Providing For Another Life
Plainly we may see, mankind hurried along to the west of his days.. our fathers have gone before, and we are passing, and our children shall follow at our heels, that as you see the billows of the sea, one tumble on the neck of another, and in the end all are dashed upon the shore; so all generations and ages in the end are spilt on the banks of death, and thus is the condition of every man. Is it not our wisdom then to provide for another life? John Preston
The Excellence of Godliness
Godliness is our spiritual beauty
‘The beauties of holiness’ (Psa. 110:3).Godliness is to the soul what the light is to the world: to illustrate and adorn it. It is not greatness which sets us off in God’s eye but goodness. What is the beauty of the angels but their sanctity? Godliness is the intricate embroidery and workmanship of the Holy Ghost. A soul furnished with godliness is damasked with beauty, it is enamelled with purity. This is the clothing of wrought gold which makes the King of heaven fall in love with us. Were there no excellence in holiness, the hypocrite would never try to paint it. Godliness sheds a glory and lustre on the saints. What are the graces but the golden feathers in which Christ’s dove shines (Psa. 68:13)?
2. Godliness is our defence
Grace is called ‘the armour of light’ (Rom. 13:12).It is light for beauty and armour for defence. A Christian has armour of God’s making which cannot be shot through. He has the shield of faith, the helmet of hope, the breastplate of righteousness. This is proof armour, which defends against the assaults of temptation and the terror of hell.
3. Godliness breeds solid peace
‘Great peace have they which love thy law’ (Psa. 119:165).Godliness composes the heart, making it quiet and calm like the upper region, where there are no winds and tempests. How can that heart be unquiet where the Prince of Peace dwells? ‘Christ in you’ (Col. 1:27).A holy heart may be compared to the doors of Solomon’s temple, which were made of olive tree, carved with open flowers (I Kings 6:32).The olive of peace and the open flowers of joy are in that heart. Godliness does not destroy a Christian’s mirth, but refines it. His rose is without prickles, his wine without froth. He who is a favourite of heaven must of necessity be full of joy and peace. He may truly sing a requiem to his soul and say, ‘Soul, take thine ease’ (Luke 12:19). King Ptolemy asked someone how he might be at rest when he dreamed. He replied, ‘Let piety be the scope of all your actions.’ If anyone should ask me how he should be at rest when he is awake, I would return a similar answer: ‘Let his soul be inlaid with godliness.’
4. Godliness is the best trade we can engage in: it brings profit Wicked men say, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it?’ (Mal. 3:14). To be sure, there is no profit in sin:
‘Treasures of wickedness profit nothing’ (Prov. 10:2). But godliness is profitable (1 Tim. 4:8). It is like digging in a gold mine, where there is gain as well as toil. Godliness makes God himself our portion: ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance’ (Psa. 16:5). If God is our portion, all our estate lies in jewels. Where God gives himself, he gives everything else. Whoever has the manor has all the royalties belonging to it. God is a portion that can be neither spent nor lost (Psa. 73:26). Thus we see that godliness is a thriving trade.
And as godliness brings profit with it, so it is profitable ‘for all things’ (1 Tim. 4:8). What else is, besides godliness? Food will not give a man wisdom; gold will not give him health; honour will not give him beauty. But godliness is useful for all things: it fences off all troubles; it supplies all wants; it makes soul and body completely happy.
5. Godliness is an enduring substance; it knows no fall of the leaf
All worldly delights have a death’s-head set on them. They are only shadows and they are fleeting. Earthly comforts are like Paul’s friends, who took him to the ship and left him
there (Acts 20:38). So these will bring a man to his grave and then take their farewell. But godliness is a possession cannot be robbed of. It runs parallel with eternity. For cannot weaken it; age cannot wither it. It outbraves sufferings; it outlives death (Prov. 10:2). Death may pluck the stalk of the body but the flower of grace is not hurt.
6. Godliness is so excellent that the worst men would like have it when they are going hence
Though at present godliness is despised and under a cloud yet at death all would like to be godly. A philosopher asked a young man whether he would like to be rich Croesus virtuous Socrates. He answered that he would like to live with Croesus and die with Socrates. So men would like live with the wicked in pleasure but die with the godly: ‘Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!’ (Numb. 23:10). If, then, godliness is so at desirable death, why should we not pursue it now? Godliness is needful now and would be more feasible. [Thomas Watson]
Providing for another life
Plainly we may see, mankind hurried along to the west of his days.. our fathers have gone before, and we are passing, and our children shall follow at our heels, that as you see the billows of the sea, one tumble on the neck of another, and in the end all are dashed upon the shore; so all generations and ages in the end are spilt on the banks of death, and thus is the condition of every man. Is it not our wisdom then to provide for another life? John Preston
The Excellence of godliness
Godliness is our spiritual beauty
'The beauties of holiness' (Psa. 110:3).Godliness is to the soul what the light is to the world: to illustrate and adorn it. It is not greatness which sets us off in God's eye but goodness. What is the beauty of the angels but their sanctity? Godliness is the intricate embroidery and workmanship of the Holy Ghost. A soul furnished with godliness is damasked with beauty, it is enamelled with purity. This is the clothing of wrought gold which makes the King of heaven fall in love with us. Were there no excellence in holiness, the hypocrite would never try to paint it. Godliness sheds a glory and lustre on the saints. What are the graces but the golden feathers in which Christ's dove shines (Psa. 68:13)?
2. Godliness is our defence
Grace is called 'the armour of light' (Rom. 13:12).It is light for beauty and armour for defence. A Christian has armour of God's making which cannot be shot through. He has the shield of faith, the helmet of hope, the breastplate of righteousness. This is proof armour, which defends against the assaults of temptation and the terror of hell.
3. Godliness breeds solid peace
'Great peace have they which love thy law' (Psa. 119:165).Godliness composes the heart, making it quiet and calm like the upper region, where there are no winds and tempests. How can that heart be unquiet where the Prince of Peace dwells? 'Christ in you' (Col. 1:27).A holy heart may be compared to the doors of Solomon's temple, which were made of olive tree, carved with open flowers (I Kings 6:32).The olive of peace and the open flowers of joy are in that heart. Godliness does not destroy a Christian's mirth, but refines it. His rose is without prickles, his wine without froth. He who is a favourite of heaven must of necessity be full of joy and peace. He may truly sing a requiem to his soul and say, 'Soul, take thine ease' (Luke 12:19). King Ptolemy asked someone how he might be at rest when he dreamed. He replied, 'Let piety be the scope of all your actions.' If anyone should ask me how he should be at rest when he is awake, I would return a similar answer: 'Let his soul be inlaid with godliness.'
4. Godliness is the best trade we can engage in: it brings profit Wicked men say, 'It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it?' (Mal. 3:14). To be sure, there is no profit in sin:
'Treasures of wickedness profit nothing' (Prov. 10:2). But godliness is profitable (1 Tim. 4:8). It is like digging in a gold mine, where there is gain as well as toil. Godliness makes God himself our portion: 'The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance' (Psa. 16:5). If God is our portion, all our estate lies in jewels. Where God gives himself, he gives everything else. Whoever has the manor has all the royalties belonging to it. God is a portion that can be neither spent nor lost (Psa. 73:26). Thus we see that godliness is a thriving trade.
And as godliness brings profit with it, so it is profitable 'for all things' (1 Tim. 4:8). What else is, besides godliness? Food will not give a man wisdom; gold will not give him health; honour will not give him beauty. But godliness is useful for all things: it fences off all troubles; it supplies all wants; it makes soul and body completely happy.
5. Godliness is an enduring substance; it knows no fall of the leaf
All worldly delights have a death's-head set on them. They are only shadows and they are fleeting. Earthly comforts are like Paul's friends, who took him to the ship and left him
there (Acts 20:38). So these will bring a man to his grave and then take their farewell. But godliness is a possession cannot be robbed of. It runs parallel with eternity. For cannot weaken it; age cannot wither it. It outbraves sufferings; it outlives death (Prov. 10:2). Death may pluck the stalk of the body but the flower of grace is not hurt.
6. Godliness is so excellent that the worst men would like have it when they are going hence
Though at present godliness is despised and under a cloud yet at death all would like to be godly. A philosopher asked a young man whether he would like to be rich Croesus virtuous Socrates. He answered that he would like to live with Croesus and die with Socrates. So men would like live with the wicked in pleasure but die with the godly: 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!' (Numb. 23:10). If, then, godliness is so at desirable death, why should we not pursue it now? Godliness is needful now and would be more feasible. [Thomas Watson]
Wait on the Lord
Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, Ps. xxxvii. 34. Do not go one step out of God’s way for all the good in the world. The greatest extremities are to be borne rather than the least sin yielded to: Dan. iii. 17, 18, Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Please God, and God will be always with you, when you seem to be left destitute: John viii. 29, And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. Thomas Manton
On The Divine Right of Christ Only
Not President George W. Bush, Tony Blair or the Pope, or the Queen of flippin’ England!
“Sir, there are two kings and two kingdoms in Scotland: there is King James, the head of this commonwealth, and there is Christ Jesus, the King of the Church, whose subject James the sixth is, and of whose kingdome he is not a king, nor a lord, nor a head, but a member.” Andrew Melville to James VI
Wait on the Lord
Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, Ps. xxxvii. 34. Do not go one step out of God’s way for all the good in the world. The greatest extremities are to be borne rather than the least sin yielded to: Dan. iii. 17, 18, Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Please God, and God will be always with you, when you seem to be left destitute: John viii. 29, And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. Thomas Manton
Marks of the children of God
1. These who are the children of God, it will be their aim and endeavour, to yield universal obedience to all their father’s commands; not baulking any, because unpleasant to their nature; or obeying some, and slighting the rest: But as it is their desire to mourn for, hate, and forsake every sin, so it will be their endeavour to obey all the Lord’s commands. The Psalmist says, Psalm 66.18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. This says that he did not regard iniquity in his heart, but was an obedient son who obeyed all his father’s commands.
2. These who are the children of God, they will honour their father: They will greatly reverence him, and fear before him: It will be their great desire to glorify him, and to have him exalted, Mal. 1.6, A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour?
3. These who are the children of God, will have a high estimation of their elder brother Christ; he will be lovely in their eyes, and altogether desirable to their souls, according to that word, 1 Pet. 2.7, Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious.
4. They put a high estimation upon the state of the reconciliation with God: They count this state of his children, to be among the only blessed and happiest of conditions: As the Psalmist says, Psalm 32.1,2, Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
5. These who are the children of God, subject their spirit unto their father, endeavouring to be for him, and at his disposal; putting a blank in his hand, cheerfully acquiescing to what he carves out to be their lot; and with patience and submission to embrace it, though hard to flesh and blood, without murmuring at his way of dealing with them, or their hearts rising against his sovereignty, or quarreling with his way of procedure with them. James Renwick
Godly Counsel
I apologize to readers who may have crossed over from my former blog, but occassionally there will be a repost from the old webspace to get all those quotes into this space, but keep visiting anyhow, as there will also be lots of new quotes to here.
It maybe He has taken you to the wilderness that he may speak kindly unto you. And, for ought I can conjecture, there are and are like to be more troublesome days with us, and who knows, but this maybe a hiding-place for you a while? Wherefore I would not have you to weary, though you have not the converse you would desire, for it is the day of Jacob’s trouble (though he shall be delivered out of it) and every one must look for his share in it. John Welwood to Richard cameron
On the Divine right of Christ alone
Sir, there are two kings and two kingdoms in Scotland: there is King James, the head of this commonwealth, and there is Christ Jesus, the King of the Church, whose subject James the sixth is, and of whose kingdome he is not a king, nor a lord, nor a head, but a member." Andrew Melville to James VI
Marks of the children of God
1. These who are the children of God, it will be their aim and endeavour, to yield universal obedience to all their father's commands; not baulking any, because unpleasant to their nature; or obeying some, and slighting the rest: But as it is their desire to mourn for, hate, and forsake every sin, so it will be their endeavour to obey all the Lord's commands. The Psalmist says, Psalm 66.18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. This says that he did not regard iniquity in his heart, but was an obedient son who obeyed all his father's commands.
2. These who are the children of God, they will honour their father: They will greatly reverence him, and fear before him: It will be their great desire to glorify him, and to have him exalted, Mal. 1.6, A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: If then I be a father, where is mine honour?
3. These who are the children of God, will have a high estimation of their elder brother Christ; he will be lovely in their eyes, and altogether desirable to their souls, according to that word, 1 Pet. 2.7, Unto you therefore which believe, he is precious.
4. They put a high estimation upon the state of the reconciliation with God: They count this state of his children, to be among the only blessed and happiest of conditions: As the Psalmist says, Psalm 32.1,2, Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
5. These who are the children of God, subject their spirit unto their father, endeavouring to be for him, and at his disposal; putting a blank in his hand, cheerfully acquiescing to what he carves out to be their lot; and with patience and submission to embrace it, though hard to flesh and blood, without murmuring at his way of dealing with them, or their hearts rising against his sovereignty, or quarreling with his way of procedure with them. James Renwick
Related Entries
Letter of Cromwell’s
“To Colonel Robert Hammond: These.25th November, 1648.“Dear Robin,“Thou desirest to hear of my experiences. I can tell thee: I am sucha one as thou didst formerly know, having a body of sin and death;but I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, there is nocondemnation, though much infirmity; and I wait for there redemption. And in this poor condition I obtain mercy and sweetconsolation through the Spirit. And find abundant cause every dayto exalt the Lord and abase the flesh, — and herein I have someexercise.“As to outward dispensations, if we may so call them, we have notbeen without our share of beholding some remarkable providencesand appearances of the Lord. His presence hath been amongst us,and by the light of His countenance we have prevailed. We are surethe goodwill of Him who dwelt in the bush (Exodus 3) has shinedupon us; and we can humbly say, we know in whom we havebelieved; who can and will perfect what remaineth, and us also indoing what is well pleasing in His eyesight.
“I find some trouble in your spirit, occasioned …by thedissatisfaction you take at the ways of some good men whom youlove with your heart, who through this principle, that it is lawfulfor a lesser part, if in the right, to force a numerical majority, etc…”You say: ‘God hath appointed authorities among the nations, towhich obedience is to be yielded. This resides in England in theParliament. Therefore resistance, etc.
“[This is true, but] I do not therefore think the authorities may doanything [i.e. whatsoever they like], and yet such obedience be due.All agree that there are cases in which it is lawful to resist. If so,your ground fails, and so likewise the inference.“I desire thee to see what thou findest in thy own heart to two orthree plain considerations. Whether the whole fruit of the war isnot likely to be frustrated [by this treaty with the King], and allmost like to turn to what it was, and worse? And this, contrary toengagements, explicit covenants with those who ventured their lives upon those covenants and engagements? Whether this armybe not a lawful power, called by God to oppose and fight againstthe King; and being in power to such ends, may not oppose onename of authority, as well as another name?” Oliver Cromwell
Godly Counsel
It maybe He has taken you to the wilderness that he may speak kindly unto you. And, for ought I can conjecture, there are and are like to be more troublesome days with us, and who knows, but this maybe a hiding-place for you a while? Wherefore I would not have you to weary, though you have not the converse you would desire, for it is the day of Jacob's trouble (though he shall be delivered out of it) and every one must look for his share in it. John Welwood to Richard cameron]
Of Light Affliction
“Oh that we could breathe out new hope, and new submission, every day, into Christ’s lap! For certainly a weight of glory well-weighed, yea increasing to a far more exceeding, and eternal weight, shall recompense both weight and length of light and short-dated crosses. Our waters are but ebb, and come neither to our chin, nor to the stopping of our breath. I may see (if I borrow eyes from Christ) dry land, and that near; why then should we not laugh at adversity, and scorn our short-born and soon dying temptations. ” (Samuel Rutherford]
Beware of Satan’s Devices
Remember how much needless trouble your vain fears have bought upon you formerly: “And hast feared continually because of the oppressor, as if he were ready to devour; and where is the fury of the oppressor?” He seemed ready to devour, yet you are not devoured. I have not bought upon you the thing that you feared; you have wasted your spirit, disordered your soul, and weakened your heads to no purpose: you might have all this while you enjoyed your peace, and possessed your soul in patience. And here, I cannot but observe a very deep policy of Satan in managing a design against the soul by these vain fears. I call them vain in reference to the frustration of them by Providence; but certainly they are not as vain as the end in which Satan aims by raising them; for herein he acts as soldiers do in the siege of a garrison, who to wear out the besieged by constant watchings, and thereby unfit them to make resistance when they storm it in earnest, every night rouse them with false alarms, which though they come to nothing yet remarkably answer the ultimate design of the enemy. Oh, when will you beware of Satan’s devices? [John Flavel]
Letter of Cromwell's
"To Colonel Robert Hammond: These.25th November, 1648.“Dear Robin,“Thou desirest to hear of my experiences. I can tell thee: I am sucha one as thou didst formerly know, having a body of sin and death;but I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, there is nocondemnation, though much infirmity; and I wait for there redemption. And in this poor condition I obtain mercy and sweetconsolation through the Spirit. And find abundant cause every dayto exalt the Lord and abase the flesh, — and herein I have someexercise.“As to outward dispensations, if we may so call them, we have notbeen without our share of beholding some remarkable providencesand appearances of the Lord. His presence hath been amongst us,and by the light of His countenance we have prevailed. We are surethe goodwill of Him who dwelt in the bush (Exodus 3) has shinedupon us; and we can humbly say, we know in whom we havebelieved; who can and will perfect what remaineth, and us also indoing what is well pleasing in His eyesight.
"I find some trouble in your spirit, occasioned …by thedissatisfaction you take at the ways of some good men whom youlove with your heart, who through this principle, that it is lawfulfor a lesser part, if in the right, to force a numerical majority, etc…"You say: 'God hath appointed authorities among the nations, towhich obedience is to be yielded. This resides in England in theParliament. Therefore resistance, etc.
"[This is true, but] I do not therefore think the authorities may doanything [i.e. whatsoever they like], and yet such obedience be due.All agree that there are cases in which it is lawful to resist. If so,your ground fails, and so likewise the inference.“I desire thee to see what thou findest in thy own heart to two orthree plain considerations. Whether the whole fruit of the war isnot likely to be frustrated [by this treaty with the King], and allmost like to turn to what it was, and worse? And this, contrary toengagements, explicit covenants with those who ventured their lives upon those covenants and engagements? Whether this armybe not a lawful power, called by God to oppose and fight againstthe King; and being in power to such ends, may not oppose onename of authority, as well as another name?" Oliver Cromwell
Marks of the Elect of God
You may put a difference betwixt you and the reprobates, if you have these marks:
- If ye prize Christ and his truth so as you will sell all and buy him and suffer for it.
- If the love of Christ keepeth you back from sinning, more than the law, or fear of hell.
- If you be humble and deny your own will, wit, credit, ease, honour, the world and vainity and glory of it.
- Your profession must not be barren and void of good works.
- You must in all things aim at God’s honour. You must, eat, drink, sleep, buy, sell, sit, stand, speak, pray, read,and hear the Word, with a heart-purpose that God maybe honoured.
- You must show yourself an enemy to sin, and reprove the works of darkness, such as drunkness, swearing, and lying, albeit the company should hate you for so doing.
- Keep in mind the truth of God that you heard me teach, and have nothing to do with the corruptions and new guises entering into the house of God.
- Make conscience of your calling, in covenants in buying and selling.
- Acquaint yourself with daily praying; commit all yoru ways and action to God by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving. and count not much of being mocked, for Christ Jesus was mocked before you.
Persusade yourself that this is the way of peace and comfort which I now suffer for. I dare go to death and into eternity with it, though men may possibly see another way. [Samuel Rutherford]
Of Light Affliction
"Oh that we could breathe out new hope, and new submission, every day, into Christ’s lap! For certainly a weight of glory well-weighed, yea increasing to a far more exceeding, and eternal weight, shall recompense both weight and length of light and short-dated crosses. Our waters are but ebb, and come neither to our chin, nor to the stopping of our breath. I may see (if I borrow eyes from Christ) dry land, and that near; why then should we not laugh at adversity, and scorn our short-born and soon dying temptations. " (Samuel Rutherford]
The Affliction
1When first thou didst entice to thee my heart,
2 I thought the service brave;
3So many joys I writ down for my part,
4 Besides what I might have
5Out of my stock of natural delights,
6Augmented with thy gracious benefits.
7I looked on thy furniture so fine,
8 And made it fine to me;
9Thy glorious household-stuff did me entwine,
10 And ‘tice me unto thee.
11Such stars I counted mine: both heav’n and earth;
12Paid me my wages in a world of mirth.
13What pleasures could I want, whose King I serv’d,
14 Where joys my fellows were?
15Thus argu’d into hopes, my thoughts reserv’d
16 No place for grief or fear.
17Therefore my sudden soul caught at the place,
18And made her youth and fierceness seek thy face.
19At first thou gav’st me milk and sweetnesses;
20 I had my wish and way;
21My days were straw’d with flow’rs and happiness;
22 There was no month but May.
23But with my years sorrow did twist and grow,
24And made a party unawares for woe.
25My flesh began unto my soul in pain,
26 “Sicknesses cleave my bones;
27Consuming agues dwell in ev’ry vein,
28 And tune my breath to groans.”
29Sorrow was all my soul; I scarce believ’d,
30Till grief did tell me roundly, that I liv’d.
31When I got health, thou took’st away my life,
32 And more, for my friends die;
33My mirth and edge was lost, a blunted knife
34 Was of more use than I.
35Thus thin and lean without a fence or friend,
36I was blown through with ev’ry storm and wind.
37Whereas my birth and spirit rather took
38 The way that takes the town;
39Thou didst betray me to a ling’ring book,
40 And wrap me in a gown.
41I was entangled in the world of strife,
42Before I had the power to change my life.
43Yet, for I threaten’d oft the siege to raise,
44 Not simp’ring all mine age,
45Thou often didst with academic praise
46 Melt and dissolve my rage.
47I took thy sweet’ned pill, till I came where
48I could not go away, nor persevere.
49Yet lest perchance I should too happy be
50 In my unhappiness,
51Turning my purge to food, thou throwest me
52 Into more sicknesses.
53Thus doth thy power cross-bias me, not making
54Thine own gift good, yet me from my ways taking.
55Now I am here, what thou wilt do with me
56 None of my books will show;
57I read, and sigh, and wish I were a tree,
58 For sure then I should grow
59To fruit or shade: at least some bird would trust
60 Her household to me, and I should be just.
61Yet, though thou troublest me, I must be meek;
62 In weakness must be stout;
63Well, I will change the service, and go seek
64 Some other master out.
65Ah my dear God! though I am clean forgot,
66Let me not love thee, if I love thee not. [George Herbert]
Beware of Satan's devices
Remember how much needless trouble your vain fears have bought upon you formerly: "And hast feared continually because of the oppressor, as if he were ready to devour; and where is the fury of the oppressor?" He seemed ready to devour, yet you are not devoured. I have not bought upon you the thing that you feared; you have wasted your spirit, disordered your soul, and weakened your heads to no purpose: you might have all this while you enjoyed your peace, and possessed your soul in patience. And here, I cannot but observe a very deep policy of Satan in managing a design against the soul by these vain fears. I call them vain in reference to the frustration of them by Providence; but certainly they are not as vain as the end in which Satan aims by raising them; for herein he acts as soldiers do in the siege of a garrison, who to wear out the besieged by constant watchings, and thereby unfit them to make resistance when they storm it in earnest, every night rouse them with false alarms, which though they come to nothing yet remarkably answer the ultimate design of the enemy. Oh, when will you beware of Satan's devices? [John Flavel]
Taste The Father’s Love
Your afflictions and desertions only prove that you are under the Father’s hand. There is no time when the patient is an object of such tender interest to the surgeon, as when he is under his knife; so, you may be sure, if you are suffering from the hand of God, his eye is all the more bent on you. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” [Deut 33:27]
2. Encourage poor sinners to come and taste of this love. It is a sweet thing to be loved. I suppose the most of you have tasted a mother’s love. You know what it is to be rocked in her arms—to be watched by her gentle eye—to be cheered by her smile; but, oh! brethren, this is nothing to the love of your God. That dear mother’s eye will close in death—that dear mother’s arm will moulder in the dust. Oh! come and share the love of Him who cannot die. There is one spot alone on which the love of God continually falls unclouded—it is the head of Jesus: “The Father loveth the Son.” [John 3:35; John 5:20] He loves him from his very nature; so that the perfections of God must change before this love can change. He loves him fully. The whole treasures of love that are in the infinite bosom of Jehovah are pouring continually into the bosom of the Son. He loves unchangingly; no cloud can ever come between—no veil—no distance. But what is this to me? Everything to you, sinner. Jesus stands a refuge for sinners—ready to receive even thee. Flee into him, sinner; abide in him, and that love shall abide on you. You are a worm; but you may enter into the joy of your Lord. You may share the love of God with Jesus in a way that holy angels cannot do. Oh! sinner, had you rather remain under the wrath of God? “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” [John 3:36] “God is angry with the wicked every day;” [Ps 7:11] but, ah! “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” [1 Tim 1:15]
Oh! it is sweet to pass from wrath to love—from death to life. That poor murderess would leap in her cell, when the news came that she was not to die the murderer’s death;[1] but, ah! ten thousand times sweeter would it be to you, if God were, this day, to persuade you to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered in the Gospel. Robert M. McCheyne
Marks of God's Elect
You may put a difference betwixt you and the reprobates, if you have these marks:
- If ye prize Christ and his truth so as you will sell all and buy him and suffer for it.
- If the love of Christ keepeth you back from sinning, more than the law, or fear of hell.
- If you be humble and deny your own will, wit, credit, ease, honour, the world and vainity and glory of it.
- Your profession must not be barren and void of good works.
- You must in all things aim at God's honour. You must, eat, drink, sleep, buy, sell, sit, stand, speak, pray, read,and hear the Word, with a heart-purpose that God maybe honoured.
- You must show yourself an enemy to sin, and reprove the works of darkness, such as drunkness, swearing, and lying, albeit the company should hate you for so doing.
- Keep in mind the truth of God that you heard me teach, and have nothing to do with the corruptions and new guises entering into the house of God.
- Make conscience of your calling, in covenants in buying and selling.
- Acquaint yourself with daily praying; commit all yoru ways and action to God by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving. and count not much of being mocked, for Christ Jesus was mocked before you.
Persusade yourself that this is the way of peace and comfort which I now suffer for. I dare go to death and into eternity with it, though men may possibly see another way. [Samuel Rutherford]
Where Is Your Soul Going?
READER! what know you about the eternal destiny of your immortal soul? Is
it on the way to heaven or hell? Perhaps you scoff at the question, and persuade
yourself there is no hell! Take your Bible, and read these texts – Psalm 9:17;
Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5; Matt. 23:33; 2 Pet. 2:4; Luke 16:23; Dan. 12:2; Mark
9:43-48; Rev. 14:9-11, etc. What! no hell! Then we may eat and drink, for
tomorrow we die, and there will be an end of us. But Paul was of a different
opinion to you. He knew, and was persuaded, there was to be a resurrection (see
1 Cor. 15); and, if a resurrection, an eternal weight of glory, or an eternal
condemnation.Oh! if you could but feel the smoke of hell’s fire in your
throat for half an hour, or stand before a river of fire and brimstone broader
than the earth, and think of being bound hand and foot, and cast into the midst
of it alive! and then hear God locking the prison door, never to be opened for
all eternity. How your conscience would shake, if it had any life in it! Perhaps
you are a philosopher, and try to prove, from what you know of the attributes of
God, that eternal punishment is inconsistent with His character. Ah! foolish
disputer of this world, beware of philosophy and vain deceit (Col. 2:8). What do
you know, or what can any man know of God, except what He has been pleased to
tell us? If He has revealed Himself as the personification of “love,” has He not
also represented Himself as a “consuming fire” – as a God of wrath and of
vengeance? (1 John 4:8, 16; Heb. 12:29; 4:31). Can you square these
descriptions? Believe me, that your logic and fleshly wisdom will, sooner or
later, be all branded as “foolishness” in the sight of assembled worlds. Ay, you
will be taught that philosophical notions and arguings are but as thorns and
briers, which the Word of God will pass through and consume!Reader!
believe me, whatever you are, whether Infidel, or Formalist, or Freethinker,
whether a poor blind zealot for ceremonies, or a fantastical enthusiast, when
you stand before Christ’s tribunal, a marquis’s or a king’s word, a prime
minister’s or an archbishop’s interest, will be lighter than the wind. I again
ask you, Whither is your soul journeying? Haply you answer, “My soul is
heavenward.” Well, but I must inquire of you – and pardon my inquisitiveness -
How do you know? Are you ready to answer, “I have never done harm to anybody; I
have lived a moral life; I have regularly attended to my religious duties; and
thus I cannot possibly be on any other road than that to heaven?” Shocking
delusion! I exclaim, Look into your Bible once again. One reference will suffice
(see Luke 18:2-14).There was a highly moral gentleman for you – the
pink of propriety, the essence of righteousness, a pattern Churchman! He might
have been a Tractarian in our own day, or a decidedly pious Methodist, or a
straight laced Independent, or an amiable Moravian, or a rigid Baptist. I dare
say, had he lived at this time, he would have added to the list of his good
deeds, “I am a Sunday-School teacher, I am a teetotaller, I subscribe to all the
charities of my neighbourhood, I give liberally to missions, and am a member of
the _______ Christian Association,” etc. But what is the Lord’s judgment upon
such a one? It is decidedly against him. And why? Was the Lord a disapprover of
good deeds? By no means. But “He condemned him because he sought to attain the
law of righteousness, not by faith, but by the works of the law” (Rom. 9:31,32).
You are in a precisely similar position. If you have no sounder reason for
believing you are journeying heavenward than what you give, you will be
condemned in the end.Reader! where is your soul going? Remember, that
many go far, and reform many things, and can find tears, as Esau did; and suffer
hunger for truth, as Judas did; and wish and desire the end of the righteous, as
Balaam did; and profess fair, and fight for the Lord, as Saul did; and desire
the saints of God to pray for them, as Pharaoh and Simon Magus did; and prophesy
and speak of Christ, as Caiaphas did; and walk softly and mourn for fear of
judgments, as Ahab did; and put away gross sins and idolatry, as Jehu did; and
hear the Word gladly, as Herod did; and say, “Master” to Christ, “I will follow
thee whithersoever thou goest,” as the man who offered to be Christ’s servant
did; and may taste of the virtues of the life to come, and be partakers of the
good Word of God, as the apostates did; and yet all these are but like gold in
the clink and colour, and are watered brass and base metal. Ay, you may have
renounced Popery, and fought for Protestantism; you may have disclaimed
Arminianism, and espoused Calvinism; you may have emaciated your body by
fasting, and beggared yourself by liberality; you may have the gifts of an
archangel, and, after all, be a child of the devil. Oh! I again ask you, Whither
is your soul journeying?Some, I know, count all trouble of conscience
about their eternal estate to be enthusiasm, melancholy, or mopishness; but this
shows their wonderful ignorance of Scripture, and their utter unacquaintedness
with the grace of God in their own souls. We live in the midst of rationalists
and formalists. The one think to bring God down to their own level, the other to
raise themselves up to heaven on the shoulders of hypocrisy. We have men
attempting to preach God’s Word who are themselves utterly unacquainted with the
work of conversion in their own souls; and we are overwhelmed with baptized
infidels and idolaters as gross as Papists or Heathens in our Churches. Yet the
cry is, “Let us convert the nations!” Reader! are you yourself converted? The
soul that is not will surely die – ay, die eternally! Be assured it is an
infinite righteousness that must satisfy for you, for it is an infinite God that
is offended by you. If ever your sin is pardoned, it is infinite mercy that must
pardon it; if ever you be justified before God, it is infinite merit that must
do it; if ever your heart be changed, and your state renewed, it is infinite
power that must effect it; and if ever your soul escape hell, and be saves at
last, it is infinite grace that must accomplish it.What know you of
these things? If you are unacquainted with them, your soul is this moment in
awful jeopardy, I wish you well. I hope heaven may be your everlasting abode. I
know it will be if ever you are awakened to take an intense interest in the
question, Whither is my soul journeying? [Reverend William Parks]
Where is your soul going?
READER! what know you about the eternal destiny of your immortal soul? Is
it on the way to heaven or hell? Perhaps you scoff at the question, and persuade
yourself there is no hell! Take your Bible, and read these texts – Psalm 9:17;
Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:5; Matt. 23:33; 2 Pet. 2:4; Luke 16:23; Dan. 12:2; Mark
9:43-48; Rev. 14:9-11, etc. What! no hell! Then we may eat and drink, for
tomorrow we die, and there will be an end of us. But Paul was of a different
opinion to you. He knew, and was persuaded, there was to be a resurrection (see
1 Cor. 15); and, if a resurrection, an eternal weight of glory, or an eternal
condemnation.Oh! if you could but feel the smoke of hell's fire in your
throat for half an hour, or stand before a river of fire and brimstone broader
than the earth, and think of being bound hand and foot, and cast into the midst
of it alive! and then hear God locking the prison door, never to be opened for
all eternity. How your conscience would shake, if it had any life in it! Perhaps
you are a philosopher, and try to prove, from what you know of the attributes of
God, that eternal punishment is inconsistent with His character. Ah! foolish
disputer of this world, beware of philosophy and vain deceit (Col. 2:8). What do
you know, or what can any man know of God, except what He has been pleased to
tell us? If He has revealed Himself as the personification of "love," has He not
also represented Himself as a "consuming fire" – as a God of wrath and of
vengeance? (1 John 4:8, 16; Heb. 12:29; 4:31). Can you square these
descriptions? Believe me, that your logic and fleshly wisdom will, sooner or
later, be all branded as "foolishness" in the sight of assembled worlds. Ay, you
will be taught that philosophical notions and arguings are but as thorns and
briers, which the Word of God will pass through and consume!Reader!
believe me, whatever you are, whether Infidel, or Formalist, or Freethinker,
whether a poor blind zealot for ceremonies, or a fantastical enthusiast, when
you stand before Christ's tribunal, a marquis's or a king's word, a prime
minister's or an archbishop's interest, will be lighter than the wind. I again
ask you, Whither is your soul journeying? Haply you answer, "My soul is
heavenward." Well, but I must inquire of you – and pardon my inquisitiveness -
How do you know? Are you ready to answer, "I have never done harm to anybody; I
have lived a moral life; I have regularly attended to my religious duties; and
thus I cannot possibly be on any other road than that to heaven?" Shocking
delusion! I exclaim, Look into your Bible once again. One reference will suffice
(see Luke 18:2-14).There was a highly moral gentleman for you – the
pink of propriety, the essence of righteousness, a pattern Churchman! He might
have been a Tractarian in our own day, or a decidedly pious Methodist, or a
straight laced Independent, or an amiable Moravian, or a rigid Baptist. I dare
say, had he lived at this time, he would have added to the list of his good
deeds, "I am a Sunday-School teacher, I am a teetotaller, I subscribe to all the
charities of my neighbourhood, I give liberally to missions, and am a member of
the _______ Christian Association," etc. But what is the Lord's judgment upon
such a one? It is decidedly against him. And why? Was the Lord a disapprover of
good deeds? By no means. But "He condemned him because he sought to attain the
law of righteousness, not by faith, but by the works of the law" (Rom. 9:31,32).
You are in a precisely similar position. If you have no sounder reason for
believing you are journeying heavenward than what you give, you will be
condemned in the end.Reader! where is your soul going? Remember, that
many go far, and reform many things, and can find tears, as Esau did; and suffer
hunger for truth, as Judas did; and wish and desire the end of the righteous, as
Balaam did; and profess fair, and fight for the Lord, as Saul did; and desire
the saints of God to pray for them, as Pharaoh and Simon Magus did; and prophesy
and speak of Christ, as Caiaphas did; and walk softly and mourn for fear of
judgments, as Ahab did; and put away gross sins and idolatry, as Jehu did; and
hear the Word gladly, as Herod did; and say, "Master" to Christ, "I will follow
thee whithersoever thou goest," as the man who offered to be Christ's servant
did; and may taste of the virtues of the life to come, and be partakers of the
good Word of God, as the apostates did; and yet all these are but like gold in
the clink and colour, and are watered brass and base metal. Ay, you may have
renounced Popery, and fought for Protestantism; you may have disclaimed
Arminianism, and espoused Calvinism; you may have emaciated your body by
fasting, and beggared yourself by liberality; you may have the gifts of an
archangel, and, after all, be a child of the devil. Oh! I again ask you, Whither
is your soul journeying?Some, I know, count all trouble of conscience
about their eternal estate to be enthusiasm, melancholy, or mopishness; but this
shows their wonderful ignorance of Scripture, and their utter unacquaintedness
with the grace of God in their own souls. We live in the midst of rationalists
and formalists. The one think to bring God down to their own level, the other to
raise themselves up to heaven on the shoulders of hypocrisy. We have men
attempting to preach God's Word who are themselves utterly unacquainted with the
work of conversion in their own souls; and we are overwhelmed with baptized
infidels and idolaters as gross as Papists or Heathens in our Churches. Yet the
cry is, "Let us convert the nations!" Reader! are you yourself converted? The
soul that is not will surely die – ay, die eternally! Be assured it is an
infinite righteousness that must satisfy for you, for it is an infinite God that
is offended by you. If ever your sin is pardoned, it is infinite mercy that must
pardon it; if ever you be justified before God, it is infinite merit that must
do it; if ever your heart be changed, and your state renewed, it is infinite
power that must effect it; and if ever your soul escape hell, and be saves at
last, it is infinite grace that must accomplish it.What know you of
these things? If you are unacquainted with them, your soul is this moment in
awful jeopardy, I wish you well. I hope heaven may be your everlasting abode. I
know it will be if ever you are awakened to take an intense interest in the
question, Whither is my soul journeying? [Reverend William Parks]
The Grief of Sin
Q. 87.10. Wherein doth true grief for sin consist?
A. True grief for sin doth consist in our mourning and sorrowing for sin, not only as it is like to bring ruin upon ourselves, but chiefly as it hath brought dishonour upon God's name; not only as it hath wounded our consciences, but chiefly as it hath wounded our Saviour; not only as without repentance it is like to damn our souls, but also as it hath debased and defiled our souls. "I will declare mine iniquity: I will be sorry for my sin."—Ps 38:18. "I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight."—Ps 51:3-4. "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn."—Zech 12:10. "We have sinned; we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."—Isa 64:5-6.
Q. 87.11. May we not truly grieve for sin, though we do not weep for it?
A. 1. If we can readily weep for other things, and cannot weep for sin, the truth of our grief is very questionable. 2. There may be true and great grief for sin without tears, in them that are of a dry constitution, and are not prone to weep upon any account; and as there may be in some many tears in the eye, where there is no grief in the heart, so in others there may be much grief in the heart, where there are no tears in the eye.
The Shorter Catechism Explained–Thomas Vincent
About
Nothing much to tell. I’m walking a single solitary pilgrims walk, in England, that is not an easy one. I am a Calvinistic Covenanter Christian, My Autonomic Nervous system is failing slowly, which has led to severe disability, with an ultra rare disease than medics don’t even understand, often misdiagnose.and will no doubt kill me at some point. But, I trust the Lord to get me where I’m going. All glory to HIM.
The symptomology listed on the link, most porphyrics will only have most of those symptoms if in an acute attack. A few of us, with the ongoing, smouldering symptoms, that never go away, have most if not all of the symptom list, even when not in an acute attack, and are persistent and constant. Anyone who has ever been in the psychiactric system, diagnosed as this or that, even if physically well, should consider this illness could be responsible. King George III, the most famous porphyric, his sole symptom was “insanity.” Its so rare in part, because it’s massively under-diagnosed. But in making this illness known, when it struck me physically a few years ago, God vindicated me from every mis-diagnoses and bersmirchment upon me medically that has ever been made, and has made them all null and void.
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