William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

September 4,


For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us.- 2Co_1:20.


Through the workings of our carnal frames, it is natural to us all to seek comfort from legal work, instead of gospel promises. When a poor sinner is taught by man to believe, "unless he performs the condition, he cannot receive the blessing of the promise:" from this mistaken notion he labours and toils for a season, but finding himself unable to reduce the doctrine to practice, he sits down in dejection, and gives up all hope of mercy in this way. This will always be the case where sincerity is not suffered to give way to self-deceit. But when the sun of righteousness ariseth with glory on the soul, these mists of ignorance flee away. When the free-love of the everlasting covenant is made manifest to a sinner's heart, by the Spirit, he cries out in wonder and ecstasy, "This is all my salvation and all my desire." When by faith he beholds Jesus the surety of the covenant, sees all the promises of life and salvation center in him, Jesus becomes the hope of his soul, and the promise, the joy of his heart.

Blessed be God for a precious Christ, precious promises, and precious faith. What could our God do more? What could he give more to his people than what he hath graciously done for them, and freely given to them? Disciple, wherefore dost thou doubt? Why art thou reading a gloomy lecture over thy fallen state? Why sitting with folded hands and dejected look, because thou feelest the corrupt workings of thy sinful flesh? What have thy legal thoughts brought forth but that black monster, UNBELIEF? This dares to gainsay the truths of God, deny his promises, set the Saviour at nought, and rob him of his glory. What! because thou canst not find nor feel any thing in thyself to deserve God's love, or for which he should make one promise of mercy, wilt thou therefore conclude against the greatness of his love and freeness of his promises?

Yea, but it is for that very reason, because thou hast nothing in thyself but sin and misery, thy God will have all the glory of his own grace in saving thy soul, according to his promise in Christ Jesus. The Lamb, who spilt his blood for sin, who hath righteousness for the naked, and a tongue to plead the cause of the destitute, has all the promises in his hands, to bestow the blessing of them on his needy members. Therefore out of his fulness we receive, and grace for grace. So the Holy Spirit giveth us to believe and come to the inexhaustible fulness of Jesus for our every supply. Here we may fix our faith, and in the assurance of truth be confident we shall want nothing. For this very end is connected with our comfort, "the glory of GOD." Therefore every promise of grace here and glory hereafter are sure: YEA and AMEN, so be it: according to God's purpose and grace in Christ Jesus.- 2Ti_1:9.

[video=youtube;Ew8ig612NQc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew8ig612NQc[/video]

September 5,


Fear not, thou worm Jacob.- Isa_41:14.


In the light of truth, and under the teaching of the Spirit, every believer in Jesus loses sight of the once fancied dignity of his human nature, and sinks in the view of himself to the meanest reptile. Probably the church, in Isaiah's days, had been considering her weak, helpless state; surrounded with trials and difficulties; exposed continually to the power of enemies on every side; in great danger of being trodden under feet and crushed to death; and had been laying her case before the Lord, confessing the words of David, "I am a worm, and no man."- Psa_22:6. Well, the Lord condescends to reply to such humble souls in their own language. "Though thou art as mean in thine own eyes, and as despicable in the sight of others as a poor, base, insignificant, crawling worm of the earth, yet thou art precious in my sight. Though thou hast no power in thyself to resist thine enemies, no strength to support thyself under thine afflictions and distresses, though Satan threatens, troubles bow thee down, corruptions rage, and all the combined force of earth and hell is enraged against thee, yet FEAR NOT, thou worm, saith the Lord."

Thou soldier of Jesus, "FEAR NOT," is the word of command from the captain of thy salvation. Scarce any phrase so frequently occurs in the word of God as this. Consider it as an antidote against all thy despondings, doubtings, and dejections. Thou canst never fall into any exercise, be under any temptation, be visited by any affliction, come into any straits or difficulties, but what the power of God can support thee under, and bring thee safely through. Consult not human probability; judge not according to appearances; say not, 'Worm as I am, I shall surely be crushed.' Nay, but is any thing too hard for God? He saith, "I will help thee;" I will succour; I will support thee; I will strengthen thee; my grace is sufficient for thee. Can a God of truth promise in vain? Will a God of love ever fail to assist? Doth not a God of wisdom know when to deliver? Suffice it, we have his promise. That engages his truth, and that demands our faith to honor him. But, "I am with thee," saith the Saviour. He is present; though perhaps thou thinkest otherwise, and feelest not his comfortable presence. Thy most secret sigh, as well as every distress, lies open to his view. The crafty designs of thy subtle foe, and all his vile stratagems, are without a covering before thy Lord. Terrify and distress thee he may, but prevail over thy soul he shall not! "For he that keepeth Israel, neither slumbereth nor sleepeth."-He is ever watchful to guard, and powerful to keep: and he hath given us this absolute promise, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn."- Isa_54:17.

[video=youtube;P1y6aamWePc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1y6aamWePc[/video]

September 6,


If a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.- Gal_6:3.


The leaven of Pharisaism, pride, self-righteousness, and self sufficiency, is interwoven with our very nature. In the beginning that arch-deceiver, Satan, poisoned the minds of our first parents with that corrupt doctrine, "Ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." This infection hath tainted the whole human race: naturally every man deceiveth himself: he thinks himself to be that which in reality he is not. Hence is rooted enmity to the salvation of Jesus and the grace of the gospel: here man is nothing; here the creature is annihilated. As Paul saith of an "idol, it is nothing in the world:" so that idol, a man's self, is nothing, knows nothing, can do nothing in the great work of salvation. Fallen nature, with all its boasted goodness, affected piety, devout efforts, contributes nothing; for "all is of grace," rich, free, and sovereign grace. Man, with all his vaunted "knowledge of good and evil;" his free will to choose the good and refuse the evil, his rectitude to perform his duty and secure his salvation, by fulfilling terms and conditions of the gospel; all these are mere nonentities; lighter than vanity when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary.

O believer, when thou thinkest thyself nothing, knowest nothing of thyself, then thou thinkest and knowest right. But when thou art led to think, "now I am something in myself; now I know something by myself; now I can do something of myself, to keep myself in the favor of God, and to be faithful to his grace," verily thou deceivest thyself. This is acting like the church of Galatia under spiritual witchcraft, "beginning in the Spirit, and ending in the flesh." This, in the strict and proper sense, is "FALLING FROM GRACE." So nature's pride exalts one's self, and censures other Christians as carnal and unfaithful. This pride of the flesh opposeth our growth in grace, and is contrary to the humbling knowledge of Jesus Christ. To know the grace of God in truth, is to own its sovereign operations upon the soul, to be steady as the sun in its course, uncontrollable as the wind in its power, unfrustrable as the tide in its motion, and as unyielding to the power of nature and the will of man, as the proud waves of the great ocean. To "put on the Lord Jesus," is to "put off the old man with its deceitful lusts," and pride. To "rejoice in Christ Jesus," is to "have no confidence in the flesh." The Lord will "suffer no flesh to glory in his presence." "Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord."- 1Co_1:31. Happy for us, with Paul, "most gladly therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me,"- 2Co_12:9.

Great, hope he enjoys. Missed ya the last few days

September 7,


Be careful for nothing: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.- Php_4:6.


All anxious cares which torture and distress the mind arise from unbelief; they are contrary to our profession, dishonorable to our God, and hurtful to the peace and comfort of our souls. Therefore they are forbid by the gospel of grace, in love to the children of God. But, believer, thou hast not so learned Christ as to pass away a life of careless indolence and thoughtless inactivity. No; vigilance, industry, and fervency of spirit, is a suitable frame ever to be found in. Not slothful in business, but fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord. Careful and diligent in the use of all means in thy power, both to procure the subsistence and welfare of thy body, as well as to keep up the liveliness and vigour of thy soul. Careful and diligent, yet without care that hath disquietude and distress. As to the things of this life, it is sufficient to answer all thy anxiety, and silence thy every fear and doubt; "your heavenly Father (saith Jesus) knoweth you have need of them." He feeds the birds. Will he suffer his babes to starve? Thou shalt have all things needful for life and godliness. If such a sinner as I may speak of himself, under worldly losses and disappointments I have thought, "Well, though I have not what I expected, I can very well go to heaven without it." This consideration, thanks to my dear Saviour, hath often brought a heaven of contentment to my soul, in a world of disappointment.

As to spiritual blessings, "He that spared not his own Son, but freely gave him up a sacrifice for our sins; how shall he not with him also freely give us all things." The Father that hath "blessed" us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus," will hand them out to us by his Holy Spirit in number, weight, and measure, just as his wisdom sees best; and it is our wisdom to be content and thankful. Here is encouragement for faith and prayer.

And canst thou look within, without, around, above, and see no cause for thanksgiving and praise, O Christian? Are not what thou hast in hand, and what thou hast in hope, the free gifts of the grace of thy God? Call to mind his mercies to excite gratitude; reflect on his promises to quicken in prayer. Under all thy trials, distresses, sorrows, fears, doubts, and difficulties, here is sweet encouragement for thy soul; speak them out freely: make thy requests familiarly unto God. And what shall be the happy consequences? Hear and rejoice, thou shalt have more "abundantly than either thou canst think of or ask for."- Eph_3:20.

Christ ever lives to intercede
Before his Father's face:
Content, my soul, thy cause he'll plead,
Nor doubt thy Father's grace.


[video=youtube;Xg9q4fZ4INQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg9q4fZ4INQ[/video]

September 8,


My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in thy weakness.- 2Co_12:9.


Spiritual conflicts with the enemy of souls are the lot of all God's children. Holy Paul was under deep and afflicting distress of soul. Satan the adversary assaulted him very powerfully. He groaned under it; he frequently besought Jesus that this grievous and painful messenger of Satan might be made to depart from him, and that his conflict might be at an end. O, what distressing exercises God's children undergo from the enemy! The hearts of such only know the bitterness thereof. But is the captain of their salvation regardless of them? Is he deaf to their prayers when they call on him? No: he ever hears, he always answers in love. But did the Lord grant his dear servant's request? No; then the design of love would not have been answered. Paul was in danger of being "exalted above measure." This was to be prevented. He was "to glory in infirmities." This was to be effected. Satan's design was for his evil. Jesus makes it work for good. But that he might not faint in the combat, this comfortable answer is given, "My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Let it suffice, my love and favor is ever towards you; my almighty strength is engaged to preserve you. Though you are weakness itself to withstand such an enemy, yet my almighty strength shall uphold you; in this you shall conquer.

Here is the strongest assurance for the confidence of faith, and the most solid ground for the rejoicing of hope. The grace and love of Jesus opposed to the malice and hatred of Satan; the strength of Jehovah triumphing in, and made illustriously glorious through saints' weakness. O, what an ever-loving, all sufficient, omnipotent Lord is Jehovah Jesus! The Lord whom thou servest, believer, knows thy every distress and conflict of soul. He will strengthen thee in, support thee under, and bring thee safe through and out of all thy exercises and troubles. Thou shalt lose nothing in the furnace but the dross of nature's pride and corruption, and the vanity of self glorying, self-sufficiency, and self-righteousness. God by his Spirit will teach thee to profit in humility and self-diffidence, and to glory in and exalt the Lord Jesus more and more. Sweet and encouraging is that promise to God's church and people in general: strong and comforting as God's declaration to Paul, in particular: "Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."- Isa_41:10.

I can do all things, or can bear
All sufferings if my Lord be there:
Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains,
While his left hand my head sustains.

But if the Lord be once withdrawn,
And we attempt the work alone:
When new temptations spring and rise,
We find how great our weakness is.


[video=youtube;afZC8Ui91SY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afZC8Ui91SY[/video]

September 9,




Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.- Joh_7:24.


By acting contrary to this advice of our prophet, the children of God often distress their poor hearts. Perhaps in no one instance more than this. "My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped," said the Psalmist. Why? What was the case? Alas! alas! he had been looking at the outward appearance of the wicked. How happy, gay, and joyful they seemed! So that corrupt nature and carnal reason had erected a tribunal in opposition to faith and truth. "Verily," says he, "I have cleansed my heart in vain," etc. But he was soon undeceived and brought to "judge righteous judgment," from the records of truth in the sanctuary of his God-Psalms 73. Professors of old had a severe check (Malachi 3.) for thus judging. "Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord: ye have said it is vain to serve God," etc. "You call the proud," that is, the self-righteous, but disobedient persons, whom I resist and abhor, "happy." Christian, beware of judging of men. Be cautious of determining of matters by appearances. They are very deceitful. Judge of no man's state by appearances: evil actions we may condemn; good actions we should applaud. But to judge and determine the eternal state of any by appearances, we have no authority. It was a judicious speech of St. Austin, "If I see a wicked man die, shall I say he is gone to hell? I dare not. Shall I say he is gone to heaven? I cannot."

How awful were the falls of David and Peter! To what dreadful lengths of cruel persecutions against Christ, his truth, and members, did Paul run! Yet how did the rich grace of our God triumph in their repentance and salvation! Therefore, believer, even as to thine own eternal state, judge not from present sense and appearance, though all things seem against thee. Oppose not thy frames and feelings to God's truth, love, grace, promises, and oath in Christ Jesus. And they all point-to whom? Even to sinners, lost and perishing sinners. Whatever else thou hast lost, a sense of sin is with thee. True, sayest thou, and a dreadful sense it is. I also know the same; I have a fellowship with thee in the same sorrowful truth. But still, "this is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation at all times, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Is there a doubt in thine heart, a fear in thy mind, a sin upon thy conscience, but he is able to relieve and cleanse thee from? "Be not faithless, but believing," saith thy Lord,- Joh_20:27.

Not diff'rent food or diff'rent dress,
Compose the kingdom of our Lord;
But peace and joy and righteousness,
Faith and obedience to his word.

When weaker Christians we despise,
We do the gospel mighty wrong,
For God, the gracious and the wise,
Receives the feeble with the strong.


[video=youtube;ZFOvaG1gzVw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFOvaG1gzVw[/video]

September 10,


And the children struggled together within her: and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord.- Gen_25:22.


Very uncommon and extraordinary was the case of Rebekah: inward commotion and strong contention, between the fruit of her body, alarmed her greatly: each threatening death to the other, and herself also. Happy her conduct. In this distress she seeks satisfaction from the Lord. A noble instance of faith and familiarity with the God of Israel. This also was written for our learning: a very just and striking emblem is this of the Christian. As verily as Jacob and Esau were in the womb of Rebekah, so is the Christian the subject of two contending parties, the old and new man, flesh and Spirit. The life of each is opposite to the other; each is striving for the mastery over the other. Here is the daily conflict of disciples.

To good and evil equal bent;
Sinful in nature, yet a saint.

How does the poor groaning, burdened sinner act? Like himself, a believer on Jesus. With Rebekah, he goes to his COUNSELLOR, He enquires of the Lord Jesus. Is he like Paul in conflict of soul crying out, "O wretched man that I am?" Yea, like Rebekah, is he sometimes weary of his life, because of the daughters of Heth, the numerous progeny of corrupt lusts of the flesh! Here is an evidence of his spiritual life: this is a full proof of the strugglings of a sanctified soul. Though the poor heart may cry out, 'I a saint, I a member of the Holy Jesus, I a child of God! O, surely it cannot be. If so, why am I thus?' Know, O soul, that it pleased the Father that all fulness of grace should dwell in Jesus. He suffered thy fall into this state that he might raise thee by Jesus; and he is pleased to leave thy sinful nature vile and corrupt as he found it, until it shall be "sown a vile body." Thou art like Rebekah groaning and waiting to be delivered. Suffice it, that thou live by faith in Jesus; "wait in hope for the adoption, namely, the redemption of our body."- Rom_8:23. Know thou art called in love, daily to "put off the old man with his deeds-to mortify the flesh with its affections and lusts." But yet always to reckon thyself after Christ, in thy new state, possessed of perfect righteousness and true holiness. Ever accepted IN HIM, God's beloved Son; thy beloved head, surety, and Saviour: IN HIM ever acceptable to thy God. Thus the Lord thy God ever delights in thee, and rejoiceth over thee; sees no spot of sin, but adorned with perfect beauty. Such are the glorious views of faith, in opposition to all sense and feeling. So, shortly shalt thou be presented to the Father by Jesus, perfectly holy and without blemish, "not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing."- Eph_5:27.

[video=youtube;OuX9oTGBCw8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuX9oTGBCw8[/video]

September 11,


We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.- 2Co_5:1.


It is the grand device of that arch-deceiver, Satan, to represent the religion of Jesus as tending to melancholy, gloom, and sadness; but daily experience proves the reverse; for under a sense of a crazy, disordered body, from views of its approaching dissolution, with thoughts of its being shortly committed to the silent grave, who can put on an air of composure, joy, and delight, except the Christian? Who such cause for continual felicity, as he who knows his lease is well nigh expired of his present house, that shortly it is to be pulled down; but yet, through the kindness and love of his heavenly Father, a free grant of his eternal inheritance is given him, "of a house not made with hands?" What comfort must it yield to him to KNOW the nature of the purchase, the certainty of its being obtained, the price fully paid, the deeds signed and sealed, the conveyance legally made, his trustee, Jesus, actually being in possession; yea and "the earnest of his inheritance in his heart, by the Holy Ghost given unto him:" O, the inexpressible joy of this knowledge! All this we assuredly know by faith. Come, my brother mortal, is thy house like mine, ruined, crazy, and just ready to fall? O, let us daily be looking by faith, from Pisgah's top to the promised inheritance. Let us daily consider our approaching dissolution, that our hearts may more and more love and live with our dear Saviour, who has told us, "I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again to receive you to myself: where I am, there shall you be also."- Joh_14:2-3.

Vain and trifling is all this perishing world has to offer, compared with the glory which shall shortly be revealed in us; yea, not to be set in competition with the grace that is NOW upon us. And what can deprive such an heir of his inheritance? Shall sin? No; that is fully atoned by the blood of Jesus. Shall the world? No; he hath victory over that, by the faith of Jesus. Shall Satan? No; the "God of peace will bruise Satan under his feet shortly."- Rom_16:20. Shall the corruptions of his nature and the workings of unbelief? These may distress and make him groan; may deject with doubts; but shall not disinherit. For unbelief also is included in that precious promise, "Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are under grace."- Rom_6:14. And all such are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation."

There is a house not made with hands,
Eternal, and on high,
And here my spirit waiting stands
Till God shall bid it fly.

Shortly this prison of my clay
Must be dissolv'd and fall;
Then, O my soul, with joy obey
Thy heav'nly Father's call.

September 12,


They who feared the Lord, spake often one to another; the Lord hearkened and heard it.- Mal_3:16.


The tongue, though but a little member, yet is capable of being employed to the best services, or to the worst purposes. We are assured he is a perfect man who offends not in word. He is a man after God's own heart who prays daily, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer."- Psa_19:14. "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."- Jam_3:13. Thus perfection, real godliness, and true wisdom are ascribed to our words and conversation. "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."- Mat_12:37. Most weighty considerations! Let us take heed that we offend not with our tongue. But most encouraging assurance, our God hearkens to his dear children when we converse together about his kingdom and glory, and our peace, edification, and holiness. Yea more: O, condescending love! "A book of remembrance was written before him of them who feared the Lord, and THOUGHT upon his name." Is such kind notice taken of our converse? Then what emulation ought to fire us, that our tongues may edify and provoke each other to love and good works! What shame to Christians, that they too often meet and talk, and their poor hearts are neither edified, warmed, or comforted! Why is this? Truly the end of their conversation, "Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," was not considered. He is always most worthy to be uppermost in our hearts and tongues. This, like a live coal from the altar, is the only fire to make cold hearts glow with love, and warm hearts burn with affection. The best news of the day, the fittest subject for conversation, is the rich, free, sovereign grace of our God, the love of Christ, the glad tidings of the gospel, the joyful news of salvation finished by Jesus. This we are going fully to enjoy. What then should we talk of by the way but this? O disciple, dost thou find a dull frame and a sad heart? therefore, sayest, I am unfit to converse of these things? This is really like staying from the fire, because cold, or abstaining from food, because hungry. Consider the conduct of the disciples. "Jesus drew near to them, and asks, what manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are SAD?"- Luk_24:17. Though they had lost sight of Jesus, though their hearts were sad about it, yet they refrained not talking and communing about HIM. And he soon made their hearts burn within them. "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ."- Php_1:27.







[video=youtube;IlLj9uaW5FY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlLj9uaW5FY[/video]

September 13,


I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.- Hos_2:14.


Carnal ease begets spiritual sloth. Outward prosperity often brings leanness of soul. Worldly joys, vain pleasures, and sensual gratifications, are contrary to the spiritual delights, holy comforts, and godly conversation of the soul. Of this observation we have awful evidence. Woeful experience proves it. It is seldom seen that the church of Christ in general, or individual members thrive and prosper in soul, when all without is easy, prosperous, and joyful to the flesh. Like "Jeshurun, we wax fat and kick, forsake God, and lightly esteem the rock of our salvation."- Deu_32:15.

But the head of his church, ever jealous for his own glory, ever watchful in love over his own members, will not suffer them to perish with a surfeit from worldly kindness. They shall rather bleed by the loving stroke of his hand, than fall a sacrifice to the world and the flesh. Earthly plants droop and wither by too great heat from the sun: so spiritual plants hang their heads and decline under the warm sunshine of prosperity. "But," saith the Lord, who delights in the spiritual prosperity of his people, "I will allure them to myself; I will persuade of the evil of forsaking me, the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns that will hold no water." The world, with all its gaudy show and glittering vanities, I will persuade them from. I will allure to myself the fountain of real happiness, the source of solid comfort, the centre of all felicity.

The Saviour, who was led into the wilderness to be tempted for the soul, will lead the soul into the wilderness to wean it from its carnal delights. In a solitary, desolate wilderness, there is nothing grows to please the flesh, but all is irksome and disagreeable to nature. Here no path to direct from danger and invite to safety is found. Here wild beasts of prey roam. Here the welcome footsteps of the traveller cannot be traced. Here nought but dreary dread and constant fears haunt the mind. Just so is a wilderness-state of soul; O, what fears and sorrows pursue it! How perplexed about the way, from danger to safety! How gloomy, sad, and dejected is the heart! O, in such a state how ready the soul to hear! O, how doth God there teach the soul the profitable lesson of consideration! Former follies are reflected on with shame, past conduct is mourned over, worldly objects rejected with contempt, the soul brought again to thirst after God; Jesus and salvation becomes its cry again. O, that it were with me as in months past! This is right. The Saviour loves to hear his members thus bemoaning themselves. Then is their ear open, and their heart attentive to his voice; and he will speak, not what she deserves, wrath; but comfortably unto her heart; "Fear not, I am thy God, and thy great salvation."


[video=youtube;dWJt3ZUKAWk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWJt3ZUKAWk[/video]

September 14,


And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord.- Jer_31:34.


The outward teaching of the word is to be prized. Diligent attendance on gospel-preaching is by no means to be neglected. Faithful ministers of Jesus are to be esteemed highly in love for their works' sake. Christian conversation is to be valued: none of these are here spoken against by our Lord. No; his appointing teachers, the Spirit's owning and blessing the word by them to the instruction and conversion of souls, plainly prove the contrary. But Jesus, the substance, being come, teaching by types and shadows should be no more. Men shall not teach one another by pretended revelations: but the ministration of the Spirit should take place of the ministration of the letter. Such should be the effusion of the Spirit after the ascension of Jesus; that he should enlighten with his power and teach with his energy all the children of God. Every believer in Jesus has this unction of the Holy Spirit, which teacheth him all things,- 1Jn_2:20. Hence the babe in Christ, as well as the father, is taught by the same divine Lord to know Jesus as the only and alone Saviour, the virtue of his precious blood, the perfection of his atonement, the glory of his righteousness, and the completeness of his salvation; taught to believe in his blessed name, and love his adorable person.

O believer, is this absolute declaration, "they shall all know me," thy mercy? Jehovah speaks with the voice of omnipotence. The Lord effects by the power of his sovereignty, THEY SHALL all know me: are ALL men thus taught of God? Do ALL men know the Lord? We cannot say so. We dare not think so. The contrary is too evident. This teaching, this knowledge, is not general and universal, but special and peculiar to God's people ONLY. Therefore his grace proved effectual to thy calling, thy teaching. How vain, how fruitless would all other teachers have proved! but the work is his, the comfort thine. Ever reflect on the pride of thy nature, the obstinacy of thy will, the blindness of thy understanding, the desperate wickedness and unbelief of thy heart, and bow to his sovereignty. Give the Spirit all the glory for what thou knowest of Jesus as thy hope and salvation. Now there is an essential difference between BELIEVING and KNOWING. All men believe there is a God. But to know God is peculiar to regenerate souls. And this is the comforting criterion, to know him as our own sin forgiving God: for he adds, "I will forgive their iniquity; I will remember their sin no more."

We bless the prophet of the Lord
That comes with truth and grace:
Jesus, thy Spirit and thy word
Doth teach us in thy ways.

Hosanna to thy glorious name,
Who call'd us by thy grace;
Thy mercies lay a sov'reign claim
To our immortal praise.


[video=youtube;76yjGMeTW5o]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76yjGMeTW5o[/video]

September 15,


No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.- Luk_9:62.


The eye, though a little member, yet perhaps of all others is the greatest inlet to temptation. The first motion to sin entered by seeing. Eve SAW the fruit was good and pleasant to the eye. Looking begat longing; so lust was conceived, and brought forth sin. Sin when it was finished brought forth death upon her and all her posterity. When Satan dared to tempt Jesus, he began the attack by presenting to his view the kingdoms of the world and the glories thereof. Seeing this, what reason is there, with Job, to make a covenant with our eyes! with David, to pray daily, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity!" No state more awful than to set out in the best cause, and to turn back to the worst enemy. The last end of such is most dreadful. Most deplorable indeed, to turn away from following Jesus, and make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.

Whether he be minister or disciple who hath put his hand to the gospel-plough, if his eyes are attracted to, and his heart allured after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, these will render him unfit for the kingdom of God. For these are as contrary to the Spirit, frame, and genius of Jesus and his kingdom, as heaven is to hell. No man can serve two such opposite masters. If thou hast chosen Jesus for thy portion and thy all, wherefore dost thou look back to the world? What slight and contempt doth such a conduct pour upon blessed Jesus! It is a sad evidence the heart is not whole with him. Such conduct speaks loudly, as though there was somewhat desirable in Christ and his ways; but not enough to win the heart wholly, engage the affections entirely, and fill the mind with happiness completely.

"If any man draw back, my soul, saith the Lord, shall have no pleasure in him." And verily such a soul can have no pleasure in God. Whither then will he fly? to what refuge betake himself in the hour of calamity, and in the day of distress? Oh! a forsaken Jesus, a slighted gospel, and neglected salvation, will wound the conscience with the keenest sting. See to it, O professor; watch over thy lustful eye. It is ever looking back to, and longing after more from this world than thou at present possesseth. O, beware of thy deceitful heart, lest that turneth from Jesus to the world. If so, thy hand will soon let go the gospel-plough: and yet you will find carnal pleas for your conduct. Many poor, dry, barren professors, have ever a reason (such as it is) at their tongue's-end for their covetous, worldly-minded spirit: when it is easy to observe, like Lot's wife, they face about to Sodom, and are become a standing monument of God's displeasure. "But," saith the apostle, of all the faithful members of Jesus, "beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak."- Heb_6:9.


[video=youtube;_KOBSu_A4LU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KOBSu_A4LU[/video]

September 16,


Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.- Joh_5:39.


It was an excellent reply of a Christian lady to a scoffing infidel, who vented profane banter upon the scriptures, and asked, What proof she could give of the truth of holy writ? 'Yourself, Sir,' said she, 'is one;' for it is written, "There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts."- 2Pe_3:3. Even Satan, when he tempted our Lord, though he dared to pervert, yet he never once attempted to deny holy scripture to be the truths of God. Shame to professors who are ignorant of God's word. For Jesus and eternal life are revealed therein. Even devils, who have ho hope from the scriptures, seem well versed in them. But may not Jonadab's question to Amnon be put even to some of God's children, "Why art thou, being a king's son, lean from day to day?"- 2Sa_13:4. Leanness of soul comes on many through neglecting the nourishing truths of God's word. It is the rich feast of the Father's love. By it the soul is fed and nourished up to eternal life. Verily, when we lose our appetite for the scriptures, and they are not savoury food to us, it is because our souls are distempered.

"They testify of me," saith Jesus. Is not that word enough? What so sweetly, so powerfully engaging to the soul, as when somewhat of our dear Saviour is to be learned from every page? The more we are acquainted with his precious person, his amazing love, his wonderful humility, his astonishing sufferings, his finished work on earth, so much the more will he be endeared to our hearts. We shall prize the word that testifies of him, and the Spirit that glorifies him: we shall think of him, love him, live upon him, live to him, long to be with him from day to day. So we shall beguile all our troubles and trials below; our hearts will be simple and happy; our conversation and conduct will be more like the meek Lamb of God. Thus shall we grow as Pharaoh's "kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored, while we feed in God's meadow." Gen_41:18. If we neglect the scriptures that testify of Jesus, no marvel if we enjoy not the comfort of the Spirit's witness of Jesus. Says Luther, 'Let the Lord take me out of life this hour, or when it pleaseth him, I leave this behind me, I will own Jesus Christ for my Lord and my God. This I have not only out of the scriptures, but by manifold experience also, for the name JESUS hath often helped and comforted me, when no creature could.' "Holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus."- 2Ti_3:15.

Great God! mine eyes with pleasure look,
On the dear volume of thy book;
There my Redeemer's face I see,
And read his name who dy'd for me.

Let the false raptures of the mind,
Be lost and vanish in the wind:
Here I can fix my hope secure;
This is thy word and must endure.



[video=youtube;ullofhV4lIc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ullofhV4lIc[/video]

September 17,


We are come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling.- Heb_12:24.


When from zeal and affection for their beloved master, the disciples would have called for fire from heaven, "He rebuked them, saying, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." In young disciples there is often much heat of zeal which is not according to knowledge; they know but little what evils they are called from, and what privileges they are come to. It behoves all to be diligent in reading, hearing, and studying, the truths of Jesus. So the Spirit makes wise heads and joyful hearts. To see, taste, and feel somewhat of Jesus from the law, the types and figures, the prophesies, promises, and the gospel, is the chief concern of simple souls; so their hearts are daily more and more established in faith; and they know more assuredly that they are really come to Jesus. When we read of Moses sprinkling the people, and crying out, "Behold the blood of the covenant,"- Exo_24:8 -this comfortably reminds us of the pardon of sin by the precious blood of the dear Lamb; and how the sprinkling of this blood purifies the heart from sin, and the conscience from guilt, by faith.

The acceptable sacrifice of Abel, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, brings to our minds the most excellent sacrifice of our dear Saviour. This speaks righteousness, peace, love, and salvation to our souls; this silences all guilty fears; this revives and comforts drooping, trembling hearts, knowing that Jesus is our dear and ever-loving Mediator before the throne. This gives boldness and confidence of free access to God, and freedom of heart to draw nigh to, love him, and rejoice in him. Whatever our various cases, frames, and circumstances are, our only wisdom and comfort lies in simply commending all to Jesus, knowing that we are come to him, and live comfortably, by daily coming to him. Is sin our sorrow, grief, and burden? Jesus has a plea for it; he does not extenuate or excuse it. Nor should we; but confess it with all its aggravations: his blood speaks before the throne; the Spirit bears witness to it. When the voice of sin and terror is heard in thy conscience, Christ's blood speaks pardon from God, freedom from condemnation, peace of conscience, joy of heart, and a hope full of immortality. Happy to be come to Jesus, and joyful to believe in him as our Mediator. O, how full of the richest consolation is this word! "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."- 1Jn_1:9.

Our Jesus call'd and bade us come
To him for ease and rest;
Our souls obey'd his heav'nly voice,
And we in him are blest.

Christ is our Mediator dear
Before the throne of God:
Our conscience finds sweet peace with him,
Now sprinkled with his blood.


[video=youtube;i0Wkjj44Ie8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Wkjj44Ie8[/video]

September 18,


My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.- Gal_4:19.


Many sincere disciples, who are convinced of sin, hope in themselves cut off, and have fled to Jesus for refuge, are often distressed because they have not been under such dreadful terrors of legal wrath which others talk of, and are mistaken for the pangs and travail of the new birth. But there is no authority from scripture to conclude we must have such great terrors of hell and damnation ere we come to and believe on Christ. Nay, the law may work great wrath in the conscience, and yet the soul never be converted to Jesus and the holiness of the gospel. The Spirit is a sovereign agent. Enlightened, convinced souls are differently wrought on; some feel more, others less terror; but each see the sinfulness of sin, their lost state by nature, the spirituality of the law and the preciousness of Jesus before they will come to him. On such the dear Saviour "sees the travail of his soul, and is satisfied."- Isa_53:11. Zion, the church, in her living members, travails in faith and prayer, and by her, as the mother, children are brought forth.- Isa_66:8. Ministers, in their painful labours and endeavours, travail that souls may be born to Jesus.

Thus laborious and affectionate Paul travailed in birth again for the apostatizing Galatians. He had been in pain for them till they were brought forth at first as a holy seed in their conversion to Jesus; but now his soul was pained at their turning back again to the law. Children of God, though little in knowledge, and weak in faith, are as dear to Jesus as adult Christians; so are they to his faithful ministers. But they are fearful of believing too much in, and trusting too much on, the finished work of Jesus. Their poor legal hearts are ever, now and then, looking to the law, and leaning to something of their own; but the Spirit will not leave such to abide in a feeble, infantile state. Ministers labour and travail for their growth in grace, by the knowledge of Jesus: the gracious Spirit, by the word, forms Christ more perfectly in them; he increases more perfect knowledge of his finished salvation, in the full atonement of his blood, the perfection of his righteousness, and the prevalency of his intercession for their justification and acceptance with God: and also in their sanctification, he more perfectly forms the image of Christ in them, as to the disposition of their hearts and conformity of their lives. "We are changed into his image by the Spirit of the Lord."- 2Co_3:18.

Glory to God the Spirit give,
From whose almighty pow'r,
Our souls their heav'nly birth derive,
And bless the happy hour.

Dear Lord, thou Spirit, with us stay,
And let us not thee grieve;
O, guide us thro' our desert way,
And never, never leave.

[video=youtube;xDAITgJXO1I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDAITgJXO1I[/video]

September 19,


Jesus said unto him, Wherefore didst thou doubt?- Mat_14:31.


The best of men are but men at the best. The most eminent saints of God have experienced doubting, fearful frames, as well as believing, joyful ones. We have many instances of this in the bold and courageous Peter. Now, at the command of his master, we behold him walking safely on the surface of the great deep. Here he honored his master's word, was very safe and comfortable while he believed his power. To see Peter walking upon the liquid ocean, is not more beyond the power of reason to comprehend and account for, than to see a poor sinner comfortably living and walking by faith on the Son of God, in spite of all the raging waves of unbelief, lust, and corruptions.

But as it was with Peter, so is it often with the believer. The workings of Peter's natural senses, the suggestions of his carnal reason, opposed the actings of his faith; he heard the roaring winds, he saw the boisterous waves, he considered the bulk and weight of his body, and then, up reason, down faith. Reason assures him fluid water cannot support him. Hence he doubts, he fears, he sinks. So the poor sinner, who hath heard the inviting voice of Jesus, and obeyed the word of his grace, to believe on HIM, walks sweetly and comfortably for a season; but anon, corruptions like the surging billows, lift up their threatening heads; temptations, like the stormy wind blow violently upon him; the thunderings of a fiery law are heard; he thinks incensed justice pursues him, and that the face of majesty looks stern upon him.

Hence he reasons upon what he is, what he has done, and what he may expect; and all in nature, sense, and feeling is against him. O then, he doubts in his mind and sinks in his spirits! But when he reflects, Jesus is above all, he is mighty to save; then, seeing all hope in him, and none beside him, he cries, "Lord save, or I perish." This is right. Our Saviour loves to hear his poor disciples cry to him. He is near them, and, as Peter was, they are always within the reach of his arm. He loves their persons, approves their crying, but reproves their doubting. Wherefore didst THOU doubt? Though thy sins have reached to heaven, yet my blood is before the throne. Who shall lay any thing to thy charge? It is God that justifieth, who shall condemn thee? I have died, what shall destroy thee, seeing I am able to save to the very uttermost?-Verily, O Jesus, to the poor and needy in their distress, thou art a refuge from the storm.- Isa_25:4.

What tho' the host of death and hell,
All arm'd against me stood,
Why should their terrors shake my soul?
My refuge is my God.

A friend and helper so divine,
Does my weak courage raise;
He makes the glorious vict'ry mine,
And his shall be the praise.


[video=youtube;hKvv1t6Wi_I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKvv1t6Wi_I[/video]