The Consistent Christian, a Handbook for Christian Living [William Secker] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. To serve man's necessity is.
Table of contents
Much like a treasure trove of carefully chosen quotes on the Christian life, this book cannot be read without giving thought to what you read, and without meditating upon the implications of what you read. Third, it is unique in that once you start reading it, it will inspire your Evangelical motivations to love and serve the Lord and your neighbor in ways that you never employed before. This book will truly get you to the next level of your dedication to your God and Savior.
This book has been originally published in Current edition has been proofread, typeset for eBook readers, and updated for modern readers. Read more Read less. Kindle Cloud Reader Read instantly in your browser. Product details File Size: September 23, Sold by: Related Video Shorts 0 Upload your video. Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers.
Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. Set up a giveaway. Feedback If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us. Would you like to report poor quality or formatting in this book? Click here Would you like to report this content as inappropriate? Click here Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Related Products
There's a problem loading this menu right now. Get fast, free shipping with Amazon Prime. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. View or edit your browsing history. The former is like cutting the garment out — the latter is like putting the garment on. WHY a Christian does more than others. Because more is done FOR them — than is done for others.
There is that done for them — which none but He who made them could do. They are loved , they are atoned for, they are prayed for, and they are provided for — more than others. Now where there is an overabundance of privilege — there should be an overabundance of practice.
We naturally expect more splendor from the beaming of the sun — than from the burning of a candle ; and we look for more moisture from the drops from a cloud — than from the drops from a bucket. The same heat which melts the wax — will harden the clay. The juice which distills into a rose — is returned in a sweet perfume ; but that which drops upon a nettle — is returned in an ill savor.
If the mercies of God are not loadstones to draw us to Heaven — they will be millstones to draw or sink us to Hell! By how much the more grace we have received — by so much the more glory we are obliged to return to the Giver. He does not exact much — where little is bestowed; nor does He accept little — where much is received. A drop of praise is an unsuitable acknowledgment for an ocean of mercy! Those who have tasted the goodness of God — can never speak good enough of God. Reason teaches, that those should bless most — who are most blessed. What are carnal men — compared to Christian men?
The power of God appears in the formation of the carnal man — but the stupendous grace of God shines illustriously in the transformation of the Christian man. In creation God has given the productions of the earth for our bodies — but in redemption He has given Himself for our souls! Thus, it is a greater favor to be converted than to be created ; yes, it were better for us to have no being — than not to have a new being.
When you lay in the blood of your transgression — then God beheld you with the affections of His compassion. His heart pitied you — and His hand helped you! Now where there is distinguishing mercy — there ought to be distinguishing duty. The gardener who holds the largest farms — will pay the greatest rent; and he who sows the most precious seed — will expect the choicest crop. He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with choice vines. God has made you His own dials — on which the beams of the Sun of righteousness shines! He has made you gems for His crown — while others are stools for His feet!
Has He shown Himself to you — and not to the world? And will you not show yourself for God — and not for the world? The nearer the relation — the stronger are the ties of obligation. In this view, believers on earth are superior to angels in Heaven. Christ is related to the angels as a master to his servants — but He is united to believers as a head to its members. In this head, there are no glazed eyes — nor are there any withered or dead members in this body.
While others are made of God — believers are born of God. While others stand before Him as prisoners before their judge — believers appear before Him as children before their father , and as a bride before a bridegroom. There are no stillborn children in the family of grace. God is the living Father, and therefore all His children live by Him; He is also the everlasting Father, and therefore He will have due honor paid Him. But if I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is your fear of Me?
As man was born to serve God — he had better never have been born, than to refuse God that service. This is the language of God to His children — I did not give you bodies and souls to serve sin with — but to serve Me with. Our bodies were not formed to be the instruments of unrighteous actions — nor our souls the gloomy abodes of foul spirits. The everlasting Father cannot endure the ungrateful behavior of His own children. Therefore, attend to the great complaint He makes against them. I have nourished and brought up children — and they have rebelled against Me! It is far more pleasing to behold rebels becoming children — than to behold children becoming rebels.
When Caesar was wounded by the senators of Rome, Brutus a Roman of an illustrious family, also made a thrust at him. The unkindness of a friend is more sensibly felt — than that of an enemy. Alexander, who was reported to be an exceeding swift runner, was once solicited to run in the Olympic games.
Shall he walk in darkness — whose Father is light! Shall those lips be found broaching falsehood — which were found breathing out prayers! Shall those eyes be found gazing on sinful objects — which were found reading the living Word of God! The remembrance of our dignity — should engage us to our heavenly duty. A spot in scarlet , is worse than a stain in cotton. Though there are many professors who are not true believers; yet there are no true believers — who are not professors.
As trees are known by their fruits — so believers are known by their works. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. For a man to say what he does — and not to do what he says — is to resemble those trees which are full of leaves — but void of fruits ; or those barns wherein there is much chaff — but no wheat.
Ah, how intolerable will the punishment of those professors be — who have appeared as burnished gold to men — and are found only base metal in the sight of God! What will it profit, to put off the old manners — and not put off the old man? A snake may change its skin — and yet preserve its sting. The gospel professed, may lift a man unto Heaven — but it is only the gospel possessed, that brings a man into Heaven. Either take Me into your lives — or cast Me out of your lips. If godliness is good — why is it so little practiced? Many may be found who can talk of grace — but very few can be found who taste of grace.
It is not everyone who looks like a Christian — who lives like a Christian. For there are some who make their boast of the law, and yet through breaking the law, they dishonor God. It is a greater glory to us, that we are allowed to serve God — than it is to Him, that we offer Him that service.
He is not rendered happy by us — but we are made happy by Him. He can do without such earthly servants — but we cannot do without such a heavenly Master. It is lamentable for him to hold a lamp to others — and yet to walk in darkness himself. There are more infected by the undue conduct of some — than there are instructed by the righteous doctrines of others.
He who gives proper precepts, and then sets improper examples, resembles that foolish person, who labors hard to kindle a fire, and when he has done it, throws cold water upon it to quench it. Though such a physician may administer the reviving cordial to some fainting patient — yet he is in danger himself of dying in a swoon. But when he was out of the pulpit, it was a pity he should ever ascend it again — for he was so wretched a liver!
Many people are offended with the profession of religion, because all are not truly pious who make a profession. A little consideration will correct this error. Does the sheep despise its fleece, because the wolf has worn it? Who blames a crystal river — because some melancholy men have drowned themselves in its streams? Will you refuse medicine — because some have wantonly poisoned themselves with it?
He is a bad steward, who having a spot in his garment, cuts off the cloth, instead of rubbing off the dirt. God rejects all religion — but His own. As Jesus Christ is the fountain of all excellency — to which all must come ; so He is the pattern of excellency — to which all must conform. As He is the root on which a saint grows ; so He is the rule by which a saint walks. God has made one Son in the image of us all — that He might make all His sons in the image of that One. Jesus Christ lived to teach us how to live — and died to teach us how to die.
Though the Lord Jesus was a Man of many sorrows — yet He was not a man of the least sin. No man can equalize Him in holiness; yet every man ought to imitate Him in holiness. As the sun is the glory of creation — so is Christ the glory of redemption. The summit of true religion consists in imitating God. Without this, your religion will be found a Tekel — when it is weighed in the balance, it will be wanting.
It would be well if there were as great a similarity between the life of Christ — and the life of Christians ; as there is between a copy and the original. What He was by nature — that we should be by grace. As face answers to face in water — so should life answer to life in Scripture. He who was a Way to others — never went out of the way Himself. A truly pious life, is a looking-glass, wherein Christ sees His own likeness. In our sacramental participations , we show forth the death of Christ; and in our evangelical conversation , we show forth the life of Christ.
An excellent Christ — calls for excellent Christians. As He was never un employed, He was never ill -employed. Jesus Christ even submits His person to be judged by His actions: Man is naturally an aspiring being, and loves to be nearest to those who are highest. Why does he not therefore take as much delight in those precepts which enjoin holiness — as in those promises which ensure happiness? All those who are conformed to the image of the Redeemer, are as willing to be ruled by Christ, as they are to be esteemed by Him. He who deems His yoke heavy — will not find His crown easy. And should it not be so now?
We know the New Testament outshines the Old, as much as the sun outshines the moon. If we then live in a more glorious dispensation , should we not maintain a more glorious conversation? If there be no likeness between Christ and you on earth — there can be no friendship between Christ and you in Heaven! If once a man commences to be a professor — the eyes of all are upon him; and well they may, for his profession in the world, is a separation from the world. Believers condemn those by their lives — who condemn them by their lips! Righteous David saw many who were waiting to triumph in his mistakes.
Hence the more they watched — the more he prayed: Christian, if you dwell in the open tent of licentiousness — the wicked will not walk backward, like modest Shem and Japheth, to cover your shame; but they will walk forward, like cursed Ham, to publish it. Thus they make use of your weakness — as a plea for their wickedness. Men are merciless in their censures of Christians! They have no sympathy for their infirmity. Sin indulged in a believer, is like a rent in a richly embroidered garment; or like a crack in a golden bell. A foul spot is soonest discerned — in the fairest cloth.
The world will sooner make an excuse for its own enormities — than for your infirmities. The behavior of some professors has often given the wicked an opportunity to reproach true religion. O that your pure life, did but hang a padlock upon their impure lips! Such will ever be throwing the dirt of professors — upon the face of profession!
If the sun is eclipsed one day — it attracts more spectators than if it shone a whole year! So if you commit one sin — it will cause you many sorrows — and the world many triumphs. That was a glorious eulogy given to Zacharias and Elizabeth: Their religion was undefiled before God — and their lives were unspotted from the world.
Would you be unspotted from the world? Then remember, you are not of the world. Another reason why believers should do more than others, is — Because if they do no more — it will appear that they are no more than others. As there is no man so vicious — but some good may be performed by him to man; so there is no one so religious — but some evil may be committed by him against God.
As one bird does not prove the approach of summer — neither does one good action prove a man to be a believer. There is in every being a natural tendency to some center. God is the center of the saints — and glory is the center of grace. Now where we do not discover that bias towards grace — we may deny the being of grace. Then beware of living as tax collectors and sinners! Jesus Christ gives you an excellent mirror in His memorable sermon upon the mount, for you to behold your own likeness in: When the wheels of a clock move within — the hand on the dial will move without. When the heart of a man is sound in conversion — then the life will be fair in profession.
How shall we judge of the well — but by the waters which run through the pipes? As a sinner will reveal the good he desires ; so a saint will show the good he enjoys. When the sun dawns upon the earth, it is presently known; and when the Sun of righteousness arises upon the heart — it cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works. As he is what he was not — so he does what he did not. Were the sun to give no more light than a star , you could not believe he was the regent of the day; were he to transmit no more heat than a glow-worm , you would question his being the source of earthly heat.
Were God to do no more than a creature — where would His Godhead be? Were a man to do no more than a brute — where would his manhood be? Were not a saint to excel the sinner — where would his sanctity be? If professors live like other men — God will call them unregenerate men. There is no passing for current coin in Heaven — without the stamp and signature of Heaven. If you consult the Holy Scriptures, you will find that both the Father , the Son — and the saints are to judge the world. This shall no more derogate from the honor of Christ, than the sessions of the justices derogate from the authority of the judges.
When the apostle Paul would quash the sinful suits among the believing Corinthians, he informed them that they did not so much require men of eminence to terminate their controversy, as men of godliness. If you are to judge in causes between God and man — how much more in controversies between man and man? When wicked men come like miserable captives out of their holes, the godly shall rise like an unclouded sun above the horizon of the grave.
The act of the Head is imputed to the members, and the act of the members is acknowledged by the Head. Tell me — how will you be capable of passing a righteous sentence on others, for those evils which you have lived in the constant commission of? Thus the consistent Christian judges the world, both by his faith and his practice. The usual prejudices which the world has against religion, is — that it makes no man better, though it may make some men stricter. We too frequently behold that those who exclaim against the pride of others — are as proud as others.
As they so constantly meet together, they are expected to be more godly — but they are not more godly for their meeting together. Take away their profession , and you take away their religion. They have nothing belonging to the sheep — but its skin. If heathens take up their gods — they will zealously keep up their gods. They were true to the false gods — while Israel was false to the true God. No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand. Alas, that oxen and donkeys should be more religious — than men who professed religion!
In their kind they are more kind. If their owners feed them, they readily own their owners. A true hope of Heaven — excites an utter dislike to the earth. It is not the tyrannic reign of sin in your mortal body — which makes way for the triumphant reign of your soul in eternal glory. Grace is such a pilot, as without its steerage you will certainly suffer shipwreck in your voyage to everlasting tranquility.
To look for a Turkish paradise , is to conceive of the Heaven of purity — as a house of impurity; but while they expect to bathe themselves in carnal pleasures — you should look to be the chaste and happy consort of the Lamb! Thus God will season the vessel of your heart with His grace — before He pours into it the wine of His glory.
It is hard to say, whether God discovers more love in preparing Heavenly mansions for the soul — than in preparing the soul for Heavenly mansions. You know there is no living a wicked life — and dying a righteous death. As divine justice crushes none on earth before they are corrupted — so divine mercy crowns none in Heaven before they are converted.
Holiness and happiness are so wisely joined together — that God will never allow them to be put asunder: Now, wherever the jewel is not found — the casket will be thrown away. Though the wheat is for a garner — yet the chaff is for the fire. The Scripture presents you, not only, with an account of what God will do for a Christian — but also what a Christian will do for God. The high prize of heavenly bliss, is at the end of the gospel race: He who made you without your assistance — will not crown you until He has saved you from your disobedience.
It would be well for fruitless sinners, were they seriously to consider that fearful Scripture: There is no making out your salvation, where there is no working out your salvation. Men are condemned, not only for their profaneness — but also for their slothfulness. Men may perish for being unprofitable servants, as well as for being abominable servants.
The Lord binds none in the bundle of life — but such as are heirs of life. Now, natural works — shall have only natural wages. The Lord hangs the bait of duty — upon the hook of mercy. He sets the promises of the gospel — in the galleries of His ordinances. The hardy soldier will undergo a bloody seed time — to enjoy a happy harvest.
He has nothing more than earthly mammon in his pursuit — but the saint has nothing less than Heavenly mansions in his pursuit. Thus have I dispatched the first general head, namely, WHY the disciples of Christ do more than others. I therefore come secondly to consider,. WHAT a Christian does more than others. And here I shall form a golden chain of twenty links — for believers to wear about their necks.
- Total Heart Health for Men Workbook.
- The Magic Casket (Dr Thorndyke).
- Покупки по категориям.
- .
- Product Information?
- Leftovers.
The first singular action of a consistent Christian, is to do much good — and make but little noise. Some people say much — and do nothing. But Christians do much — and say nothing. To deserve praise where none is obtained — is better than to obtain praise where none is deserved. The old maxim is worthy to be revived — he who desires honor, is not worthy of honor.
If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven. An alms which is seen, is by no means unpleasant to God, provided it be not given with a design to have it seen. Though good ends do not make bad actions lawful; yet bad ends make good actions sinful. The harp sounds sweetly; yet it hears not its own melody. Moses had more glory by his veil — than he had by his face. It is truly pleasant to behold those living in the dust of humility — who have raised others from the dust by their liberality. That ancient caution of our Savior is very suitable to modern times: I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Hypocrites would never be anxious for men to see them — but that by seeing them — men should praise them. The indigent are more indebted to their vanity — than their charity. They give alms, not so much for the poor to live upon — as for the rich to look upon. Hypocrites are more zealous for the market — than for the closet.
They can pray better in the corners of the streets — than in the corners of their houses. It is both food and drink to a formalist to fast — if others do but see it.
It is reported, that the nightingale never sings so sweetly — as when others stand by to hear its melody. Jehu only made religion a stirrup — to mount upon the saddle of popularity. Sounding souls are seldom souls that are sound. The boast of a Jehu is always linked to the heart of a Judas. Some people are like hens — which no sooner drop their eggs than they begin to chatter. How frequently do the enemies of grace — lurk under the praises of nature! While a hypocrite is extolled — grace is injured.
What are the acclamations of man — compared to the approbation of God? Of what real advantage is it, to be praised on earth , by those about us — and damned in Heaven , by Him who is above us? One flaw in a diamond diminishes both its splendor and value. It is a singular thing for Christians to do much in secret — and to keep it secret when it is done. God is nearer to us — than we are to ourselves. Where the river is the deepest , the water glides the smoothest. Empty casks sound most; whereas the well-fraught vessel, silences its own sound. As the shadow of the sun is largest, when his beams are lowest; so we are always least — when we make ourselves the greatest.
Wicked Saul would rather resign his crown — than his honor: When the sun of worldly grandeur is in its meridian, it may be masked with a cloud. By climbing too high on the bough of honor — you may hang yourselves on the tree of dishonor. Some would rather suffer the agony of the cross — than the infamy of the cross. It is worse, in their esteem, to be dispraised — than it is to be destroyed. Thus Abimelech, the fratricide, conceived of it: How frequently does God reject those as reprobate silver — whom men esteem as fine gold!
The former desires to appear good — that he may be admired. The latter desires to be good — that God may be honored. The self-abased saint on earth, imitates the holy angels in Heaven; while the self-admired sinner on earth, imitates the fallen angels in Hell. Their hands denoted skill , their wings denote celerity. They would not have others fall down and worship them, who were only around the throne — but they fell down themselves to worship Him, who is upon the throne!
How repugnant to this, was the conduct of the boasting Pharisee. Because he was not so bad as most — he thought himself as good as the best. Ambition is so great a planet — that it must have a whole orbit to move in. Ambition is envious of its equals.
THE CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN
A sun-burned face seems fair, compared with an Ethiopian — but ciphers can never constitute a sum. This Pharisee was as far from being religious , as he was from being scandalous. But upon what foundation did he rear his superstructure? He forgot that he was like the sea — which loses as much on one shore as it gains on another. He hid his sins — which he should have confessed ; and he published his good deeds — which he should have concealed.
What victory a formalist seemingly obtains over one lust — he loses, by being overcome by another. If a tear is shed, or a prayer is made, as it is performed by him — so it is divulged by him. Thus may it be with Christians. Nothing is more pleasing to God, than a hand liberally opened — and a tongue strictly silent!
Most people are like Themistocles, who never found himself so much contented as when he heard himself praised. I will not say a gracious heart never lifts up itself in pride — but I will say, that grace in the heart never lifts it up. Grace in the heart constantly acts like itself — but a gracious heart does not always do so. Saints should resemble a spire steeple, which is smallest where it is highest ; or those orient stars, which the higher they are seated — the less they are seen. Usually the greatest boasters — are the smallest workers.
The deep rivers pay a larger tribute to the sea than shallow brooks — and yet empty themselves with less noise. What will a hypocrite not do — so he might but see his own signet upon it when it is done! Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to bring up the bottom of his life — to the top of his light.
Spiritual truths also exceed the weakness of human reason — because they are above it, therefore it cannot perceive them. It is better to be a toe in the foot — and that be sound; than to be an eye in the head — and that be blind. Without grace, there may be seeming knowledge — but without grace, there can be no saving knowledge. To know the truth, and not obey it — is unprofitable.
It is not a loiterer in the market-place — but a laborer in the vineyard. A man may be a great scholar — and yet be a great sinner. Judas the traitor — was Judas the preacher! The snake which has a pearl in its head — has poison in its body! The tree of knowledge has often been planted, and flourished — where the tree of life never grew. A man may be acquainted with the grace of truth, and yet not know the truth of grace.
Mere head knowledge will be as unhelpful to the soul, in the judgment day — as a painted fire is unhelpful to the frozen body, in a cold day. As some articles are tanned by the same sun in which others are whitened — so are some professors hardened under the same gospel by which others are softened. Satan may as well put out our eyes — that we should not see the truth; as cut off our feet — that we should not walk in the truth. Mere theoretical knowledge may make the head giddy — but it will never make the heart holy. Who would wait for such a gale, as would drive them farther from the desired haven?
Shall we hold the candle of the gospel in one hand — and the sword of rebellion in the other? How many professors are there, who have light enough to know what should be done — but have not love enough to do what they know! Such people have no advantage from carrying a bright candle in a dark lantern. Give me the Christian who perfectly sees the way he should go — and readily goes the way he sees!
That is barren ground — which brings forth no fruit. Pharnaces, the Prince of Pontus, sent a crown to Caesar, at the time he was in rebellion against him. By the words of our mouth — we may affect to adore religion; but it is by the works of our lives — that we adorn religion. As trees without fruits are unprofitable — so knowledge without good works is abominable!
Leah and Rachel are fit emblems of knowledge and obedience. Knowledge, like Rachel, is beautiful — but obedience, like Leah, is fruitful.
The Consistent Christian, a Handbook for Christian Living
He who dislikes to do what he knows — will one day not know what to do. The lives of many professors are awfully unlike their lights. They have the light of the sun — for wisdom; but lack the heat of a candle — for grace and holiness. I have read of a painter , who being warmly reprehended by a cardinal, for putting too much red in the faces of St. Though there was less grace revealed to the saints of old — yet there was more grace manifested by them. They knew little — and did much; we know much — and do little. Light without heat — does but little good; and heat without light — does much harm.
Give me those Christians who are burning lamps — as well as shining lights. The sun is as vigorous in his moving — as he is illustrious in his shining. I know the light of nature requires grace, to repel the lusts of nature. To speak so much of God, to others — and act so little for God, himself.
Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to prefer the duty he owes to God — to the danger he fears from man! Christians in all ages have prized their services — above their safety. Were believers to shrink back at every contrary wind which blows — they would never make their voyage to Heaven. Grace kept his heart — when he could not keep his gold. Uprightness is so fair a complexion, as not to be subject to any alteration by the scorching beams of persecution. The laurel preserves its verdure amidst the severest blasts of winter. Times of trouble have often been — times of triumph to a believer.
Suffering seasons have generally been sifting seasons — in which the Christian has lost his chaff, and the hypocrite his courage! Dangers have frequently made the worldling leave his duties. The scythe of persecution — cuts down the tender grass of his devotion. Those who always refuse to carry the yoke of Christ upon their necks — will also refuse to carry the cross of Christ upon their backs. Nothing less than the enjoyment of God, who is altogether good — can permanently support us under the suffering of that which is evil. The flesh is an enemy to suffering; because suffering is an enemy to the flesh.
The flesh may make a man an earthly courtier — but it will never make a man a Christian martyr. Wicked men stumble at every straw in the way to Heaven — but they climb over mountains in the way to destruction! Hang heavy weights on rotten boughs — and they will suddenly break. If mere professors take up religion in a fair day — they will eagerly lay it down in a foul one. We will go to sea with You — but on condition we have no storms. We have no objections to enter into the war — but upon the promise that we have no fighting! There are some who would sacrifice a stout heart — to a stubborn will ; and would rather die martyrs for their sins — than servants for the truth.
How shall those stand for Christ — who never stood in Christ? True believers are more studious how to adorn the cross — than how to avoid the cross. They deem it better to be saved in troubled water — than to be drowned in a calm ocean! Temporary professors are like hedge-hogs which have two holes; one to the north and another to the south; when the south wind chaffs them — they turn to the north; and when the north wind chills them — they turn to the south. Thus they lose their activity to preserve their security.
Man is a short-sighted creature; he is afraid to follow too far upon the heels of truth — lest it should lead him into danger. Weak grace may do for God — but it must be strong grace which will die for God. A true Christian will lay down his lusts — at the command of Christ; and his life — for the cause of Christ. The more a tree of righteousness is shaken by the wind — the more it is rooted in the ground.
What, are you a member of Christ — and afraid to be a martyr for Christ? If those are blessed who die in Christ — what must they be who die for Christ! What though the flesh returns to dust — so long as the spirit returns to Heaven? What is the body of man, for a soul to live in — compared with the bosom of Abraham, for a soul to lie in? Righteous Abel, the first martyr in the church militant , was the first saint in the church triumphant. He offered up a sacrifice — when the altar was sprinkled with his own blood.
As his body was the first which ever went into the earth — so his soul was the first which ever went into Heaven! It is better to die a conqueror in religion, than to live a coward in religion. Those who are willing to be combatants for God — shall also be more than conquerors through God. None are so truly courageous — as those who are truly religious. If a Christian lives — he knows by whose might he stands; and if he dies — he knows for whose sake he falls. Where there is no confidence in God — there will be no continuance with God.
When the wind of faith ceases to fill the sails — the ship of obedience ceases to plough the seas! The taunts of Ishmael — shall never make an Isaac disesteem his inheritance. A Christian is as much indebted to his enemies — as to his friends. The malicious crucifixion of Christ — wrought out the glorious exaltation of Christ. The worst that men can do against believers — is the best they can do for believers. The worst they can do against them — is to send them out of the earth; and the best they can do for them — is to send them into Heaven! This is as if you should rob me of my pennies — and load me with diamonds!
Neither the persecuting hand of men, nor the chastising hand of God — relaxed ancient singular saints. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from Your path. Shall we cease to be professors , because others will not cease to be persecutors? By the seed of the serpent — the heel of the woman may be bruised — but by the seed of the woman — the head of the serpent shall be broken! A Christian may enjoy a calm of inward peace — while he sustains the storms of outward trouble. If he enjoys the former — he may expect the latter. If he suffers the latter — he may expect the former.
There is no summer without its winter. If true religion goes against their lusts, formalists will quickly shut up their hearts against it. They will rather tarry out of the land of Canaan — than swim to it through the Red Sea. A man will never sustain trouble for Jesus — until he finds rest in Jesus. Paul, who turned the world upside-down, could not be turned upside-down by the world.
The sharper the medicine is — the sounder the patient is for its operation. The higher the flood swells on earth — the nearer the ark mounts to Heaven. Christians are crucified by the world — that they might be crucified to the world. God makes it their enemy — that He might make them enemies to it. Religion is that phoenix which has always flourished in its own ashes.
While reprobates attack the truth with their sword — martyrs defend it with their blood. The loss of their heads — hastens the reception of their crowns. We would never land in triumph at the haven of rest — if we were not tossed upon the sea of trouble. The iron chains about his feet — ushered in the golden chains about his neck. Temporal losses are only gentle breezes — but eternal losses are insupportable storms.
What comparison is there between the short-lived happiness of the wicked — attended with everlasting misery; and the short-lived misery of the righteous — attended with everlasting happiness? Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is — To seek the public good of others above the private good of himself. When we hide ourselves — it denotes that we are virtuous ; but when we seek ourselves — it denotes that we are covetous.
While they pretended to undertake everything for the good of others ; it has appeared, that they undertook nothing but for the good of themselves. Such suckers at the roots — have drawn away the sap and nourishment from the tree. They have set kingdoms on fire — that they might roast their own venison at the flames.
These drones stealing into the hive — have fed upon the honey; while the laboring bees have been famished! Too many resemble ravenous birds, which at first seem to bewail the dying sheep — but at last, are found picking out their eyes! Whoever is a seeker of himself — is not found of God. Though he may find himself in this life — he will lose himself in eternity. A selfish man will not sow his seed — unless he reap the whole harvest!
Nor will he plant the vines — unless he presses all the grapes into his own vessel. The wheel of his diligence will not move — unless the oil of profit is in it. A drop of water will soon be dried up if alone — but, in the ocean , it will retain its moisture. A single beam of light is suddenly obscured — but in the body of the sun, it retains its splendor.
Too many, in all ages, have turned a common weal — into a common woe. Many noble birds have been deplumed — that their wings might be richly feathered. When any springs have been opened — they have laid pipes to convey the water into their own cisterns. Naturally, every man is his own Alpha and his own Omega.
He has his beginning from himself — and his ending in himself. That was a morose speech of Cain to the Almighty: They have riveted themselves to their possessions by the bones of their murdered brethren; and paved causeways to honor with the skulls of honest men. Self-seeking has been so long pulling the ropes, that it has rung the death-bell of many nations.
It is sad to see the house in flames, while the chamber is being furnished; the ship sinking, while the cabin is filling; or the tree falling, while the nest is a building. But better fruit cannot grow upon the trees of cruelty , than wantonness and oppression. God will compel them to drink the dregs of that cup, which they have so unjustly mingled for others.
Queen Esther was a singular saint; for she preferred the public to her private good. This Israelitess was not more lovely in appearance , than benevolent in her disposition. When Theodosius lay on his dying pillow, he was more studious how to do his kingdom good — than how to sustain his torturing pains; as appears by his counsel to his sons, to whom he left it. Though the eagle is the queen of birds — yet she was not offered up in sacrifice, because she lived upon the spoil of others.
Grace teaches a Christian not only to act like a man to God — but also like a God to man. And yet He died our death — that we might live His life ; and suffered our Hell — to bring us to His Heaven. He lay in the feeble arms of His mother — that we might lie in the tender bosom of His Father. His love began in His eternal purposes of grace — and ends in our eternal possession of glory. Why was the Bread of Life hungry — but to feed the hungry with the bread of life! Why was Rest itself weary — but to give the weary rest!
Why did He hang upon the cross on Mount Calvary — but that we might sit upon the throne on Mount Zion! His glorious face was covered with spittle — that our disfigured faces might be enameled with glory! Christ is not only the vessel in which the waters of life are contained — but He is also the pipes through which they are conveyed.
If the mountains overflow with moisture — the valleys are the richer; but if the head is full of disease, the whole body is the worse. Happy are those people, whom God will use as brooms, to sweep out the dust from His temple; or who shall tug at an oar, in the boat where Christ and His church are embarked. David was a king who ruled in righteousness, and studied not so much to make himself great — as to make his people happy.
For David, after he had served his own generation , by the will of God, fell asleep. His royal services were not swallowed up in the narrow gulf of SELF. He did not draw all his lines — to the ignoble center of his own ends. Such birds are bad in the nest — but worse when they fly abroad. He served his own generation, not the preceding ; for that was dead before he was alive; nor the following , for he was dead before that was alive. Every gracious person is benevolent — but not every benevolent person is gracious.
An iron key may open a golden treasury; and lead pipes convey pleasant waters. Though earthly blessings may be communicated to a spiritual man — yet spiritual blessings will not be communicated to a carnal man. While meteors keep above in the skies, they yield a pleasing luster — but when they decline , and fall to the earth, they come to nothing. Though the name of the author of Psalm is not recorded; yet his generous disposition should ever be admired.
His heart was broken before his neck. Augustus Caesar possessed such an entire attachment to his country, that he called it his own daughter , and refused to be called its master ; because he ruled it, not by fear — but by love. A self-seeker lives unrespected — and dies unlamented. When once a man becomes a god to himself, he then becomes a devil to others! Such a one cares not who sinks — so long as he arrives safe at shore. Those execrable wretches, whose conduct is recorded in the book of Acts , cared not whether a whole city lost their souls — so that a few shrine-makers might but preserve their gain.
It is reported of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, who being told, that if her son ever came to be an Emperor — he would be her murderer! Such was the public spirit of Moses , that when the Lord proposed to him to destroy Israel, and to make a great nation of him — he became intercessor for them; yes, even when they were ready to stone him! His affections as a ruler — were stronger than his affections as a father. Thus Joshua , his honorable successor, so far imitated him, that he first divided Canaan into several allotments and portions for the tribes of Israel, before he made any provision for his own family.
Give me such carvers as lay not all the meat upon their own dishes! Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to have the most beautiful lives — among the vilest people. As an ungodly man poisons the air in which he breathes; so he pollutes the age in which he lives.
The putrid grape corrupts the sound cluster. Pious Joseph , by living in the court of Pharaoh, had learned to swear by the life of Pharaoh. Fresh waters lose their sweetness — by gliding into the salt sea. Those who sail among the rocks — are in danger of splitting their ships. When vice runs in a single stream, it is then a fordable shallow — but when many of these meet together, they then swell into a deeper channel.
The Lord has appointed from the beginning, that enmity shall exist between the righteous seed of the woman — and the unrighteous seed of the serpent. There can be no harmony — where the musicians will have a jar. By his enmity — he is most hateful ; but by his society — he is most hurtful. A pious man in the company of wicked men — is like a green branch among dry and burning brands; they can sooner kindle him — than he can quench them. As sheep among the thorns injure their fleeces; so saints among sinners do an injury to their graces. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.
- The Smelly Sprout.
- .
- Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace.
- .
- !
- Hiking, Cycling, and Canoeing in Maryland: A Family Guide;
- Karundas Children: The Witch5s of Dillard Hollow.
The godly are more frequently corrupted by the evil deportment of the worldling — than the worldling is refined by the chaste life of the godly. The impious lives of the wicked, are as contagious as the most fearful plague which infects the air. When the pure doves of Christ lie among such filthy pots — their white feathers are sullied. You may observe, that if you mix an equal portion of sour vinegar and sweet wine together; you will find that the vinegar will sooner sour the wine, than the wine sweeten the vinegar. That is a sound body which continues healthful in a pest house.
It is a far greater wonder to see a saint maintain his purity among sinners , than it is to behold a sinner becoming pure among saints. Christians are not always like fish — which retain their freshness in the salt sea; or like the rose — which preserves its sweetness among the most foul weeds; or like the fire — which burns the hottest when the season is coldest.
If we cannot help them — it is their unholiness ; if they hurt us — it is our unhappiness. Every Christian is a light in the world — though he is not the light of the world. Men may defile themselves in the light — but they cannot defile the light itself. The sun shines throughout an impure world, and yet knows no impurity. Ah, how many resemble swine in the fairest meadow; which would break every bound to find the mire!
They remind me of impious Judas, who, instead of being a disciple among devils — was a devil among disciples. Poor man, he was all precept — and no example. He could attempt to reprove one, who was innocence itself; and encourage one, who was sin itself. Pious company brings fire to our graces, to kindle them when they are freezing — but impious company brings water to quench them, when they are flaming.
Had he been like them — they would not have disliked him. Had not God given him spiritual life — they would never have put him to an ignominious death. How will the fire consume dry fuel , when it prevailed to such a degree over the green. That jewel must be glorious in the sun — which glitters in the shade.
There are many men that can match with any men; they can be professors among those that are professors, and scorners among those that are scorners. These are good in conjunction with those that are good — but evil in conjunction with those that are evil. Every man loves to be a man that is beloved — and is apt to take pleasure in them who do take pleasure in him; but take heed of ceasing to be good Christians , that others may think you good companions. It is hard to be conformed to the world in the outward man — and transformed to God in the inward man; to be an outward heathen — and an inward Christian.
There is no trusting the tamest natures; let but the lions out of their fetters — and they will soon show you their bloody natures! How dare you be found lodging — in that house where God Himself is not found dwelling. There is no sleeping with dogs — without swarming with fleas. It is a royal diadem that Christ sets on the head of His spouse. How rare a spectacle is it to see a believer keep his purity — in the midst of vanity ; to be like Noah — a new man in an old world.
It is ill breathing — in an infectious air. A man may pass through Ethiopia and yet be unchanged — but if he remains there, he will be discolored. Church history says of Valens, the Emperor, that by marrying an Arian lady, he was himself ensnared in that wicked opinion. Where the Catholic Church is fallen away from God — there let us fall away from them. Where such worms breed in the body of a nation — they will be sure to eat out the vitals of true religion.
Not to take away such traitors — is to make a nest wherein to hatch their treasons. Another singular action of a consistent Christian — is to choose the worst of sorrows — before he will commit the least of sins. The wicked entirely reverse this — for they prefer the greatest sin — to the least sufferings!
This is to leap out of the hot pan — into the consuming fire! By seeking to shun an external calamity — they rush into eternal misery! This is as if a man should lose his head — to preserve his hat! Or, as if the mariner should sink the vessel — to avoid the rising storm. Above every evil, we should consider sin as the greatest evil. Sin is the only target — at which all the arrows of divine vengeance are shot! Sinners are those spiders which weave their own webs — and are afterwards entangled in them.
Our own destruction — is but the fruit of our own transgression. Sin has every evil united to it. Sin is the fountain and origin of all evils. He began to be sorrowful — when he began to be sinful. When the soul shall be fully released from the guilt of iniquity — the body shall be wholly delivered from the burden of infirmity. Sorrow shall never be a visitant — where sin is not an inhabitant.