How To Live A Beautiful Christian Life # 1
We have only successfully acquired the art of living a Christian life - when we have learned to apply the principles of true religion, and enjoy its help and comfort in our daily life. It is easy to join in devotional exercises, to quote Bible promises, to extol the beauty of the Scriptures; but there are many who do these things - whose religion utterly fails them in the very places and at the very times - when it ought to prove their staff and stay!
All of us must go out from the sweet services of the Sunday - into a week of very real and very commonplace life. We must mingle with people who are not angels. We must pass through experiences that will naturally worry and vex us. Those about us, either wittingly or unwittingly, annoy and try us. We must mingle with those who do not love Christ. We all meet many troubles and worries in ordinary week-day life. They are continual irritations and annoyances.
The problem is to live a beautiful Christian life - in the face of all these hindrances! How can we get through the tangled briers which grow along our path - without having our hands and feet torn by them? How can we live sweetly - amid the vexing and irritating things and the multitude of little worries and frets which infest our way, and which we cannot evade?
It is not enough merely to "get along" in any sort of way, to drag to the close of each long, wearisome day, happy when night comes to end the strife. Life should be a joy - and not a burden. We should live victoriously, ever master of our experiences, and not tossed by them like a leaf on the dashing waves. Every earnest Christian wants to live a truly beautiful life, whatever the circumstances may be.
A little child, when asked "what it was to be a Christian," replied, "For me, to be a Christian is to live as Jesus would live - and behave as Jesus would behave - if he were a little girl and lived at our house." No better definition of practical religion could be given. Each one of us is to live just as Jesus would - if he were living out our little life in the midst of its actual environment, standing all day just where we stand, mingling with the same people with whom we must mingle, and exposed to the very annoyances, trials and provocations to which we are exposed. We want to live a life that will please God, and that will bear witness on its face to the genuineness of our piety.
How can we do this? We must first recognize the fact that our life must be lived just in its own circumstances. We cannot at present change our surroundings. Whatever we are to make of our lives - must be made in the midst of our actual experiences. Here we must either win our victories - or suffer our defeats. We may thing our lot is especially hard - and may wish it were otherwise. We may wish that we had a life of ease and luxury, amid softer scenes, with no briers or thorns, no worries or provocations. Then we would be always gentle, patient, serene, trustful, happy. How delightful it would be - never to have a care, an irritation, a cross, a single vexing thing!
But meanwhile this fact remains - that our aspiration cannot be realized, and that whatever our life is to be made, beautiful or marred, we must make it just where we are. No restless discontent can change our lot. We cannot get into any "paradise" merely by longing for it. Other people may have other circumstances, possibly more pleasant than ours - but here are ours. We may as well settle this point at once, and accept the battle of life on this field - or else, while we are vainly wishing for a better chance, the opportunity for victory shall have passed.
The next thought is that the place in which we find ourselves is the place in which the Master desires us to live our life.
There is no haphazard in this world. God leads every one of his children by the right way. He knows where and under what influences each particular life will ripen best. One tree grows best in the sheltered valley, another by the water's edge,another on the bleak mountain-top swept by storms. There is always adaptation in nature. Every tree or plant is found in the locality where the conditions of its growth exist, and does God give more thought to trees and plants than to his own children? He places us amid the circumstances and experiences in which our life will grow and ripen the best. The peculiar discipline to which we are each subjected - is the discipline we each need to bring out in us the beauties and graces of true spiritual character. We are in the right school. We may think that we would ripen more quickly - in a more easy and luxurious life - but God knows what is best; He makes no mistakes.
There is a little fable which says that a primrose growing by itself in a shady corner of the garden, became discontented as it saw the other flowers in their mirthful beds in the sunshine, and begged to be moved to a more conspicuous place. Its prayer was granted. The gardener transplanted it to a more showy and sunny spot. It was greatly pleased - but there came a change over it immediately. Its blossoms lost much of their beauty and became pale and sickly. The hot sun caused them to faint and wither. So it prayed again to be taken back to its old place in the shade. The wise gardener knows best where to plant each flower, and so God, the divine Gardener, knows where His people will best grow into what he would have them to be. Some require the fierce storms, some will only thrive spiritually in the shadow of worldly adversity, and some come to ripeness more sweetly under the soft and gentle influences of prosperity, whose beauty, rough experiences would mar. He knows what is best for each one.
The next thought, is that it is possible to live a beautiful life anywhere. There is no position in this world in the allotment of providence, in which it is not possible to be a true Christian, exemplifying all the virtues of Christianity. The grace of Christ has in it, potency enough to enable us to live godly, wherever we are called to dwell. When God chooses a home for us - He fits us for its peculiar trials. There is a beautiful law of adaptation that runs through all God's providence. Animals made to dwell amide arctic snows are covered with warm furs. The camel's home is the desert, and a wondrous provision is made by which it can endure long journeys across the hot sands without drink. Birds are fitted for their flights in the air. Animals made to live among the mountain-crags, have feet prepared for climbing over the steep rocks.In all nature this law of special equipment and preparation for allotted places prevails.
~J. R. Miller~
continued with # 2
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Favorite Pastor Quotes 10
Favorite Pastor Quotes 10
Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it(J.C. Ryle, "Knots Untied")
Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.
The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.
The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.
Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers--is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise--are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them--because their spiritual taste is diseased.
__________________________________
This stillness and silence befits us!
(Ashton Oxenden, "The Christian Life")
"I was silent; I would not open my mouth--for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10This stillness and silence befits us, when God lifts up His arm to afflict us. It is of little use at such times to struggle against His almighty power--to be restless and complaining when His heavy hand is laid upon us. Our wisdom is . . .
to bear the burden which oppresses us with patience,
to submit cheerfully to the will of God, and
to kiss the painful rod which scourges us.
We should remember that our Father does not afflict His children willingly, that is, for His own pleasure--but for their profit. He loves them; and when He punishes them, it is for their discipline, and to make them what He would have them to be--partakers of His holiness.
We should look at our afflictions in this light--and not let a murmur escape our lips! Our language should be, "It is the Lord--let Him do what seems good to Him!" 1 Samuel 3:18
It is often our duty, in the hour of trial or of difficulty, to be still, to lie passive in God's hands, "to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord."
__________________________________
Our doctrine is utterly meaningless!
(Don Fortner)
"Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Titus 2:10
The study of the Bible should always be practical and applicable to our lives day by day. That is to say, we are to set forth in our lives as well as in our doctrine--the beauty, glory, and attractiveness of the gospel of Christ. We must have our lives regulated and governedby the gospel.
Let us take great care to conform our lives to our doctrine. Doctrine and duty cannot be separated. Every truth discovered in the Word of God ought to be applied to our lives. If our character and conduct does not reflect the grace and glory of God revealed in the gospel,our doctrine is utterly meaningless!
Gospel preachers are responsible to pointedly apply the gospel to the daily affairs and responsibilities of men and women in this world. It is every pastor's responsibility to faithfully to teach people how to live in this world for the glory of Christ, applying the Word of God to every area of life. It is the responsibility of God's saints to obey the gospel, applying it personally to every area of their lives.
Always be prepared to give up any doctrine or practice that is not found in holy Scripture and to embrace anything revealed in the Book of God, not matter what the sacrifice, no matter what the consequence.
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more." 1 Thessalonians 4:1
___________________________________
The flattery of his brethren is distasteful to him!
(Ashton Oxenden, "The Touchstone of Humility")
A humble Christian is one who not only considers himself to be nothing--but is willing to be thought so by others. There is a vast difference between knowing our own faults--and being willing that others should know them. It is very mortifying to be accounted nothing in the eyes of our fellow-men. Now, the really humble man is content to bear this. He has no wish to be more highly esteemed than he deserves--in fact, the flattery of his brethren is distasteful to him!
And yet how utterly contrary is this to our natural feelings! The Drunkard would not wish his neighbors to know that he drinks--he would conceal it if he could. The Dishonest man would wish to appear honest before others.
And why all this desire at concealment? It is because people are anxious to keep up a good image before their fellow creatures--although they may have lost it with Him who knows all. The truth is, they 'love the praise of men, more than the praise of God.'
What a dangerous snare this is! To be thought well of by our brethren, and to stand high in their opinion--is too eagerly sought after by most of us. We have need not only to fight against the fear of man--but also, and still more, against the love and esteem of man. The esteem of godly men is well, as far as it goes; but it is clearly wrong to be always craving after it. We should rather feel that anything like flattering praise would be hurtful to us--and on that account we should shrink from it, and try to put it away from us.
It is hard, I know, to bring ourselves to this. To pray that we may become low in our own eyes--needs some grace. But to pray that we may be content to be lowered in the eyes of those around us--needs a large amount of grace!
Suppose you were to be informed that one, who stood high for his religious attainments, had expressed an unfavorable opinion of you--would not this be very displeasing? But I am inclined to think that a true Christian, though he would feel a little nettled at the time--would be able to thank God for anything which keeps down his pride, and sets him in his proper place!
The day is soon coming, when we shall be taken off the false heights which we often stand upon, and be brought to our true level--when all the esteem of others shall vanish and pass away like smoke--and we shall be just what God finds us to be, neither more nor less!
Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it(J.C. Ryle, "Knots Untied")
Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.
The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.
The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.
Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers--is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise--are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them--because their spiritual taste is diseased.
__________________________________
This stillness and silence befits us!
(Ashton Oxenden, "The Christian Life")
"I was silent; I would not open my mouth--for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10This stillness and silence befits us, when God lifts up His arm to afflict us. It is of little use at such times to struggle against His almighty power--to be restless and complaining when His heavy hand is laid upon us. Our wisdom is . . .
to bear the burden which oppresses us with patience,
to submit cheerfully to the will of God, and
to kiss the painful rod which scourges us.
We should remember that our Father does not afflict His children willingly, that is, for His own pleasure--but for their profit. He loves them; and when He punishes them, it is for their discipline, and to make them what He would have them to be--partakers of His holiness.
We should look at our afflictions in this light--and not let a murmur escape our lips! Our language should be, "It is the Lord--let Him do what seems good to Him!" 1 Samuel 3:18
It is often our duty, in the hour of trial or of difficulty, to be still, to lie passive in God's hands, "to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord."
__________________________________
Our doctrine is utterly meaningless!
(Don Fortner)
"Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Titus 2:10
The study of the Bible should always be practical and applicable to our lives day by day. That is to say, we are to set forth in our lives as well as in our doctrine--the beauty, glory, and attractiveness of the gospel of Christ. We must have our lives regulated and governedby the gospel.
Let us take great care to conform our lives to our doctrine. Doctrine and duty cannot be separated. Every truth discovered in the Word of God ought to be applied to our lives. If our character and conduct does not reflect the grace and glory of God revealed in the gospel,our doctrine is utterly meaningless!
Gospel preachers are responsible to pointedly apply the gospel to the daily affairs and responsibilities of men and women in this world. It is every pastor's responsibility to faithfully to teach people how to live in this world for the glory of Christ, applying the Word of God to every area of life. It is the responsibility of God's saints to obey the gospel, applying it personally to every area of their lives.
Always be prepared to give up any doctrine or practice that is not found in holy Scripture and to embrace anything revealed in the Book of God, not matter what the sacrifice, no matter what the consequence.
"Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more." 1 Thessalonians 4:1
___________________________________
The flattery of his brethren is distasteful to him!
(Ashton Oxenden, "The Touchstone of Humility")
A humble Christian is one who not only considers himself to be nothing--but is willing to be thought so by others. There is a vast difference between knowing our own faults--and being willing that others should know them. It is very mortifying to be accounted nothing in the eyes of our fellow-men. Now, the really humble man is content to bear this. He has no wish to be more highly esteemed than he deserves--in fact, the flattery of his brethren is distasteful to him!
And yet how utterly contrary is this to our natural feelings! The Drunkard would not wish his neighbors to know that he drinks--he would conceal it if he could. The Dishonest man would wish to appear honest before others.
And why all this desire at concealment? It is because people are anxious to keep up a good image before their fellow creatures--although they may have lost it with Him who knows all. The truth is, they 'love the praise of men, more than the praise of God.'
What a dangerous snare this is! To be thought well of by our brethren, and to stand high in their opinion--is too eagerly sought after by most of us. We have need not only to fight against the fear of man--but also, and still more, against the love and esteem of man. The esteem of godly men is well, as far as it goes; but it is clearly wrong to be always craving after it. We should rather feel that anything like flattering praise would be hurtful to us--and on that account we should shrink from it, and try to put it away from us.
It is hard, I know, to bring ourselves to this. To pray that we may become low in our own eyes--needs some grace. But to pray that we may be content to be lowered in the eyes of those around us--needs a large amount of grace!
Suppose you were to be informed that one, who stood high for his religious attainments, had expressed an unfavorable opinion of you--would not this be very displeasing? But I am inclined to think that a true Christian, though he would feel a little nettled at the time--would be able to thank God for anything which keeps down his pride, and sets him in his proper place!
The day is soon coming, when we shall be taken off the false heights which we often stand upon, and be brought to our true level--when all the esteem of others shall vanish and pass away like smoke--and we shall be just what God finds us to be, neither more nor less!
Saturday, March 24, 2018
No Posts this Morning
No Posts this morning!
I'm moving and switching over to new service. Should be able to post next Saturday. Thank you and may God richly bless each and every one of you!!
I'm moving and switching over to new service. Should be able to post next Saturday. Thank you and may God richly bless each and every one of you!!
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Favorite Pastor Quotes 9
Favorite Pastor Quotes 9
We all naturally love to have a pope of our own!
(J.C. Ryle,)
"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong!" Galatians 2:11
One lesson we learn from this verse, is that great ministers may make great mistakes. The best of men are weak and fallible. Unless the grace of God holds them up, any one of them may go astray at any time. Let us learn not to put implicit confidence in any man's opinion, merely because he is a minister. Peter was one of the very chief Apostles--and yet he could err. What are the best of ministers but men--dust, ashes, and clay--men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities?
We all naturally love to have a pope of our own. We are far too ready to think, that because some great minister or some learned man says a thing; or because our own minister, whom we love, says a thing--that it must be right, without examining whether it is in Scripture or not.
It is absurd to suppose that ordained men cannot go wrong. We should follow them so far as they teach according to the Bible, but no further. We should believe them so long as they can say, "Thus it is written! Thus says the Lord!" but further than this, we are not to go. Infallibility is not to be found in ordained men, but in the Bible alone!
Let us take care that we do not place implicit confidence on our own minister's opinion, however godly he may be. Peter was a man of mighty grace, and yet he could err. Your minister may be a man of God indeed, and worthy of all honor for his preaching and example; but do not make a pope of him! Do not place his word on the same level with the Word of God.
The Christian minister is not infallible! The vulgar notion that a clergyman is not likely to hold or teach erroneous doctrines, and that we seldom need to doubt the truth of anything he tells us in the pulpit--is one of the most mischievous errors which has been bequeathed by the Church of Rome. It is a complete delusion! Ordination confers no immunity from error! Ministers, like Churches--may err both in living and matters of faith.
The Apostle Peter erred greatly at Antioch, where Paul withstood him to the face. Many of the church Fathers and Reformers and Puritans made great mistakes. The greatest errors have been begun by ministers!
The teaching of all ministers ought to be constantly compared with the Scriptures--and when it contradicts the Scriptures, it ought not to be believed. However high a clergyman's office may be, and however learned and devout he may appear--he is still only an uninspired man, and can make mistakes. His opinion must never be set above the Word of God!
Let us receive nothing, believe nothing, follow nothing--which is not in the Bible, nor can be proved by the Bible. Let our rule of faith, our touchstone of all teaching, be the written Word of God alone!
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true!" Acts 17:11
___________________________
We all naturally love to have a pope of our own!
(J.C. Ryle,)
"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong!" Galatians 2:11
One lesson we learn from this verse, is that great ministers may make great mistakes. The best of men are weak and fallible. Unless the grace of God holds them up, any one of them may go astray at any time. Let us learn not to put implicit confidence in any man's opinion, merely because he is a minister. Peter was one of the very chief Apostles--and yet he could err. What are the best of ministers but men--dust, ashes, and clay--men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities?
We all naturally love to have a pope of our own. We are far too ready to think, that because some great minister or some learned man says a thing; or because our own minister, whom we love, says a thing--that it must be right, without examining whether it is in Scripture or not.
It is absurd to suppose that ordained men cannot go wrong. We should follow them so far as they teach according to the Bible, but no further. We should believe them so long as they can say, "Thus it is written! Thus says the Lord!" but further than this, we are not to go. Infallibility is not to be found in ordained men, but in the Bible alone!
Let us take care that we do not place implicit confidence on our own minister's opinion, however godly he may be. Peter was a man of mighty grace, and yet he could err. Your minister may be a man of God indeed, and worthy of all honor for his preaching and example; but do not make a pope of him! Do not place his word on the same level with the Word of God.
The Christian minister is not infallible! The vulgar notion that a clergyman is not likely to hold or teach erroneous doctrines, and that we seldom need to doubt the truth of anything he tells us in the pulpit--is one of the most mischievous errors which has been bequeathed by the Church of Rome. It is a complete delusion! Ordination confers no immunity from error! Ministers, like Churches--may err both in living and matters of faith.
The Apostle Peter erred greatly at Antioch, where Paul withstood him to the face. Many of the church Fathers and Reformers and Puritans made great mistakes. The greatest errors have been begun by ministers!
The teaching of all ministers ought to be constantly compared with the Scriptures--and when it contradicts the Scriptures, it ought not to be believed. However high a clergyman's office may be, and however learned and devout he may appear--he is still only an uninspired man, and can make mistakes. His opinion must never be set above the Word of God!
Let us receive nothing, believe nothing, follow nothing--which is not in the Bible, nor can be proved by the Bible. Let our rule of faith, our touchstone of all teaching, be the written Word of God alone!
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true!" Acts 17:11
___________________________
Everybody is going to be saved--and nobody is going to be lost!
(J.C. Ryle)
One great danger of the church today, consists in the rise and progress of a spirit of indifference to all doctrines and opinions in religion. A wave of latitudinarianism about theology, appears to be passing over the land. The minds of many seem utterly incapable of discerning any difference between . . .
one belief--and another belief,
one creed--and another creed,
one tenet--and another tenet,
one opinion--and another opinion,
one thought--and another thought,
however diverse and mutually contrary they may be!
Everything is true--and nothing is false.
Everything is right--and nothing is wrong.
Everything is good--and nothing is bad--if only it comes to us under the garb and name of religion. Most think that it is kind and liberal, to maintain that we have no right to think that anyone is wrong, who is in earnest about his creed.
We are not allowed to ask what is God's truth--but what is liberal, and generous, and charitable.
Most professing Christians make cleverness and earnestness the only tests of orthodoxy in religion. Thousands nowadays seem utterly unable to distinguish things that differ. If a preacher is only clever and eloquent and earnest--they think that he is all right, however strange and heterodox his sermons may be.
Popery--or Protestantism,
an atonement--or no atonement,
a personal Holy Spirit--or no Holy Spirit,
future punishment--or no future punishment
--they swallow all! Carried away by an imagined liberality and charity, they seem to regard doctrine as a matter of no importance, and to think that everybody is going to be saved--and nobody is going to be lost! They dislike distinctness, and think that all decided views are very wrong!
These people live in a kind of mist or fog! They see nothing clearly, and do not know what they believe. They have not made up their minds about any great point in the Gospel, and seem content to be honorary members of all schools of thought. For their lives--they could not tell you what they think is truth about . . .
forgiveness of sins,
or justification,
or regeneration,
or sanctification,
or saving faith,
or conversion,
or inspiration,
or the future state.
They are eaten up with a morbid dread of doctrine. And so they live on undecided, and too often undecided they drift down to the grave, on the broad way which leads to eternal destruction.
They are content to shovel aside all disputed points as rubbish, and will tell you, "I do not pretend to understand doctrine. I dare say that it is all the same in the long run." They are for a general policy of universal toleration and forbearance of every doctrine. Every school of false teaching, however extreme, is to be tolerated. They desire the Church to be a kind of Noah's Ark, within which every kind of opinion and creed shall dwell safely and undisturbed, and the only terms of admittance are a willingness to come inside, and let your neighbor alone. Nothing is too absurd to concede and allow into the church, in the present mania for complete freedom of thought, and absolute liberty of opinion.
The explanation of this boneless, nerveless condition of soul, is perhaps not difficult to find. The heart of man is naturally in the dark about religion--has no intuitive sense of truth--and really needs divine instruction and illumination. Besides this, the natural heart in most men hates exertion in religion. Above all, the natural heart generally likes the praise of others, shrinks from collision, and loves to be thought charitable and liberal. The whole result is that a kind of broad religious anythingism just suits an immense number of professors.
Ignorance, I am compelled to say, is one of the grand dangers of professors of religion in the present day.
(J.C. Ryle)
One great danger of the church today, consists in the rise and progress of a spirit of indifference to all doctrines and opinions in religion. A wave of latitudinarianism about theology, appears to be passing over the land. The minds of many seem utterly incapable of discerning any difference between . . .
one belief--and another belief,
one creed--and another creed,
one tenet--and another tenet,
one opinion--and another opinion,
one thought--and another thought,
however diverse and mutually contrary they may be!
Everything is true--and nothing is false.
Everything is right--and nothing is wrong.
Everything is good--and nothing is bad--if only it comes to us under the garb and name of religion. Most think that it is kind and liberal, to maintain that we have no right to think that anyone is wrong, who is in earnest about his creed.
We are not allowed to ask what is God's truth--but what is liberal, and generous, and charitable.
Most professing Christians make cleverness and earnestness the only tests of orthodoxy in religion. Thousands nowadays seem utterly unable to distinguish things that differ. If a preacher is only clever and eloquent and earnest--they think that he is all right, however strange and heterodox his sermons may be.
Popery--or Protestantism,
an atonement--or no atonement,
a personal Holy Spirit--or no Holy Spirit,
future punishment--or no future punishment
--they swallow all! Carried away by an imagined liberality and charity, they seem to regard doctrine as a matter of no importance, and to think that everybody is going to be saved--and nobody is going to be lost! They dislike distinctness, and think that all decided views are very wrong!
These people live in a kind of mist or fog! They see nothing clearly, and do not know what they believe. They have not made up their minds about any great point in the Gospel, and seem content to be honorary members of all schools of thought. For their lives--they could not tell you what they think is truth about . . .
forgiveness of sins,
or justification,
or regeneration,
or sanctification,
or saving faith,
or conversion,
or inspiration,
or the future state.
They are eaten up with a morbid dread of doctrine. And so they live on undecided, and too often undecided they drift down to the grave, on the broad way which leads to eternal destruction.
They are content to shovel aside all disputed points as rubbish, and will tell you, "I do not pretend to understand doctrine. I dare say that it is all the same in the long run." They are for a general policy of universal toleration and forbearance of every doctrine. Every school of false teaching, however extreme, is to be tolerated. They desire the Church to be a kind of Noah's Ark, within which every kind of opinion and creed shall dwell safely and undisturbed, and the only terms of admittance are a willingness to come inside, and let your neighbor alone. Nothing is too absurd to concede and allow into the church, in the present mania for complete freedom of thought, and absolute liberty of opinion.
The explanation of this boneless, nerveless condition of soul, is perhaps not difficult to find. The heart of man is naturally in the dark about religion--has no intuitive sense of truth--and really needs divine instruction and illumination. Besides this, the natural heart in most men hates exertion in religion. Above all, the natural heart generally likes the praise of others, shrinks from collision, and loves to be thought charitable and liberal. The whole result is that a kind of broad religious anythingism just suits an immense number of professors.
Ignorance, I am compelled to say, is one of the grand dangers of professors of religion in the present day.
Who does not know that such people swarm and abound everywhere? And who does not know that anyone who denounces this state of things, and insists that we should be loyal to Scripture truth--is regarded as a narrow, bigoted, intolerant person, quite unsuited to our times?
When there is no creed or standard of doctrine, there can be no church, but a Babel. Let me venture to advise all true Christians to never to be ashamed of holding Evangelical views. Those views, I am quite aware, are not fashionable nowadays. They are ridiculed as old-fashioned, narrow, defective, and out of date--and those who hold them, are regarded as illiberal, impracticable old fossils!
What the final result of the present state of things will be, I do not pretend to predict.
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths!" 2 Timothy 4:2-4
When there is no creed or standard of doctrine, there can be no church, but a Babel. Let me venture to advise all true Christians to never to be ashamed of holding Evangelical views. Those views, I am quite aware, are not fashionable nowadays. They are ridiculed as old-fashioned, narrow, defective, and out of date--and those who hold them, are regarded as illiberal, impracticable old fossils!
What the final result of the present state of things will be, I do not pretend to predict.
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths!" 2 Timothy 4:2-4
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Favorite Pastor Quotes 8
Favorite Pastor Quotes 8
When a Nation Turns Its Back on God
Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.
Manasseh worshipped false gods, even to the point of sacrificing his sons by fire in order to praise Molech. He practiced much evil--including witchcraft and sorcery-- and led Israel astray, thereby provoking God to anger. The king, along with the people, paid a high price for his rebellion.
This story illustrates the Lord’s intolerance of a nation’s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside--one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren’t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.
The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a “nation under God” has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.
If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself--and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.
~Dr. Charles F. Stanley~
_________________________________
Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 28; John 9:24-41
Today’s Thoughts: One Thing Will Remain
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35
Time passes and life goes on, but there will come a day when the world as we know it will cease and pass away. Heaven and earth will be gone. In Noah's day, even as he built the ark and told the people of what was to come, they continued on as usual. They ate, drank, married and did all the things in life just as they always had done. Then the rains came, and within 40 days every living thing was under water, except for Noah and his family. Noah's family was safe in the ark. They listened to God's words and were saved.
The Bible is filled with prophecies concerning the last days. Many biblical scholars who study prophecy fully believe that we are in the last days and that at any moment our lives will be forever changed. Jesus could return at any moment. Are you ready? Or do you think that your life will just keep going? God did promise us that one thing would continue. He told us that His Word will never pass away. His Word through His Son, Jesus, will save us. All we have to do is believe in Him to live forever with Him. Our bodies will die but our eternal life will go on and on. We need to live for that day when we hear the Lord say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord' (>Matthew 25:23).
~Daily Disciples Devotional~
____________________________________
Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well, sing to it!(Num 21:17)
This was a strange song and a strange well. They had been traveling over the desert’s barren sands, no water was in sight and they were famishing with thirst. Then God spake to Moses and said:
“Gather the people together, and I will give them water,” and this is how it came.
They gathered in circles on the sands. They took their staves and dug deep down into the burning earth and as they dug, they sang,
“Spring up, O well, sing ye unto it,” and lo, there came a gurgling sound, a rush of water and a flowing stream which filled the well and ran along the ground.
When they dug this well in the desert, they touched the stream that was running beneath, and reached the flowing tides that had long been out of sight.
How beautiful the picture given, telling us of the river of blessing that flows all through our lives, and we have only to reach by faith and praise to find our wants supplied in the most barren desert.
How did they reach the waters of this well? It was by praise. They sang upon the sand their song of faith, while with their staff of promise they dug the well.
Our praise will still open fountains in the desert, when murmuring will only bring us judgment, and even prayer may fail to reach the fountains of blessing.
There is nothing that pleases the Lord so much as praise. There is no test of faith so true as the grace of thanksgiving. Are you praising God enough? Are you thanking Him for your actual blessings that are more than can be numbered, and are you daring to praise Him even for those trials which are but blessings in disguise? Have you learned to praise Him in advance for the things that have not yet come?
--Selected
--Selected
“Thou waitest for deliverance!
O soul, thou waitest long!
Believe that now deliverance
Doth wait for thee in song!
O soul, thou waitest long!
Believe that now deliverance
Doth wait for thee in song!
“Sigh not until deliverance
Thy fettered feet doth free:
With songs of glad deliverance
God now doth compass thee.”
Thy fettered feet doth free:
With songs of glad deliverance
God now doth compass thee.”
~L. B. Cowman~
__________________________________
Taking Responsibility
In the devotional yesterday, we saw how it is okay when we experience loss to weep and to grieve. I want to point you to verse 6 of that same passage to learn another important lesson related to experiencing loss. 1 Samuel 30:6 says,
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him. David was not only grieving for the loss of his own family, but he was now being blamed for the whole thing. In fact, they were blaming him to the point that they wanted to take his life.
When you experience troubles, do not be someone who always wants to blame others. I know that it is human nature to want to point the finger and to lash out at somebody else when we are in trouble or when we have experienced loss.
In fact, I think blaming others is just part of our fallen fleshly DNA. Just take a look at what Adam and Eve did in the garden when they messed up. When God turned up and asked what happened, Adam said, "Well, it's the woman that You gave me. She gave me from the tree, and I ate."
And when God asked Eve what happened, she replied, "Well, it was the serpent. It was the snake."
So Adam blamed his wife, and blamed God who gave him his wife, and Eve blamed the snake. Neither Adam nor Eve took personal responsibility. It was somebody else's fault.
If the problems you are experiencing today are your fault, take responsibility, and do not blame others.
~Bayless Conley~
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Favorite Pastor Quotes 7
Favorite Pastor Quotes 7
They have often destroyed, by their daily lives--the whole work of their lips!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"He told them: Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town." Luke 9:3-4
Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles, when He sends them forth--to study simplicity of habits, and contentment with such things as they have.
These instructions contain a lesson for all time. The spirit of these verses is meant to be remembered by all ministers of the Gospel. The leading idea which the words convey--is a warning against worldliness and luxurious habits.
Well would it be for the world and the Church, if the warning had been more carefully heeded! From no quarter has Christianity received such damage--as it has from the hands of its own ministers! On no point have its ministers erred so much, and so often--as in the matter of personal worldliness, and luxury of life. They have often destroyed, by their daily lives--the whole work of their lips! They have given occasion to the enemies of religion to say that they love ease, and money, and earthly things--far more than souls.
From such ministers, may we pray daily that the Church may be delivered! They are a living stumbling-block in the way to Heaven. They are helpers to the cause of the devil--and not of God. The preacher whose affections are set on money, and finery and feasting, and pleasure-seeking--has clearly mistaken his vocation. He has forgotten his Master's instructions. He is not an apostolic man!
______________________________
A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it--but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world--and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" Luke 9:23-25
We learn here, the absolute necessity of daily self-denial. Every day we ought . . .
to crucify the flesh,
to overcome the world,
and to resist the devil.
We ought to keep our bodies under control, and bring them into subjection. We ought to be on our guard, like soldiers in an enemy's country. We ought to fight a daily battle--and war a daily warfare. The command of our Master is clear and plain, "If any man will come after Me--let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Now what do we know of all this? Surely this is a question which ought to be asked. A little formal church-going, and a decent attendance at a place of worship--can never be the Christianity of which Christ speaks in this place.
Where is our self-denial?
Where is our daily carrying of the cross?
Where is our following of Christ?
Without a religion of this kind--we shall never be saved.
A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!
No self-denial--no real grace!
No cross--no crown!
_______________________________
Your daughter is dead!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. 'Your daughter is dead!' he said." Luke 8:49
Let us notice in this verse--how universal is the dominion which death holds over mankind. We see death coming to a rich man's house, and tearing from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke!
Such tidings as these, are the bitterest cups which we have to drink in this world. Nothing cuts so deeply into man's heart--as to part with beloved ones, and lay them in the grave. Few griefs are so crushing and heavy--as the grief of a parent over the death of an only child.
Death is indeed a cruel enemy! He makes no distinction in his attacks. He comes to the rich man's mansion--as well as to the poor man's cottage. He does not spare the young, the strong, and the beautiful--any more than the old, the infirm, and the grey-haired. Not all the gold of Australia, nor all the skill of doctors--can keep the hand of death from our bodies, in the day of his power. When the appointed hour comes, and God permits him to smite--then our worldly schemes must be broken off, and our darlings must be taken away and buried out of our sight.
These thoughts are melancholy, and few like to hear of them. The subject of death is one that men shut their eyes at, and refuse to look at. "All men think all men mortal, but themselves!" But why should we treat this great reality in this way? Why should we not rather look the subject of death in the face, in order that when our turn comes--we may be prepared to die?
Death will come to our houses, whether we like it or not. Death will take each of us away--despite our dislike to hearing about it. Surely it is the part of a wise man to get ready for this great change.
Why should we not be ready? There is one who can deliver us from the fear of death. Christ has overcome death, and "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." He who believes on Him, has everlasting life. Though he dies--yet shall he live.
Let us believe in the Lord Jesus--and then death will lose his sting. We shall then be able to say with Paul, "To me, to die is gain!"Philippians 1:21.
___________________________________________
__1
No sin can be little!
(John Bunyan)
No sin can be little, because it is committed against the great God of heaven and earth.
To commit little sins--the sinner must find a little god!
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace!" Ephesians 1:7
"The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
They have often destroyed, by their daily lives--the whole work of their lips!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"He told them: Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town." Luke 9:3-4
Let us observe that our Lord charges His apostles, when He sends them forth--to study simplicity of habits, and contentment with such things as they have.
These instructions contain a lesson for all time. The spirit of these verses is meant to be remembered by all ministers of the Gospel. The leading idea which the words convey--is a warning against worldliness and luxurious habits.
Well would it be for the world and the Church, if the warning had been more carefully heeded! From no quarter has Christianity received such damage--as it has from the hands of its own ministers! On no point have its ministers erred so much, and so often--as in the matter of personal worldliness, and luxury of life. They have often destroyed, by their daily lives--the whole work of their lips! They have given occasion to the enemies of religion to say that they love ease, and money, and earthly things--far more than souls.
From such ministers, may we pray daily that the Church may be delivered! They are a living stumbling-block in the way to Heaven. They are helpers to the cause of the devil--and not of God. The preacher whose affections are set on money, and finery and feasting, and pleasure-seeking--has clearly mistaken his vocation. He has forgotten his Master's instructions. He is not an apostolic man!
______________________________
A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it--but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world--and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" Luke 9:23-25
We learn here, the absolute necessity of daily self-denial. Every day we ought . . .
to crucify the flesh,
to overcome the world,
and to resist the devil.
We ought to keep our bodies under control, and bring them into subjection. We ought to be on our guard, like soldiers in an enemy's country. We ought to fight a daily battle--and war a daily warfare. The command of our Master is clear and plain, "If any man will come after Me--let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Now what do we know of all this? Surely this is a question which ought to be asked. A little formal church-going, and a decent attendance at a place of worship--can never be the Christianity of which Christ speaks in this place.
Where is our self-denial?
Where is our daily carrying of the cross?
Where is our following of Christ?
Without a religion of this kind--we shall never be saved.
A crucified Savior will never be content to have a self-pleasing, self-indulging, worldly-minded people!
No self-denial--no real grace!
No cross--no crown!
_______________________________
Your daughter is dead!
(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke")
"While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. 'Your daughter is dead!' he said." Luke 8:49
Let us notice in this verse--how universal is the dominion which death holds over mankind. We see death coming to a rich man's house, and tearing from him the desire of his eyes with a stroke!
Such tidings as these, are the bitterest cups which we have to drink in this world. Nothing cuts so deeply into man's heart--as to part with beloved ones, and lay them in the grave. Few griefs are so crushing and heavy--as the grief of a parent over the death of an only child.
Death is indeed a cruel enemy! He makes no distinction in his attacks. He comes to the rich man's mansion--as well as to the poor man's cottage. He does not spare the young, the strong, and the beautiful--any more than the old, the infirm, and the grey-haired. Not all the gold of Australia, nor all the skill of doctors--can keep the hand of death from our bodies, in the day of his power. When the appointed hour comes, and God permits him to smite--then our worldly schemes must be broken off, and our darlings must be taken away and buried out of our sight.
These thoughts are melancholy, and few like to hear of them. The subject of death is one that men shut their eyes at, and refuse to look at. "All men think all men mortal, but themselves!" But why should we treat this great reality in this way? Why should we not rather look the subject of death in the face, in order that when our turn comes--we may be prepared to die?
Death will come to our houses, whether we like it or not. Death will take each of us away--despite our dislike to hearing about it. Surely it is the part of a wise man to get ready for this great change.
Why should we not be ready? There is one who can deliver us from the fear of death. Christ has overcome death, and "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." He who believes on Him, has everlasting life. Though he dies--yet shall he live.
Let us believe in the Lord Jesus--and then death will lose his sting. We shall then be able to say with Paul, "To me, to die is gain!"Philippians 1:21.
___________________________________________
__1
No sin can be little!
(John Bunyan)
No sin can be little, because it is committed against the great God of heaven and earth.
To commit little sins--the sinner must find a little god!
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace!" Ephesians 1:7
"The blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Favorite Pastor Quotes 6
Favorite Pastor Quotes 6
I perceive that your heavenly Father has again put you into the furnace!
(Letters of John Newton)
My Dear Madam,
I perceive that your heavenly Father has again put you into the furnace, and I trust that He will divinely impress upon your heart, that there is a needs be for it--and that the outcome of your present trial shall surely end in good to your soul.
His Word tells us that trials are absolutely necessary, and why they are so--as He would not afflict those whom He loves, but for their real profit. So He chooses those afflictions for us, and appoints them for us at such seasons, and attended with such circumstances--as He sees will be (all things considered) most for our spiritual advantage. The afflictions and trials of His people are always sent, either tocure--or to prevent something still worse.
Satan is compared to a fowler, and we sometimes are as little upon our guard as a thoughtless bird--the danger is close to us, but we are not aware of it. But, as a sudden noise affrights the bird, and makes it take wing and escape the snare--so the Lord often disappoints the devices of the enemy, by sending a seasonable trial to His dear children, which arouses them, and makes them flee to Him for safety.
I have often thought that if David had fallen and broke his leg when he was going up to the housetop--he would have missed the sight of Bathsheba, and that long train of evils which made him cry out of broken bones in a still more painful sense.
Just so, we do not know how things might have been with us--if such or such a painful dispensation had not happened. A course of continual prosperity might have lulled us to sleep. We must admit this, when we find ourselves still apt to be drowsy--even though the Lord is pleased to put thorns into our pillow.
Notwithstanding the feeling proofs we have of the vanity of the present state, our spirits are still too apt to cleave to the dust. What then might have been the case--had our path been always smooth?
He is a good master to serve--I have found Him to be so for thirty years.
Cheer up, dear Madam, the Lord does all things well! Do not be afraid of storms--for you have an infallible Pilot who will guide you with His eye, uphold you with His arm, and is every minute bringing you nearer to the harbor of eternal rest and peace!
We have just began harvest in these parts. The grain has passed through a variety of weather. Frosts and winds, rains and heat, each of which, singly, would have destroyed it--have each in their places (through the blessing of the Lord's overruling providence) concurred to bring it to its present maturity. The farmers here, as well as elsewhere, have had different fears and complaints at different times; they have thought sometimes the weather too cold or too hot, too wet or too dry, by turns. But their fears were groundless and vain--the crop is ripe, the stalks are loaded, and bend under the weight of the grain.
Is not this an emblem of the spiritual life? What changes of weather have we passed through, since the seeds of grace were first sown in our hearts! How often have we been ready to murmur at the appointments of the Heavenly Gardener! How hardly could we be persuaded that the afflictions, temptations, and trials which we have been exercised with--have, in their places, been no less subservient to our growth, than the more pleasing sunshine we have been sometimes favored with?
Yet, I trust, we are still growing and getting forward. Neither frost or floods have been able to destroy us; and Oh, Madam, (may our hearts rejoice at the thought!) the harvest is approaching! When He sees that we are fully ripe--when all that He has designed to do for us, in us, and by us, is completed--then He will separate us from these clods of earth, and remove us into His dwelling place, where we shall be done with fears and trials forever!
We shall not then live this poor dying life--neither shall we have to complain of an evil heart of unbelief. We shall not complain of a cold and careless heart--because we shall be at the fountain-head of all our best wishes and desires! We shall be enjoying, through eternal ages, that ineffable bliss which is prepared for all who love God, and who have been called by divine grace, out of the service of sin, Satan, and the world--to love and serve Him who is the Rock of eternal ages. Yes, my dear Madam, we shall, with unspeakable delight--see Jesus as He is, and be completely like Him! Let us, then, not be weary in well doing; for, in due season, we shall reap, if we fail not.
I am, my dear Madam,
Your obliged and affectionate Servant,
John Newton
______________________________
It is no wonder that they were so dejected!
(James Buchanan, "The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit")
"I am now going away to Him who sent Me . . . Because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart." John 16:5-6
It is no wonder that they were so dejected in the prospect of losing the personal presence of Him who was . . .
their kindest friend,
their unwearied benefactor,
their patient teacher--whose . . .
wisdom was their guide,
power was their defense,
sympathy was their consolation,
approval their was reward, and
salvation was their highest hope.
They were attached to Him as a personal Friend--by the strongest ties of gratitude, and admiration, and love.
They had long associated with Him on terms of most endearing intimacy.
They had often looked with delight on His compassionate countenance, 'full of grace and truth'.
They had listened to his public preaching and His private conversation, when 'He spoke as never any man spoke'.
They had witnessed His miracles of mercy, and His life of unwearied beneficence, 'when He went about continually doing good'.
They had themselves received at His hands every benefit which divine love, combined with the most perfect human kindness, could bestow.
And can we deem it astonishing, if the thought of parting with such a Friend, whose appearance, and voice, and person were entwined with their fondest affections--filled their hearts with especial sadness?
_______________________________
I perceive that your heavenly Father has again put you into the furnace!
(Letters of John Newton)
My Dear Madam,
I perceive that your heavenly Father has again put you into the furnace, and I trust that He will divinely impress upon your heart, that there is a needs be for it--and that the outcome of your present trial shall surely end in good to your soul.
His Word tells us that trials are absolutely necessary, and why they are so--as He would not afflict those whom He loves, but for their real profit. So He chooses those afflictions for us, and appoints them for us at such seasons, and attended with such circumstances--as He sees will be (all things considered) most for our spiritual advantage. The afflictions and trials of His people are always sent, either tocure--or to prevent something still worse.
Satan is compared to a fowler, and we sometimes are as little upon our guard as a thoughtless bird--the danger is close to us, but we are not aware of it. But, as a sudden noise affrights the bird, and makes it take wing and escape the snare--so the Lord often disappoints the devices of the enemy, by sending a seasonable trial to His dear children, which arouses them, and makes them flee to Him for safety.
I have often thought that if David had fallen and broke his leg when he was going up to the housetop--he would have missed the sight of Bathsheba, and that long train of evils which made him cry out of broken bones in a still more painful sense.
Just so, we do not know how things might have been with us--if such or such a painful dispensation had not happened. A course of continual prosperity might have lulled us to sleep. We must admit this, when we find ourselves still apt to be drowsy--even though the Lord is pleased to put thorns into our pillow.
Notwithstanding the feeling proofs we have of the vanity of the present state, our spirits are still too apt to cleave to the dust. What then might have been the case--had our path been always smooth?
He is a good master to serve--I have found Him to be so for thirty years.
Cheer up, dear Madam, the Lord does all things well! Do not be afraid of storms--for you have an infallible Pilot who will guide you with His eye, uphold you with His arm, and is every minute bringing you nearer to the harbor of eternal rest and peace!
We have just began harvest in these parts. The grain has passed through a variety of weather. Frosts and winds, rains and heat, each of which, singly, would have destroyed it--have each in their places (through the blessing of the Lord's overruling providence) concurred to bring it to its present maturity. The farmers here, as well as elsewhere, have had different fears and complaints at different times; they have thought sometimes the weather too cold or too hot, too wet or too dry, by turns. But their fears were groundless and vain--the crop is ripe, the stalks are loaded, and bend under the weight of the grain.
Is not this an emblem of the spiritual life? What changes of weather have we passed through, since the seeds of grace were first sown in our hearts! How often have we been ready to murmur at the appointments of the Heavenly Gardener! How hardly could we be persuaded that the afflictions, temptations, and trials which we have been exercised with--have, in their places, been no less subservient to our growth, than the more pleasing sunshine we have been sometimes favored with?
Yet, I trust, we are still growing and getting forward. Neither frost or floods have been able to destroy us; and Oh, Madam, (may our hearts rejoice at the thought!) the harvest is approaching! When He sees that we are fully ripe--when all that He has designed to do for us, in us, and by us, is completed--then He will separate us from these clods of earth, and remove us into His dwelling place, where we shall be done with fears and trials forever!
We shall not then live this poor dying life--neither shall we have to complain of an evil heart of unbelief. We shall not complain of a cold and careless heart--because we shall be at the fountain-head of all our best wishes and desires! We shall be enjoying, through eternal ages, that ineffable bliss which is prepared for all who love God, and who have been called by divine grace, out of the service of sin, Satan, and the world--to love and serve Him who is the Rock of eternal ages. Yes, my dear Madam, we shall, with unspeakable delight--see Jesus as He is, and be completely like Him! Let us, then, not be weary in well doing; for, in due season, we shall reap, if we fail not.
I am, my dear Madam,
Your obliged and affectionate Servant,
John Newton
______________________________
It is no wonder that they were so dejected!
(James Buchanan, "The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit")
"I am now going away to Him who sent Me . . . Because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart." John 16:5-6
It is no wonder that they were so dejected in the prospect of losing the personal presence of Him who was . . .
their kindest friend,
their unwearied benefactor,
their patient teacher--whose . . .
wisdom was their guide,
power was their defense,
sympathy was their consolation,
approval their was reward, and
salvation was their highest hope.
They were attached to Him as a personal Friend--by the strongest ties of gratitude, and admiration, and love.
They had long associated with Him on terms of most endearing intimacy.
They had often looked with delight on His compassionate countenance, 'full of grace and truth'.
They had listened to his public preaching and His private conversation, when 'He spoke as never any man spoke'.
They had witnessed His miracles of mercy, and His life of unwearied beneficence, 'when He went about continually doing good'.
They had themselves received at His hands every benefit which divine love, combined with the most perfect human kindness, could bestow.
And can we deem it astonishing, if the thought of parting with such a Friend, whose appearance, and voice, and person were entwined with their fondest affections--filled their hearts with especial sadness?
_______________________________
The Death of Children
George Mylne
George Mylne
Oh! what a world we live in! How full of painful facts and harrowing incidents! How many souls are ushered into life; each one the offspring of a parent — each one tied to the native stock, by bonds of strictest intimacy! And thus a parent sees himself multiplied and reproduced in "olive branches round his table." Are they not bone of his very bone, flesh of his very flesh, bound up with him in all that is binding; their interests identical with his own; his energies expended on them, his thoughts devoted to them? For them he labors, for them he lives; their every pleasure twofold, both theirs and his; their every sorrow reflected in his own; his very life lived over again in theirs. In them, and with them, he plays with childhood's toys afresh. With them, in thought, he goes to school once more, and learns his early lessons over again. With them he joins once more in childish sports.How closely dovetailed into one another, are a parent and his child, if only there be first the inclination, then time and opportunity, to cultivate parental ways — for, alas! this falls not to the lot of all, for where there is the will there may not always be the way. It is pleasant to see a father walking with his son, their very manner betokening a mutual intimacy, companionship in thought and feeling, like brothers in friendship — yet neither childlike reverence nor parental dignity lost sight of. And if so with son and father, is it not the same with a mother and her daughters, only, if possible, more intimate the union still?But such is life, and such the law of its realities in fallen man, that joys prepare the way for sorrows, proportionate in degree. The closest unions are but preludes to the keenest separations; so that, in life's pictures, each gleam of light is counterbalanced with its shadow; and, sooner or later, sunny days are sure to usher in a night of darkness. And hence the fact of parents weeping for their children, and refusing to be comforted — their very persons, as it were, smarting as though a limb were amputated."The flowers of spring have come and gone;
Bright were the blossoms, brief their stay.
They shone, and they were shone upon;
They flourished — faded — passed away.
"So, hidden from our sorrowing eyes,
Our young, sweet spring-bloom buried lies;
One blast of earth swept o'er the flower —
It died, the blossom of an hour."Reader, is this your sad condition? Have you lost a child? Whether son or daughter, infant or of riper years, it is much the same — in any case, a portion of yourself is gone. How sharp the visitation! How short its work! The grave has opened and has closed again; yet closed it not before it received its tenant — until in its yawning space you had committed "dust to dust, ashes to ashes, earth to earth." How shrank your soul within you, as you heard those moving words, that grating sound upon the casket! And as you hastened home, enrapt in your tenderness, the thoughts of other children left to you (if indeed you have them), healed not the smart, nor seemed to make amends for your lost treasure. Oh, what a fearful wrench it must have been, to tear that branch from out its parent stem, never to grow and flourish there again! Oceans of tears shed over that silent grave would not avail to bring your loved one back to you. Long might you kneel on that cold ground, and yet, nor verdant sod, nor marble tomb, nor modest headstone, could listen to your sobbing tale.Think not, my friend, I blame you for your tears; neither does God reprove you. He knows that you must feel the wound inflicted on your sorrowing heart. He knows your frame, remembers you are dust (Psalm 103:14), and bids you seek Him in your tears, inviting you to tell your sorrows freely into His waiting ear. Believe me, this is the only remedy. Must the grave be visited unceasingly, and sorrow nursed until it becomes a morbid ailment a wound unsoftened with ointment, a standing sore; and all, because you sorrow to yourself, and not to Jesus?Poor mourner, no! This is not the path to consolation, nor yet to rightly exercised distress. Do you ask, "What would you have me do?" See Love in it my friend! Is it not written, "God Is Love?" (1 John 4:8, 16). It was God who did it! It was God who took your child. Shall we say that God is love, in all but this? Have we found an end to His perfections — a limit to His love? Are there, then, exceptions to His perfect rule? No, God is love. Has He required of you what He Himself was not prepared to do? Has He not set you the example? Did God withhold His Son, His Only Son, for you and your salvation? Then say, could you withhold your child, when thus it pleased Him to ask you for what He only lent you for a season?If you have grace, my friend, the grace of God in Jesus Christ, you only have to reason with yourself, to say "Amen" to God's appointment. Your heart will bleed — it must, it will. Shall a blow be dealt, and the frame not stagger at it? Yet faith will rise above it, and while you weep, the rainbow tints of resignation will cast prismatic glories on your tears. Visit not the tomb for mournful musings. If you can do it in joyful expectation of the coming day — the day of days — the resurrection morn, when earth shall render up the righteous dead to meet their Lord, then you may go with profit to the tomb — not otherwise. Take heed, then, what you do.But if this way be foreign to your mind, and you can only weep as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13) — if you cannot go to Jesus in your tears, nor take Him with you to the tomb — you need to be enlightened by the Spirit, not only for healthful mourning, but for eternal life.
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