Part 5

My happiness in Christ will grow through every new Circumstance, if I have no will but God's. God, by all Circumstances, delights to make glad His obedient children. (2 Thess. 3:16.)

If we judge not God's character by His providences, but His providences by His character, we shall be able to rejoice when the flesh would repine.

When Elijah in unbelief fled from Jezebel he had the meet rebuke from the Lord; but the fault of the hour of temptation did not hide from God's gracious eye the faithfulness of His servant. (1 Kings 19) In like manner dealt the Lord Jesus with that other Elijah—John the Baptist—when he seemed like a reed shaken with the wind. (Matt. 11:2-15.) We are to be imitators of God as dear, as pleasant, children; and if we are not to suffer sin upon our brethren, whatever their grace, neither should the fault in them be a cover to our eyes of their grace and service to Christ.

Strength and Continuance

Phil. 3:12. It is Christ's hold upon us that enables us, by faith, to lay hold on and to keep hold of Him.

They who seem the most tried are not always those that have the sharpest warfare.

Sometimes things appear to us so difficult that we are daunted; at other times so easy that we think we are equal to them; and thus in either case we fail.

He that is running a race looks not at witnesses admiring, but only at the mark.

We need to "discern the Lord's body" [i.e. Christ as having been crucified] (1 Cor. 11:29) for steadfastness of communion with God, no less than to trust in His blood to obtain salvation from wrath to come. (John 6:54.56.)

The fulfilling of God's promises depends not upon the creature's strength, and cannot be prevented by the creature's weakness.

We need a close walk with God, a having respect to all His commandments, if we would obtain of Him whatsoever we ask.

True persevering diligence in spiritual things always begins in self-abasement.

It is one mark of growth in spirituality to be more afflicted by the pleasing—than by the distressing—temptations of Satan.

We should always take great trials and great temptations as the forerunners of great blessings and growth of fellowship with God.

The obedience of grace obtains for us the profitable knowledge of truth, and teaches us to prize it more than much fine gold. Mere knowledge puffeth up, and the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. (Prov. 14:23.)

Deep spirituality of mind is only obtained by a thorough crucifixion of self: self-denial is discipline for life—the work of every hour.

To make a good soldier, put him in front of the battle; a good seaman, let him brave the storm: so with the Christian.

True readiness to confess sin, and joy in self-abasement, mark a growth in grace and knowledge of the character of God.

I know of no one who, with so little promise in his beginnings of faith, had a sunset so glorious as had Jacob. (Gen. 48, 49)

It is the constant crucifying the flesh in little things that makes a giant in the Christian warfare. But true self-crucifixion is a thing impossible, save by grace; and to have the needful supplies of that grace we must be in perpetual communion with God: it is only thus we shall overcome in little things.

It is a great salvation wrought for us, if the soul be resolved to suffer the will of God, cost what it may.

Do you desire a humble mind, a soft heart, an obedient spirit? Ask and receive, that your joy may be full. But remember, "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing" (Prov. 13:4). Be the clean vessel that God delights to fill and use.

Not God's answering prayer in respect of earthly things and earthly gifts, but growth of the new man, is the true proof that we please God.

We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter -- that is unbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former? We have every one in himself his own peculiar hindrances—weights which, if not laid aside, will clog the soul in her race.

How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ's approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put by every child of God to his own soul.

Character

In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the "flies of death" in the apothecary's ointment (Eccles. 10:1); but in the Lord Jesus all excellences are blended in full perfection and harmony: He is the "altogether lovely" (Song Sol. 5:16). But oh for a conversion of saints!—that we who are renewed, anointed, and sealed by the Spirit of God; that we in whom dwells that Holy Spirit of promise, who are the temple of God—might be altogether like our Lord, altogether pleasing to Him Blessed be God His people Israel must be by-and-by His delightsome child knowing and doing His will. (Isa. 62)

Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.

We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. "I dwell," says Jehovah, "in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." (Isa. 57:15.)

If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain _rightness of character_, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance.

God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may.

Obedience

David was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him but God's. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David's sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.)

Obedience to Christ brings upon us opposition from Satan, the world, the flesh in ourselves, and the unbelief, ignorance, and lack of mind of Christ in our brethren. To meet all these aright, let it be our business, even in the smallest matters, _to please Christ_, that we may have His power and His truth for our strength and guidance. He trod this path before us, and has also given His Holy Spirit to lead us and to comfort us through the journey.

The highest attainment in the spiritual life is to be able always and in all things to say, "Thy will be done!" Gen. 22 gives us a perfect sample of the obedience of faith.

There is no prevailing against our enemies without full obedience to God. When Israel must fight, Joshua must take heed that they are keeping God's commandments. (See Joshua 7)

He that allows himself in small sins will at length break out in great ones: be it our business, then, to watch against the beginnings of departure from God, or these will surely lead to bitter endings.

The Word of the Lord, and the attentive ear of the faithful servant, are all we need to carry us safely and happily onward.

Whatever imperfections were in Abraham, whatever his haltings and stumblings, he never settled down, as to purpose, into half-hearted obedience; so if any child of God, howsoever he may fail, have a steady, fixed purpose to please God, he will surely become strong in faith at the last.

All the children of God receive Christ as Redeemer from curse and wrath; but they do not all take Him for their portion and inheritance: if we do this, we cannot fail to be witnesses for Him, and lights in this dark world.

Cares

Have you one anxious thought you do not bring to Jesus? Have you one care you deem too light, too small, to lay before Him? It is then too small to give you one moment's concern. Either cast your care (great or small) upon Him that careth for you, or cast it away from you altogether: if it be unfit for His sympathy, it is unworthy of you. (1 Peter 5:7.)

If we examine the troubles of God's children, we shall find that too many of them arise from unbelieving fears concerning the future; let me but remember that Christ, at the right hand of God, counts all _my_ troubles _His own_; and then away with all my fears concerning the morrow! It is only at the Mercy-seat we may lawfully think of the morrow.

Chastisement

To quarrel with the instruments God used for our correction is to quarrel with God Himself. It is, in fact, to say to Him, "I do not approve of Thy government, and I could order matters better if they were left to me." What is this but to aim at casting down God from His throne, and setting ourselves thereon?

Though the Lord often spares reproof, He never spares commendation. He is slow to anger; He makes haste to be gracious. (Neh. 9:17; Ps. 40:13.)

Jacob underwent discipline and chastisement for upwards of fifty years, for the withering in him the evil root of the spirit of unbelieving contrivance. God blesses His child, and in His very love withholds not the rod of correction.

The pain that God's discipline gives us shows its wisdom: it is the diseased part that _feels_ under the surgeon's hand.

God never puts us to shame before the world, or even before the church, unless we compel Him.

The Lord always deals with us according to the state of our souls.

How small the knowledge of God that Job would have attained to, but for the deep and marvellous discipline whereby he was sifted and taught!

When we deal with God in prayer about the difficulties of our path, we must not set Him a time for clearing away those difficulties, but wait upon Him, who accepts the sacrifice of our willing hearts.

The Lord's jewels need grinding, and cutting, and polishing. Why forget?

It is not of necessity that a child of God beginning well goes on well; but if he take good heed to his ways—according to Psalm 119., 2 Peter 1:5-7, and like Scriptures—he will surely run well to the end of his race.

The more bitter the cup of discipline, the more reason for our thankfulness. If we be not thankful, let us give God no rest, nor ourselves, until He make us so.

Correction despised brings sharper correction.

When God visits us with certain special discipline, it is our wisdom to accept the cup and drink it cheerfully, however bitter, for health is in it.

Let us have no reserves of conscience. When God gives us light, let us follow it whithersoever it may lead; for, while God has no judgments of curse for His children, He has judgments of displeasure of love because of disobedience.

Be more desirous of inward help and deliverance, than the removal of God's hand, when He lays affliction upon you.

Impatience under God's corrections only shows our need of the discipline He is pleased to visit us with. We can least bear correction when we most need it.

One of the evil fruits of long-continued spiritual negligence, is the soul's ignorance of its own state.

How often, under discipline, are the children of God struggling amidst the thickets and briers of circumstances, instead of judging the state of their hearts! This lack of pondering their ways, prevents their seeing the equity of God's dealings with them.

Discipline

Wherefore all the discipline with which Job was exercised? He could say in truth, "I know that my Redeemer liveth" (Job 19:25). As God's witness there was none like him in all the earth. He walked in uprightness, humility, patience, and wisdom; a perfect and upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil. Why then his afflictions and humiliations, before unheard-of among the saints? There was the flesh in Job; and the sifting discipline went on, until Job had learnt so to know both God and himself as to abhor himself, and justify God.

I seek to keep short accounts with God: this saves not only much trouble and time, but also much sharp discipline.

"A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool." (Prov. 17:10.)

It is indeed rare, when judgments come upon men, that those judgments yield their due profit. Those who walk with a tender spirit before God profit more by a word or gentle rebuke of His love, that none but themselves know of, than do others, who are careless walkers, by heavy judgments. If, however, great afflictions come, the heart being prepared, the end will be the double blessing. (Job 42)

The cry of "Abba, Father!" in the time of trouble, is often a sign of quick deliverance. When we kiss the hand that smites, the rod drops. Is it not to resist the will of God when we flee from those trials which He sends to prove our faith?

As children we may ask for understanding of our Father's will; but it belongs not to us to think for Him.

We may be sorrowful, yet not unhappy. Unhappiness is caused by self-will, that frets against the Lord's way of dealing with us. But we may have sorrow without sinning, and by such sadness the heart is made better. (Eccl. 7:3.) Grace does not steel the heart, but makes it more tender. We may feel, but must not rebel.

Every child of God needs to be put into the sieve: but when sifted, if we be willing to endure the Lord's dealings with us, we shall not be put to shame.

How few the words of Jesus when all the earth, in its representatives -- Herod, Pilate, priests and elders—rose up against Him! He never uttered more or less than was needed for God's glory. That perfect guidance of the tongue proceeded from the perfect subjection of His will to God.

The proper fruit of the Lord's discipline is that blessed state described by the psalmist, when the fretting of the flesh is silenced, the soul composing itself to rest in the everlasting arms. "Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child" (Psalm 131:2).

It is not every child of God who, by reason of acquaintance with God and with himself, reckons upon discipline, and resolves to go through it with God, how bitter soever it may be: hence when it comes he frets; he is the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. (Jer. 31:18.)

Christ had a lawful desire to be spared suffering. He could not otherwise have been a pattern to us of patience and submission: but His submission brought Him into the floods of His sufferings. Our afflictions are light, soon as we can say, "Not my will, but Thine be done."

Deep inwrought patience is precious fruit of suffering God's will according to God's mind.

If we desire that patience have her perfect work, we shall thank the only-wise God for all things whatsoever that afflict us; and whosoever they be that God uses for pruning our souls -- be they unjust men or froward brethren—we shall love and pray for them, and seek to overcome their evil with good.

A child of God may be greatly afflicted, yet be far from murmuring against his heavenly Father. Sorrow sanctified obtains God's embrace; rebellious grief spoils the soul of communion. The cluster must be bruised to yield its wine, and the sufferings of heavenly patience procure for the soul an overflowing cup of consolation, both for its own comfort and that of others. (2 Cor. 1:4-6.)

How many snares, how much harm, and loss, and shame, would the people of God avoid and escape, had they a little more patience in waiting for the Lord! Had Saul but waited a few minutes longer for Samuel then "would the Lord have established his kingdom upon Israel for ever (1 Sam. 13:13).

Experience

It is only as by faith we see our Home above, that we are proper pilgrims here.

We rightly use our past Experience, if, in time present, we have no confidence in the flesh.

Experience obtained without much waiting on God is not worthy the name: "Patience worketh Experience" (Rom. 5:4).

Our past Experience should be well pondered before God. The record of the pilgrimage of every one of us will be found in the great book of God's government, by-and-by to be opened.

God requires steadfastness of faith from those who have had especial proofs of His love.

The spring of instability of purpose is some hankering within us after praise of man.

The more we walk with God, the more we shall sorrow for our sins and those of others. This sorrow well consists with joy in the Holy Ghost.

We never hinder another's service or grace without hindering our own: "Quench not the Spirit."

Let us always be aiming at perfection: thus we shall grow in the knowledge of our imperfection.

"Tribulation worketh Patience;" but if tribulation pass by without working patience, we cannot have "Experience" (Rom. 5:3).

A Sound Mind

One special mark of a sound mind is a readiness to take counsel of God, and a bringing into subjection all notions of our own or of others to His revealed will.

It is not by change of circumstances that we can be made happy, but by submission to the will of God. This submission is manifested by our steadfast purpose to mortify the will of the flesh, and by our contending against everything that offends God.

Without confidence in the love of God we cannot cheerfully submit to His discipline.

Let not the morrow be as a thief to rob you of this day's blessing.

We are apt to judge of things by present appearances; but the Lord sees them in all their consequences.

Murmurers always extol times past as better than the present. The people of Israel in Egypt groaned by reason of hard bondage. Having passed the Red Sea they sang the song of redemption: but how ready were they to say one to another, "Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt" (Num. 14:4). Had Moses desired to shame them, he might have asked: "What said you under Pharaoh's yoke?"

Dangers and Temptations

If we would keep the creature in its place, we must take God as our portion.

Being an heir of glory I would, by God's grace, rather break stones on the road for Him than be put to the drudgery of ruling an empire.

Spiritual prosperity is always attended with strong temptation to the _high thought_, the _lofty imagination_.

The worst temptations are those which so pamper and please the flesh that they do not vex us at all: they are perilous by their deceitfulness.

The outward falls of the children of God always bespeak the foregoing state of the heart.

The wearing of apparel is a special mark of our fall and shame. How unseemly then is pride of dress! Does the convict glory in the convict's coat?

The Christian's Walk

If we can fight well in the closet, we shall walk happily with God in all His ways. We should begin our every day's journey with _Him_: and, comparing need with supply, shall we not take pleasure in infirmities and necessities? because Christ will thereby take occasion to magnify His grace, and to lead us to springs of consolation in Himself.

Evil speaking has place in the heart before it escapes the lip.

Happy they who never hang upon the creature's favour they who expect everything from God and nothing from man will have no disappointment.

To be a true witness for Jesus I must be much in His company, hear His voice, and observe His ways. How can we know the character of one with whom we have but little intercourse?

Humility helps us to know our pride; and if we would have the "rest" that is for the lowly, we must tread under foot our pride. (Matt. 11:29.)

Those temptations which prove the most defiling are oft-times the least painful.

When God's will rules in us, and overrules our will, we shall then indeed, but not till then, know the pleasures of _having our will_. (1 John 3:22; 5:14.15.)

The Christian's path in the world is obedience to Christ; following Him, suffering for His sake. When we take part with the world to put it in order, and to make the crooked straight, we, as it were, take off our robes of heavenly priesthood to act as citizens of earth.

We ought so to walk before the world, that the evil eye, looking for a blot, may find none. The people of the world are keen judges of what a child of God should be.

Did the children of God walk worthy of God, they would no more seek worldly honours and glories than a king's son in his princely apparel would stitch thereon a beggar's rags.

"Bless them that curse you" (Matt. 5:44). The deed of grace is to be done at the moment of receiving the injury. When the curse proceeds from the mouth of the enemy, let the blessing proceed from yours. Remember the words, "Father, forgive them," "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." (Lu. 23:34; Acts 7:60.)

There is light for the pilgrim's path, though there be not an unclouded sky.

If a man's heart were filled with Christ and His coming in glory, would it not be seen in all his ways,- whether in the family, the church, or the world?

To be spiritually-minded is "life and peace" to ourselves: but how profitable to others also! That utterance and knowledge may be used aright, he that has them must walk with God.

Let Christ be with you wherever you go, and let it be known that His presence is with you.

Take good heed to your walk: God will care for your good name.

God has great ends to answer by leaving His children in the world; even that they may be living witnesses for Him whom they love -- the unseen Lord Jesus. We should be ever giving thanks for such an office; and for our continuance on earth, that we may fulfil it.

Let us be pilgrims, not by constraint, but by loving choice.

Trial of the Servants of Christ

When Christ would put peculiar honour upon His servants, He often suffers them to be brought low in the sight of men. If the saints are favoured to suffer reproach for Christ's sake, then will they own the honour put upon them to be thus conformed to their Master. Paul and Silas, thrust into prison at Philippi, sang praises to God.

Christ never allows any faithful servant of His to suffer loss, but He turns that loss to great gain.

God always honours faithful servants, and comforts persecuted ones.

Dealing with the Faults of Others

If we would wisely reprove the flesh in our brethren, we must first, after the Lord's example, remember and commend the grace in them.

Those who are much acquainted with the cross of Christ, and with their own hearts, will be slow to take the reprover's office: if they do reprove, they will make it a solemn matter, knowing how much evil comes of the unwise handling of a fault.

Let us begin by searching ourselves, if we would be profitable reprovers of others.

Much self-judgment makes a man slow to judge others; and the very gentleness of such an one gives a keen edge to his rebukes.

In reproving sin in others, we should remember the ways of the Holy Spirit of God towards us. He comes as the Spirit of Love; and whatever His rebukes, He wins the heart by mercy and forgiveness through Christ.

To forgive without upbraiding, even by manner or look, is a high exercise of grace—it is imitation of Christ.

If I have been injured by another, let me bethink myself—How much better to be the sufferer than the wrongdoer!

The flesh would punish to prevent a repetition of wrongs; but Grace teaches us to defend ourselves without weapons. The man who "seventy times seven" forgives injuries, is he who best knows how to protect himself.

If one do me a wrong, let me with the bowels of Christ seek after him, and entreat God to move him to repentance.

We partake in the guilt of an offending member of Christ, until we have confessed his sin as our own (Dan. 9), mourned over it, prayed for its forgiveness, and sought in the spirit of love the restoration of the erring one.

If our tongue have been betrayed into speaking contemptuously or even slightingly of an absent brother, let us quickly say, Alas! we have wounded Christ.

If in love I speak to a brother of his fault, it is because I hate the sin. If I speak of it with backbiting tongue, it is self-pleasing that moves me.

If under the law, when the bond was only in the flesh, the Israelite must not suffer sin upon his brother (Lev. 19:17), how much less should it be suffered under the Gospel, which binds the saints together spiritually and eternally!

The figure of the mote in the eye shows what skill and tenderness he has need of who would be a reprover to his brother. Who would trust so precious a member as the eye to a rough, unskilful hand?