(MacDuff, “Encouragements to Patient Waiting“) Take a pilgrimage in thought, to Gethsemaneand Calvary! Gaze upon His sufferings! He knewall the sorrows that await Him–the shame, thesuffering, the anguish–but He takes the bittercup, and, with His heart set on the salvationof His people–with His heart set on you–theblessed Savior drains it to the very dregs! See Him on Calvary . […]
He loved them unto the end.” John 13:1 The love of Christ for his elect is immutable and incessant. It is love surpassing thought. There is nothing like it in this world below. The narrow, self-centred thoughts, and words, and deeds of humanity cannot comprehend it. Our Savior knew that his disciples would all soon […]
A beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by your Lord! C.H.Spurgeon “For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people!” Psalm 149:4 How comprehensive is the love of Jesus! There is no part of His people’s interests which He does not consider. There is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important […]
REFORMATION? I hear a lot about “reformation” in our day. There are reformed churches, reformed doctrine, reformed preachers and reformed believers, everything seems to be “reformed.” The word “reform” means to “improve” or to “make better.” If “reformation” means to improve myself or make myself better, then, I don’t need reformation! What I need is […]
If the possession of heaven could be obtained with only a single act of goodness, never to all eternity should I find it. “When I would do good, evil is present with me.” Oh! Then for grace to know Thee, to love Thee, to follow Thee, as my only good; my hope, my righteousness, my […]
SECONDARY IMPORTANCE I have noticed that the main issue that men grapple with over the doctrine of election is not whether or not the Scripture teaches it. Any honesty at all will make a man admit the Scriptures do teach this doctrine. What men grapple with is whether or […]
A gracious influence (J. C. Philpot, “Jesus, the Great High Priest“) The love of Jesus has a gracious influence on the life,conduct, and conversation of a true believer. The treeis known by its fruit; and those branches alone whichbring forth fruit unto God, are in manifest union withthe only true Vine. Love to Jesus is the constraining […]
Square me! Prune me! C.H.Spurgeon “There is more hewing, and hacking, and squaring used on a stone which is to be set in the wall of a stately palace — than that which is placed in a rock wall. Just so, the vine is carefully pruned — when the bramble is untouched.” This should reconcile believers to their chastisements. It is a well-worn […]
“Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 We should apply these words of our Savior as broadly as possible to all things spiritual. — “Without me ye can do nothing!” “Without me ye” cannot believe. “Without me ye” cannot pray. “Without me ye” cannot watch. “Without me ye” cannot learn, know, or understand anything […]
All true sanctification (Octavius Winslow) “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14 There is no victory over the indwelling power of sin, andthere is no pardon for the guilt of sin, but as the soul dealswith the blood […]