William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

September 20,


If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.- Joh_13:17.


Jesus is a prophet to teach, a priest to atone, and a king to reign by love in the hearts of all his subjects. So a Christian receives the Lord Jesus. Faith in him begets an ear of love to his doctrine, and a heart of obedience to his commands. Let no one call evangelical obedience, legal bondage. For, every precept that drops from the mouth of Jesus, flows from love to us. When he saith, "Do this;" it is for thy happiness and good, O soul. "Avoid that:" love is careful of thee, "Do thyself no harm." This is pleasant to the renewed soul to hear, his happiness to obey. Faith in Jesus makes all things easy. "His commandments are not grievous." To know them is our privilege. To do them is our happiness.

Say, O Christian, is not this thy experience? Art thou not happy in doing the will of Jesus, who died for our sins? Art thou not delighted in obeying Jesus, who hath made peace between God and thy soul? Art thou not joyful in glorifying thy Father, by bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ? Verily IN keeping thy commandments, O Lord, there is great reward of grace; in peace and happiness of soul now; and hereafter such shall hear that joyful sentence from our loving Saviour, "Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."- Mat_25:34. Then shall the works of the righteous be owned and proclaimed by the judge. They are called to inherit the kingdom. Why? Because blessed of God the Father with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Hence the kingdom is prepared for them before the foundation of the world. But it constitutes no part of the believer's happiness, to do any work whatsoever, whereby to entitle himself to the favor of God; or to make the work of salvation more effectual than the blood and righteousness of the Son of God hath. No; this is to be rejected as the vilest slavery, the worst of drudgery; contrary to faith; inconsistent with Christian love; and derogatory to the salvation of JESUS. Luther was wont to say, 'if picking up a straw would save me, I would not do it; it would be an act of unbelief of my dear Lord's salvation: but being already saved by Jesus, through his grace, I would go through fire and water to obey his commands.' Where Jesus is the life of the soul, this will be manifest, in obedience to his commands. "Blessed is the man who delighteth greatly in his commandments."- Psa_112:1.

I hear thy word with love.
And I would fain obey:
Send thy good Spirit from above
To guide me lest I stray.

How perfect is thy word!
And all thy judgments just,
For ever sure thy promise, Lord,
Here I securely trust.

While of thy works I sing,
Thy glory to proclaim,
Accept the praise, my God and King,
In my Redeemer's name.


[video=youtube;JjWV_Kuxd2s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjWV_Kuxd2s[/video]

September 21,


Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.- Psa_3:2.


Had David's foes said of him, He deserves no help from God; he would readily have owned this as a great truth. As God's children are comforted by the truth, so the enemy advances lies to distress them. When he attacks their faith and comfort, he boldly impeaches the love and faithfulness of their God . "No help for me in God!" O, my soul, wilt thou listen to this suggestion? Canst thou indulge such a thought one moment? Art thou beset with distress of soul, and surrounded with troubles and difficulties? Art thou singing a melancholy note? Selah, saith David: pause, consider this; lift up thy mind to attend; how dishonorable to thy God, how destructive to thy faith, peace, love, and holiness, is this! Know the voice of thy enemy. Hear the voice of thy Saviour. His word is adapted to thy circumstances, however distressing or desperate. "Thou hast destroyed thyself!" What is added? Perish in thine own undoings, take it for thy pains? No: for almighty love proclaims its own triumph; "But in me is thine help."- Hos_13:9.

"Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." When born again he finds more enemies and troubles than ever: a sinful nature burdens him, carnal lusts perplex him, Satan tempts and accuses him, unbelief besets and dejects him; but, most joyful truth, God is his dear Father, Jesus his precious Saviour, the Holy Spirit his loving comforter. Where should the poor sinner look? To whom should the exercised, afflicted soul go? Happy for him when with David, he goes with childlike simplicity, and tells his sorrowful complaints to his dear Saviour; "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me!

Many rise up against me." They say of my soul, "There is no help for me in God." The Saviour loves to hear his members' complaints; he delights to redress them. Thus, when driven from all hope and help from within and without, then they honor him in faith and prayer. As when the little child is affrighted with lying stories, it flies to the arms of its father for safety, tells him of its fears, and thus its little heart gets ease; so David found it: his experienced heart cries out, "Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter-up of my head. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord; thy blessing is upon thy people." Thus, though a mournful complaint ushers in this-Psalm, yet it concludes in the joy and triumph of faith. "Though weeping may endure for a night, yet joy cometh in the morning."- Psa_30:5.

Tho' weeping for a night endure,
And foes distress my heart;
Yet in the morning joy is sure:
Our Saviour takes my part.

O, listen then unto his word,
In his sweet promise trust:
Thy foes shall flee before thy Lord,
Who faithful is and just.


[video=youtube;C0iBeEThSFA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0iBeEThSFA[/video]

September 22,


I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.- Rom_12:1.


Just before our dear Saviour left his apostles, he gave them this commission, "Preach the gospel;" glad tidings of the everlasting love and mercy of God, in Christ, to poor sinners. By this truth, through the power of the Spirit, souls are brought to repentance, faith, and salvation; and by the sweet force and constraining influence of the same truth, believers are to be exhorted, animated, and stirred up to glorify God in their souls and bodies which are his. This was the apostles' practice. With what affection and love do they address the members of Jesus! The sound of wrath and terror, the thunderings of hell and damnation are not used to soldiers in the camp of Jesus. No; they are exhorted by love and mercy. So we delight to hear: and from these most powerful motives we cheerfully obey. We present our bodies a living sacrifice upon that altar which consecrates the gift, even Jesus. We are holy in him, acceptable unto God through him. We own it "our reasonable service;" we are not our own. We acknowledge it our bounden duty. Christ hath bought us with the price of his own blood. Lord, give power to obey, and command what thou wilt. Consider, O Christian, while thy poor soul was dead in trespasses and sins, thy body was a wretched slave to the drudgery of Satan and thy vile lusts. Now a better master demands its service. It is of God's mercies in Christ thy soul is quickened, and by the same mercies thou art required to yield thy body as a living sacrifice. It is now the temple of the Holy Ghost, therefore to be consecrated to holy purposes.

Was David so struck with the distinguishing favor of being a king, as to dance joyfully before the ark?- 2Sa_6:14. O, consider our eternal mercies in Christ, being kings and priests unto God! Meditate daily, hourly on this. How should it affect our hearts with love, raise our spirits in triumph, inflame our affections with zeal for God's glory! Our spiritual mercies are not common to all. Carnal men are ignorant of, and despise them. O study then to approve yourselves as the peculiar, highly distinguished favorites of heaven. As the elect of God, be clothed with humility: yet, as kings' sons, live upon heavenly food; and act as those who dare not demean themselves by a practice below their royal dignity. "He that saith he abideth in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."- 1Jn_2:6.

The tender mercies of thy God
O live and spread his praise abroad,
Daily recount my soul,
While love thy pow'rs control.

Thy soul and body offer up
Holy to God thro' Jesu's love:
A living sacrifice,
Let nothing less suffice.


[video=youtube;tIy-apqSVuo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIy-apqSVuo[/video]

September 23,


Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.- Mat_5:6.


To thirst after happiness is natural. To seek it from wrong objects is natural. To desire to escape a hell of misery, and enjoy a place of happiness, is equally natural. If this may be called salvation, all men wish to be saved. The most wicked may wish to "die the death of the righteous, and that their last end may be like his." This every man is capable of as a rational, intelligent being. And many are striving to make themselves righteous in order to be saved. But to desire salvation in God's way, to hunger and thirst after Christ and his righteousness, is peculiar to the quickened only. The dead hunger not. Spiritual appetites spring from spiritual life. A natural man can as soon seek to fill his belly with the east wind, or allay his thirst with the sunbeams, as do this.

To know ourselves to be miserable sinners, destitute of righteousness, to believe Christ has obtained it for us, and to hunger and thirst after it, this lies at the foundation of true godliness; this enters into the very essence of our religion. Such self-emptied, hungry, and thirsty souls are blessed: for they shall be filled; filled with all the blessings of Jesus' everlasting righteousness; acceptance with God, pardon of sins, and peace from God; filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ; with all the graces of God's Spirit on earth, and with all the fulness of God in glory. "This is the heritage of my servants, and their righteousness is of me," saith precious Jesus.- Isa_54:17. "The skies pour down righteousness, the faithful open their hearts and receive it."- Isa_45:8. O, what delightful fellowship and intercourse subsist between heaven and earth; hungry souls and righteous Jesus!

Says Bishop Hall, 'If Jesus had not said, "Blessed are those who hunger," I know not what could keep weak Christians from despair. Many times, all I can do is to find and complain I want Jesus; I wish to enjoy him. Now this is my stay, he in mercy esteems us, not by having, but desiring also. There never was a soul miscarried with longing after grace. O blessed hunger that always ends in fulness! I am sorry I can but hunger, yet would not be full; for the blessing is promised to the hungry.' As verily as the righteous man, Jesus, wrought out righteousness for sinful man, all thirsty souls who come to him shall be filled with righteousness. For he "fills the hungry with good things," while "he sends the rich (the self-righteous) empty away."- Luk_1:53.

Our new-born souls do ever crave
For righteousness we've lost;
That we in Jesus may be found,
And by him be made just.

Lord, fill our hungry, thirsty souls,
With satisfying food;
Blest in thy merits may we be,
And pardon'd by thy blood.



[video=youtube;HOC7XGmzFJg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOC7XGmzFJg[/video]

September 24,


There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.- Rom_8:1.


Mr. Burkitt observes, 'this chapter is a summary of evangelical duty, and a magazine of Christian comfort: it begins with no condemnation to believers, and ends with no separation from the love of God.' It is natural to conceive, if we had never sinned there would be no condemnation against us; but, that now we are sinners, and naturally under the condemning sentence of God's holy law; that yet there is now no condemnation to us; this our carnal reason cannot conceive, and therefore opposes it. But it is God's truth and the joy of faith. This unfolds the great mystery, that we are one with Christ: viewed, beloved, and chosen in him. This gloriously displays the attributes of Jehovah's justice and holiness; while a full and ample discharge from all condemnation is obtained from his righteous law, to all Christ's members. Therefore, that blessed name Jesus is above every name to us. In this, and every other matter of salvation, to him every believer's knee will bow, and his heart confess, Christ is all in all. Rich privilege to be in Christ Jesus! Unspeakable happiness to be freed from all condemnation! Blessed effects of covenant union with Christ! Joyful experience of the grace of faith in him! To have such a knowledge, and pass such a judgment upon thy soul, O Christian, is just and right. It is thy duty and privilege at all times. Practice it.

As to Jesus, how readest thou? "The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all."- Isa_53:6. "Christ bore our sins in his own body on the tree."- 1Pe_2:24. "Christ suffered, the just for the unjust."- 1Pe_3:18. "We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin." Can we read all this without singing a triumphant challenge, "Who then shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? God that justifieth? No: Who is he that condemneth? Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us?"- Rom_8:33-34. Here is the glorious triumph of faith. Thou art "carnal, sold under sin."- Rom_7:14. In thy flesh dwelleth no good thing; though thou hast no reason for confidence in the flesh, yet always abundant cause to rejoice in Christ Jesus: for in him thou art perfectly righteous; in him for ever freed from all condemnation. O believer, thou art called ever to rejoice in this liberty, and to evidence it by walking, "not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Strange mystery of wond'rous grace!
I'm full of sin, yet not condemn'd!
I stand in Jesu's righteousness;
By him from ev'ry sin redeem'd.

O may the precious faith of this,
Daily enliven all my pow'rs,
To run the road to heav'nly bliss,
In Christ rejoicing all my hours.


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

September 25,


I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.- Jer_32:40.



I WILL and they SHALL. Such is God's gracious way of saving his people: while proud legal hearts and self-righteous spirits, puffed up with notions of free-will, are ever contending for terms and conditions to be performed by dead sinners in order to be saved; or by creatures, insufficient of themselves to think a good thought, to secure and make effectual salvation to their own souls. But this fear of God is a blessing of the covenant of grace. Naturally the fear of God is not in our hearts. It is one black mark of an unregenerate person, "he has no fear of God before his eyes." How awful! how deplorable is this! Yet, naturally we fear not the power of the Lord, nor dread his wrath: nor are we at all sensible of our danger. What wonder of love! What matter of thankfulness, that the Lord hath put his fear in thy heart, O Christian! The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is perfectly consistent with the strongest faith, the most inflamed love, and the highest spiritual joy. Though by faith in Jesus we are delivered from a servile, slavish fear of God, which fills us with legal terrors; yet we are possessed of a filial, loving fear towards him, as to a tender and affectionate father.

This fear shall dwell in the hearts of saints all their days. This fear keeps souls from sinning against the God of love. The blessed effect of it is, "that they shall NEVER depart from me," saith the Lord. Thy soul, believer, being rooted and grounded in the truth as it is in Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, expecting life and salvation, through faith in him, shall NEVER DEPART from this good old way of the Lord, into bypaths of human errors and destructive ways of total apostasy and final unbelief. The Lord's fear shall preserve thee in thy Lord's truth. Though thine enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil, should surprise thee into sin against thy Lord; should draw thee from sweet communion with him; yet shalt thou fear to "lie down in thy shame, while confusion covers thee." Thou shalt remember, Jesus ever lives to save to the uttermost all sinners who come unto God by him. Thou shalt fear to seek to any other object but him; so shalt thou return by faith and repentance to him. "Happy is the man that feareth always."- Pro_28:14.

Salvation is for ever nigh
The souls that fear and trust the Lord;
And grace descending from on high,
Fresh hopes of glory shall afford.

Christ's righteousness is gone before,
To give us free access to God;
Our wand'ring feet shall stray no more.
But mark his steps and keep the road.

[video=youtube;RZ5SnupM8Ws]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ5SnupM8Ws[/video]

September 26,


For we which have believed, do enter into rest.- Heb_4:3.


When Christ is known and believed on in the heart, ease and rest are enjoyed in the conscience. Therefore Jesus is esteemed a precious Saviour. The operations of the Spirit prove that he is the COMFORTER, by thus leading us to Christ. Hence faith and experience go hand in hand. There remaineth for the people of God a rest, perfect and uninterrupted in glory. We have the earnest of the inheritance of it on earth: by faith we enter into it: and while we abide in Jesus we enjoy rest. Who is able to conceive? Who can describe the tumult of conscience, the distress of soul, under a feeling sense of sin and fear of wrath? None can, but the heart which knows its own bitterness. Who can express the sweet peace, the calm repose of that soul who finds rest in Jesus? It is a joy which a stranger intermeddles not with.

It was God's command under the law, "When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war for one year."- Deu_24:5. This is sometimes the case with the children of faith. When they are first married to the Lamb, and have just entered into his rest, the sound of war is not heard in their camp for a season. Jesus keeps their souls in undisturbed repose: no enemy is suffered to annoy them. The joyful sound of the jubilee-trumpet proclaims in their heart full freedom and sweet liberty from the guilt of sin, the bondage of the law, and the tyranny of Satan. Hence they are apt to conclude their enemies are all dead, and they shall see war no more; but it is not so; our enemies live and are mighty.

Bless Jesus for rest; fear not thine enemies; know thou must continue in the militant state whilst in the flesh; but here is the mystery of faith, to triumph in the victory of Jesus. Whilst all are in arms against the soul, though troubled, distressed, perplexed, on every side; fightings without, fears within: although there is no rest from any other quarter, yet it is the sweet privilege of disciples to rest in Jesus. Saith Paul to his dear children, "You, who are troubled, rest with us."- 2Th_1:7. Abide in Jesus; rest satisfied: shortly your Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, to destroy all your enemies, and to make you forever happy in his rest in glory. Disciple, indulge not a murmuring thought against thy sovereign; expect no rest any where but IN HIM. If the world smiles, it is pleasing to the flesh, but it often proves a snare to the soul; therefore saith thy ever-loving Jesus, "In the world you shall have tribulation;" that is his legacy. Here is thy rich, thy never-failing portion, "IN ME you shall have peace."- Joh_16:33.

[video=youtube;yW1gh15yxaY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW1gh15yxaY[/video]

September 27,


Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.- Isa_28:16.


A day is coming when every man's work shall be tried. The foundation of the Lord stands sure; but every other foundation shall be destroyed. He who is built on Jesus, and derives all his hopes of life and salvation from him, is safe in time, and secure to all eternity. Before men begin to build, they draw a plan; and every wise builder looks carefully to the foundation; for on this depends the safety of the superstructure.

The plan of salvation was drawn in the eternal council. It is founded in the love of the Father; effected by the obedience and sufferings of the Son, Jesus. Hence what was contrived in infinite wisdom above, is laid as a sure foundation in the church below, by the love and power of the Spirit, the comforter. It is his peculiar office to lay this foundation in Zion, and to manifest and make known to the prophets and apostles, teachers and saints, that Jesus is the only foundation. As a stone, for strength; a tried stone, approved of by the Father, and by his children in all ages; a precious cornerstone: the ornament and beauty, as well as strength and security of the whole church. Precious is Jesus in all his offices to them that believe; a sure foundation, sure to all the seed; certain to all the purposes of their salvation. And as the Lord the Spirit lays this foundation in the church, in the truth of doctrine, so also in the faith and experience of redeemed souls.

What the word speaks of Jesus, that we prove and find him to be. This is our mercy. "He that believeth shall not make haste." Such is his serenity and composure of mind, that he shall not be frightened in times of distress and calamity, to quit his confidence in Jesus-he shall not be ashamed of his hope in the Lord. Being well satisfied that Jesus reigns, that the government of his church is upon his shoulders, and the residue of the Spirit is with him, he will patiently wait, and quietly hope for the fulfilment of every promise. Sin and Satan shall not overcome the believer in life; in the awful article of death, he shall not be confounded, because his heart standeth fast, believing in the Lord; and when Jesus his friend appears, he shall stand forth with boldness, and shall find an abundant entrance into the presence of God and the Lamb, to live, and love, and reign in glory for ever and ever.

O, for a strong and lasting faith,
To credit what th' Almighty saith,
To build upon God's only Son,
And call his righteousness my own.


[video=youtube;981dYmpKZh0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=981dYmpKZh0[/video]

September 28,


But the Comforter who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.- Joh_14:26.


Our blessed Lord here gives us the clearest discovery of the ever-glorious three persons, in covenant, for the salvation of lost sinners. In this knowledge lies all our hope; from this belief springs all our comfort. In the love of this, our heaven is begun upon earth; for the knowledge, belief, and love of this truth in our hearts, we are wholly indebted to the comforter. He teaches all things. Not by any new lights or fresh revelations; but he graciously instructs our minds and comforts our hearts by the same light of truth and love which beamed forth in the first promise, and which shone brighter and brighter in prophecies, types and shadows of the Covenant, until the substance, Jesus, was come. Then the canon of revealed truth was completed by the apostles, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit; the substance of which is, the things which Jesus spake, did, and suffered on our account, as our substitute, and for our salvation. It is the peculiar office of the Spirit to glorify Jesus, and to sanctify our souls.

This he doth by the word of truth; teaching our minds the Father's electing love, as centering in Jesus, and directing our eyes to him, as made of God to us, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Let no man deceive us with expectations of any new revelation from heaven, of new truths to comfort us; but ever hear Paul, "Though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."- Gal_1:8. Let us prize and study God's word; in and by that the Spirit teacheth and comforteth our minds; in everlasting love and the most ancient truth he establisheth us; we are poor sinners from day to day: we feel many things in and around us to deject and distress us. When we remember what sin hath done to us, brought upon us, and exposeth us to, our hearts are in fears and doubts what will become of us. O, then the comforter brings to our minds and consciences the transcendently rich love of Jesus; what he undertook, spoke, and did in life, suffered in death, and still lives to plead in our behalf before the throne. O, the heartfelt joy of this! So he relieves our minds and refreshes our spirits, through the faith of Jesus, in the knowledge of the truth; so he teaches us self despair, animates us with courage to go on in the path of holiness, and fortifies our minds to withstand all that is against us. "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."- Eph_4:30.


[video=youtube;wutmEjdbedE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE&list=PLi7jEYVXPCMvQy9FMptYZ2UK XymxvzvIn&index=20[/video]

September 29,


Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.- Rom_8:12.


Christianity teaches us to owe no man any thing. He is a prudent man who keeps his accounts clear and knows to whom he is indebted; he is a grateful man who acknowledges favors with just sentiments. If this is necessary and commendable in the economy of this short life, how much more so in things of a spiritual and eternal nature! How wise, how just is it to render to all their dues! If we are debtors to the flesh, let us serve that; but if debtors to the Lord, it is then our duty and privilege to serve him. What owest thou, O Christian, to the flesh? Verily, neither suit nor service: but alas! thou hast obeyed its sinful motions, gratified the corrupt lusts thereof, and what hast thou reaped for it but shame and sorrow? These are the only fruits that sin and folly bear. The flesh with its corruptions and lusts is at enmity to thy God, and at war against thy soul. Willingly to give place to such an enemy to fulfil the lusts and live after the sinful desires of the flesh, will most assuredly weaken thy confidence in Jesus and bring death upon thy peace and comfort; yea, "if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die." The Lord strengthen us daily to deny its demands, and to mortify its lusts! for we are not debtors to the flesh, but to the Spirit; debtors, in an immense sum of love and gratitude; time can never discharge it. With inexpressible joy and delight we shall ever be paying, but never discharge this debt through a never-ending eternity.

The gospel of the grace of God is no licentious doctrine; it sets at liberty, it is true; but it is from the most galling yoke and most servile drudgery to sin and lusts; but yet it binds the soul in the sweetest bonds of grateful service and loving obedience to Jesus, the best of masters. What owest thou to the Spirit, O Christian? Write upon thy heart, even all my present peace, all my future hopes; for he it is who convinced thee of sin, revealed to thee the love of God in Christ, gave thee power to believe on Jesus, grace to repent. He fills thee with joy and peace in believing; he bears witness with thy spirit, and assures of thine adoption to be a child of God; and it is through his influence only, thou art able to mortify the deeds of the flesh, to love thy God and Saviour and live to his glory; and canst thou deliberately grieve the Spirit, this blessed inhabitant, this loving comforter, by yielding service to thy inbred enemy? O, with what fire of indignation against lust! with what warmth of affection to his God doth Joseph cry out, under the solicitations of a strong temptation, How can I do this great wickedness? and what?-sin against the best of masters? against my own soul? no; but against my most kind, most loving, and eternal friend, the Lord my God! Gen_39:9.


[video=youtube;MipmxHPbZF8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MipmxHPbZF8[/video]

September 30,


As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.- Rom_5:21.


Sin, like some mighty conqueror, hath obtained a victory and reigns over the whole human race. All men are naturally under, and well pleased with its reign and government; but sovereign, almighty grace dethrones this usurping monarch in the hearts of the elect; triumphs over its spoils and conquests, delivers their captive souls from its dominion, and reverseth the sentence of death they were under: and all this is effected in a just and righteous way. For though salvation is all of grace to poor sinners, yet eternal life is a just debt due to the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ: he hath a right to challenge it from the hands of justice; and he doth so by promise, "Father, I WILL that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am."- Joh_17:24.

To think of doing something to procure the favor of God and entitle ourselves to eternal life; this we are prompted to from the pride of our natures and unbelief of our hearts. But such notions ever oppose the gospel of grace, resist the Spirit of truth, degrade the glory of Jesus, depreciate the perfection of his finished work, and make the God of truth a liar. But thou, O believer, art not saved without a perfect righteousness, in perfect obedience to the law of God; and through faith in Jesus thou hast a just challenge, an humble claim founded upon his righteousness, to eternal life! O, the rich triumphs of abounding love! how glorious is the victory of sovereign grace! Soul, thou must sink into nothing at its discovery, yet rise into a glorious subject, from the knowledge and experience of it. Grace reigns over all the aboundings of sin; here is our hope, through the righteousness of Christ, over all our unrighteousness; here is our justification in God's sight unto eternal life; here is our triumph over the wages of sin and death.

O sinner! destitute of righteousness in thyself, GRACE demands the daily study and those of thy heart; GRACE demands the whole devotion of thy life. Give all the glory where only it is justly due; to the Father, for everlasting love; to the Son, for everlasting righteousness; and to the Spirit, for everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. The more thou art enabled to live upon the divine truth and faithfulness of the covenant, as revealed in the word, and shining with full lustre in the person of Jesus, thou wilt become dead to every hope but him; out of conceit with all righteousness but his, and thou wilt be singing in triumph with the church, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; MY soul shall be joyful in MY God; for he hath clothed ME with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness."- Isa_61:10.

[video=youtube;Bs_x2EZvk4s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs_x2EZvk4s[/video]

October 1,


Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.- 1Pe_5:7.


We are now called to confess Jesus in a day of mildness; the fury and rage of persecution is restrained; bonds and imprisonments do not await us; yet we must not think to be exempt from trials and difficulties of various kinds. The adversary is not dead; nature's lusts and corruptions are alive, and daily fight against us. The love of Jesus is ever accompanied with the world's hatred. Disciples of Jesus are not mere stoics; they feel the exercise of these things more or less. Sometimes it may be their lot, like the disciples, to be in the midst of a sea of troubles; tossed with the wave of difficulties, the wind of providence seems contrary to them; and to the eye of nature and sense, Jesus seems asleep to their sorrows; as though he intermits in his kind love to them, and tender care over them. Here is the trial of faith; but this grace never consults nature and appearances; it looks through all, to the everlasting love and almighty power of Jesus, knowing he can save from the uttermost depth of distress, to the uttermost height of comfort.

So triumphs the church under all her tribulations; "I will look unto the Lord: I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."- Mic_7:7-8. Sweet confession of faith under very discouraging views. But while the Lord cares for us, what can harm us? And while we cast our every care on him, we obey his will, honor his word, and gather from that heavenly plant the blessed fruit of heart-ease. How composed did the three children of faith stand before the wrathful monarch! How easy their minds under the dreadful threatening of a fiery furnace! How calm their reply! "O king, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter!" the Lord careth for us; we cast all our care upon him. Ever judge of Jesus' care for sinners by his love to them. Ever remember while we were enemies, his blood atoned for our sins. Can we believe his love to us, and doubt of his care for us? O how unreasonable is unbelief! But if we had no corruptions to conflict with, no troubles to exercise us, no burdens to bow us down, no cares to beset us, no fears to attend us, great part of God's word would be useless. As we are not to expect total freedom from these things, the exhortations of the word are suited to our state, and direct to a loving friend, whom we are to believe and honor by obeying his kind invitations: under every distress Jesus saith, "Come unto me."- Mat_11:28.

[video=youtube;MCQjmA489m8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCQjmA489m8[/video]

October 2,


At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.- Joh_14:20.


"To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven." "God hath made every thing beautiful in his time."- Ecc_3:1; Ecc_3:11. In the beginning of time God created all things by Jesus Christ. In the fulness of time the Son of God was made flesh, dwelt among us for a time, and at the end of it finished salvation for lost sinners. The man Jesus ever lives in glory, and therefore his members must be made spiritually alive upon earth; to him they must all be gathered. There is a day of grace appointed them: a time, a set time to favor them.- Psa_110:3. A day of power, wherein they are made willing to come to Jesus, and choose him for their only Saviour, and trust in him as their only hope and their all. Various are the spiritual statutes of God's children.

Different are their degrees of light, faith, knowledge, and love. As in the creation of nature, in the first day's work light was produced, perhaps small and glimmering; but that glorious luminary the sun, was not until the fourth day: so is it in the new creation of souls. Our Lord's first disciples had light enough to see him as the true Messiah, to come to him, and follow him; yet it is amazing to read how dark and confused their minds were about many things which concerned his person, sufferings, and kingdom; it is just the same now. Many are his sincere disciples, but are very weak in faith; know very little of this great mystery, that Christ and his Father are one, that Christ is in the Father, that they are in Christ and that Christ is in them. Hence they are often sadly perplexed and harassed in their minds with doubts and fears.

Still they cleave to Jesus; they love to hear of his precious name and glorious salvation; their hearts can be satisfied with nothing else. Hence it is plain the light hath shined, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon them; but they must follow on to know the Lord. There shall be a day of Pentecost, a day of meridian light, wherein they shall know even as they are known-assuredly know that there is a mutual indwelling of "Christ in them, and they in Christ, and the Spirit will bear witness to their spirits, that they are the children of God."- Rom_8:16. Most sweetly says Mr. Rutherford, 'I am sure my well beloved is God. And when I say Christ is God, and my Christ is God, I have said all things; I can say no more. I would I could build as much on this, MY CHRIST IS GOD, as it would bear; I might lay all the world on it.'-'I will have nothing to do with an absolute God,' says Luther.


[video=youtube;B8Tsotrlo5I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Tsotrlo5I&spfreload=10[/video]

October 3,


And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance for ever.- Isa_32:17.


The light of this day assures us the sun is risen upon the earth. That is not a more evident truth in nature, than this is in reason; that righteousness, once lost, can never be regained by all that sinful man can do. Consequently no peace can subsist between a holy, righteous God, and guilty, unrighteous man. "There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." But who are the wicked? Even all those who through unbelief reject the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the essence of wickedness to oppose a righteous God, to reject the righteousness of Jesus, and to go about to establish one's own inherent righteousness, so as not to submit to the righteousness of God Jesus. Hence the conscience is defiled with guilt, the heart impure, and the life is unholy. Yet pride blinds men's eyes, and self-righteousness deludes their hearts with a false peace. For as there is but one atonement by which guilty sinners are pardoned, so there is but ONE righteousness, even the perfect righteousness of Jesus, by which alone unrighteous sinners are made righteous in the sight of God: he accepts no other; his law is honored by no other; the scriptures reveal no other; faith receives no other; the Spirit bears witness to no other; sinners have no other in which they can stand before God, enjoy peace with God. But possessing the righteousness of Jesus by faith, their minds enjoy a peace which passeth all understanding.

There are many things from a sinful nature, Satan, and the law, which tend to disquiet their minds daily. But this is the blessed effect of Jesus' righteousness; it brings quietness to the conscience. This comforting thought, I am righteous: my Father hath put on me the best robe, which Jesus my elder brother wrought out for me. This quiets my mind; I am easy and satisfied; I can seek no better righteousness; I dare trust in no other. And this righteousness is presented with the clearest evidence, the strongest confidence, the fullest assurance. The triumphs of Jesus' resurrection proclaim its acceptance with God. The Spirit testifies of it in the word, and gives assurance of salvation by it in the hearts of the faithful. Hence the holy boldness and happy rejoicing of faith before a righteous God. David's address to Jesus is, "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness, and thy salvation all the day. I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only."- Psa_71:15-16. As there is but one faith, so saints in all ages had but one object to look to for righteousness, even Jesus. Therefore holy Paul prays, "that I may be found in him, not having mine own righteousness."- Php_3:9.


(No plane ride this time )

[video=youtube;pSI9b1T-_ac]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSI9b1T-_ac[/video]

October 4,


All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.- 1Co_6:12.


The constraints of love and jealousy of fear sweetly unite in the believing heart. Where the faith of Jesus prevails, love constrains. It holds and keeps us in our station and duty, as soldiers are kept together under a banner or ensign displayed. What cheerfulness and activity of soul do we experience, when we can say with the church in Son_2:4. "Jesus' banner over me was love!" Then how sweetly do we judge and determine our conduct by the law of Christ, which is LOVE! This excites a godly fear lest we should allow ourselves a latitude in things in themselves indifferent, to the wounding and hurt of our souls or our fellow-soldiers. Though all things of an indifferent nature, which are innocent in themselves, are lawful to us; yet the cause and interest of our dear Saviour, and the good and edifying of his beloved members, should be ever near our hearts, and make us consider the expediency of them.

How narrow is the path of duty! yet it is pleasant to the faithful soul. For Jesus hath strewed it with the fragrant fruits of peace, love, and comfort. Peace from God, and with our brethren; love to God and one another. While we walk according to this rule, we bring glory to God who hath called us by Jesus Christ to glory, and will also assuredly glorify us together with himself. What circumspection becomes disciples in their daily walk, that they give none offence, neither to the Jew nor to the Gentile, nor to the church of God! The eyes, not only of God, angels, and devils, are upon us, but the eyes of men also, our brethren, and our opposers. Did the Rechabites wholly abstain from wine, because Jonadab commanded "Ye shall drink no wine?" Did the Lord honor their obedience in this indifferent thing with his approbation?-Jeremiah 35. How much more will Jesus honor his disciples, who, with an eye to his glory, and his members' good, abstain from things that are not expedient! Thou freeman of the Lord, with a holy resolution assert thy dignity. I will not be brought under the power of any thing contrary to the love of Jesus. Happy is he who seeketh not to please himself, but to profit others. How then can those answer to the Lord Christ, to their own souls, and to their brethren, who can indulge themselves at card-tables, play-houses, etc. and say, "These are indifferent things; I see no harm in them!" Is this "following after the things which make for peace, and wherewith one may edify another?"- Rom_14:19. "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."- Rom_14:22.


[video=youtube;ZypKcB-w5VY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZypKcB-w5VY[/video]

October 5,


What doest thou here, Elijah?- 1Ki_19:13.


The prophets, as well as the children of the Lord, are sometimes found where they ought not to be. Elijah had now taken up his residence in a cave in the wilderness. What work could he do for his master here? What glory could he bring to his name in a barren mountain? Here were no lambs of God's flock to be gathered, no sheep of Christ's pasture to be fed, no torn sheep to be healed and nourished by his word and doctrine. It seems as though he thought all his work was at an end, his zeal quite worn out; and in a fit of fear, unbelief, and despondency, he retreated from public opposition to the dreary mansions of a mountainous cave for rest and quiet. But the Lord followed him, caused him to hear his voice, calls him to new work, endues him with fresh strength, and animates him with the pleasing assurance that he had seven thousand faithful servants yet in Israel. But poor Elijah thought he was left alone.

See the effect of judging according to appearances. Carnal reason is a bad judge in spiritual things. The wisdom of the flesh, ever determines contrary to the wisdom of God. Beware of your frames, O disciples. If on the mount, in the sunshine of comfort, be not vain and confident, with "I shall never fall." If in the gloomy valley, where light and joy are obscured, be not cast down and dejected. "The Lord reigneth: rejoice in him." Though clouds and darkness are round thy God and Saviour, yet "righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne."-Psalms 97. Above all, beware of thy conduct. Fly not to places of sinful vanities, and vain gratifications.

These can never profit thy soul. Nay, if dark and uncomfortable, what canst thou expect but to be darker and more uncomfortable still? This is a farther remove from the Saviour's love and presence. What canst thou expect, but this cutting reproof, this keen interrogation, "thou man of God, what dost thou HERE?" If Elijah was reproved, for being in a barren wilderness, how canst thou answer it to God thy loving Saviour, for being found on worse than barren ground; where the alluring baits of sin; the poisonous weeds of Satan grow in abundance, to beguile and destroy unstable souls. O soul, hear the call of thy beloved Lord! "Depart ye, depart ye, this is not your rest." Know your glorious privilege. "Ye are the temple of the living God. God dwells in you, and walks in you." Listen to his voice, speaking to your souls. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you: and I will be a Father unto you, (ye shall enjoy the sweet knowledge of it,) and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."- 2Co_6:17-18.


[video=youtube;C9qidLSp4j8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9qidLSp4j8[/video]

October 6,


Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.- Heb_12:1.


Christian, thou art called to run a race: the eyes of innumerable spectators are upon thee; the powers of many enemies are against thee; but fear not. In the strength of Jesus, through the power of faith, thou shalt obtain the prize: even the salvation of thy soul. It is thy wisdom to know thy foes and to guard against them: to know thine own vileness and weakness, and to look to thy friend for power. Thou hast a heavy burden which hinders thy running with alacrity and delight: this, in the exercise of faith, thou must lay aside; therefore "put off the old man with his deeds." This through the Spirit is to be thy daily work. Every sin is a weight; as such is to be laid aside. "The body of sin" is a sore burden, therefore to be put off: but thou hast a besetting sin: thine own conscience best knows its name and nature: this thou art called to lay aside. In the nature of all men there is one sin, a master sin, the source and spring of every other sin, which even believers are not exempt from; but it is ready at all times easily to beset them. It is that monster of iniquity, UNBELIEF. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen."- Heb_11:1.

Here we see what glory is given to God, and what wonders were wrought by faith in that chapter. It is the nature of unbelief to deny the substance of what is hoped for, and to oppose the evidence of invisible realities. It tends to make faint hearts, weak knees, and feeble hands: it stops us in our race: it puts us to a stand; and we should give up all and give over all, unless Jesus prays for us, and we are endued with power from on high. But glory to our Jesus he does pray for us, therefore, our faith fails not; we are strengthened by the Spirit's might in the inner man to hold on. Yet shame on thee, O soul, instead of laying aside this sin, how often dost thou treat it as a bosom friend! How frequently consult it as a sweet counsellor! especially when its arguments are backed by its constant companion, CARNAL REASON. But being assured the matter of thy faith is the word of truth, the author and finisher of thy faith Jesus, thou art not called to answer every cavil from carnal reason, nor to silence unbelief by explaining the mysteries of grace and salvation; but to lay it aside; put it off as David did Saul's armour; put it away as men do childish things; cast it out as Abram did the bondwoman and her son-and so run with patience the race that is set before thee, every step "looking unto Jesus."

By glimm'ring hope and gloomy fears
We trace the sacred road;
Thro' dismal deeps and dang'rous snares
We make our way to God.

See the kind angels at the gates,
Inviting us to come!
There Jesus the forerunner waits,
To welcome trav'lers home.



[video=youtube;csjtr_QN-Fs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csjtr_QN-Fs[/video]

October 7,


That I may know him.- Php_3:10.


"There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four. . . .the fire which saith not, it is enough."- Pro_30:15-16. So true is this, of the fire of love when kindled in believing hearts. It burns with insatiable desire towards Jesus. Amazing! Had Paul so long known, loved, and preached a crucified, risen Jesus, and yet now desires to know him! Yes. Such is the nature of faith, that like riches to a miser, the more they increase, the more the desires of his heart increase after them. His wants are greater than his possessions. So the living members of precious Jesus see such inexhaustible treasures in him their living head, and such numerous wants in themselves, that their hearts are ever crying after, looking to, and longing for more of his presence, blessings and comforts in knowledge and experience. And, like a chaste virgin espoused to an affectionate lover, her desires will never be completely satisfied till he is brought into the nearest relation and closest embraces, when she takes up her abode, and enjoys the presence of the object of her love. Lovers of Jesus can never be satisfied with any other but him, nor will they be fully satisfied nor perfectly happy, till they are for ever present with their ever-loving Lord.

But the knowledge of him, even now, creates a paradise of peace, a heaven of love and holiness in the soul. Hence there is a godly jealousy in espoused souls, lest other objects should steal upon their affections. If at any time their eyes have been turned from their Lord, there is a holy shame; they blush at their folly, and cry, O that I may know him who rests for ever alike in his constant love to me a poor sinner. In this consists the life and joy of the heart, to know that Jesus hath made peace for us by the blood of his cross; that he hath wrought out a robe of righteousness by the obedience of his life to adorn us; that he ever lives to pray for us. Yea daily, constantly to know him, as dwelling in my heart by faith, ever present with me to the joy of my mind, and to the peace of my conscience. And truly, beloved, if thou art not thus kept knowing Jesus, looking to Jesus, feeding upon him continually in thy heart by faith, thou wilt know and feel other things, which will creep in and sadly distress thy mind. The voice of the law will be heard in thy conscience, backed by Satan's injections, and thou wilt find anguish of spirit and bitterness of soul. But by sweetly abiding in the knowledge of Jesus, by faith, thou shalt manfully stand thy ground, and courageously conquer and triumph. "So shall grace and peace be multiplied through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord- 2Pe_1:2.


[video=youtube;naM2Sx6Innk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naM2Sx6Innk[/video]

October 8,


Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth.- Rom_14:22.


There are many things of a civil, moral and religious nature, which are in themselves indifferent. Yet, as to compliance or noncompliance with them, they are far from being matters of indifference to the mind of a believer. As he has an inward consciousness of his outward behaviour, so he finds within himself a sentence of condemnation when he acts contrary to the dictates of his own knowledge and conscience. It may be the disciple of Jesus often finds some things of a doubtful nature, wherein he doth not see the word of God to be express and clear in determining. The upright soul, the tender conscience knows not how to act; is afraid of doing wrong: he asks advice of ministers and Christian brethren, but they cannot fully satisfy his scruples and set his mind at liberty, how he ought to demean himself.

Here the apostles give a full and peremptory answer. The heart of every believer is purified from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus, and instructed in the knowledge of the truth by his word and Spirit. Hence there is an inward perception of what tends to wound and condemn it. Happy art thou, disciple, if thou dost not wilfully allow thyself in any thing for which thy conscience condemns thee. Never allow thyself in any outward practice, which is attended with inward condemnation. Is it of a trifling and indifferent nature in itself? pretend not to plead for it. Canst thou be content to make thy conscience thine enemy, to incur its censure, and to impair thy peace, for a TRIFLE? Whatever thou takest in hand remember the end, and thou shalt not do amiss. This advice is excellent; it is thy wisdom to follow it; it is thy privilege to plead for power at a throne of grace. Consider daily thy calling; it is to live in sweet fellowship with Jesus, to enjoy peace in thy conscience, and holiness and happiness in life. Whatever is contrary to this, will make thee unhappy. As a son of the most high God, and a servant of the precious Jesus, thou art called not to please thy flesh, not to do thy own will, not to gratify thy own lusts, yea not to destroy thy own peace, but to glorify thy God and Saviour, in doing his will. It is most plain and evident from the apostles' exhortations, that if believers' walk and practice are not consistent with the truth, they may most certainly deprive themselves of the sweet sense and comfortable enjoyment of the peace and love of God. Consider deeply, weigh attentively the force and meaning of these words, "KEEP yourselves in the love of God."- Jud_1:21. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts."- Col_3:15.

The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
(Rom 14:22)

<strong>[video=youtube;vCf7m_T6xtE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCf7m_T6xtE[/video]

October 9,


God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.- 2Th_2:13.


We live in a day when pride reigns, the creature is exalted, the Holy Ghost resisted, and truth is trampled under foot. The doctrine of God's distinguishing grace and electing love in Christ Jesus, is now, as it ever was, to men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, a bone of contention. They have railing accusations, great swelling words to utter against it; their mouths are not stopped, because they see not themselves guilty before God- Rom_3:19. Saith Paul of such, "They are under a strong delusion, they have pleasure in unrighteousness." They are left to sport themselves with their own vain proud delusions. Then he adds, "but we are bound to give thanks for God's election of you brethren, beloved of the Lord." True ministers of Jesus join with blessed apostles, in giving praise to God the Father for his love to poor sinners in Christ Jesus. They know God's love existed before time began.

The doctrine of election is not a mere speculation, nor can it tend to licentiousness; but it is of the essence of vital godliness, and is attended with the most holy and blessed effects, where received into the heart in the love of it. For the same Lord, who purposed to bring many sons to glory, hath also ordained the means, "sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth." How could Paul know these professors were beloved and elected? Truly the effects proved the cause. They saw the fruits of electing love spring forth under the energy of the blessed Spirit. They were brought to believe in, love and cleave to the sanctifying influence it had upon their hearts and lives.

"Behold mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth," said the Father of all consolations to his church, concerning Jesus- Isa_42:1. He is the blessed object in whom we are chosen, who has finished our salvation, and to whom we are to look by faith. Yet, O believer, trace the streams of thy mercy to the fountain head; see thy obligations equally to the Father's love, the Son's redemption, and the Spirit's operations. ;Thus all salvation is of God; thou hast nothing whereof to glory all cause for deepest humility; the greatest reason for rejoicing day by day. What heights of love art thou called to! What inflamed affections should possess thy heart!-"Only let thy conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ."- Php_1:27.


[video=youtube;Myp5TPCy_30]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myp5TPCy_30[/video]