grace, that it cries out in holy ecstasy, "What have I to do any more with idols?"- Hos_14:8 -and an altar for spiritual worship is presently set up in the heart, and consecrated to Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord of peace. In this chapter is a sweet view of the zeal of Gideon for the true worship of Jehovah. He instantly obeyed the word of Jesus, the angel of the presence, the man, the PEACE who appeared to him, and at his command he threw down the altar of Baal. He expected opposition from his Father's household and from the men of the city, therefore he did it by night. A blessed instance of the obedience of faith joined to sanctified reason. As to the consequence after the work done, he "conferred not with flesh and blood;" he was "in nothing terrified by his adversaries." They demanded his life; but Joash his father was raised up like the fire of zeal from the Lord to argue with them. "Will ye, ye men of Israel, ye professed people of Jehovah, will ye plead for Baal? will ye serve an idol?" Be zealous, O disciple, for thy Lord; fear no consequences.
The Lord is on thy side, what hast thou to fear from those who are against thee? Be not discouraged, though thou dost find great professors; children of the visible church, thy mother; yea the children of thy Father's grace also join in pleading by word or practice for Baal. This name signifies he that rules or subdues; a master, lord, or husband. This may most justly be applied to sin in general, and every idol lust in particular. So saith Paul, "His servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness."- Rom_6:16. Thou free man, thou heaven born son of the Lord, know thy freedom, study thy liberty.
Strive by the Spirit's aid to live up to thy privilege, (in spite of all that professing men or opposing devils plead against it) above the domineering power of lusts, the galling yoke of sin: thy Saviour has all power in heaven and earth! Plead with him; expect power from him; thou canst do all things through Christ strengthening thee. Faith surmounts every difficulty; it silences carnal reasonings and vain pleadings from every quarter. While Jesus is viewed, sin is abhorred and holiness loved, desired, and shall be increased in the soul.
Thou art my portion, O my God;
Make me to know thy way:
O cause my heart t' obey thy word,
And that without delay.
I choose the path of heav'nly truth,
And glory in my choice;
Not all the riches of the earth
Could make me so rejoice.
The testimonies of thy grace
I set before my eyes;
Thence I derive my daily strength,
And there my comfort lies.
[video=youtube;BpfWnOOvlL8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpfWnOOvlL8[/video]
August 26,
Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty: only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.- Gal_5:13.
Peter was grieved because his Lord asked him the third time, "Lovest thou me?" Sure it ought to be matter of concern and grief to the loving, generous hearts of disciples, to think they yet need this caution of the Spirit. But, verily we all do. The most sanctified [person] is yet in the flesh; and the flesh with its affections and lusts are alive: they are ever lusting and striving against the Spirit. The holy, happy soul, who is set at liberty from sin, Satan, and the law, in his conscience, is hereby liable to be brought again under bondage to the law and thralldom to sin. Know thy danger; dread thine enemy; yea, rather fear and love thy best friend Jesus; cry to him, Lord keep me continually. "Thou hast delivered my once captive soul from the power of the enemy; thou hast brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings, and put a new song in my mouth of praise to thee my Jesus and my God."- Psa_40:2-3.
Keep, O keep me from the deceitful workings and carnal reasonings of my corrupt, sinful self, the flesh! What is this liberty we are called into? Not a perfect freedom from the being of sin, but a perfect deliverance from every curse of the law, from all the wrath of God denounced in the law, from the bondage of being under the law, to do any thing to gain God's love, recommend us to his favor, or entitle us to his kingdom. All this liberty we are called into by the faith of Jesus. He is the end or fulfiller of the law for righteousness to us who believe. O, what a glorious liberty are we called unto! Even a freedom from all sin in the conscience; so to live upon Jesus, as to consider ourselves in him, as perfectly free from all sin, entirely dead to it, and our conscience so cleansed by his blood, as to be ever easy, serene, and comfortable, as though we were innocent and never had sinned.
O, this is heavenly liberty to new-born souls! This creates a paradise upon earth. This is daily to be prized and enjoyed through the Spirit. Now, how base and ungrateful ever to use, or rather abuse this liberty as an occasion to the flesh! But even the Lord's own freemen are in danger of this through the vileness of their natures, the deceitfulness of their hearts, and the subtle devices of Satan, else the apostle had not thus addressed the BRETHREN. The doctrines of grace, the love of Jesus, and living on him by faith, lay the flesh under bondage and restraint. We cannot walk in the liberty of the Spirit, and yet fulfil the lusts of the flesh. We cannot serve God and Mammon. Thou free-men of the Lord, canst thou barter peace with Jesus for the gratifications of thy lusts? O rather "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made thee free."- Gal_5:1.
Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty: only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.- Gal_5:13.
Peter was grieved because his Lord asked him the third time, "Lovest thou me?" Sure it ought to be matter of concern and grief to the loving, generous hearts of disciples, to think they yet need this caution of the Spirit. But, verily we all do. The most sanctified [person] is yet in the flesh; and the flesh with its affections and lusts are alive: they are ever lusting and striving against the Spirit. The holy, happy soul, who is set at liberty from sin, Satan, and the law, in his conscience, is hereby liable to be brought again under bondage to the law and thralldom to sin. Know thy danger; dread thine enemy; yea, rather fear and love thy best friend Jesus; cry to him, Lord keep me continually. "Thou hast delivered my once captive soul from the power of the enemy; thou hast brought me out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings, and put a new song in my mouth of praise to thee my Jesus and my God."- Psa_40:2-3.
Keep, O keep me from the deceitful workings and carnal reasonings of my corrupt, sinful self, the flesh! What is this liberty we are called into? Not a perfect freedom from the being of sin, but a perfect deliverance from every curse of the law, from all the wrath of God denounced in the law, from the bondage of being under the law, to do any thing to gain God's love, recommend us to his favor, or entitle us to his kingdom. All this liberty we are called into by the faith of Jesus. He is the end or fulfiller of the law for righteousness to us who believe. O, what a glorious liberty are we called unto! Even a freedom from all sin in the conscience; so to live upon Jesus, as to consider ourselves in him, as perfectly free from all sin, entirely dead to it, and our conscience so cleansed by his blood, as to be ever easy, serene, and comfortable, as though we were innocent and never had sinned.
O, this is heavenly liberty to new-born souls! This creates a paradise upon earth. This is daily to be prized and enjoyed through the Spirit. Now, how base and ungrateful ever to use, or rather abuse this liberty as an occasion to the flesh! But even the Lord's own freemen are in danger of this through the vileness of their natures, the deceitfulness of their hearts, and the subtle devices of Satan, else the apostle had not thus addressed the BRETHREN. The doctrines of grace, the love of Jesus, and living on him by faith, lay the flesh under bondage and restraint. We cannot walk in the liberty of the Spirit, and yet fulfil the lusts of the flesh. We cannot serve God and Mammon. Thou free-men of the Lord, canst thou barter peace with Jesus for the gratifications of thy lusts? O rather "stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made thee free."- Gal_5:1.
Great message, not much in the music dept. 
[video=youtube;Z6KYQkFFpIc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6KYQkFFpIc[/video]
[video=youtube;Z6KYQkFFpIc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6KYQkFFpIc[/video]
August 27,
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him.- Isa_57:18.
What a glorious declaration of free grace is this! Here is an absolute promise of mercy, not excited by the worthiness of the creature, but proceeding solely from the loving heart of a covenant God. Well might David say, "In thy word do I trust: I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil."- Psa_119:162. The life of the soul is supported by the word of the Lord. This is the object of faith, the encourager of hope, and the exciter of love. Jesus is the essential word by whom Jehovah speaks. The scriptures are revealed truths by the Spirit, of God's purposes, promises, and grace. Behold, be astonished and humbled, O soul, at thy apostacy, backslidings, and rebellion! Behold, admire, adore, and love the infinitely gracious procedures of the Father of all mercies.
Here is the criminal arraigned at the bar; iniquity charged upon him; God's displeasure at it repeatedly declared; his chastising hand smote him for it. This reclaims not. The Lord hides his loving face-withdraws the light of his countenance. What is the effect? A froward behaviour-still walking in his own ways, contrary to the Lord. Might one not expect the next words should thunder curses and damnation? Be astonished, O heavens! What readest thou, O man? Is it, I have seen his ways, and will damn him? O, no, But, though I hate his ways, yet I love his soul. My super-abounding grace shall reign and triumph over all the aboundings of sin. I will heal his soul; I will pardon him. Thou poor doubting soul, with thy legal frames, go and learn what that meaneth, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy."- Exo_33:19. "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice."
The blood of my people shall not be sacrificed to my vengeance, saith the Lord. Here is the glory of grace. This the triumph of faith. Mercy proclaimed, shews the munificence of God; but the dejected heart may still be in suspense. Is it for me? Yes, if thou believest on the Son of God. As Jesus is thy salvation, his Spirit assures thee of thine interest in his love. Where the truth is received by faith, the comfort shall be enjoyed. When God pardons in his heart, he leads the pardoned sinner to the knowledge and enjoyment of it, and restores lost comforts to the backsliding soul. A sense of pardon is the essence of gospel-grace and comfort; the result of Jesus' atonement, the gift of the gracious Spirit, and the privilege of believing souls. It is presumption to expect what God has not promised. It is injurious unbelief not to plead when the Lord bids us "ask and receive."- Joh_16:24.
O may thy pard'ning grace be nigh,
Lest we should faint, despair and die!
Thus shall our better thoughts approve
The methods of thy chast'ning love.
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him.- Isa_57:18.
What a glorious declaration of free grace is this! Here is an absolute promise of mercy, not excited by the worthiness of the creature, but proceeding solely from the loving heart of a covenant God. Well might David say, "In thy word do I trust: I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil."- Psa_119:162. The life of the soul is supported by the word of the Lord. This is the object of faith, the encourager of hope, and the exciter of love. Jesus is the essential word by whom Jehovah speaks. The scriptures are revealed truths by the Spirit, of God's purposes, promises, and grace. Behold, be astonished and humbled, O soul, at thy apostacy, backslidings, and rebellion! Behold, admire, adore, and love the infinitely gracious procedures of the Father of all mercies.
Here is the criminal arraigned at the bar; iniquity charged upon him; God's displeasure at it repeatedly declared; his chastising hand smote him for it. This reclaims not. The Lord hides his loving face-withdraws the light of his countenance. What is the effect? A froward behaviour-still walking in his own ways, contrary to the Lord. Might one not expect the next words should thunder curses and damnation? Be astonished, O heavens! What readest thou, O man? Is it, I have seen his ways, and will damn him? O, no, But, though I hate his ways, yet I love his soul. My super-abounding grace shall reign and triumph over all the aboundings of sin. I will heal his soul; I will pardon him. Thou poor doubting soul, with thy legal frames, go and learn what that meaneth, "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy."- Exo_33:19. "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice."
The blood of my people shall not be sacrificed to my vengeance, saith the Lord. Here is the glory of grace. This the triumph of faith. Mercy proclaimed, shews the munificence of God; but the dejected heart may still be in suspense. Is it for me? Yes, if thou believest on the Son of God. As Jesus is thy salvation, his Spirit assures thee of thine interest in his love. Where the truth is received by faith, the comfort shall be enjoyed. When God pardons in his heart, he leads the pardoned sinner to the knowledge and enjoyment of it, and restores lost comforts to the backsliding soul. A sense of pardon is the essence of gospel-grace and comfort; the result of Jesus' atonement, the gift of the gracious Spirit, and the privilege of believing souls. It is presumption to expect what God has not promised. It is injurious unbelief not to plead when the Lord bids us "ask and receive."- Joh_16:24.
O may thy pard'ning grace be nigh,
Lest we should faint, despair and die!
Thus shall our better thoughts approve
The methods of thy chast'ning love.
Oh, a little Catholic Christmas comfort never hurt anyone
[video=youtube;hONtxzbUMhA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hONtxzbUMhA[/video]
[video=youtube;hONtxzbUMhA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hONtxzbUMhA[/video]
August 28,
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee: in whose heart are the ways of them.- Psa_84:5.
When hearts are united in love there is a mutual complacency and delight in each other. Presence increaseth pleasure, absence begets uneasiness, jealousy of displeasing and fear of offending mutually subsist in each party. In some sense this holds good between the beloved soul and the loving Lord. All love is from him; and as rivers from the sea return back to the great ocean, so the love which comes from God naturally flows back in complacency and affection of soul to him. To know God is to love him; both for what he is in himself, and what he is to us in Christ Jesus. The poor sinner who knows that he is in himself "without strength," rejoiceth at his very soul to know that the omnipotent Jesus is his strength; that all his might and power to strive against sin, to resist Satan, to overcome the world, is from above; it is treasured up in Jesus, and out of his fulness he is strengthened by the power of the Spirit through faith.
But is the converted heart a mere vacuum, like an empty vessel? No, truly; Jesus dwells there by faith. It is a fit habitation for the Spirit, and the love of the Father is shed abroad in it. "The ways of them," even Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in the heart. Then the way of everlasting love and eternal election is delighted in; the way of free grace and complete salvation by Jesus is gloried in; the way of atonement by his precious blood, the way of justification and clothing of poor sinners by his perfect righteousness are wholly trusted to and rejoiced in. The gifts and graces of the
Holy Spirit, as flowing from Jesus' finished work, in making the soul inwardly holy, and outwardly obedient to the Lord; in comforting and rejoicing the heart by the testimony of Jesus, are more and more sought after; and the hopes and views of glory in this sovereign, free, gracious WAY, are longed for and expected. Blessed, O man, art thou indeed! Blessed of thy God! Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus! Blessed, not for days, months, and years; but loved from eternity, and blessed to eternity! Thy Lord hath blessed thee and he will not reverse it. Real godliness consists not merely in a system of notions in the head, but in the indwelling presence of Jehovah in the heart. Is this thy happiness, O sinner? What love hath the great God to vile man! He dwelt in flesh FOR us. He saith also, "I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them."- 2Co_6:16.
How well thy blessed truths agree!
How wise and holy thy commands!
Thy promises how firm they be!
How firm our hope and comfort stands!
Should all the forms that men devise,
Assault my faith with treach'rous art,
I'd call them vanity and lies,
And bind the gospel to my heart.
[video=youtube;lsJ_5Yoinok]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsJ_5Yoinok[/video]
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee: in whose heart are the ways of them.- Psa_84:5.
When hearts are united in love there is a mutual complacency and delight in each other. Presence increaseth pleasure, absence begets uneasiness, jealousy of displeasing and fear of offending mutually subsist in each party. In some sense this holds good between the beloved soul and the loving Lord. All love is from him; and as rivers from the sea return back to the great ocean, so the love which comes from God naturally flows back in complacency and affection of soul to him. To know God is to love him; both for what he is in himself, and what he is to us in Christ Jesus. The poor sinner who knows that he is in himself "without strength," rejoiceth at his very soul to know that the omnipotent Jesus is his strength; that all his might and power to strive against sin, to resist Satan, to overcome the world, is from above; it is treasured up in Jesus, and out of his fulness he is strengthened by the power of the Spirit through faith.
But is the converted heart a mere vacuum, like an empty vessel? No, truly; Jesus dwells there by faith. It is a fit habitation for the Spirit, and the love of the Father is shed abroad in it. "The ways of them," even Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in the heart. Then the way of everlasting love and eternal election is delighted in; the way of free grace and complete salvation by Jesus is gloried in; the way of atonement by his precious blood, the way of justification and clothing of poor sinners by his perfect righteousness are wholly trusted to and rejoiced in. The gifts and graces of the
Holy Spirit, as flowing from Jesus' finished work, in making the soul inwardly holy, and outwardly obedient to the Lord; in comforting and rejoicing the heart by the testimony of Jesus, are more and more sought after; and the hopes and views of glory in this sovereign, free, gracious WAY, are longed for and expected. Blessed, O man, art thou indeed! Blessed of thy God! Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus! Blessed, not for days, months, and years; but loved from eternity, and blessed to eternity! Thy Lord hath blessed thee and he will not reverse it. Real godliness consists not merely in a system of notions in the head, but in the indwelling presence of Jehovah in the heart. Is this thy happiness, O sinner? What love hath the great God to vile man! He dwelt in flesh FOR us. He saith also, "I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them."- 2Co_6:16.
How well thy blessed truths agree!
How wise and holy thy commands!
Thy promises how firm they be!
How firm our hope and comfort stands!
Should all the forms that men devise,
Assault my faith with treach'rous art,
I'd call them vanity and lies,
And bind the gospel to my heart.
[video=youtube;lsJ_5Yoinok]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsJ_5Yoinok[/video]
August 29,
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.- Psa_23:1.
All comfort is derived to the soul from the knowledge of what Jehovah is to us. This we know by the word of truth, and enjoy in the sweet exercise of faith. "I am the good shepherd," saith Jesus- Joh_10:11. Thou art MY shepherd, says the believing soul. Thus, whatever office or character Jesus sustains, it is the glory of faith not only to view the Lord as such, but to draw sweet peace and comfort from it to one's own heart: that thou art to ME. David knew the duty of a shepherd by experience. How watchful to preserve from danger, and how careful to guide and feed the sheep committed to his trust! But herein is the peculiar love of the shepherd of our souls; he "gave his life for his sheep." And after such love manifested to them, shall they want either his power to protect, or his grace to supply their need? No; that is impossible.
But a sheep is a silly weak creature; it often bleats and makes a noise when it wants nothing; so do we. Though it knows its shepherd, and hears his voice, still it is naturally prone to wander from rich and green pastures, to break out of the fold, and, if left to itself, would leap into the very jaws of its enemy: so foolish are we also. Hence arises our distress; for when we look to what we are in ourselves, and lose sight of the love and care of our dear shepherd, we cast our eyes around us, and call in this distressing thought and the other distracting care. Hence we often send forth the bleatings of unbelief, and cry out, "We shall certainly perish for want of supply and assistance." But where is the Lord our shepherd?
Alas! we forget his dying love, his covenant engagements, his watchful care; we listen not enough to the sweet voice of our shepherd, but to the enemy, who speaks terror; and our poor hearts are affrighted and tremble. But in opposition to all that sin, Satan, and the law can say or do against us, "The voice of the Lord is a mighty voice: the voice of the Lord hath the preeminence." And Jesus our shepherd saith, "I give unto my sheep-what? Grace, upon condition that they will continue to be my sheep, hear my voice, and follow me?" Infinitely more: security stronger than the mountains; comfort more unfathomable than the great deep. "I know my sheep;" my Father gave them unto me: I lay down my life for them. Shall the enemy rob me of one of my purchased ones, or my dear Father of one of the objects of his love? No: they shall never want my Spirit to keep, to quicken, to comfort, and enable them to persevere till they receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall NEVER perish, neither shall ANY pluck them out of my hand."- Joh_10:28.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.- Psa_23:1.
All comfort is derived to the soul from the knowledge of what Jehovah is to us. This we know by the word of truth, and enjoy in the sweet exercise of faith. "I am the good shepherd," saith Jesus- Joh_10:11. Thou art MY shepherd, says the believing soul. Thus, whatever office or character Jesus sustains, it is the glory of faith not only to view the Lord as such, but to draw sweet peace and comfort from it to one's own heart: that thou art to ME. David knew the duty of a shepherd by experience. How watchful to preserve from danger, and how careful to guide and feed the sheep committed to his trust! But herein is the peculiar love of the shepherd of our souls; he "gave his life for his sheep." And after such love manifested to them, shall they want either his power to protect, or his grace to supply their need? No; that is impossible.
But a sheep is a silly weak creature; it often bleats and makes a noise when it wants nothing; so do we. Though it knows its shepherd, and hears his voice, still it is naturally prone to wander from rich and green pastures, to break out of the fold, and, if left to itself, would leap into the very jaws of its enemy: so foolish are we also. Hence arises our distress; for when we look to what we are in ourselves, and lose sight of the love and care of our dear shepherd, we cast our eyes around us, and call in this distressing thought and the other distracting care. Hence we often send forth the bleatings of unbelief, and cry out, "We shall certainly perish for want of supply and assistance." But where is the Lord our shepherd?
Alas! we forget his dying love, his covenant engagements, his watchful care; we listen not enough to the sweet voice of our shepherd, but to the enemy, who speaks terror; and our poor hearts are affrighted and tremble. But in opposition to all that sin, Satan, and the law can say or do against us, "The voice of the Lord is a mighty voice: the voice of the Lord hath the preeminence." And Jesus our shepherd saith, "I give unto my sheep-what? Grace, upon condition that they will continue to be my sheep, hear my voice, and follow me?" Infinitely more: security stronger than the mountains; comfort more unfathomable than the great deep. "I know my sheep;" my Father gave them unto me: I lay down my life for them. Shall the enemy rob me of one of my purchased ones, or my dear Father of one of the objects of his love? No: they shall never want my Spirit to keep, to quicken, to comfort, and enable them to persevere till they receive the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall NEVER perish, neither shall ANY pluck them out of my hand."- Joh_10:28.
A TWOFER
[video=youtube;kmdil5qzESQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmdil5qzESQ[/video]
[video=youtube;kmdil5qzESQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmdil5qzESQ[/video]
August 30,
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.- Mat_5:3.
In the day of the Spirit's power "the lofty looks of man are humbled, the haughtiness of man is bowed down, and the Lord alone is exalted in that day."- Isa_2:11. Then a man's own righteousness, wherein he trusted, is seen as filthy rags. His strength he boasted of, is found to be perfect weakness; his heart, in which he gloried as good, is found to be deceitful and desperately wicked. Then he becomes in his own eyes a POOR SINNER. He knows his poverty; he feels his wretchedness. Thus, when Jesus alone is exalted in his sight, he becomes little, vile, and mean in his own eyes; then he is poor in spirit, a mere BEGGAR, who must be wholly indebted to free-grace bounty and free-gift mercy. Though he sees his state to be guilty, wretched, and desperate, yet he is blessed: Why so? Merely because he sees and knows himself to be wretched, poor, miserable, blind, and naked? Alas! this knowledge, like Job's friends, would prove but as a miserable comforter to his soul. He can no more trust in his known poverty and rags to entitle him to the kingdom, than in his fancied robes and riches. But such are blessed or happy, because the grace of the kingdom is in their hearts NOW, "and theirs is the kingdom of heaven in glory." Most joyful consideration! They are chosen to it by the love of the father; they are blessed in Christ Jesus with all spiritual blessings; and, as an evidence of this, the Holy Spirit bestows on them "wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus: he enlightens the eyes of their understanding; then they know what is the hope of their calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."- Eph_1:17-18. How unspeakably blessed! How immensely rich are the poor in spirit! "Having nothing in themselves, yet possessing all things in Christ Jesus."
It is usual, in worldly commerce, where a person's credit is not established, to value himself upon the credit of some rich person: so he gains credit and repute. Thus the poor sinner values himself upon the riches of Jesus Christ for all esteem and acceptance in the sight of God, and herein we have confidence for all things. Who is our wisdom? Jesus. Who is our righteousness? Jesus. Who is our sanctification? Jesus. Who is our redemption? Jesus. He is our glory, our crown, our hope, and our daily rejoicing. Here, O soul, is thy precious inventory! Read it, and rejoice at thy riches. "All things are yours:" ministers, the world, life, death, things present, things to come, are all yours. Why? because you are faithful to grace, and have fulfilled terms and conditions to gain or secure the favor of God? No: infinitely higher cause; "Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."- 1Co_3:23.
[video=youtube;_LkKtX50Elk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LkKtX50Elk[/video]
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.- Mat_5:3.
In the day of the Spirit's power "the lofty looks of man are humbled, the haughtiness of man is bowed down, and the Lord alone is exalted in that day."- Isa_2:11. Then a man's own righteousness, wherein he trusted, is seen as filthy rags. His strength he boasted of, is found to be perfect weakness; his heart, in which he gloried as good, is found to be deceitful and desperately wicked. Then he becomes in his own eyes a POOR SINNER. He knows his poverty; he feels his wretchedness. Thus, when Jesus alone is exalted in his sight, he becomes little, vile, and mean in his own eyes; then he is poor in spirit, a mere BEGGAR, who must be wholly indebted to free-grace bounty and free-gift mercy. Though he sees his state to be guilty, wretched, and desperate, yet he is blessed: Why so? Merely because he sees and knows himself to be wretched, poor, miserable, blind, and naked? Alas! this knowledge, like Job's friends, would prove but as a miserable comforter to his soul. He can no more trust in his known poverty and rags to entitle him to the kingdom, than in his fancied robes and riches. But such are blessed or happy, because the grace of the kingdom is in their hearts NOW, "and theirs is the kingdom of heaven in glory." Most joyful consideration! They are chosen to it by the love of the father; they are blessed in Christ Jesus with all spiritual blessings; and, as an evidence of this, the Holy Spirit bestows on them "wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus: he enlightens the eyes of their understanding; then they know what is the hope of their calling, and what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."- Eph_1:17-18. How unspeakably blessed! How immensely rich are the poor in spirit! "Having nothing in themselves, yet possessing all things in Christ Jesus."
It is usual, in worldly commerce, where a person's credit is not established, to value himself upon the credit of some rich person: so he gains credit and repute. Thus the poor sinner values himself upon the riches of Jesus Christ for all esteem and acceptance in the sight of God, and herein we have confidence for all things. Who is our wisdom? Jesus. Who is our righteousness? Jesus. Who is our sanctification? Jesus. Who is our redemption? Jesus. He is our glory, our crown, our hope, and our daily rejoicing. Here, O soul, is thy precious inventory! Read it, and rejoice at thy riches. "All things are yours:" ministers, the world, life, death, things present, things to come, are all yours. Why? because you are faithful to grace, and have fulfilled terms and conditions to gain or secure the favor of God? No: infinitely higher cause; "Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."- 1Co_3:23.
[video=youtube;_LkKtX50Elk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LkKtX50Elk[/video]
August 31,
Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.- Rom_6:11.
There is a death IN sin which we are all naturally under. There is a death FOR sin; this our dear Saviour (we can never think of it too much, nor mention it too often) suffered for on the tree. And there is a death UNTO sin, which every believing member of Jesus partakes of, by virtue of union to him. For when Jesus died for sin on the cross, all his members were mystically considered in him, and dying in him, as their covenant head and representative, unto sin. And, by communion with Jesus, the same Spirit which raised up Jesus the head, dwells in the mortal bodies of his believing members, quickening them to newness of life. From hence the apostle would have such reckon, infer, or conclude themselves "to be dead indeed unto sin." And on the same account, and for the same reason, "alive unto God, through Jesus Christ."
Now, believer, how dost thou reckon, reason, and conclude of thy spiritual estate? because thou dost not find all sin dead in thee, but feelest the motions of sin stirring and raging for the mastery over thee, dost thou from hence judge of thy state, and conclude thou hast not the faith of God's elect? Alas! this will distress thy soul, weaken thy confidence of faith, administer life and vigour to thy sins and lusts, and bring death upon thy spiritual life of comfort, love, and holiness. The word of God is the only rule of our faith; by that we are to determine of our state. Though sin be alive in thee, yet thou art to reckon thyself dead to that, so as to have nothing to do with it. Though thou groanest under "a body of death," yet thou art to conclude thyself "alive unto God through Jesus Christ." Reckon thyself dead to that sin of sins: UNBELIEF. This is the life of all other sins. Be deaf to its reasonings, dead to its pleas. Both dishonor thy Lord, and rob thy soul of its comfort.
Here is the mystery of faith. This is to be held in a pure conscience. There is a freedom from sin; of access to God with boldness. Here is the victory of saints. Here is the triumph of truth against all our enemies, to the death of sin and the life of holiness. Hence, through the Spirit of truth springs our daily comfort, continued growth in grace, in the knowledge of Jesus, and in personal holiness of life and conversation.
Do we not know that solemn word,
That we are bury'd with the Lord,
Baptiz'd into his death, and then
Put off the body of our sin?
Our souls receive diviner breath,
Rais'd from corruption guilt and death;
So from the grave did Christ arise.
And lives to God above the skies.
No more let sin and Satan reign
Over our mortal flesh again;
The various lusts we serv'd before,
Shall have dominion now no more.
[video=youtube;UfMnsdzwQLc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfMnsdzwQLc[/video]
Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ.- Rom_6:11.
There is a death IN sin which we are all naturally under. There is a death FOR sin; this our dear Saviour (we can never think of it too much, nor mention it too often) suffered for on the tree. And there is a death UNTO sin, which every believing member of Jesus partakes of, by virtue of union to him. For when Jesus died for sin on the cross, all his members were mystically considered in him, and dying in him, as their covenant head and representative, unto sin. And, by communion with Jesus, the same Spirit which raised up Jesus the head, dwells in the mortal bodies of his believing members, quickening them to newness of life. From hence the apostle would have such reckon, infer, or conclude themselves "to be dead indeed unto sin." And on the same account, and for the same reason, "alive unto God, through Jesus Christ."
Now, believer, how dost thou reckon, reason, and conclude of thy spiritual estate? because thou dost not find all sin dead in thee, but feelest the motions of sin stirring and raging for the mastery over thee, dost thou from hence judge of thy state, and conclude thou hast not the faith of God's elect? Alas! this will distress thy soul, weaken thy confidence of faith, administer life and vigour to thy sins and lusts, and bring death upon thy spiritual life of comfort, love, and holiness. The word of God is the only rule of our faith; by that we are to determine of our state. Though sin be alive in thee, yet thou art to reckon thyself dead to that, so as to have nothing to do with it. Though thou groanest under "a body of death," yet thou art to conclude thyself "alive unto God through Jesus Christ." Reckon thyself dead to that sin of sins: UNBELIEF. This is the life of all other sins. Be deaf to its reasonings, dead to its pleas. Both dishonor thy Lord, and rob thy soul of its comfort.
Here is the mystery of faith. This is to be held in a pure conscience. There is a freedom from sin; of access to God with boldness. Here is the victory of saints. Here is the triumph of truth against all our enemies, to the death of sin and the life of holiness. Hence, through the Spirit of truth springs our daily comfort, continued growth in grace, in the knowledge of Jesus, and in personal holiness of life and conversation.
Do we not know that solemn word,
That we are bury'd with the Lord,
Baptiz'd into his death, and then
Put off the body of our sin?
Our souls receive diviner breath,
Rais'd from corruption guilt and death;
So from the grave did Christ arise.
And lives to God above the skies.
No more let sin and Satan reign
Over our mortal flesh again;
The various lusts we serv'd before,
Shall have dominion now no more.
[video=youtube;UfMnsdzwQLc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfMnsdzwQLc[/video]
September 1,
For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.- Rom_5:10.
Near twenty years ago, upon hearing a certain preacher vehemently assert, "that souls might be justified by faith in Jesus, and yet afterwards burn in hell," my soul was brought into great darkness, perplexity, and distress. Glory to my dear Lord, by this very text he again restored light, peace, and joy to my soul, and clearly taught and comfortably established me in the scriptural doctrine of the certain perseverance of all God's saints to eternal glory. I record this to the praise of our dear Lord, and to the comfort of his people. "If when we were enemies:"-to whom? Our worst foe, Satan? No: but to our best friend, God: the God of our salvation; to Jesus our God and Saviour; to God the Spirit our sanctifier; to the gospel of his grace, and word of our salvation. O, what a precious word is this! "reconciled to God." God in Christ was reconciled to us. O, what love and grace ever dwelt in his heart to us enemies, traitors, and rebels against him! this he manifested in reconciling us to himself. How? "By the death of his Son."
O, my fellow sinners! at every step let higher wonder rise in your hearts and mine. The cross of Jesus, what hath it done FOR us! Jesus dying on the cross! O, what hath it effected IN us! Here we view, believe, and know the love God hath to us. This belief slays the enmity of our rebellious hearts; bows our stubborn wills, and attracts our alienated affections. We throw down our arms, embrace our reconciled God, desire for ever to cease all hostility against him. "Much more being reconciled" to God's purposes, providence, and grace; his way of salvation by his Son Jesus, submitting to his righteousness for justification, to his sceptre to be governed, to his Spirit to be led, and to his gospel to be saved and ruled. What then? Being thus reconciled, may we not be cast off at last, and burn in hell for ever? Yes, if Jesus can die, perish, and be annihilated; but not otherwise. For, "how much more shall we be saved by his life!" By faith we receive the atonement of his death. This is the life of our souls. By his life of intercession for us, we are as safe and as sure of glory, as though we were already seated in the heavenly mansions: unless Christ shed his blood in vain, God reconciles us to himself in vain; our faith is vain; the work of God's Spirit is in vain; and all the promises of God are in vain, and of no effect. But all this is utterly impossible. God's purpose according to election shall stand, not of works, but of him who calleth.- Rom_9:11.
[video=youtube;VzGAYNKDyIU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU[/video]
For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.- Rom_5:10.
Near twenty years ago, upon hearing a certain preacher vehemently assert, "that souls might be justified by faith in Jesus, and yet afterwards burn in hell," my soul was brought into great darkness, perplexity, and distress. Glory to my dear Lord, by this very text he again restored light, peace, and joy to my soul, and clearly taught and comfortably established me in the scriptural doctrine of the certain perseverance of all God's saints to eternal glory. I record this to the praise of our dear Lord, and to the comfort of his people. "If when we were enemies:"-to whom? Our worst foe, Satan? No: but to our best friend, God: the God of our salvation; to Jesus our God and Saviour; to God the Spirit our sanctifier; to the gospel of his grace, and word of our salvation. O, what a precious word is this! "reconciled to God." God in Christ was reconciled to us. O, what love and grace ever dwelt in his heart to us enemies, traitors, and rebels against him! this he manifested in reconciling us to himself. How? "By the death of his Son."
O, my fellow sinners! at every step let higher wonder rise in your hearts and mine. The cross of Jesus, what hath it done FOR us! Jesus dying on the cross! O, what hath it effected IN us! Here we view, believe, and know the love God hath to us. This belief slays the enmity of our rebellious hearts; bows our stubborn wills, and attracts our alienated affections. We throw down our arms, embrace our reconciled God, desire for ever to cease all hostility against him. "Much more being reconciled" to God's purposes, providence, and grace; his way of salvation by his Son Jesus, submitting to his righteousness for justification, to his sceptre to be governed, to his Spirit to be led, and to his gospel to be saved and ruled. What then? Being thus reconciled, may we not be cast off at last, and burn in hell for ever? Yes, if Jesus can die, perish, and be annihilated; but not otherwise. For, "how much more shall we be saved by his life!" By faith we receive the atonement of his death. This is the life of our souls. By his life of intercession for us, we are as safe and as sure of glory, as though we were already seated in the heavenly mansions: unless Christ shed his blood in vain, God reconciles us to himself in vain; our faith is vain; the work of God's Spirit is in vain; and all the promises of God are in vain, and of no effect. But all this is utterly impossible. God's purpose according to election shall stand, not of works, but of him who calleth.- Rom_9:11.
[video=youtube;VzGAYNKDyIU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGAYNKDyIU[/video]
September 2,
He shall glorify me.- Joh_16:14.
The gospel of Jesus is suited to our indigent state and distressed circumstances; but we are averse to receive the truth in the love of it, because of our loftiness of spirit and pride of heart. A system that tends to exalt and glorify us in our own eyes and in the sight of others, we are naturally very fond of. This notion sticks close to us, we do not easily part with it. To imagine ourselves possessed of some inherent good dispositions and amiable tempers, which put us upon more respectable terms in the sight of God, and gain his favor, this we are apt to mistake for the work of the Spirit upon the heart. But as this notion leads from the faith and hope of the gospel, opposeth the glory of Jesus, lays another foundation than that which God hath laid, and tends to plume the creature with pride and vanity, we are taught to reject it as a spirit of Antichrist and delusion. This God severely reproves his church of old for: "Thou didst trust in thine own beauty and playedst the harlot, because of thy renown."- Eze_16:15.
But the blessed Spirit, who effects the marriage union between the Lamb and his bride, doth nothing upon the heart that it should trust in, so as to attract the affections from Jesus, or to produce incontinency of behaviour to our rightful Lord. No: "the Spirit shall glorify, not himself as the agent, not yourselves as the subject of his operations, but he shall glorify me," saith Jesus, in your sight, heart, and affections. He shall bear witness to my person and offices of the relation I stand in to you; that justification is solely by my righteousness, atonement for your sins by my own sacrifice, and pardon of them by my blood: that I am your priest, ever before the throne, representing your persons, and pleading your cause. So shall you find peace in me, live daily upon me, and rejoice only in me. Thus by this work of the Spirit, Christ alone is exalted and glorified; our hearts comforted in truth, and sanctified in love, to the honor and service of our heavenly King.
Thus, to them that believe, Jesus is precious; because we see the Father's love centre in him, and diffusing itself through his pierced heart to ours, by the Holy Ghost given to us. Hence we become alive in our spirits and affections to God, and dead to self-seeking, self-righteous, self-glorying views. We die daily to carnal lusts and corrupt affections, which we know tend to dishonor our dear Lord, are contrary to his will, degrade our souls, and rob us of sweet, heart-felt communion with him. The more Jesus is thus glorified, and we abide in him, so much the more are we enabled to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit to the praise and glory of him. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."- Rom_8:14.
[video=youtube;VAJ4y48MLXM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAJ4y48MLXM[/video]
He shall glorify me.- Joh_16:14.
The gospel of Jesus is suited to our indigent state and distressed circumstances; but we are averse to receive the truth in the love of it, because of our loftiness of spirit and pride of heart. A system that tends to exalt and glorify us in our own eyes and in the sight of others, we are naturally very fond of. This notion sticks close to us, we do not easily part with it. To imagine ourselves possessed of some inherent good dispositions and amiable tempers, which put us upon more respectable terms in the sight of God, and gain his favor, this we are apt to mistake for the work of the Spirit upon the heart. But as this notion leads from the faith and hope of the gospel, opposeth the glory of Jesus, lays another foundation than that which God hath laid, and tends to plume the creature with pride and vanity, we are taught to reject it as a spirit of Antichrist and delusion. This God severely reproves his church of old for: "Thou didst trust in thine own beauty and playedst the harlot, because of thy renown."- Eze_16:15.
But the blessed Spirit, who effects the marriage union between the Lamb and his bride, doth nothing upon the heart that it should trust in, so as to attract the affections from Jesus, or to produce incontinency of behaviour to our rightful Lord. No: "the Spirit shall glorify, not himself as the agent, not yourselves as the subject of his operations, but he shall glorify me," saith Jesus, in your sight, heart, and affections. He shall bear witness to my person and offices of the relation I stand in to you; that justification is solely by my righteousness, atonement for your sins by my own sacrifice, and pardon of them by my blood: that I am your priest, ever before the throne, representing your persons, and pleading your cause. So shall you find peace in me, live daily upon me, and rejoice only in me. Thus by this work of the Spirit, Christ alone is exalted and glorified; our hearts comforted in truth, and sanctified in love, to the honor and service of our heavenly King.
Thus, to them that believe, Jesus is precious; because we see the Father's love centre in him, and diffusing itself through his pierced heart to ours, by the Holy Ghost given to us. Hence we become alive in our spirits and affections to God, and dead to self-seeking, self-righteous, self-glorying views. We die daily to carnal lusts and corrupt affections, which we know tend to dishonor our dear Lord, are contrary to his will, degrade our souls, and rob us of sweet, heart-felt communion with him. The more Jesus is thus glorified, and we abide in him, so much the more are we enabled to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit to the praise and glory of him. "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."- Rom_8:14.
[video=youtube;VAJ4y48MLXM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAJ4y48MLXM[/video]
September 3,
Who maketh thee to differ from another?- 1Co_4:7.
Perhaps few will reply, in the very words of a haughty Arminian, "I of myself, made myself to differ; since I could resist God and divine predetermination, but have not. Why then may I not glory in myself?" Yet such is the language of all our proud hearts by nature, we are so fond of vain-glory. Awful declaration of our Lord's! "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account of in the day of judgment." Who then can be saved? I humbly conceive these idle words imply proud, self-righteous, self-sufficient words, maliciously spoken in contempt of the sovereign, distinguishing grace of God, free justification by the righteousness of Jesus, and full salvation by his finished work ONLY. So Mal_3:13, "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord." The whole of that in Matthew 12 seems to prove this sense, and the context confirms it-"By thy words thou shalt be justified." i.e. By the confession of thy mouth, arising from the belief of thy heart of salvation by grace, through the Son of God, thou shalt be justified, "and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." i.e. Thy words betray the pride and unbelief of thy heart, in not submitting to the sovereignty of God's grace and free salvation by his beloved Son. For this thou shalt be condemned. By line upon line, and precept upon precept the Holy Ghost testifies of, exalts and glorifies the Lord Jesus, as all our salvation, and beateth down all selfconfidence, and all self-glorying.
Yet we dare not deny what the Holy Spirit hath done IN our hearts. By this we differ from others, and are distinguished from our former selves, when in our natural state of pride. But this is all of the sovereign grace of God. Hence we are made to differ as to our SPEECH. We dare not speak of ourselves but as poor sinners, who never have, nor never could do any thing to make ourselves differ in state or in practice. We are made to differ in JUDGMENT. We no longer set our dear Saviour at nought, or so lightly esteem the love of God as to think we can gain an interest in Jesus, and procure a title to God's favor by our own works. But we firmly believe "God HATH made us accepted in the beloved, to the praise of the glory of his grace."- Eph_1:6. Hence our AFFECTIONS are turned to God in Christ by the power of the Spirit; Jesus is the delight of our souls and the glory of our hearts. He is to us the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. His love, person, offices, and work, so enamor our souls and endear him to our hearts, that we are continually longing to KNOW HIM more. Also, our PRACTICE is hereby influenced to hate and forsake the trifling conversation, the vain amusements, sinful vanities of a wicked world. "For our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ."- 1Jn_1:3.
[video=youtube;sQeIGbKqiw8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQeIGbKqiw8[/video]
Who maketh thee to differ from another?- 1Co_4:7.
Perhaps few will reply, in the very words of a haughty Arminian, "I of myself, made myself to differ; since I could resist God and divine predetermination, but have not. Why then may I not glory in myself?" Yet such is the language of all our proud hearts by nature, we are so fond of vain-glory. Awful declaration of our Lord's! "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account of in the day of judgment." Who then can be saved? I humbly conceive these idle words imply proud, self-righteous, self-sufficient words, maliciously spoken in contempt of the sovereign, distinguishing grace of God, free justification by the righteousness of Jesus, and full salvation by his finished work ONLY. So Mal_3:13, "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord." The whole of that in Matthew 12 seems to prove this sense, and the context confirms it-"By thy words thou shalt be justified." i.e. By the confession of thy mouth, arising from the belief of thy heart of salvation by grace, through the Son of God, thou shalt be justified, "and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." i.e. Thy words betray the pride and unbelief of thy heart, in not submitting to the sovereignty of God's grace and free salvation by his beloved Son. For this thou shalt be condemned. By line upon line, and precept upon precept the Holy Ghost testifies of, exalts and glorifies the Lord Jesus, as all our salvation, and beateth down all selfconfidence, and all self-glorying.
Yet we dare not deny what the Holy Spirit hath done IN our hearts. By this we differ from others, and are distinguished from our former selves, when in our natural state of pride. But this is all of the sovereign grace of God. Hence we are made to differ as to our SPEECH. We dare not speak of ourselves but as poor sinners, who never have, nor never could do any thing to make ourselves differ in state or in practice. We are made to differ in JUDGMENT. We no longer set our dear Saviour at nought, or so lightly esteem the love of God as to think we can gain an interest in Jesus, and procure a title to God's favor by our own works. But we firmly believe "God HATH made us accepted in the beloved, to the praise of the glory of his grace."- Eph_1:6. Hence our AFFECTIONS are turned to God in Christ by the power of the Spirit; Jesus is the delight of our souls and the glory of our hearts. He is to us the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. His love, person, offices, and work, so enamor our souls and endear him to our hearts, that we are continually longing to KNOW HIM more. Also, our PRACTICE is hereby influenced to hate and forsake the trifling conversation, the vain amusements, sinful vanities of a wicked world. "For our fellowship is with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ."- 1Jn_1:3.
[video=youtube;sQeIGbKqiw8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQeIGbKqiw8[/video]