It is not of him that willeth, but of God that showeth mercy. ROM. ix. 16. Thou hast a little strength. REV. iii. 8. But go in this thy might, &c. Surely Iwill be with thee. JUDGES Vi. 14, 16. LITTLE strength is also the strength of GoD A through CHRIST, the second Adam, and consequently stronger than the power of Satan and the first Adam, should it seem ever so strong. Believers in such a state may think themselves weaker than before they had any grace, not being able now to put such a force upon themselves as formerly, because they dare not now be wrought on by pride: for they no longer swim with the stream, and experience no resistance; but swimming against the stream, feel the force of the current of lust. But it is to be remembered, that hypocrisy and proud nature, desirous of being seen, can outdo grace in many outward things, and have a better appearance in the eyes of man; for real Christians, not being willing to be worked upon by nature any longer, and yet having but little strength, cannot put such a constraint upon themselves continually, but they may be in this manner tossed to and fro; which the LORD wisely permits for their good, to convince them the more of their own insufficiency and nothingness, that they may rely on the strength of the LORD. Therefore we must not give over praying and hoping in this case; but as it is only the mercy and power of CHRIST, which preserves and strengthens the poor and feeble, we rather ought to be more earnest in drawing near to him with all our misery, weariness, and nakedness. Mere mortal power shall fade and die, And youthful vigour cease; If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 2 PETER ii. 20. OME affirm that experienced Christians meet SOME with no strong temptations, and feel no evil suggestions from within, and, of consequence, no strivings against the same; but it is quite the contrary; for beginners strive generally more against the outward pollutions of the world, whilst the experienced turn their force more against their inward and spiritual iniquities. Therefore take heed to your spirit, though your meaning be ever so good, and your assurance ever so great. Be not high-minded, for fear of falling. Beware of all sins; for the least may unawares, and by degrees, draw thee into many others, so as to be at last entangled in such a manner, that, without great watchfulness, it will be impossible to be disengaged; therefore be not deceived; flee all occasions of sin. Say not within thyself, It is a light matter, it only concerns outward things, which do not belong to the essence of Christianity; for such outward liberty is a sure evidence of a false inward levity of mind. And by conforming to the world, we give a good handle to the enemy of souls to ruin us; and by sad experience, we shall be convinced in time that our latter end is worse than the beginning. O for a persevering power To keep thy just commands; We would defile our hearts no more, O for the grace that keeps our souls We'd wash our hands in innocence, Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Roм. xii. 10, 18. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. HEB. xii. 14. THERE HERE is much contest in the world about property; but believers taking CHRIST for their only property, whom nobody can take from them, have in him alone immense treasures and lasting peace. And since wrath and anger turn into nothing but disquietness, and are punished by themselves, why dost thou suffer thyself to be easily moved by them? The least provocation, even a single word, perhaps, will still stir up the corruption of thine heart, so as to change thy countenance and make thee utter dreadful words. Therefore, consider how God bears with thee, and what an abomination anger is. It is a fire from Hell, the true image of the old Dragon; but being called to bear the image of GOD, and bring forth the fruits of the good Spirit, thou art to follow the lamb-like mind of CHRIST; and to that purpose it is highly necessary, first, To avoid all occasions of strife and contention; secondly, To bridle our tongue, if quarrels arise; thirdly, To suffer when we are wronged; fourthly, To pray directly, and quench the sparks of fire before they break out into a flame. This is the easiest and the only method to prevent great troubles and lead a peaceful, happy life: for anger carries uneasiness, and love a sweet rest in itself. Blessed are the men of peaceful life, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, &c., let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith; having our hearts sprinkled (with the blood of Christ, by which he once entered into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us, and purged our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God) from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. HEB. X. 19-22. CHRI NHRIST has for ever purged our sin by himself; "for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified," Chap. x. 14; and to this sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST, all believers, even the weakest, are to come, in order to receive the forgiveness of sins; and the blood is said to be sprinkled, to show the need of its application to the conscience by the Holy Spirit. In this purple fountain the believer daily washes; it is his element and life. Thus he "lives by the faith of the Son of GOD, who also loved him, always applying his ransom to his soul, and pleading his merits before his heavenly Father, which keeps his conscience pure and easy. O may I be enabled every day, by faith, to wash in the fountain of CHRIST's blood. They find access at every hour To GOD within the veil; Hence they derive a quick'ning power, O may this happy lot be mine, Daily to live to CHRIST; And like the favoured of the twelve, To lean upon his breast. O happy soul! O glorious state Of ever-flowing grace! To dwell so near the Father's throne, R That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. Rox. i. 19. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? &c. Acrs xiv. 14, to end. THERE HERE are some things declared and enjoined in the Gospel, which have their foundation. in the law and light of nature; such are all the moral duties which are taught therein; these, the remaining light of nature, though obscurely, yet does teach and confirm. The apostle, speaking of mankind in general, says, "That which may be known of GOD is manifest in them;" the essential properties of GoD, rendering our moral duty to him necessary, are known by the light of nature; and by the same light are men able to make a judgment of their actions, whether they be good or evil. Rom. ii. 14, 15. The same law and light which discover these things, do also enjoin their observance. Thus it is with all men before the preaching of the Gospel to them. The Gospel adds two things to the minds of men. 1. It directs us to a right performance of these things from a right principle, by a right rule, and to a right end, so that they, and we in them, may obtain acceptance with GOD. Hereby it gives them a new nature, and turns moral duties into evangelical obedience. 2. By a communication of that Spirit which is joined to its dispensation, it supplies us with strength for their performance in the manner it directs. May GOD the fruits of heavenly grace Produce within my heart; And by that grace may many learn To choose the better part. |