Antidotes # 2
O my soul, whenever tempted to complain of my difficult lot- think of my deservings! Think of what would have been my eternal doom - if God had not saved me by His sovereign grace! Yes, I do find that looking down into hell silences my complaints, awakens my gratitude, and humbles me in the dust before my God!
Now and then, I get weary and ready to faint along the long and difficult way. The journey appears so long, the road is so rough, the seasons are so trying, the difficulties increase so fast - and my strength and courage are so small. Every little trouble is magnified - and numberless mercies are overlooked! Then I find it of advantage to look forward to - the heavenly crown promised, the glorious mansion provided, and the eternal kingdom prepared. O what a splended close to this dreary pilgrimage! O what a finish to this exhausting race!
A heavenly crown - and a crown for the likes of me! A crown of life, a crown of righteousness! A crown of glory which fades not away.
A mansion - a glorious residence in my Heavenly Father's house. A residence fitted up by Jesus expressly for me. A residence which anticipates all my wishes, gratifies all my desires, and far exceeds my highest expectations!
An eternal kingdom - and a kingdom prepared to express God's highest love, to display God's deepest wisdom, and to exhibit the exuberant riches of God's glorious grace!
Heaven! Oh, what will Heaven be! The vision of God. The presence of Jesus! "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand!" (Psalm 16:11).
Heaven! Oh, what I shall see, hear, feel, and possess in Heaven! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagines - what God has prepared for those who love Him!" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Looking forward to Heaven - how can I do otherwise than pant for glory? What are the trials along the way - when I think of the end! What are the sorrows of earth - when I think of the joys of Heaven! What are my sufferings for Christ - when compared with the glory which shall be conferred by Christ!
And is it not the province and prerogative of faith to act thus? Does not faith ever look BACK to the Cross of Jesus - for pardon, peace, and reconciliation to God? Does it not look UP to the throne of God - and sigh for fellowship with the Father, and with the Son Jesus Christ? Does it not look DOWN into the eternal pit, the prison, the torments, from which there is no redemption - in order to fill the soul with gratitude, love, and praise? Does it not also look FORWARD to the unfading crown, the eternal kingdom, and the glorious inheritance - and inspire with hallowed pantings for glory? Yes, it is even so!
Then, O gracious God, increase my faith, and help me to look back to Jesus crucified for me - that I may enjoy unspeakable peace, and solid satisfaction of soul!
Help me to look up to Your throne - that I may enjoy the closest, the sweetest, the most hallowed fellowship with You possible!
Help me to look DOWN to the gloomy regions of despair, the abode of misery and woe - that I may be grateful for my deliverance from such a fearful doom!
Help me to look FORWARD to the glory, the splendor, the unspeakable bliss - which is laid up for all who love you, and look for the appearing of Your Son.
May my faith be strong, simple, and rightly directed. May it be influential and work by love. May it grow exceedingly, and be found unto Your praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Author of faith -work faith in me! Object of faith - be ever present with me! End of faith - let me embrace You, and rejoice inYou forever!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Saturday, June 20, 2020
How Old Are You? # 2
How Old Are You? # 2
How old am I NATURALLY? I was once a baby, and then a youth - but I am such no longer.
This should awaken REFLECTION - and lead us to remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in the wilderness.
It should produce GRATITUDE. How many have been cut down younger, and cut down unprepared? How many are in hell now - who were born since we were! How many have sunk in poverty, been crushed by troubles, or been hurried out of time into eternity - by disease?
It should lead us to REPENTANCE. This is always the design of God's goodness. This is also its tendency to a gracious heart. Upon how many points, we have seen reason to change our minds. For how much that we have done, we have reason to weep bitter tears. How necessary it is on some points, to change our course. Can we attend to this question, and not reflect on the past? Can we reflect on the past - and not be grateful? Can we reflect, and be grateful, and not repent, and turn again unto the Lord?
Let us then improve the question, for some neglect it - but it cannot harm us, and it may do us good.
How LONG have I lived? Twenty - thirty - forty - fifty - perhaps sixty years?
To what PURPOSE have I lived? Have I secured my salvation? Have I served my generation? Is the world better for me being in it all these years? Have those about me reason to bless God for me? How would I live - if I had my time over again? Would I DO - just as I have done? Would I BE - just what I have been?
What has been the grand end of my life? Have I lived to myself, or to Him who died for me, and rose again? Have I lived to enlighten others by my knowledge, to help others with my property, to bless others through my influence?
How old am I SPIRITUALLY? This question is more important than the former one. Better never be born at all - if we are not born again! Our first birth will prove a curse - without the second birth! The first birth only fits us for earth, where, if left to ourselves - we fit ourselves for hell! But the second birth fits us for Heaven.
If we are born again, can we tell anything about the time when? Can we remember when we were convinced of sin, felt our need of a Saviour, and fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us. That was the time of our new birth. But the time of the new birth is of little or no importance - compared with the fact itself. The great question is, AM I born again? Do I believe in Jesus? Is salvation mine?
If we are born again - where are the proofs? Who is the better for it? Are our relations, our children, our neighbors? Even the animals which serve us, or live to please and amuse us - will be the better for our religion, if it is genuine.
Whether our lives have been long or short - we have lived long enough to have LEARNED more; and if we were not great dunces - we would have done so!
We have lived long enough to have GAINED more, for we have had some fine opportunities. Grace was to be had for asking for, and our talents may not only have been improved - but increased, yes doubled - if we had been wise.
We have lived long enough to have DONE more. Alas! how little we have done for God, for Christ, for the Church, and for the souls of men - and how very imperfectly has that been done, which we have performed. O if we had but realized our responsibility, if we had been zealous for our God and His glory, if we have but been fired with the love of Christ - how much might we have done, during the life we have lived here below!
How shall we act NOW? Let us flee to the open fountain - to wash away our stains; let us repair to the throne of grace - that we may find mercy, and obtain grace to help us; and then let us begin life afresh, determined if we live - to live unto the Lord; or if we die - to die unto the Lord; so that whether we live or die we may be the Lord's!
~James Smith~
(The End)
How old am I NATURALLY? I was once a baby, and then a youth - but I am such no longer.
This should awaken REFLECTION - and lead us to remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in the wilderness.
It should produce GRATITUDE. How many have been cut down younger, and cut down unprepared? How many are in hell now - who were born since we were! How many have sunk in poverty, been crushed by troubles, or been hurried out of time into eternity - by disease?
It should lead us to REPENTANCE. This is always the design of God's goodness. This is also its tendency to a gracious heart. Upon how many points, we have seen reason to change our minds. For how much that we have done, we have reason to weep bitter tears. How necessary it is on some points, to change our course. Can we attend to this question, and not reflect on the past? Can we reflect on the past - and not be grateful? Can we reflect, and be grateful, and not repent, and turn again unto the Lord?
Let us then improve the question, for some neglect it - but it cannot harm us, and it may do us good.
How LONG have I lived? Twenty - thirty - forty - fifty - perhaps sixty years?
To what PURPOSE have I lived? Have I secured my salvation? Have I served my generation? Is the world better for me being in it all these years? Have those about me reason to bless God for me? How would I live - if I had my time over again? Would I DO - just as I have done? Would I BE - just what I have been?
What has been the grand end of my life? Have I lived to myself, or to Him who died for me, and rose again? Have I lived to enlighten others by my knowledge, to help others with my property, to bless others through my influence?
How old am I SPIRITUALLY? This question is more important than the former one. Better never be born at all - if we are not born again! Our first birth will prove a curse - without the second birth! The first birth only fits us for earth, where, if left to ourselves - we fit ourselves for hell! But the second birth fits us for Heaven.
If we are born again, can we tell anything about the time when? Can we remember when we were convinced of sin, felt our need of a Saviour, and fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us. That was the time of our new birth. But the time of the new birth is of little or no importance - compared with the fact itself. The great question is, AM I born again? Do I believe in Jesus? Is salvation mine?
If we are born again - where are the proofs? Who is the better for it? Are our relations, our children, our neighbors? Even the animals which serve us, or live to please and amuse us - will be the better for our religion, if it is genuine.
Whether our lives have been long or short - we have lived long enough to have LEARNED more; and if we were not great dunces - we would have done so!
We have lived long enough to have GAINED more, for we have had some fine opportunities. Grace was to be had for asking for, and our talents may not only have been improved - but increased, yes doubled - if we had been wise.
We have lived long enough to have DONE more. Alas! how little we have done for God, for Christ, for the Church, and for the souls of men - and how very imperfectly has that been done, which we have performed. O if we had but realized our responsibility, if we had been zealous for our God and His glory, if we have but been fired with the love of Christ - how much might we have done, during the life we have lived here below!
How shall we act NOW? Let us flee to the open fountain - to wash away our stains; let us repair to the throne of grace - that we may find mercy, and obtain grace to help us; and then let us begin life afresh, determined if we live - to live unto the Lord; or if we die - to die unto the Lord; so that whether we live or die we may be the Lord's!
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Yet They Are Your People # 2
Yet They Are Your People # 2
What a fearful picture, what a catalog of crimes! Still Moses says, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance!" Oh, wondrous grace! Can these be the Lord's people? Yes, of them it is written, "The Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure." Surely it could not be for their excellency; or on account of their good works! No, "for My own sake," says the Lord, "for My names sake." God had a reason for acting - but it is found in Himself - not in His people.
But as base as their conduct was - who of us can cast a stone at them? Who has not done the same, really - if not formally? Have we not murmured against His providence, complained of His dealings, idolized His gifts, lusted after forbidden objects, and disbelieved His Word?
Which of Israel's sins is it, of which we cannot find the counterpart in our own hearts or conduct?
Have we not been ungrateful - as ungrateful as they were?
Have we not been unnatural in our conduct toward God - as unnatural as they were?
Is not our sin fearful - more fearful than theirs, as it is committed in clearer light, against greater love, after deeper obligations?
Friend, however you may feel - the writer feels that he is truly guilty. Whatever excuse you may have - he feels that he has none. However you may extenuate your crimes - he cannot extenuate his. "Is not your iniquities infinite?" Yes! I am vile! I loathe myself! I abhor myself! I desire forever to glorify God's most free, sovereign, and distinguishing grace - which alone saves me from hell!
Thirdly, at the plea of Moses. The Lord was angry and threatened to destroy them. Moses falls down before Him, to plead with Him. He admits every charge that was brought against them - but still pleads, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm."
Just so, in reference to us, and the Lord's imperfect people with whom we are connected: they have haughty tempers, depraved hearts, inconsistent ways, and a host of infirmities, and imperfections - and yet they are the Lord's people.
He has acknowledged them at His throne, in His house, and by His providence - when none but God would. His word is pledged to them, and He is engaged finally and eternally to deliver them.
Yes, poor, timid, tried reader; as bad as your heart is, as imperfect as your life is, as numerous as your faults are - yet you have not gone beyond Israel, nor beyond many of the Lord's people around you. Do not write bitter things against yourself. You may be one of the Lord's people - notwithstanding all you have done, all that you feel, and all that you fear; and if you really hate sin, rest on Jesus, and sigh and seek for holiness - you are one of them, too.
Observe: Grace, free grace - is the source of all our blessings. But for grace - we would have been left wretched, miserable, poor, and naked!
Are we now rendering returns to the Lord? How have we treated Him in the closet? What is the state of our hearts to Him? He has spoken - and have we listened? He has commanded - and have we obeyed? He has prohibited - and have we avoided? He has exhorted - and have we attended? He has invited - and have we accepted? Have we?
But amidst all, our filial relationship still remains with God - and may be pleaded. He is our God - and we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. He still speaks to us in His Word, watches over us by His providence, listens to us on His throne, and promises to be very gracious at the voice of our cry.
God's grace - is wondrous grace. His mercy - is from everlasting to everlasting! Amidst all our changes - He never changes; and therefore we not consumed.
~James Smith~
(The End)
What a fearful picture, what a catalog of crimes! Still Moses says, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance!" Oh, wondrous grace! Can these be the Lord's people? Yes, of them it is written, "The Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, and Israel for His peculiar treasure." Surely it could not be for their excellency; or on account of their good works! No, "for My own sake," says the Lord, "for My names sake." God had a reason for acting - but it is found in Himself - not in His people.
But as base as their conduct was - who of us can cast a stone at them? Who has not done the same, really - if not formally? Have we not murmured against His providence, complained of His dealings, idolized His gifts, lusted after forbidden objects, and disbelieved His Word?
Which of Israel's sins is it, of which we cannot find the counterpart in our own hearts or conduct?
Have we not been ungrateful - as ungrateful as they were?
Have we not been unnatural in our conduct toward God - as unnatural as they were?
Is not our sin fearful - more fearful than theirs, as it is committed in clearer light, against greater love, after deeper obligations?
Friend, however you may feel - the writer feels that he is truly guilty. Whatever excuse you may have - he feels that he has none. However you may extenuate your crimes - he cannot extenuate his. "Is not your iniquities infinite?" Yes! I am vile! I loathe myself! I abhor myself! I desire forever to glorify God's most free, sovereign, and distinguishing grace - which alone saves me from hell!
Thirdly, at the plea of Moses. The Lord was angry and threatened to destroy them. Moses falls down before Him, to plead with Him. He admits every charge that was brought against them - but still pleads, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm."
Just so, in reference to us, and the Lord's imperfect people with whom we are connected: they have haughty tempers, depraved hearts, inconsistent ways, and a host of infirmities, and imperfections - and yet they are the Lord's people.
He has acknowledged them at His throne, in His house, and by His providence - when none but God would. His word is pledged to them, and He is engaged finally and eternally to deliver them.
Yes, poor, timid, tried reader; as bad as your heart is, as imperfect as your life is, as numerous as your faults are - yet you have not gone beyond Israel, nor beyond many of the Lord's people around you. Do not write bitter things against yourself. You may be one of the Lord's people - notwithstanding all you have done, all that you feel, and all that you fear; and if you really hate sin, rest on Jesus, and sigh and seek for holiness - you are one of them, too.
Observe: Grace, free grace - is the source of all our blessings. But for grace - we would have been left wretched, miserable, poor, and naked!
Are we now rendering returns to the Lord? How have we treated Him in the closet? What is the state of our hearts to Him? He has spoken - and have we listened? He has commanded - and have we obeyed? He has prohibited - and have we avoided? He has exhorted - and have we attended? He has invited - and have we accepted? Have we?
But amidst all, our filial relationship still remains with God - and may be pleaded. He is our God - and we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. He still speaks to us in His Word, watches over us by His providence, listens to us on His throne, and promises to be very gracious at the voice of our cry.
God's grace - is wondrous grace. His mercy - is from everlasting to everlasting! Amidst all our changes - He never changes; and therefore we not consumed.
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Antidotes! # 1
Antidotes! # 1
My mind is at times harassed with fear, tormented with doubts, and burdened with a load of guilt. I have tried a variety of things in order to get relief, and have looked for deliverance in many ways. But experience has taught me, that the only way to conquer fear, dissipate doubts, and remove a burden of fresh-contracted guilt - is to look back to the Cross! There, I see Jesus as the Sinner's Substitute, bearing our sins, in His own body on the tree, paying all the debt we had contracted, answering all the demands that can be made upon us, harmonizing all the perfections of God in our salvation, and providing a free and full salvation for us. As I look on the Cross - I feel peace flow into my soul, and a holy quietness take possession of my spirit.
I ask, "What should I fear? Jesus has made a full atonement for all my sins. He has given full satisfaction, to the law and justice of God, for all my misdeeds.
Why should I doubt? God is love, or He would not have given His Son to die the just for the unjust. Having given His Son, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself - will He not deal graciously with me, and freely give me all things?
Why should I carry a load of guilt? Has not Jesus been punished for me, that I may not be punished? Did not Jesus die, that I may live forever? Is not the atonement of God's own Son sufficient? Does not the blood of Jesus cleanse from all sin? If Jesus suffered for me, if He died in my stead - than surely I may go free.
Thus looking back to the Cross, and exercising faith in Jesus, I find my fears depart, my doubts remove, and my sense of guilt taken away. I have peace with God, confidence in God, and can leave all things with God.
Sometimes I feel sad and lonely. I have no one to whom I can open my heart, or into whose ear I can pour all my complaints. I need one who has a fellow feeling with me. One who has experienced what I do. One who can stoop to and help me. At such times I find it best to look up to the throne of grace, and sigh for fellowship with Jesus. He has been tried in all points like as we are. He has a human heart. He has carried the experience of earth, with Him to Heaven. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He is our Brother still. He remembers the lonely mountain, the howling wilderness, and the gloomy garden. He never forgets how He felt the need of sympathy, and friendly fellowship, when He went backwards and forwards to His disciples, and found them sleeping. I will therefore lift up my eyes to Jesus in the Heavens, and will seek to pour out my heart before Him, and receive comfort and consolation from Him. I have always one who feels for me, and feels with me. One that will listen to me, and prove His love by sustaining, cheering, and delivering me.
O Jesus, Saviour of my soul, when I look up to You, and believe that you are before the Father for me, and ever sympathize with me - I feel relieved, and the principal sense of loneliness and isolation leaves me! O my soul, whenever earth refuses to furnish you with a companion, a comforter, a friend who can identify himself with you - look up to Heaven, for Heaven will furnish what earth denies!
"Why should any living man complain?" (Lamentations 3:39). Occasionally, I am tempted to complain of my hard lot - and think myself harshly dealt with. Ingratitude rises and works in my heart. This always makes me wretched. I then find it profitable to look down into hell - and realize its horrors and agonies as my just desert.
If anyone ever deserved to go to hell - I did!
If justice was ever honored in a sinner's damnation - it would have been in mine!
If anyone was ever saved by grace alone - I am the man!
Shall I then, who deserve to be in hell - but am not; shall I who am an heir of Heavenly glory - though no one ever deserved it less; shall I, because of a few trials, troubles, and disappointments, or because I have rather a heavy cross to carry - shall I dare to murmur, or fret, or complain, or think myself harshly dealt with?
Shocking inconsistency! What are my present pains or sufferings - compared with the hell that I deserve!!
All the afflictions that I am called to endure here on earth - cannot even be compared with only twenty-four hours in hell! And yet my desert is, not to be in hell for a few hours - but forever! Surely every lost soul, every damned spirit - will be ready to rise up in judgment against me - if I complain of my present lot! What base gratitude - if I do not praise the Lord with joyful lips, for His rich, free, and sovereign grace!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
My mind is at times harassed with fear, tormented with doubts, and burdened with a load of guilt. I have tried a variety of things in order to get relief, and have looked for deliverance in many ways. But experience has taught me, that the only way to conquer fear, dissipate doubts, and remove a burden of fresh-contracted guilt - is to look back to the Cross! There, I see Jesus as the Sinner's Substitute, bearing our sins, in His own body on the tree, paying all the debt we had contracted, answering all the demands that can be made upon us, harmonizing all the perfections of God in our salvation, and providing a free and full salvation for us. As I look on the Cross - I feel peace flow into my soul, and a holy quietness take possession of my spirit.
I ask, "What should I fear? Jesus has made a full atonement for all my sins. He has given full satisfaction, to the law and justice of God, for all my misdeeds.
Why should I doubt? God is love, or He would not have given His Son to die the just for the unjust. Having given His Son, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself - will He not deal graciously with me, and freely give me all things?
Why should I carry a load of guilt? Has not Jesus been punished for me, that I may not be punished? Did not Jesus die, that I may live forever? Is not the atonement of God's own Son sufficient? Does not the blood of Jesus cleanse from all sin? If Jesus suffered for me, if He died in my stead - than surely I may go free.
Thus looking back to the Cross, and exercising faith in Jesus, I find my fears depart, my doubts remove, and my sense of guilt taken away. I have peace with God, confidence in God, and can leave all things with God.
Sometimes I feel sad and lonely. I have no one to whom I can open my heart, or into whose ear I can pour all my complaints. I need one who has a fellow feeling with me. One who has experienced what I do. One who can stoop to and help me. At such times I find it best to look up to the throne of grace, and sigh for fellowship with Jesus. He has been tried in all points like as we are. He has a human heart. He has carried the experience of earth, with Him to Heaven. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He is our Brother still. He remembers the lonely mountain, the howling wilderness, and the gloomy garden. He never forgets how He felt the need of sympathy, and friendly fellowship, when He went backwards and forwards to His disciples, and found them sleeping. I will therefore lift up my eyes to Jesus in the Heavens, and will seek to pour out my heart before Him, and receive comfort and consolation from Him. I have always one who feels for me, and feels with me. One that will listen to me, and prove His love by sustaining, cheering, and delivering me.
O Jesus, Saviour of my soul, when I look up to You, and believe that you are before the Father for me, and ever sympathize with me - I feel relieved, and the principal sense of loneliness and isolation leaves me! O my soul, whenever earth refuses to furnish you with a companion, a comforter, a friend who can identify himself with you - look up to Heaven, for Heaven will furnish what earth denies!
"Why should any living man complain?" (Lamentations 3:39). Occasionally, I am tempted to complain of my hard lot - and think myself harshly dealt with. Ingratitude rises and works in my heart. This always makes me wretched. I then find it profitable to look down into hell - and realize its horrors and agonies as my just desert.
If anyone ever deserved to go to hell - I did!
If justice was ever honored in a sinner's damnation - it would have been in mine!
If anyone was ever saved by grace alone - I am the man!
Shall I then, who deserve to be in hell - but am not; shall I who am an heir of Heavenly glory - though no one ever deserved it less; shall I, because of a few trials, troubles, and disappointments, or because I have rather a heavy cross to carry - shall I dare to murmur, or fret, or complain, or think myself harshly dealt with?
Shocking inconsistency! What are my present pains or sufferings - compared with the hell that I deserve!!
All the afflictions that I am called to endure here on earth - cannot even be compared with only twenty-four hours in hell! And yet my desert is, not to be in hell for a few hours - but forever! Surely every lost soul, every damned spirit - will be ready to rise up in judgment against me - if I complain of my present lot! What base gratitude - if I do not praise the Lord with joyful lips, for His rich, free, and sovereign grace!
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, May 30, 2020
How Old Are You? # 1
How Old Are You? # 1
Birthdays are solemn days, they remind us of our entrance into the world, and direct our thoughts forward to the period when we shall leave it. Like milestones on the road of life, they inform us how far we have traveled - but say not one word about how far we have to go! Every mile sensibly lessens the distance between us and our journey's end. Today I am reminded of a passage in Old Testament history, "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob: How old are you?" (Genesis 47:8). What a touching question! How calculated to awaken solemn thoughts, and to call up interesting reminiscences! Let us glance at,
The Two PARTIES.
A sovereign - and a subject.
The greatest monarch of his day - and a plain unsophisticated shepherd.
One accustomed to rule in courts - and one in the habit of dwelling in tents.
A citizen of the world - and an old pilgrim to mount Zion.
One who was of the world, and at home in the world - and one who was only passing through the world, to take possession of a better country.
An idolatrous sinner - and a saint of the Most High God.
One who had no clear or correct conception of the divine natue and character - and one who knew God, and walked in daily fellowship with Him.
A greater contrast could not be, than between the patriarch Jacob - and the monarch Pharaoh.
Pharaoh appears to have had some excellent qualities, and in many points to have been a fine character - but he was a stranger to God, a worshiper of dumb idols, and was led captive y the devil at his will.
Jacob had many faults, and some striking defects - but he was a friend of God, walking with Him in peace and righteousness.
The pilgrim was introduced to the king, who perhaps to make him feel at ease during his interview, or from some other good motive, proposed the question, "How old are you?"
Let us look at the INQUIRY.
Questions may be meddlesome - and should not be answered.
Questions may be offensive - and should not be noticed.
Questions may be mischievous - and should call forth a serious reply.
This sincere question by Pharaoh may have been called forth by the patriarch's venerable looks. What a beautiful sight is a fine old man! His locks are silver. His brow is wrinkled. His cheeks have fallen in. His voice is tremulous. His form stoops. All unite to excite veneration, and may therefore well prompt the question, "How old are you?"
It may have been curiosity on the part of the king, or even qa benevolent feeling, which led him to make the inquiry - but whatever it was, it may be turned to very good account. Let us take it home, and examine ourselves by it.
How old am I NATURALLY? I was once a babe, and then a youth - but I am such no longer.
This should awaken REFLECTION - and lead us to remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in the wilderness.
It should produce GRATITUDE. How many have been cut down younger, and cut down unprepared. How many are in hell now - who were born since we were! How many have sunk in poverty, been crushed by troubles, or been hurried out of time into eternity - by disease.
It should lead us to REPENTANCE. This is always the design of God's goodness. This is also its tendency to a gracious heart. Upon how many points, we have seen reason to change our minds. For how much that we have done, we have reason to weep bitter tears. How necessary it is on some points, to change our course. Can we attend to this question, and not reflect on the past? Can we reflect on the past - and not be grateful? Can we reflect, and be grateful, and not repent, and turn again unto the Lord?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Birthdays are solemn days, they remind us of our entrance into the world, and direct our thoughts forward to the period when we shall leave it. Like milestones on the road of life, they inform us how far we have traveled - but say not one word about how far we have to go! Every mile sensibly lessens the distance between us and our journey's end. Today I am reminded of a passage in Old Testament history, "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob: How old are you?" (Genesis 47:8). What a touching question! How calculated to awaken solemn thoughts, and to call up interesting reminiscences! Let us glance at,
The Two PARTIES.
A sovereign - and a subject.
The greatest monarch of his day - and a plain unsophisticated shepherd.
One accustomed to rule in courts - and one in the habit of dwelling in tents.
A citizen of the world - and an old pilgrim to mount Zion.
One who was of the world, and at home in the world - and one who was only passing through the world, to take possession of a better country.
An idolatrous sinner - and a saint of the Most High God.
One who had no clear or correct conception of the divine natue and character - and one who knew God, and walked in daily fellowship with Him.
A greater contrast could not be, than between the patriarch Jacob - and the monarch Pharaoh.
Pharaoh appears to have had some excellent qualities, and in many points to have been a fine character - but he was a stranger to God, a worshiper of dumb idols, and was led captive y the devil at his will.
Jacob had many faults, and some striking defects - but he was a friend of God, walking with Him in peace and righteousness.
The pilgrim was introduced to the king, who perhaps to make him feel at ease during his interview, or from some other good motive, proposed the question, "How old are you?"
Let us look at the INQUIRY.
Questions may be meddlesome - and should not be answered.
Questions may be offensive - and should not be noticed.
Questions may be mischievous - and should call forth a serious reply.
This sincere question by Pharaoh may have been called forth by the patriarch's venerable looks. What a beautiful sight is a fine old man! His locks are silver. His brow is wrinkled. His cheeks have fallen in. His voice is tremulous. His form stoops. All unite to excite veneration, and may therefore well prompt the question, "How old are you?"
It may have been curiosity on the part of the king, or even qa benevolent feeling, which led him to make the inquiry - but whatever it was, it may be turned to very good account. Let us take it home, and examine ourselves by it.
How old am I NATURALLY? I was once a babe, and then a youth - but I am such no longer.
This should awaken REFLECTION - and lead us to remember all the way which the Lord our God has led us in the wilderness.
It should produce GRATITUDE. How many have been cut down younger, and cut down unprepared. How many are in hell now - who were born since we were! How many have sunk in poverty, been crushed by troubles, or been hurried out of time into eternity - by disease.
It should lead us to REPENTANCE. This is always the design of God's goodness. This is also its tendency to a gracious heart. Upon how many points, we have seen reason to change our minds. For how much that we have done, we have reason to weep bitter tears. How necessary it is on some points, to change our course. Can we attend to this question, and not reflect on the past? Can we reflect on the past - and not be grateful? Can we reflect, and be grateful, and not repent, and turn again unto the Lord?
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Yet They Are Your People # 1
Yet They Are Your People # 1
"Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm." (Deuteronomy 9:29).
The imperfections of the Lord's people, are sometimes so numerous and so great - that it is difficult for them to recognize the likeness of Jesus in them. They are so worldly, so selfish, and indulge such unlovely tempers - that we are ready to say that they can never be the Lord's redeemed people.
But it is impossible for us to say, with how much imperfection - true grace may dwell.
Who would have thought that Jonah was a true prophet, one of God's own choice, and object of His infinite and endless love? But he was!
Who, that heard Peter curse and swear that he never knew Jesus, would have said, that he had love in his heart to Him? Yet so it was!
It is well for us, that God sees not as man sees; for man judges by the outward appearance - but the Lord judges by the heart. A sour temper - sometimes conceals the sweet grace of Jesus. A rough exterior - may hide a gentle loving heart. But the Lord's people are, they always have been - very imperfect. Moses admits this; but he closes by concluding after all, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm." We will notice,
First, the Lord's conduct towards Israel. There is the stamp of His own nature, the impress of His own divinity, upon it. It is the conduct of a God, who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy and truth. In Egypt, when smarting under a tyrant's rod - He looked upon them, He pitied them, He appeared for them, and exerted Himself on their behalf. Long did He bear with them, and was determined to deliver them. He treated and showed Himself to them - as God. Egyptian slavery - though haughty Pharaoh resisted, though the people complained, and though timid Moses was afraid. Having brought them out - He constituted them His own peculiar people, called them His children, treated them as such, and claimed them as His own inheritance!
Just so, has He acted towards us: we were in bondage under the elementary principles of the world, we were led captive by the devil at his will, we were serving divers lusts and pleasures, hateful and hating one another. He looked upon us, He pitied us, He determined to save us. He sent us His Word - His servants - His Spirit - and His grace. He crushed the power of our foe, He subdued the enmity of our hearts - and He brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light, translating us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
He constituted us His people - by the work of His Spirit; He made us His children - by adoption and grace, and claims us for His own inheritance.
We are His people - and He is our God;
we His sheep - and He is our shepherd;
we are His children - and He is our heavenly Father.
In acting towards us thus, He displays His sovereignty, manifests His grace, exalts His gratuitous mercy, confounds our foes, lays us under the deepest obligation, and will secure to Himself everlasting glory! Let us now consider,
Secondly, Israel's conduct toward God. What a contrast is here!
Look at them at Marah - murmuring against Moses and against God, saying, "What shall we drink?"
See them in the wilderness of sin, murmuring and exclaiming, "If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt! There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death!"
See them at Mount Horeb, where they make the golden calf, and worship it.
View them at Taberah, where they wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!"
See them at Massah, where they cried, "Why have You brought us up out of Egypt - to kill us and our children, and our cattle with thirst?"
Look at them at Kibroth-Hattaavah, where they provoked the Lord to wrath.
See them at Kadesh-Barnea, where they indulged in unbelief, and were excluded from the land.
Their conduct from first to last was ungrateful, for God was their firm, fast, and faithful Friend.
It was unnatural - for He was their kind, tender, and indulgent Father.
It was treasonable - for He was their just, merciful and gracious Sovereign.
It was fearful - for it was against a present God, the symbol of whose presence was constantly before their eyes.
Well might Moses say of them, "You have been a stiff-necked people since the day I knew you!"
Well might God say of them, "I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. Your heads are as hard as bronze. I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from birth!"
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
"Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm." (Deuteronomy 9:29).
The imperfections of the Lord's people, are sometimes so numerous and so great - that it is difficult for them to recognize the likeness of Jesus in them. They are so worldly, so selfish, and indulge such unlovely tempers - that we are ready to say that they can never be the Lord's redeemed people.
But it is impossible for us to say, with how much imperfection - true grace may dwell.
Who would have thought that Jonah was a true prophet, one of God's own choice, and object of His infinite and endless love? But he was!
Who, that heard Peter curse and swear that he never knew Jesus, would have said, that he had love in his heart to Him? Yet so it was!
It is well for us, that God sees not as man sees; for man judges by the outward appearance - but the Lord judges by the heart. A sour temper - sometimes conceals the sweet grace of Jesus. A rough exterior - may hide a gentle loving heart. But the Lord's people are, they always have been - very imperfect. Moses admits this; but he closes by concluding after all, "Yet they are Your people, Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm." We will notice,
First, the Lord's conduct towards Israel. There is the stamp of His own nature, the impress of His own divinity, upon it. It is the conduct of a God, who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy and truth. In Egypt, when smarting under a tyrant's rod - He looked upon them, He pitied them, He appeared for them, and exerted Himself on their behalf. Long did He bear with them, and was determined to deliver them. He treated and showed Himself to them - as God. Egyptian slavery - though haughty Pharaoh resisted, though the people complained, and though timid Moses was afraid. Having brought them out - He constituted them His own peculiar people, called them His children, treated them as such, and claimed them as His own inheritance!
Just so, has He acted towards us: we were in bondage under the elementary principles of the world, we were led captive by the devil at his will, we were serving divers lusts and pleasures, hateful and hating one another. He looked upon us, He pitied us, He determined to save us. He sent us His Word - His servants - His Spirit - and His grace. He crushed the power of our foe, He subdued the enmity of our hearts - and He brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light, translating us into the kingdom of His dear Son.
He constituted us His people - by the work of His Spirit; He made us His children - by adoption and grace, and claims us for His own inheritance.
We are His people - and He is our God;
we His sheep - and He is our shepherd;
we are His children - and He is our heavenly Father.
In acting towards us thus, He displays His sovereignty, manifests His grace, exalts His gratuitous mercy, confounds our foes, lays us under the deepest obligation, and will secure to Himself everlasting glory! Let us now consider,
Secondly, Israel's conduct toward God. What a contrast is here!
Look at them at Marah - murmuring against Moses and against God, saying, "What shall we drink?"
See them in the wilderness of sin, murmuring and exclaiming, "If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt! There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death!"
See them at Mount Horeb, where they make the golden calf, and worship it.
View them at Taberah, where they wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!"
See them at Massah, where they cried, "Why have You brought us up out of Egypt - to kill us and our children, and our cattle with thirst?"
Look at them at Kibroth-Hattaavah, where they provoked the Lord to wrath.
See them at Kadesh-Barnea, where they indulged in unbelief, and were excluded from the land.
Their conduct from first to last was ungrateful, for God was their firm, fast, and faithful Friend.
It was unnatural - for He was their kind, tender, and indulgent Father.
It was treasonable - for He was their just, merciful and gracious Sovereign.
It was fearful - for it was against a present God, the symbol of whose presence was constantly before their eyes.
Well might Moses say of them, "You have been a stiff-necked people since the day I knew you!"
Well might God say of them, "I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. Your heads are as hard as bronze. I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from birth!"
~James Smith~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, May 16, 2020
The Love of Jesus!
The Love of Jesus!
"I have loved you!" (John 15:12).
WHOM does Jesus love? Every believer, whatever his outward circumstances may be. That is, everyone who loves Him - and are in a measure, like Him. How wonderful that Jesus should love us, who are so vile, so debased, so ungrateful!! Yes - and it is fact, and He has proved it in a variety of ways.
He displayed His love before we knew Him, or were even capable of doing so - in choosing fallen men to be saved - and not the fallen angels. They fell as we did - but their nature was more noble, their fall was from a greater eminence - yet He did not assume their nature to save them - but He became man to save us! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In making a full atonement for our sins, He satisfied justice to the full. He removed the curse entirely. He produced for us a righteousness, sparkling with glory beyond the rays of the morning sun! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
He displayed His love Now in the following ways: In conquering all our spiritual adversaries which had overcome us, and had taken captive our entire race. No human arm was strong enough to overcome them, no mere creature could escape from them; but Christ came, He fought, He conquered, He triumphed in our nature, in our name, for our sake! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In going to heaven as our forerunner, He has carried our nature into the presence of the Father, He has shown that the path to glory is attainable, and He is now actively employed in heaven preparing places for us! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In sending the Holy Spirit, who comes in His name, to quicken, call, cleanse, and sanctify. By Him we are converted to God, prepared for glory, rendered useful in the present world, and comforted in all our tribulations.
Christ, in acting as our intercessor and advocate before the Father, "He made intercession for the transgressors." He has pleaded for us, He presently pleads for us, He will continue to plead for us! And why? "He tells us, "I have loved you!"
He has displayed His love in His DEALINGS with us. He found us cruel, determined, unfeeling enemies to Him. But He reconciled us, made us friends, and filled us with wonder at His love.
He keeps us by His power and Holy Spirit, for we cannot be trusted for one solitary moment! He only chastens us in love - when He might justly punish us in wrath. He restores us from all our wanderings, and freely forgives our follies.
He carries on His work within us. He rejoices to save us, though as repulsive as worms, and viler than the earth!
His love is displayed in what He Intends to do for us. He will come in glory and majesty as our Bridegroom, to fetch us home, and make us the partners of His throne, triumphs and glory forever!
He will fill us with unspeakable joy and full of glory, and give us to possess more than our eye has seen, or our ear ever heard, or our heart could ever imagine! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you."
What will He not do for those whom He loves? What has not the love of Jesus done, or promised to do? It is, it will be, it must be matter of wonder throughout eternity - that Jesus should love us so - so freely, so constantly, with love so pure, so unbounded, and so Godlike!
Behold, how He loves us!
Behold, and wonder!
Behold, and praise!
Behold, and love Him in return!
~James Smith~
(The End)
"I have loved you!" (John 15:12).
WHOM does Jesus love? Every believer, whatever his outward circumstances may be. That is, everyone who loves Him - and are in a measure, like Him. How wonderful that Jesus should love us, who are so vile, so debased, so ungrateful!! Yes - and it is fact, and He has proved it in a variety of ways.
He displayed His love before we knew Him, or were even capable of doing so - in choosing fallen men to be saved - and not the fallen angels. They fell as we did - but their nature was more noble, their fall was from a greater eminence - yet He did not assume their nature to save them - but He became man to save us! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In making a full atonement for our sins, He satisfied justice to the full. He removed the curse entirely. He produced for us a righteousness, sparkling with glory beyond the rays of the morning sun! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
He displayed His love Now in the following ways: In conquering all our spiritual adversaries which had overcome us, and had taken captive our entire race. No human arm was strong enough to overcome them, no mere creature could escape from them; but Christ came, He fought, He conquered, He triumphed in our nature, in our name, for our sake! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In going to heaven as our forerunner, He has carried our nature into the presence of the Father, He has shown that the path to glory is attainable, and He is now actively employed in heaven preparing places for us! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you!"
In sending the Holy Spirit, who comes in His name, to quicken, call, cleanse, and sanctify. By Him we are converted to God, prepared for glory, rendered useful in the present world, and comforted in all our tribulations.
Christ, in acting as our intercessor and advocate before the Father, "He made intercession for the transgressors." He has pleaded for us, He presently pleads for us, He will continue to plead for us! And why? "He tells us, "I have loved you!"
He has displayed His love in His DEALINGS with us. He found us cruel, determined, unfeeling enemies to Him. But He reconciled us, made us friends, and filled us with wonder at His love.
He keeps us by His power and Holy Spirit, for we cannot be trusted for one solitary moment! He only chastens us in love - when He might justly punish us in wrath. He restores us from all our wanderings, and freely forgives our follies.
He carries on His work within us. He rejoices to save us, though as repulsive as worms, and viler than the earth!
His love is displayed in what He Intends to do for us. He will come in glory and majesty as our Bridegroom, to fetch us home, and make us the partners of His throne, triumphs and glory forever!
He will fill us with unspeakable joy and full of glory, and give us to possess more than our eye has seen, or our ear ever heard, or our heart could ever imagine! And why? He tells us, "I have loved you."
What will He not do for those whom He loves? What has not the love of Jesus done, or promised to do? It is, it will be, it must be matter of wonder throughout eternity - that Jesus should love us so - so freely, so constantly, with love so pure, so unbounded, and so Godlike!
Behold, how He loves us!
Behold, and wonder!
Behold, and praise!
Behold, and love Him in return!
~James Smith~
(The End)
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