Humility and Self-AbasementSelf-humiliation brings with it tenderness of spirit; and as we sink in our own esteem, the Lord fulfils in us that precious promise, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word” (Isa. 66:2).If we be self-loathed, we shall be willing, when brought low, to sink lower still. (2 Sam. 15:25.26.)He that is self-abased before God, and so carries himself humbly towards others, must obtain honour; but if any child of God exalt himself, sure as God is, shame will come of that self-exaltation.Our reputation is the last thing we are willing to lose we cleave to it even when, in point of justification and peace with God, we have counted our own righteousness filthy rags. Let the saints take heed to their walk before God and man; but this done, so that they have in all things a conscience void of offence, let them account their reputation God’s jewel, not their own.Knowledge often exceeds grace; but communion with God and poverty of Spirit go together: if the one decline, so will the other.The low place is the safe place; and whatever the tribulation, it will surely bring its blessings, God being trusted.Samson was never so strong as when, through his own folly brought low and put to shame, he said, “Strengthen me, I pray Thee, O God, only this once” (Jud. 16:28).We are wont to consider David’s slaying Goliath a great deed of faith, and such it was; but more to be admired is David’s dominion over himself that marked his course. His blemishes and sins were not his character.Confidence in God and self-distrust are sure companions.It is true humility and true holiness to judge ourselves dead and buried with Christ as children of the first Adam, whatever the flesh within us; and as children of God raised up together with Christ, and seated with Him, the last Adam, the head of the new creation. We thus discern, and subdue, and loathe the flesh, which, though crucified with Christ in the account of God and of faith, is ever struggling to regain lost dominion. Satan, taking occasion by the flesh, would cast us down in the spirit of our minds from our heavenly places. Resisting him in faith, we wage the war of Eph. 6. Good soldiers of Christ will have the peace of God ruling in their hearts. They cannot but live in peace; for the God of love and peace is with them. Schism and division proclaim the victories and triumphs of Satan. Would God we were all by His Spirit awakened to consider these things! The day is at hand that will make us and our ways all manifest; and we ourselves shall then no more mistake the talk of the lips for the obedience of faith.
Self-humiliation brings with it tenderness of spirit; and as we sink in our own esteem, the Lord fulfils in us that precious promise, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word” (Isa. 66:2).
If we be self-loathed, we shall be willing, when brought low, to sink lower still. (2 Sam. 15:25.26.)
He that is self-abased before God, and so carries himself humbly towards others, must obtain honour; but if any child of God exalt himself, sure as God is, shame will come of that self-exaltation.
Our reputation is the last thing we are willing to lose we cleave to it even when, in point of justification and peace with God, we have counted our own righteousness filthy rags. Let the saints take heed to their walk before God and man; but this done, so that they have in all things a conscience void of offence, let them account their reputation God’s jewel, not their own.
Knowledge often exceeds grace; but communion with God and poverty of Spirit go together: if the one decline, so will the other.
The low place is the safe place; and whatever the tribulation, it will surely bring its blessings, God being trusted.
Samson was never so strong as when, through his own folly brought low and put to shame, he said, “Strengthen me, I pray Thee, O God, only this once” (Jud. 16:28).
We are wont to consider David’s slaying Goliath a great deed of faith, and such it was; but more to be admired is David’s dominion over himself that marked his course. His blemishes and sins were not his character.
Confidence in God and self-distrust are sure companions.
It is true humility and true holiness to judge ourselves dead and buried with Christ as children of the first Adam, whatever the flesh within us; and as children of God raised up together with Christ, and seated with Him, the last Adam, the head of the new creation. We thus discern, and subdue, and loathe the flesh, which, though crucified with Christ in the account of God and of faith, is ever struggling to regain lost dominion. Satan, taking occasion by the flesh, would cast us down in the spirit of our minds from our heavenly places. Resisting him in faith, we wage the war of Eph. 6. Good soldiers of Christ will have the peace of God ruling in their hearts. They cannot but live in peace; for the God of love and peace is with them. Schism and division proclaim the victories and triumphs of Satan. Would God we were all by His Spirit awakened to consider these things! The day is at hand that will make us and our ways all manifest; and we ourselves shall then no more mistake the talk of the lips for the obedience of faith.
CircumstancesOur Circumstances are what we make them. If they be not by faith kept under our feet, they will by unbelief become our masters.Our song of praise can never be checked unless we rejoice in Circumstances, and in things around us, more than in God Himself.It is to our shame that we are easily wrought upon by shifting Circumstances. How good for us that we have an unchangeable God to rest in!The natural man is the slave of Circumstances.Never let me be compelled to say, I have driven my stakes so deep into the earth that I cannot pull them up; but rather let me so pitch my tent that in a moment I may strike it at the bidding of the Lord. (Num. 9:15-23.)All things are working together for good to them that love God; albeit sometimes in the way of chastening and judgment.If we honour God in the little matters of our daily life, He will prepare greater occasions for our faith, and so put honour on the obedience that was little known to any but Himself. Abraham had so dealt with God about all the daily little matters of tent and household, that when the great occasion comes (Gen. 22) the man of faith shines forth.God orders our steps in our natural state (the guilt of our sins our own) to further us in His service after regeneration. (Gal. 1:15.)It matters little what our Circumstances, if in the spirit of our mind we be before God offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him by Jesus Christ. To faith all Circumstances are opportunities of pleasing God and serving Christ.That station of life is most desirable which has least in it to cumber the spirit, and to entice away the heart from Christ. Shall we not then rather desire to stoop with our Lord, than to rise with the men of the world? Every state in life has temptations; but these thicken upon us, and grow in seducing power, according to rise in earthly honour.Howsoever we may deplore the sin of one that has injured us, we ought to be thankful for the occasion of showing the mind of Christ towards the wrong-doer.If our hearts be set upon enjoying the light of our Father’s countenance, we shall find that all Circumstances, bitter as well as sweet, will afford us opportunity of bearing something, or doing something, for His sake.My happiness in Christ will grow through every new Circumstance, if I have no will but God’s. God, by all Circumstances, delights to make glad His obedient children. (2 Thess. 3:16.)If we judge not God’s character by His providences, but His providences by His character, we shall be able to rejoice when the flesh would repine.When Elijah in unbelief fled from Jezebel he had the meet rebuke from the Lord; but the fault of the hour of temptation did not hide from God’s gracious eye the faithfulness of His servant. (1 Kings 19) We are to be imitators of God as dear, as pleasant, children; and if we are not to suffer sin upon our brethren, whatever their grace, neither should the fault in them be a cover to our eyes of their grace and service to Christ.
Our Circumstances are what we make them. If they be not by faith kept under our feet, they will by unbelief become our masters.
Our song of praise can never be checked unless we rejoice in Circumstances, and in things around us, more than in God Himself.
It is to our shame that we are easily wrought upon by shifting Circumstances. How good for us that we have an unchangeable God to rest in!
The natural man is the slave of Circumstances.
Never let me be compelled to say, I have driven my stakes so deep into the earth that I cannot pull them up; but rather let me so pitch my tent that in a moment I may strike it at the bidding of the Lord. (Num. 9:15-23.)
All things are working together for good to them that love God; albeit sometimes in the way of chastening and judgment.
If we honour God in the little matters of our daily life, He will prepare greater occasions for our faith, and so put honour on the obedience that was little known to any but Himself. Abraham had so dealt with God about all the daily little matters of tent and household, that when the great occasion comes (Gen. 22) the man of faith shines forth.
God orders our steps in our natural state (the guilt of our sins our own) to further us in His service after regeneration. (Gal. 1:15.)
It matters little what our Circumstances, if in the spirit of our mind we be before God offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him by Jesus Christ. To faith all Circumstances are opportunities of pleasing God and serving Christ.
That station of life is most desirable which has least in it to cumber the spirit, and to entice away the heart from Christ. Shall we not then rather desire to stoop with our Lord, than to rise with the men of the world? Every state in life has temptations; but these thicken upon us, and grow in seducing power, according to rise in earthly honour.
Howsoever we may deplore the sin of one that has injured us, we ought to be thankful for the occasion of showing the mind of Christ towards the wrong-doer.
If our hearts be set upon enjoying the light of our Father’s countenance, we shall find that all Circumstances, bitter as well as sweet, will afford us opportunity of bearing something, or doing something, for His sake.
My happiness in Christ will grow through every new Circumstance, if I have no will but God’s. God, by all Circumstances, delights to make glad His obedient children. (2 Thess. 3:16.)
If we judge not God’s character by His providences, but His providences by His character, we shall be able to rejoice when the flesh would repine.
When Elijah in unbelief fled from Jezebel he had the meet rebuke from the Lord; but the fault of the hour of temptation did not hide from God’s gracious eye the faithfulness of His servant. (1 Kings 19) We are to be imitators of God as dear, as pleasant, children; and if we are not to suffer sin upon our brethren, whatever their grace, neither should the fault in them be a cover to our eyes of their grace and service to Christ.
Strength and ContinuancePhil. 3:12. It is Christ’s hold upon us that enables us, by faith, to lay hold on and to keep hold of Him.They who seem the most tried are not always those that have the sharpest warfare.Sometimes things appear to us so difficult that we are daunted; at other times so easy that we think we are equal to them; and thus in either case we fail.He that is running a race looks not at witnesses admiring, but only at the mark.We need to “discern the Lord’s body” [i.e. Christ as having been crucified] (1 Cor. 11:29)The fulfilling of God’s promises depends not upon the creature’s strength, and cannot be prevented by the creature’s weakness.We need a close walk with God, a having respect to all His commandments, if we would obtain of Him whatsoever we ask.True persevering diligence in spiritual things always begins in self-abasement.It is one mark of growth in spirituality to be more afflicted by the pleasing—than by the distressing—temptations of Satan.We should always take great trials and great temptations as the forerunners of great blessings and growth of fellowship with God.The obedience of grace obtains for us the profitable knowledge of truth, and teaches us to prize it more than much fine gold. Mere knowledge puffeth up, and the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. (Prov. 14:23.)Deep spirituality of mind is only obtained by a thorough crucifixion of self: self-denial is discipline for life—the work of every hour.To make a good soldier, put him in front of the battle; a good seaman, let him brave the storm: so with the Christian.True readiness to confess sin, and joy in self-abasement, mark a growth in grace and knowledge of the character of God.I know of no one who, with so little promise in his beginnings of faith, had a sunset so glorious as had Jacob. (Gen. 48)It is the constant crucifying the flesh in little things that makes a giant in the Christian warfare. But true self-crucifixion is a thing impossible, save by grace; and to have the needful supplies of that grace we must be in perpetual communion with God: it is only thus we shall overcome in little things.It is a great salvation wrought for us, if the soul be resolved to suffer the will of God, cost what it may.Do you desire a humble mind, a soft heart, an obedient spirit? Ask and receive, that your joy may be full. But remember, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing” (Prov. 13:4). Be the clean vessel that God delights to fill and use.Not God’s answering prayer in respect of earthly things and earthly gifts, but growth of the new man, is the true proof that we please God.We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter—that is unbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former? We have every one in himself his own peculiar hindrances—weights which, if not laid aside, will clog the soul in her race.How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ’s approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put by every child of God to his own soul.
Phil. 3:12. It is Christ’s hold upon us that enables us, by faith, to lay hold on and to keep hold of Him.
They who seem the most tried are not always those that have the sharpest warfare.
Sometimes things appear to us so difficult that we are daunted; at other times so easy that we think we are equal to them; and thus in either case we fail.
He that is running a race looks not at witnesses admiring, but only at the mark.
We need to “discern the Lord’s body” [i.e. Christ as having been crucified] (1 Cor. 11:29)
The fulfilling of God’s promises depends not upon the creature’s strength, and cannot be prevented by the creature’s weakness.
We need a close walk with God, a having respect to all His commandments, if we would obtain of Him whatsoever we ask.
True persevering diligence in spiritual things always begins in self-abasement.
It is one mark of growth in spirituality to be more afflicted by the pleasing—than by the distressing—temptations of Satan.
We should always take great trials and great temptations as the forerunners of great blessings and growth of fellowship with God.
The obedience of grace obtains for us the profitable knowledge of truth, and teaches us to prize it more than much fine gold. Mere knowledge puffeth up, and the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. (Prov. 14:23.)
Deep spirituality of mind is only obtained by a thorough crucifixion of self: self-denial is discipline for life—the work of every hour.
To make a good soldier, put him in front of the battle; a good seaman, let him brave the storm: so with the Christian.
True readiness to confess sin, and joy in self-abasement, mark a growth in grace and knowledge of the character of God.
I know of no one who, with so little promise in his beginnings of faith, had a sunset so glorious as had Jacob. (Gen. 48)
It is the constant crucifying the flesh in little things that makes a giant in the Christian warfare. But true self-crucifixion is a thing impossible, save by grace; and to have the needful supplies of that grace we must be in perpetual communion with God: it is only thus we shall overcome in little things.
It is a great salvation wrought for us, if the soul be resolved to suffer the will of God, cost what it may.
Do you desire a humble mind, a soft heart, an obedient spirit? Ask and receive, that your joy may be full. But remember, “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing” (Prov. 13:4). Be the clean vessel that God delights to fill and use.
Not God’s answering prayer in respect of earthly things and earthly gifts, but growth of the new man, is the true proof that we please God.
We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter—that is unbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former? We have every one in himself his own peculiar hindrances—weights which, if not laid aside, will clog the soul in her race.
How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ’s approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put by every child of God to his own soul.
CharacterIn the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the “flies of death” in the apothecary’s ointment (Eccles. 10:1)Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. “I dwell,” says Jehovah, “in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” (Isa. 57:15.)If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certainrightness of character, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance.God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may.
In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the “flies of death” in the apothecary’s ointment (Eccles. 10:1)
Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.
We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. “I dwell,” says Jehovah, “in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” (Isa. 57:15.)
If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certainrightness of character, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance.
God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may.
ObedienceDavid was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him but God’s. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David’s sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.)Obedience to Christ brings upon us opposition from Satan, the world, the flesh in ourselves, and the unbelief, ignorance, and lack of mind of Christ in our brethren. To meet all these aright, let it be our business, even in the smallest matters,to please Christ, that we may have His power and His truth for our strength and guidance. He trod this path before us, and has also given His Holy Spirit to lead us and to comfort us through the journey.The highest attainment in the spiritual life is to be able always and in all things to say, “Thy will be done!” Gen. 22 gives us a perfect sample of the obedience of faith.There is no prevailing against our enemies without full obedience to God. When Israel must fight, Joshua must take heed that they are keeping God’s commandments. (See Joshua 7)He that allows himself in small sins will at length break out in great ones: be it our business, then, to watch against the beginnings of departure from God, or these will surely lead to bitter endings.The Word of the Lord, and the attentive ear of the faithful servant, are all we need to carry us safely and happily onward.Whatever imperfections were in Abraham, whatever his haltings and stumblings, he never settled down, as to purpose, into half-hearted obedience; so if any child of God, howsoever he may fail, have a steady, fixed purpose to please God, he will surely become strong in faith at the last.All the children of God receive Christ as Redeemer from curse and wrath; but they do not all take Him for their portion and inheritance: if we do this, we cannot fail to be witnesses for Him, and lights in this dark world.
David was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him but God’s. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David’s sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.)
Obedience to Christ brings upon us opposition from Satan, the world, the flesh in ourselves, and the unbelief, ignorance, and lack of mind of Christ in our brethren. To meet all these aright, let it be our business, even in the smallest matters,to please Christ, that we may have His power and His truth for our strength and guidance. He trod this path before us, and has also given His Holy Spirit to lead us and to comfort us through the journey.
The highest attainment in the spiritual life is to be able always and in all things to say, “Thy will be done!” Gen. 22 gives us a perfect sample of the obedience of faith.
There is no prevailing against our enemies without full obedience to God. When Israel must fight, Joshua must take heed that they are keeping God’s commandments. (See Joshua 7)
He that allows himself in small sins will at length break out in great ones: be it our business, then, to watch against the beginnings of departure from God, or these will surely lead to bitter endings.
The Word of the Lord, and the attentive ear of the faithful servant, are all we need to carry us safely and happily onward.
Whatever imperfections were in Abraham, whatever his haltings and stumblings, he never settled down, as to purpose, into half-hearted obedience; so if any child of God, howsoever he may fail, have a steady, fixed purpose to please God, he will surely become strong in faith at the last.
All the children of God receive Christ as Redeemer from curse and wrath; but they do not all take Him for their portion and inheritance: if we do this, we cannot fail to be witnesses for Him, and lights in this dark world.
CaresHave you one anxious thought you do not bring to Jesus? Have you one care you deem too light, too small, to lay before Him? It is then too small to give you one moment’s concern. Either cast your care (great or small) upon Him that careth for you, or cast it away from you altogether: if it be unfit for His sympathy, it is unworthy of you. (1 Peter 5:7.)If we examine the troubles of God’s children, we shall find that too many of them arise from unbelieving fears concerning the future; let me but remember that Christ, at the right hand of God, counts allmytroublesHis own; and then away with all my fears concerning the morrow! It is only at the Mercy-seat we may lawfully think of the morrow.
Have you one anxious thought you do not bring to Jesus? Have you one care you deem too light, too small, to lay before Him? It is then too small to give you one moment’s concern. Either cast your care (great or small) upon Him that careth for you, or cast it away from you altogether: if it be unfit for His sympathy, it is unworthy of you. (1 Peter 5:7.)
If we examine the troubles of God’s children, we shall find that too many of them arise from unbelieving fears concerning the future; let me but remember that Christ, at the right hand of God, counts allmytroublesHis own; and then away with all my fears concerning the morrow! It is only at the Mercy-seat we may lawfully think of the morrow.
ChastisementTo quarrel with the instruments God used for our correction is to quarrel with God Himself. It is, in fact, to say to Him, “I do not approve of Thy government, and I could order matters better if they were left to me.” What is this but to aim at casting down God from His throne, and setting ourselves thereon?Though the Lord often spares reproof, He never spares commendation. He is slow to anger; He makes haste to be gracious. (Neh. 9:17.)Jacob underwent discipline and chastisement for upwards of fifty years, for the withering in him the evil root of the spirit of unbelieving contrivance. God blesses His child, and in His very love withholds not the rod of correction.The pain that God’s discipline gives us shows its wisdom: it is the diseased part thatfeelsunder the surgeon’s hand.God never puts us to shame before the world, or even before the church, unless we compel Him.The Lord always deals with us according to the state of our souls.How small the knowledge of God that Job would have attained to, but for the deep and marvellous discipline whereby he was sifted and taught!When we deal with God in prayer about the difficulties of our path, we must not set Him a time for clearing away those difficulties, but wait upon Him, who accepts the sacrifice of our willing hearts.The Lord’s jewels need grinding, and cutting, and polishing. Why forget?It is not of necessity that a child of God beginning well goes on well; but if he take good heed to his ways—according to Psalm 119., and like Scriptures—he will surely run well to the end of his race.The more bitter the cup of discipline, the more reason for our thankfulness. If we be not thankful, let us give God no rest, nor ourselves, until He make us so.Correction despised brings sharper correction.When God visits us with certain special discipline, it is our wisdom to accept the cup and drink it cheerfully, however bitter, for health is in it.Let us have no reserves of conscience. When God gives us light, let us follow it whithersoever it may lead; for, while God has no judgments of curse for His children, He has judgments of displeasure of love because of disobedience.Be more desirous of inward help and deliverance, than the removal of God’s hand, when He lays affliction upon you.Impatience under God’s corrections only shows our need of the discipline He is pleased to visit us with. We can least bear correction when we most need it.One of the evil fruits of long-continued spiritual negligence, is the soul’s ignorance of its own state.How often, under discipline, are the children of God struggling amidst the thickets and briers of circumstances, instead of judging the state of their hearts! This lack of pondering their ways, prevents their seeing the equity of God’s dealings with them.
To quarrel with the instruments God used for our correction is to quarrel with God Himself. It is, in fact, to say to Him, “I do not approve of Thy government, and I could order matters better if they were left to me.” What is this but to aim at casting down God from His throne, and setting ourselves thereon?
Though the Lord often spares reproof, He never spares commendation. He is slow to anger; He makes haste to be gracious. (Neh. 9:17.)
Jacob underwent discipline and chastisement for upwards of fifty years, for the withering in him the evil root of the spirit of unbelieving contrivance. God blesses His child, and in His very love withholds not the rod of correction.
The pain that God’s discipline gives us shows its wisdom: it is the diseased part thatfeelsunder the surgeon’s hand.
God never puts us to shame before the world, or even before the church, unless we compel Him.
The Lord always deals with us according to the state of our souls.
How small the knowledge of God that Job would have attained to, but for the deep and marvellous discipline whereby he was sifted and taught!
When we deal with God in prayer about the difficulties of our path, we must not set Him a time for clearing away those difficulties, but wait upon Him, who accepts the sacrifice of our willing hearts.
The Lord’s jewels need grinding, and cutting, and polishing. Why forget?
It is not of necessity that a child of God beginning well goes on well; but if he take good heed to his ways—according to Psalm 119., and like Scriptures—he will surely run well to the end of his race.
The more bitter the cup of discipline, the more reason for our thankfulness. If we be not thankful, let us give God no rest, nor ourselves, until He make us so.
Correction despised brings sharper correction.
When God visits us with certain special discipline, it is our wisdom to accept the cup and drink it cheerfully, however bitter, for health is in it.
Let us have no reserves of conscience. When God gives us light, let us follow it whithersoever it may lead; for, while God has no judgments of curse for His children, He has judgments of displeasure of love because of disobedience.
Be more desirous of inward help and deliverance, than the removal of God’s hand, when He lays affliction upon you.
Impatience under God’s corrections only shows our need of the discipline He is pleased to visit us with. We can least bear correction when we most need it.
One of the evil fruits of long-continued spiritual negligence, is the soul’s ignorance of its own state.
How often, under discipline, are the children of God struggling amidst the thickets and briers of circumstances, instead of judging the state of their hearts! This lack of pondering their ways, prevents their seeing the equity of God’s dealings with them.
DisciplineWherefore all the discipline with which Job was exercised? He could say in truth, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). As God’s witness there was none like him in all the earth. He walked in uprightness, humility, patience, and wisdom; a perfect and upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil. Why then his afflictions and humiliations, before unheard-of among the saints? There was the flesh in Job; and the sifting discipline went on, until Job had learnt so to know both God and himself as to abhor himself, and justify God.I seek to keep short accounts with God: this saves not only much trouble and time, but also much sharp discipline.“A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” (Prov. 17:10.)It is indeed rare, when judgments come upon men, that those judgments yield their due profit. Those who walk with a tender spirit before God profit more by a word or gentle rebuke of His love, that none but themselves know of, than do others, who are careless walkers, by heavy judgments. If, however, great afflictions come, the heart being prepared, the end will be the double blessing. (Job 42)The cry of “Abba, Father!” in the time of trouble, is often a sign of quick deliverance. When we kiss the hand that smites, the rod drops. Is it not to resist the will of God when we flee from those trials which He sends to prove our faith?As children we may ask for understanding of our Father’s will; but it belongs not to us to think for Him.We may be sorrowful, yet not unhappy. Unhappiness is caused by self-will, that frets against the Lord’s way of dealing with us. But we may have sorrow without sinning, and by such sadness the heart is made better. (Eccl. 7:3.) Grace does not steel the heart, but makes it more tender. We may feel, but must not rebel.Every child of God needs to be put into the sieve: but when sifted, if we be willing to endure the Lord’s dealings with us, we shall not be put to shame.How few the words of Jesus when all the earth, in its representatives—Herod, Pilate, priests and elders—rose up against Him! He never uttered more or less than was needed for God’s glory. That perfect guidance of the tongue proceeded from the perfect subjection of His will to God.The proper fruit of the Lord’s discipline is that blessed state described by the psalmist, when the fretting of the flesh is silenced, the soul composing itself to rest in the everlasting arms. “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child” (Psalm 131:2).It is not every child of God who, by reason of acquaintance with God and with himself, reckons upon discipline, and resolves to go through it with God, how bitter soever it may be: hence when it comes he frets; he is the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. (Jer. 31:18.)Christ had a lawful desire to be spared suffering. He could not otherwise have been a pattern to us of patience and submission: but His submission brought Him into the floods of His sufferings. Our afflictions are light, soon as we can say, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”Deep inwrought patience is precious fruit of suffering God’s will according to God’s mind.If we desire that patience have her perfect work, we shall thank the only-wise God for all things whatsoever that afflict us; and whosoever they be that God uses for pruning our souls—be they unjust men or froward brethren—we shall love and pray for them, and seek to overcome their evil with good.A child of God may be greatly afflicted, yet be far from murmuring against his heavenly Father. Sorrow sanctified obtains God’s embrace; rebellious grief spoils the soul of communion. The cluster must be bruised to yield its wine, and the sufferings of heavenly patience procure for the soul an overflowing cup of consolation, both for its own comfort and that of others. (2 Cor. 1:4-6.)How many snares, how much harm, and loss, and shame, would the people of God avoid and escape, had they a little more patience in waiting for the Lord! Had Saul but waited a few minutes longer for Samuel then “would the Lord have established his kingdom upon Israel for ever (1 Sam. 13:13).
Wherefore all the discipline with which Job was exercised? He could say in truth, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). As God’s witness there was none like him in all the earth. He walked in uprightness, humility, patience, and wisdom; a perfect and upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil. Why then his afflictions and humiliations, before unheard-of among the saints? There was the flesh in Job; and the sifting discipline went on, until Job had learnt so to know both God and himself as to abhor himself, and justify God.
I seek to keep short accounts with God: this saves not only much trouble and time, but also much sharp discipline.
“A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” (Prov. 17:10.)
It is indeed rare, when judgments come upon men, that those judgments yield their due profit. Those who walk with a tender spirit before God profit more by a word or gentle rebuke of His love, that none but themselves know of, than do others, who are careless walkers, by heavy judgments. If, however, great afflictions come, the heart being prepared, the end will be the double blessing. (Job 42)
The cry of “Abba, Father!” in the time of trouble, is often a sign of quick deliverance. When we kiss the hand that smites, the rod drops. Is it not to resist the will of God when we flee from those trials which He sends to prove our faith?
As children we may ask for understanding of our Father’s will; but it belongs not to us to think for Him.
We may be sorrowful, yet not unhappy. Unhappiness is caused by self-will, that frets against the Lord’s way of dealing with us. But we may have sorrow without sinning, and by such sadness the heart is made better. (Eccl. 7:3.) Grace does not steel the heart, but makes it more tender. We may feel, but must not rebel.
Every child of God needs to be put into the sieve: but when sifted, if we be willing to endure the Lord’s dealings with us, we shall not be put to shame.
How few the words of Jesus when all the earth, in its representatives—Herod, Pilate, priests and elders—rose up against Him! He never uttered more or less than was needed for God’s glory. That perfect guidance of the tongue proceeded from the perfect subjection of His will to God.
The proper fruit of the Lord’s discipline is that blessed state described by the psalmist, when the fretting of the flesh is silenced, the soul composing itself to rest in the everlasting arms. “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child” (Psalm 131:2).
It is not every child of God who, by reason of acquaintance with God and with himself, reckons upon discipline, and resolves to go through it with God, how bitter soever it may be: hence when it comes he frets; he is the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. (Jer. 31:18.)
Christ had a lawful desire to be spared suffering. He could not otherwise have been a pattern to us of patience and submission: but His submission brought Him into the floods of His sufferings. Our afflictions are light, soon as we can say, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”
Deep inwrought patience is precious fruit of suffering God’s will according to God’s mind.
If we desire that patience have her perfect work, we shall thank the only-wise God for all things whatsoever that afflict us; and whosoever they be that God uses for pruning our souls—be they unjust men or froward brethren—we shall love and pray for them, and seek to overcome their evil with good.
A child of God may be greatly afflicted, yet be far from murmuring against his heavenly Father. Sorrow sanctified obtains God’s embrace; rebellious grief spoils the soul of communion. The cluster must be bruised to yield its wine, and the sufferings of heavenly patience procure for the soul an overflowing cup of consolation, both for its own comfort and that of others. (2 Cor. 1:4-6.)
How many snares, how much harm, and loss, and shame, would the people of God avoid and escape, had they a little more patience in waiting for the Lord! Had Saul but waited a few minutes longer for Samuel then “would the Lord have established his kingdom upon Israel for ever (1 Sam. 13:13).
ExperienceIt is only as by faith we see our Home above, that we are proper pilgrims here.We rightly use our past Experience, if, in time present, we have no confidence in the flesh.Experience obtained without much waiting on God is not worthy the name: “Patience worketh Experience” (Rom. 5:4).Our past Experience should be well pondered before God. The record of the pilgrimage of every one of us will be found in the great book of God’s government, by-and-by to be opened.God requires steadfastness of faith from those who have had especial proofs of His love.The spring of instability of purpose is some hankering within us after praise of man.The more we walk with God, the more we shall sorrow for our sins and those of others. This sorrow well consists with joy in the Holy Ghost.We never hinder another’s service or grace without hindering our own: “Quench not the Spirit.”Let us always be aiming at perfection: thus we shall grow in the knowledge of our imperfection.“Tribulation worketh Patience;” but if tribulation pass by without working patience, we cannot have “Experience” (Rom. 5:3).
It is only as by faith we see our Home above, that we are proper pilgrims here.
We rightly use our past Experience, if, in time present, we have no confidence in the flesh.
Experience obtained without much waiting on God is not worthy the name: “Patience worketh Experience” (Rom. 5:4).
Our past Experience should be well pondered before God. The record of the pilgrimage of every one of us will be found in the great book of God’s government, by-and-by to be opened.
God requires steadfastness of faith from those who have had especial proofs of His love.
The spring of instability of purpose is some hankering within us after praise of man.
The more we walk with God, the more we shall sorrow for our sins and those of others. This sorrow well consists with joy in the Holy Ghost.
We never hinder another’s service or grace without hindering our own: “Quench not the Spirit.”
Let us always be aiming at perfection: thus we shall grow in the knowledge of our imperfection.
“Tribulation worketh Patience;” but if tribulation pass by without working patience, we cannot have “Experience” (Rom. 5:3).
A Sound MindOne special mark of a sound mind is a readiness to take counsel of God, and a bringing into subjection all notions of our own or of others to His revealed will.It is not by change of circumstances that we can be made happy, but by submission to the will of God. This submission is manifested by our steadfast purpose to mortify the will of the flesh, and by our contending against everything that offends God.Without confidence in the love of God we cannot cheerfully submit to His discipline.Let not the morrow be as a thief to rob you of this day’s blessing.We are apt to judge of things by present appearances; but the Lord sees them in all their consequences.Murmurers always extol times past as better than the present. The people of Israel in Egypt groaned by reason of hard bondage. Having passed the Red Sea they sang the song of redemption: but how ready were they to say one to another, “Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (Num. 14:4). Had Moses desired to shame them, he might have asked: “What said you under Pharaoh’s yoke?”
One special mark of a sound mind is a readiness to take counsel of God, and a bringing into subjection all notions of our own or of others to His revealed will.
It is not by change of circumstances that we can be made happy, but by submission to the will of God. This submission is manifested by our steadfast purpose to mortify the will of the flesh, and by our contending against everything that offends God.
Without confidence in the love of God we cannot cheerfully submit to His discipline.
Let not the morrow be as a thief to rob you of this day’s blessing.
We are apt to judge of things by present appearances; but the Lord sees them in all their consequences.
Murmurers always extol times past as better than the present. The people of Israel in Egypt groaned by reason of hard bondage. Having passed the Red Sea they sang the song of redemption: but how ready were they to say one to another, “Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (Num. 14:4). Had Moses desired to shame them, he might have asked: “What said you under Pharaoh’s yoke?”
Dangers and TemptationsIf we would keep the creature in its place, we must take God as our portion.Being an heir of glory I would, by God’s grace, rather break stones on the road for Him than be put to the drudgery of ruling an empire.Spiritual prosperity is always attended with strong temptation to thehigh thought, thelofty imagination.The worst temptations are those which so pamper and please the flesh that they do not vex us at all: they are perilous by their deceitfulness.The outward falls of the children of God always bespeak the foregoing state of the heart.The wearing of apparel is a special mark of our fall and shame. How unseemly then is pride of dress! Does the convict glory in the convict’s coat?
If we would keep the creature in its place, we must take God as our portion.
Being an heir of glory I would, by God’s grace, rather break stones on the road for Him than be put to the drudgery of ruling an empire.
Spiritual prosperity is always attended with strong temptation to thehigh thought, thelofty imagination.
The worst temptations are those which so pamper and please the flesh that they do not vex us at all: they are perilous by their deceitfulness.
The outward falls of the children of God always bespeak the foregoing state of the heart.
The wearing of apparel is a special mark of our fall and shame. How unseemly then is pride of dress! Does the convict glory in the convict’s coat?
The Christian’s WalkIf we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with God in all His ways. We should begin our every day’s journey withHim: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to springs of consolation in Himself.Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip.Happy they who never hang upon the creature’s favour they who expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no disappointment.To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company, hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character of one with whom we have but little intercourse?Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the “rest” that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride. (Matt. 11:29.)Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times the least painful.When God’s will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures ofhaving our will. (1 John 3:22.)The Christian’s path in the world is obedience to Christ; following Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as citizens of earth.We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges of what a child of God should be.Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more seek worldly honours and glories than a king’s son in his princely apparel would stitch thereon a beggar’s rags.“Bless them that curse you” (Matt. 5:44).)There is light for the pilgrim’s path, though there be not an unclouded sky.If a man’s heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory, would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family, the church, or the world?To be spiritually-minded is “life and peace” to ourselves: but how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may be used aright, he that has them must walk with God.Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that His presence is with you.Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name.God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world; even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love—the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may fulfil it.Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice.
If we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with God in all His ways. We should begin our every day’s journey withHim: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to springs of consolation in Himself.
Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip.
Happy they who never hang upon the creature’s favour they who expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no disappointment.
To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company, hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character of one with whom we have but little intercourse?
Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the “rest” that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride. (Matt. 11:29.)
Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times the least painful.
When God’s will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures ofhaving our will. (1 John 3:22.)
The Christian’s path in the world is obedience to Christ; following Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as citizens of earth.
We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges of what a child of God should be.
Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more seek worldly honours and glories than a king’s son in his princely apparel would stitch thereon a beggar’s rags.
“Bless them that curse you” (Matt. 5:44).)
There is light for the pilgrim’s path, though there be not an unclouded sky.
If a man’s heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory, would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family, the church, or the world?
To be spiritually-minded is “life and peace” to ourselves: but how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may be used aright, he that has them must walk with God.
Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that His presence is with you.
Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name.
God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world; even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love—the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may fulfil it.
Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice.
Trial of the Servants of ChristWhen Christ would put peculiar honour upon His servants, He often suffers them to be brought low in the sight of men. If the saints are favoured to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake, then will they own the honour put upon them to be thus conformed to their Master. Paul and Silas, thrust into prison at Philippi, sang praises to God.Christ never allows any faithful servant of His to suffer loss, but He turns that loss to great gain.God always honours faithful servants, and comforts persecuted ones.
When Christ would put peculiar honour upon His servants, He often suffers them to be brought low in the sight of men. If the saints are favoured to suffer reproach for Christ’s sake, then will they own the honour put upon them to be thus conformed to their Master. Paul and Silas, thrust into prison at Philippi, sang praises to God.
Christ never allows any faithful servant of His to suffer loss, but He turns that loss to great gain.
God always honours faithful servants, and comforts persecuted ones.
Dealing with the Faults of OthersIf we would wisely reprove the flesh in our brethren, we must first, after the Lord’s example, remember and commend the grace in them.Those who are much acquainted with the cross of Christ, and with their own hearts, will be slow to take the reprover’s office: if they do reprove, they will make it a solemn matter, knowing how much evil comes of the unwise handling of a fault.Let us begin by searching ourselves, if we would be profitable reprovers of others.Much self-judgment makes a man slow to judge others; and the very gentleness of such an one gives a keen edge to his rebukes.In reproving sin in others, we should remember the ways of the Holy Spirit of God towards us. He comes as the Spirit of Love; and whatever His rebukes, He wins the heart by mercy and forgiveness through Christ.To forgive without upbraiding, even by manner or look, is a high exercise of grace—it is imitation of Christ.If I have been injured by another, let me bethink myself—How much better to be the sufferer than the wrongdoer!The flesh would punish to prevent a repetition of wrongs; but Grace teaches us to defend ourselves without weapons. The man who “seventy times seven” forgives injuries, is he who best knows how to protect himself.If one do me a wrong, let me with the bowels of Christ seek after him, and entreat God to move him to repentance.We partake in the guilt of an offending member of Christ, until we have confessed his sin as our own (Dan. 9), mourned over it, prayed for its forgiveness, and sought in the spirit of love the restoration of the erring one.If our tongue have been betrayed into speaking contemptuously or even slightingly of an absent brother, let us quickly say, Alas! we have wounded Christ.If in love I speak to a brother of his fault, it is because I hate the sin. If I speak of it with backbiting tongue, it is self-pleasing that moves me.If under the law, when the bond was only in the flesh, the Israelite must not suffer sin upon his brother (Lev. 19:17), how much less should it be suffered under the Gospel, which binds the saints together spiritually and eternally!The figure of the mote in the eye shows what skill and tenderness he has need of who would be a reprover to his brother. Who would trust so precious a member as the eye to a rough, unskilful hand?The Lord loves to manifest peculiar tenderness towards those who have been brought low, even though it may have been through their own folly. “Go tell His disciples, and Peter.” (Mark 16:7.)
If we would wisely reprove the flesh in our brethren, we must first, after the Lord’s example, remember and commend the grace in them.
Those who are much acquainted with the cross of Christ, and with their own hearts, will be slow to take the reprover’s office: if they do reprove, they will make it a solemn matter, knowing how much evil comes of the unwise handling of a fault.
Let us begin by searching ourselves, if we would be profitable reprovers of others.
Much self-judgment makes a man slow to judge others; and the very gentleness of such an one gives a keen edge to his rebukes.
In reproving sin in others, we should remember the ways of the Holy Spirit of God towards us. He comes as the Spirit of Love; and whatever His rebukes, He wins the heart by mercy and forgiveness through Christ.
To forgive without upbraiding, even by manner or look, is a high exercise of grace—it is imitation of Christ.
If I have been injured by another, let me bethink myself—How much better to be the sufferer than the wrongdoer!
The flesh would punish to prevent a repetition of wrongs; but Grace teaches us to defend ourselves without weapons. The man who “seventy times seven” forgives injuries, is he who best knows how to protect himself.
If one do me a wrong, let me with the bowels of Christ seek after him, and entreat God to move him to repentance.
We partake in the guilt of an offending member of Christ, until we have confessed his sin as our own (Dan. 9), mourned over it, prayed for its forgiveness, and sought in the spirit of love the restoration of the erring one.
If our tongue have been betrayed into speaking contemptuously or even slightingly of an absent brother, let us quickly say, Alas! we have wounded Christ.
If in love I speak to a brother of his fault, it is because I hate the sin. If I speak of it with backbiting tongue, it is self-pleasing that moves me.
If under the law, when the bond was only in the flesh, the Israelite must not suffer sin upon his brother (Lev. 19:17), how much less should it be suffered under the Gospel, which binds the saints together spiritually and eternally!
The figure of the mote in the eye shows what skill and tenderness he has need of who would be a reprover to his brother. Who would trust so precious a member as the eye to a rough, unskilful hand?
The Lord loves to manifest peculiar tenderness towards those who have been brought low, even though it may have been through their own folly. “Go tell His disciples, and Peter.” (Mark 16:7.)
Evil SpeakingWe shall not escape the tongues of others, unless we first escape from self-love and self-flattery.No sword so sharp as the tongue.Only the bridling of the heart can effectually bridle the lips.The backbiter is one who maliciously speaks evil of others; the babbler does so through lack of the thoughtfulness of love.
We shall not escape the tongues of others, unless we first escape from self-love and self-flattery.
No sword so sharp as the tongue.
Only the bridling of the heart can effectually bridle the lips.
The backbiter is one who maliciously speaks evil of others; the babbler does so through lack of the thoughtfulness of love.
Deep and Silent WorkWhat is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed by men.The work of the Holy Ghost is often most mighty when least of its power is seen by the common eye. Judas working miracles, and king Saul prophesying, were not such proofs of the Spirit’s power as the tears of Peter after he had denied his Lord.If we would be strong we must make pleasing God our business: then what adversary can harm us?Before our knowledge can be of much profit to others it must become a channel of our own soul’s communion with God in secret.How needful is it to take heed to our ways, to seek counsel, not only of God, but of those who are faithful and prudent! Satan watches for our halting, and entangles us by little and little; questionable things first, then things plainly evil. Great sins may spring out of little trespasses.That confession to others which is frequent and unasked, is seldom deep before God.They are most alive to snares and temptations who by reason of walking with God are most blameless: we rarely see the snare when entangled therein.David, Elijah, and others, obtained victories over themselves in solitude, and there had power with God: when afterwards they came forth, how calmly did they undertake the greatest things, and how easily perform them!How great a victory was that which Jonathan must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learnt to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and for Israel. Not so Joab, who in hellish jealousy slew his kinsman Amasa. (1 Sam. 23:17.)Tohavenothing, and tobenothing, this is riches, quietness, rest.
What is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed by men.
The work of the Holy Ghost is often most mighty when least of its power is seen by the common eye. Judas working miracles, and king Saul prophesying, were not such proofs of the Spirit’s power as the tears of Peter after he had denied his Lord.
If we would be strong we must make pleasing God our business: then what adversary can harm us?
Before our knowledge can be of much profit to others it must become a channel of our own soul’s communion with God in secret.
How needful is it to take heed to our ways, to seek counsel, not only of God, but of those who are faithful and prudent! Satan watches for our halting, and entangles us by little and little; questionable things first, then things plainly evil. Great sins may spring out of little trespasses.
That confession to others which is frequent and unasked, is seldom deep before God.
They are most alive to snares and temptations who by reason of walking with God are most blameless: we rarely see the snare when entangled therein.
David, Elijah, and others, obtained victories over themselves in solitude, and there had power with God: when afterwards they came forth, how calmly did they undertake the greatest things, and how easily perform them!
How great a victory was that which Jonathan must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learnt to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and for Israel. Not so Joab, who in hellish jealousy slew his kinsman Amasa. (1 Sam. 23:17.)
Tohavenothing, and tobenothing, this is riches, quietness, rest.
Little ThingsWho would have thought that from Pharaoh’s daughter going to bathe in the river of Egypt would spring the deliverance of Israel?The mind of Christ in us is chiefly to be seen inlittle things. To walk before God in the every-day matters of life, and to have our words and actions savoured daily with the name of Jesus, this is true holiness.In the least matters what need there is of looking upwards! I ought not to write a note without looking up to God, seeking His help; for I can write folly enough in one sentence to cause myself and others disquietude for months.Let us turn every circumstance of the day into an occasion of communion with God. Things of small amount will then bring us great blessings.In small points of obedience are found the best test of the soul’s state.What great grace it needs to find no excuses for our little faults!—still greater to confess them!
Who would have thought that from Pharaoh’s daughter going to bathe in the river of Egypt would spring the deliverance of Israel?
The mind of Christ in us is chiefly to be seen inlittle things. To walk before God in the every-day matters of life, and to have our words and actions savoured daily with the name of Jesus, this is true holiness.
In the least matters what need there is of looking upwards! I ought not to write a note without looking up to God, seeking His help; for I can write folly enough in one sentence to cause myself and others disquietude for months.
Let us turn every circumstance of the day into an occasion of communion with God. Things of small amount will then bring us great blessings.
In small points of obedience are found the best test of the soul’s state.
What great grace it needs to find no excuses for our little faults!—still greater to confess them!
FruitGod sometimes sends us a wintry season that we may the better bring forth summer fruit.It is the way of the Lord to work for a season, as it were, under ground: and as the seed that dies in the earth, through dying, comes to life, so God will seem to cut off the hope of fruit of our labour; yet when we have humbled ourselves under His hand, and He has secured the glory to Himself, He will put forth His power and bring to life our buried hopes.There may be much communion with God when there is but little comfort in the soul, and much fruitfulness when there is but little joy and gladness. We bear fruit when we credit the Word of God against appearances, and when we submit our will to His.There is no security for our bringing forth fruit in time to come, if we are not bringing forth fruit in the present hour.How often we fail and miscarry toward the end of a trial of patience!Do not expect to make great strides at once in believing; or that deep sanctification is to be wrought in a day.We can never be said to have outlived our usefulness, unless we have outlived our spirituality.We must first come to the withering of the flesh, before we can become spiritually strong and fruitful.
God sometimes sends us a wintry season that we may the better bring forth summer fruit.
It is the way of the Lord to work for a season, as it were, under ground: and as the seed that dies in the earth, through dying, comes to life, so God will seem to cut off the hope of fruit of our labour; yet when we have humbled ourselves under His hand, and He has secured the glory to Himself, He will put forth His power and bring to life our buried hopes.
There may be much communion with God when there is but little comfort in the soul, and much fruitfulness when there is but little joy and gladness. We bear fruit when we credit the Word of God against appearances, and when we submit our will to His.
There is no security for our bringing forth fruit in time to come, if we are not bringing forth fruit in the present hour.
How often we fail and miscarry toward the end of a trial of patience!
Do not expect to make great strides at once in believing; or that deep sanctification is to be wrought in a day.
We can never be said to have outlived our usefulness, unless we have outlived our spirituality.
We must first come to the withering of the flesh, before we can become spiritually strong and fruitful.
Christian CommunionWe need one another; are dependent on one another—not asfountains, but aschannelsof blessing.When mutual intercession takes the place of mutual accusation, then will the differences and difficulties of brethren be overcome. (Job 43:8.10.)The infirmities of our brethren are fair occasions for our patience and long-suffering: let us have grace for each opportunity.The hearts of true believers crave a fellowship which will last—a fellowship in the Spirit with each other, because of common fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.If Christ be not the bond of friendship and of communion, and if His blood be not the life of love, how quickly may indifference take the place of warm affections, and how easily may close friends turn to stubborn adversaries, through the clashings of self-seeking and thwarted pride, or man’s native fickleness!In John 17The fellowship of believers ought to be like the fellowship of the Father and the Son: any differences of judgment, therefore, which arise between two members of Christ about the truth of God should be a cause of humiliation, but not of strife, and separation. God would soon make His children of one mind, did they steadfastly set their faces toward the Mercy-seat, seeking unity according to 1 Cor. 1It is sweet to talk of Jesus with our brethren, the children of God: but how much sweeter is it to talk with the Lord Jesus Himself!If there be but a shadow of disunion between us and any brother or sister, let us not give ourselves rest until we bring about a reconciliation; let us search out what in our own ways may have caused the breach, and seek after a communion with our brother like that of the Father with His dear Son. We should, moreover, watch against everything in us that may wound or grieve our brother, so that we may be wise to prevent breaches of fellowship; observant of 1 Cor. 13; our ways fashioned by the love that behaves itself not unseemly, and which faileth not. Nor shall we be skilful to heal breaches, if we be not watchful to prevent them.The secret of lasting fellowship is that Christ is the life of it. He maintains, rules, and sanctifies its mutual tender love and confidence, which will grow more heavenly the more we are like Christ, the more we abide in Him. When He comes in His glory, what joy will it be to remember former friendships, and see Jesus Himself, the spring and the stability of them all!Suppose all the saints in a town met together in one place, with no outward sign of division; yet, if it were not the common aim to be of one mind with God, and with Christ, the Spirit would still be grieved by divisions of heart and judgment.The communion of the members of Christ with each other is by the Holy Ghost, who, dwelling in them, gives them fellowship with the Father and with the Son. The oneness of mind between the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, is the spring and pattern of the one new mind that should be found in, and mark out, the members of Christ.Unless we have a spiritual understanding of this divine unity, we cannot rightly grieve for the divisions of God’s people. By looking into this glass, we discover the nature and the guilt of schisms and divisions.
We need one another; are dependent on one another—not asfountains, but aschannelsof blessing.
When mutual intercession takes the place of mutual accusation, then will the differences and difficulties of brethren be overcome. (Job 43:8.10.)
The infirmities of our brethren are fair occasions for our patience and long-suffering: let us have grace for each opportunity.
The hearts of true believers crave a fellowship which will last—a fellowship in the Spirit with each other, because of common fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.
If Christ be not the bond of friendship and of communion, and if His blood be not the life of love, how quickly may indifference take the place of warm affections, and how easily may close friends turn to stubborn adversaries, through the clashings of self-seeking and thwarted pride, or man’s native fickleness!
In John 17
The fellowship of believers ought to be like the fellowship of the Father and the Son: any differences of judgment, therefore, which arise between two members of Christ about the truth of God should be a cause of humiliation, but not of strife, and separation. God would soon make His children of one mind, did they steadfastly set their faces toward the Mercy-seat, seeking unity according to 1 Cor. 1
It is sweet to talk of Jesus with our brethren, the children of God: but how much sweeter is it to talk with the Lord Jesus Himself!
If there be but a shadow of disunion between us and any brother or sister, let us not give ourselves rest until we bring about a reconciliation; let us search out what in our own ways may have caused the breach, and seek after a communion with our brother like that of the Father with His dear Son. We should, moreover, watch against everything in us that may wound or grieve our brother, so that we may be wise to prevent breaches of fellowship; observant of 1 Cor. 13; our ways fashioned by the love that behaves itself not unseemly, and which faileth not. Nor shall we be skilful to heal breaches, if we be not watchful to prevent them.
The secret of lasting fellowship is that Christ is the life of it. He maintains, rules, and sanctifies its mutual tender love and confidence, which will grow more heavenly the more we are like Christ, the more we abide in Him. When He comes in His glory, what joy will it be to remember former friendships, and see Jesus Himself, the spring and the stability of them all!
Suppose all the saints in a town met together in one place, with no outward sign of division; yet, if it were not the common aim to be of one mind with God, and with Christ, the Spirit would still be grieved by divisions of heart and judgment.
The communion of the members of Christ with each other is by the Holy Ghost, who, dwelling in them, gives them fellowship with the Father and with the Son. The oneness of mind between the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, is the spring and pattern of the one new mind that should be found in, and mark out, the members of Christ.
Unless we have a spiritual understanding of this divine unity, we cannot rightly grieve for the divisions of God’s people. By looking into this glass, we discover the nature and the guilt of schisms and divisions.
Love“God is love” (1 John 4:16).True heavenly love has its life and root in the cross of Christ; it has the single eye, and is its own recompense; endures ingratitude, and survives indifference and contempt; has quick sense of wrongs, but is ready to forgive; and covers a multitude of sins. The love we speak of is meek and lowly; behaves itself wisely and edifies; bearing with the foolish and self-conceited, while it shuns their folly. This holy love is the durable work of the Spirit of God: it proves faithful in wintry days; and, ever ready to “rejoice with them that do rejoice,” adds gladness to their days of sunshine.If we would so love all saints as to please God, we must bear in mind that their names are written in heaven and on Christ’s heart; otherwise we shall love some because they are lovely, and dislike others because of their blemishes.We only know the heart and thoughts of others by proof of word or deed. If a brother wound us, we should first hear him, and hear him thoroughly, before we judge him to be in fault; but in many cases we may find ourselves not less to blame than our brother.The “more excellent way” is love, which beareth all things, hopeth all things, imputeth no evil. Nevertheless, if love see a fault, love will reprove in faithfulness the fault itsees. I saysees, for love is discerning, and love is faithful. I cannot but deal in such faithfulness with all my brethren, and entreat them to smite me in like manner, which, indeed, is to anoint my head with “excellent oil.” (Ps. 141:5.)If we delight in God’s glory, we shall delight to honour those whom God honours, and shall ourselves be no losers thereby.
“God is love” (1 John 4:16).
True heavenly love has its life and root in the cross of Christ; it has the single eye, and is its own recompense; endures ingratitude, and survives indifference and contempt; has quick sense of wrongs, but is ready to forgive; and covers a multitude of sins. The love we speak of is meek and lowly; behaves itself wisely and edifies; bearing with the foolish and self-conceited, while it shuns their folly. This holy love is the durable work of the Spirit of God: it proves faithful in wintry days; and, ever ready to “rejoice with them that do rejoice,” adds gladness to their days of sunshine.
If we would so love all saints as to please God, we must bear in mind that their names are written in heaven and on Christ’s heart; otherwise we shall love some because they are lovely, and dislike others because of their blemishes.
We only know the heart and thoughts of others by proof of word or deed. If a brother wound us, we should first hear him, and hear him thoroughly, before we judge him to be in fault; but in many cases we may find ourselves not less to blame than our brother.
The “more excellent way” is love, which beareth all things, hopeth all things, imputeth no evil. Nevertheless, if love see a fault, love will reprove in faithfulness the fault itsees. I saysees, for love is discerning, and love is faithful. I cannot but deal in such faithfulness with all my brethren, and entreat them to smite me in like manner, which, indeed, is to anoint my head with “excellent oil.” (Ps. 141:5.)
If we delight in God’s glory, we shall delight to honour those whom God honours, and shall ourselves be no losers thereby.
Justice and JudgementEvery man stands before God on the ground of justice. The unregenerate sinner stands in his own name, and obtains death, “the wages of sin:” the believing sinner stands in the name of Jesus; and because sin was borne by the Lord Jesus, and justice satisfied, has everlasting life.As deeds and thoughts of wicked men do now appear to the all-seeing eye of God, so will He represent them to their memory and conscience at the great day: the offender will be chief witness against himself.The children of God enter heaven, not by sufferance, but by right and title: the justice of God demands it, because Christ has died and is risen.The justice of God can never show mercy where sin is imputed. No mercy, therefore, was shown to Christ. As the sinner’s Surety He drank the cup of vengeance to the dregs; and now the cup He gives us overflows with blessings.Christ never keeps a man outside who knocks at His door; but those who will not come as beggars, who are blinded by pride, self-will, and unbelief,—how can they complain if sent empty away?
Every man stands before God on the ground of justice. The unregenerate sinner stands in his own name, and obtains death, “the wages of sin:” the believing sinner stands in the name of Jesus; and because sin was borne by the Lord Jesus, and justice satisfied, has everlasting life.
As deeds and thoughts of wicked men do now appear to the all-seeing eye of God, so will He represent them to their memory and conscience at the great day: the offender will be chief witness against himself.
The children of God enter heaven, not by sufferance, but by right and title: the justice of God demands it, because Christ has died and is risen.
The justice of God can never show mercy where sin is imputed. No mercy, therefore, was shown to Christ. As the sinner’s Surety He drank the cup of vengeance to the dregs; and now the cup He gives us overflows with blessings.
Christ never keeps a man outside who knocks at His door; but those who will not come as beggars, who are blinded by pride, self-will, and unbelief,—how can they complain if sent empty away?
The Love of GodWe speak of Christ showing His love by the death of the Cross; let us also evermore consider the Father’s love, in whose hand was the sword. Oh, the yearnings of His heart, when He was bruising the Son of His love!The children of God ought to count it their chief joy, in drawing nigh to God, that they have His ear and heart. Great is the difference between a child of God confiding in Him, and a child of God full of petitions and burdens, but doubting God until some outward deliverance be granted. The character of God and His love demand our perfect trust at all times.The love of God is not purchased for us by the blood of Christ. That love springs up out of God’s own heart and nature. Self-moved, He sent His Son.We could not be the object of the Father’s love, which is from everlasting to everlasting, but as chosen in Christ. He loves us with love perfect and unchangeable.
We speak of Christ showing His love by the death of the Cross; let us also evermore consider the Father’s love, in whose hand was the sword. Oh, the yearnings of His heart, when He was bruising the Son of His love!
The children of God ought to count it their chief joy, in drawing nigh to God, that they have His ear and heart. Great is the difference between a child of God confiding in Him, and a child of God full of petitions and burdens, but doubting God until some outward deliverance be granted. The character of God and His love demand our perfect trust at all times.
The love of God is not purchased for us by the blood of Christ. That love springs up out of God’s own heart and nature. Self-moved, He sent His Son.
We could not be the object of the Father’s love, which is from everlasting to everlasting, but as chosen in Christ. He loves us with love perfect and unchangeable.
The Heart and its DeceitfulnessDavid would never have fallen into gross outward sin, had he not been too familiar with it in his heart; there had the evil been oft-times committed before it broke out in the wicked deed. Nor would he have numbered the people, had he not first strayed from the presence of God, and so become puffed up with pride. (2 Sam. 11[^52-1]; 1 Chron. 21[^52-2])Saints rarely see the guilt of a murmuring, unbelieving spirit, while they do feel the discomfort and weakness it brings with it. How great the deceitfulness of sin that can hide such guilt from the conscience of a child of God.The Lord would have us all deal truly with our state, and with our hearts. We cannot otherwise deal truly with Him.When we desire any special guidance, let us look first at the state of our heart: we have natural reason; let us take heed that we put it not into the hands of the devil by self-will, but into the hands of God.The mistake of ignorance is one thing; the darkness of self-will is another. There may be the former though the eye be single, but not the latter.It is good for a child of God to search his heart, that he may know whether it is by nature or by grace that he is kept from outward evil. Fear of shame, love of reputation, power of conscience, natural affection, self-interest, greatly preserve the unregenerate from the commission of sin; and may in part also keep the children of God from defiling their garments; but it is only by the power of grace, and when the heart keeps the life, that our “good conversation” is a sweet savour to God.The great outlet of sin is the tongue; the great inlets of temptation are the ear and eye; but of the whole body the heart is mistress. Therefore let grace rule the heart, and the whole man shall be subject.
David would never have fallen into gross outward sin, had he not been too familiar with it in his heart; there had the evil been oft-times committed before it broke out in the wicked deed. Nor would he have numbered the people, had he not first strayed from the presence of God, and so become puffed up with pride. (2 Sam. 11[^52-1]; 1 Chron. 21[^52-2])
Saints rarely see the guilt of a murmuring, unbelieving spirit, while they do feel the discomfort and weakness it brings with it. How great the deceitfulness of sin that can hide such guilt from the conscience of a child of God.
The Lord would have us all deal truly with our state, and with our hearts. We cannot otherwise deal truly with Him.
When we desire any special guidance, let us look first at the state of our heart: we have natural reason; let us take heed that we put it not into the hands of the devil by self-will, but into the hands of God.
The mistake of ignorance is one thing; the darkness of self-will is another. There may be the former though the eye be single, but not the latter.
It is good for a child of God to search his heart, that he may know whether it is by nature or by grace that he is kept from outward evil. Fear of shame, love of reputation, power of conscience, natural affection, self-interest, greatly preserve the unregenerate from the commission of sin; and may in part also keep the children of God from defiling their garments; but it is only by the power of grace, and when the heart keeps the life, that our “good conversation” is a sweet savour to God.
The great outlet of sin is the tongue; the great inlets of temptation are the ear and eye; but of the whole body the heart is mistress. Therefore let grace rule the heart, and the whole man shall be subject.
The Form of GodlinessThe enmity of the carnal mind is wont to hide itself by imitating the outward forms of the kingdom of God. The grace of God subduing the heart to Christ is the sign of the birth from above.The drunkard and the thief are evidently in the broad road that leadeth to destruction. The Pharisee seems to tread the narrow way, yet does but keep the clean side of the broad road.All who build their hope of eternal life on their prayers, reading the Scriptures, and other outward works of righteousness, come short of the rest that is in Christ, and the salvation that is in Him. The sinner’s hands must be emptied of all such recommendations: it is with his poverty, and his poverty only, that he must come to the crucified Son of God.The sinner that comes with his own good works to God for eternal life, is a debtor who brings a bag of base coin of his own forging, to pay his creditor withal.The good works of the flesh, though so well-pleasing to the carnal mind, tested by God’s justice, are at the King’s mint adjudged base coin.
The enmity of the carnal mind is wont to hide itself by imitating the outward forms of the kingdom of God. The grace of God subduing the heart to Christ is the sign of the birth from above.
The drunkard and the thief are evidently in the broad road that leadeth to destruction. The Pharisee seems to tread the narrow way, yet does but keep the clean side of the broad road.
All who build their hope of eternal life on their prayers, reading the Scriptures, and other outward works of righteousness, come short of the rest that is in Christ, and the salvation that is in Him. The sinner’s hands must be emptied of all such recommendations: it is with his poverty, and his poverty only, that he must come to the crucified Son of God.
The sinner that comes with his own good works to God for eternal life, is a debtor who brings a bag of base coin of his own forging, to pay his creditor withal.
The good works of the flesh, though so well-pleasing to the carnal mind, tested by God’s justice, are at the King’s mint adjudged base coin.
Salvation, Justification, PardonThe salvation of God delivers a man, not only from the guilt, but the dominion of sin, and brings him into fellowship with God. This salvation is preached to “every creature” under heaven; and it leaves without excuse every one who does not receive it.“What shall I do?” says the sinner. Alas! manhas donehis work completely—the work of self-destruction. Christ has wrought a perfect work—the work of redemption for the salvation of the inexcusably guilty, the utterly lost.God justifies the sinner believing. When God pardons, He justifies. Man may pardon; he cannot blot out. God alone can justify; and He justifies by Christ, who was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.Had the Lord waited ere He came into this world till men knew their own sickness, then would pride and ignorance have shut Him out for ever.God, in self-moved love, sent His own Son to save the lost.The poor sinner, fleeing to Christ for salvation, cannot possibly be overtaken by the sword of the avenger, because that poor sinner is taught by the Spirit of God, and is drawn by God’s loving kindness to the Saviour Christ. Great may be his fear and perplexity; but he is safe from curse in Christ the City of Refuge. God sees him already there, while he himself doubts of reaching it.“How can I be pardoned?” says the poor self-condemned sinner. “How can I not pardon?” says God. The sinner looks at his sins; but God looks at His Son’s atoning blood. Sinner, do thou likewise.I was slain and hanged on the cross eighteen hundred years ago with Christ. (Gal. 2:20.) Did He rise? Yes. Therefore I am risen. The Christian is a dead and buried man, and also risen. As a child of Adam, dead and buried; as a child of God, risen with Christ: the world is crucified to him, and he is crucified to the world. Satan ever aims to raise the dead, and bury the living.
The salvation of God delivers a man, not only from the guilt, but the dominion of sin, and brings him into fellowship with God. This salvation is preached to “every creature” under heaven; and it leaves without excuse every one who does not receive it.
“What shall I do?” says the sinner. Alas! manhas donehis work completely—the work of self-destruction. Christ has wrought a perfect work—the work of redemption for the salvation of the inexcusably guilty, the utterly lost.
God justifies the sinner believing. When God pardons, He justifies. Man may pardon; he cannot blot out. God alone can justify; and He justifies by Christ, who was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
Had the Lord waited ere He came into this world till men knew their own sickness, then would pride and ignorance have shut Him out for ever.
God, in self-moved love, sent His own Son to save the lost.
The poor sinner, fleeing to Christ for salvation, cannot possibly be overtaken by the sword of the avenger, because that poor sinner is taught by the Spirit of God, and is drawn by God’s loving kindness to the Saviour Christ. Great may be his fear and perplexity; but he is safe from curse in Christ the City of Refuge. God sees him already there, while he himself doubts of reaching it.
“How can I be pardoned?” says the poor self-condemned sinner. “How can I not pardon?” says God. The sinner looks at his sins; but God looks at His Son’s atoning blood. Sinner, do thou likewise.
I was slain and hanged on the cross eighteen hundred years ago with Christ. (Gal. 2:20.) Did He rise? Yes. Therefore I am risen. The Christian is a dead and buried man, and also risen. As a child of Adam, dead and buried; as a child of God, risen with Christ: the world is crucified to him, and he is crucified to the world. Satan ever aims to raise the dead, and bury the living.
God’s Wise and Gracious DealingsIf we have especially trusted God in any matter, He will “after these things” (Gen. 22) prove our faith: and though He may seem not to regard us, and that for a long time; yet, in the end, He will show that His way of performing His promise is worthy of Him—good for us.God’s discipline of His children always bears the mark of long-suffering.When the Lord is about to give great blessings, He commonly begins with great trials. He writes death upon the purposed mercy, that when life springs out of death, we may know from whom that life proceeds—even Jesus, the “I am that I am.”Our peculiar corruptions are often brought out by the peculiarities of others.If God in His kindness make manifest to ourselves the evil that is in us, it is in order that we may be driven to Christ, and that we may know the subduing power of His blood.The Lord has bound up the rod of correction in our bundle of blessings.We have not wisdom to judge of God’s ways, unless we have patience to wait their issue.God is wont to frustrate our devices in order to execute His own purposes, and thereby to do us good to the utmost.Elisha was singularly honoured after going down to the grave: a dead body touching the prophet’s bones came to life again. Elijah was honoured by translation: like Enoch, he did not see death. God will, in manifold wisdom, honour each and every one of them that honour Him.When God is about to do the very best for us, His discipline is often such that at first our flesh rebels: but let us leave God to bless us in His own way; only let our hearts be set upon Himself, and on pleasing Him. He will be ever true to Himself.
If we have especially trusted God in any matter, He will “after these things” (Gen. 22) prove our faith: and though He may seem not to regard us, and that for a long time; yet, in the end, He will show that His way of performing His promise is worthy of Him—good for us.
God’s discipline of His children always bears the mark of long-suffering.
When the Lord is about to give great blessings, He commonly begins with great trials. He writes death upon the purposed mercy, that when life springs out of death, we may know from whom that life proceeds—even Jesus, the “I am that I am.”
Our peculiar corruptions are often brought out by the peculiarities of others.
If God in His kindness make manifest to ourselves the evil that is in us, it is in order that we may be driven to Christ, and that we may know the subduing power of His blood.
The Lord has bound up the rod of correction in our bundle of blessings.
We have not wisdom to judge of God’s ways, unless we have patience to wait their issue.
God is wont to frustrate our devices in order to execute His own purposes, and thereby to do us good to the utmost.
Elisha was singularly honoured after going down to the grave: a dead body touching the prophet’s bones came to life again. Elijah was honoured by translation: like Enoch, he did not see death. God will, in manifold wisdom, honour each and every one of them that honour Him.
When God is about to do the very best for us, His discipline is often such that at first our flesh rebels: but let us leave God to bless us in His own way; only let our hearts be set upon Himself, and on pleasing Him. He will be ever true to Himself.
Obedience“Vain man would be wise, though he be born like a wild ass’s colt” (Job 11:12)God honoured the obedience of His saints in time of the old covenant with the abundance of earthly things: if at any time He dealt otherwise, as in Job’s case, He departed from His ordinary course.Nowthe obedience of faith brings with it tribulation, more or less. If we bear not this in mind, trials will often take us by surprise.The state of the heart of God’s children is not to be judged by what they call “comfort,” or the lack of it; by strong words or lively feelings; but by steady obedience to His Word—not obedience on great occasions only: it is easier to do great things for Christ than to hold on our way, keeping heart and lips in our every-day walk.The only path of safety and happiness is prompt, unquestioning, obedience to the commandments of the Lord.If we would be led into God’s truth, we must put our neck into Christ’s yoke, and in such subjection of spirit as not to be galled thereby.If you compare a path of obedience with one of disobedience, the great difference may not immediately appear; but years will speak, and show things in their true light.It is good to bear in mind that whatever our circumstances, it cannot be necessary to disobey God. Let us not wish for anything unless the means to obtain it be as much approved of by God as theend.The “perfect man” is he who has a deliberate purpose to do the will of God in all things, under all circumstances, and at all times; never resting in this or that measure of obedience, but still running the race, his eye fixed on the goal.Being delivered from the law, we are under obligation to try all our ways, past and present, by the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Vain man would be wise, though he be born like a wild ass’s colt” (Job 11:12)
God honoured the obedience of His saints in time of the old covenant with the abundance of earthly things: if at any time He dealt otherwise, as in Job’s case, He departed from His ordinary course.Nowthe obedience of faith brings with it tribulation, more or less. If we bear not this in mind, trials will often take us by surprise.
The state of the heart of God’s children is not to be judged by what they call “comfort,” or the lack of it; by strong words or lively feelings; but by steady obedience to His Word—not obedience on great occasions only: it is easier to do great things for Christ than to hold on our way, keeping heart and lips in our every-day walk.
The only path of safety and happiness is prompt, unquestioning, obedience to the commandments of the Lord.
If we would be led into God’s truth, we must put our neck into Christ’s yoke, and in such subjection of spirit as not to be galled thereby.
If you compare a path of obedience with one of disobedience, the great difference may not immediately appear; but years will speak, and show things in their true light.
It is good to bear in mind that whatever our circumstances, it cannot be necessary to disobey God. Let us not wish for anything unless the means to obtain it be as much approved of by God as theend.
The “perfect man” is he who has a deliberate purpose to do the will of God in all things, under all circumstances, and at all times; never resting in this or that measure of obedience, but still running the race, his eye fixed on the goal.
Being delivered from the law, we are under obligation to try all our ways, past and present, by the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.