JEWELS from JAMES

(Choice devotional selections from
the works of John Angell James)

 

God's hatred of sin

The death of Christ, apprehended by faith, presents
the strongest motives to holiness—by setting forth
in the most vivid and striking manner . . .
  the holiness and justice of God;
  His determination to punish transgression;
  the immutable authority of the Divine law;
  the evil nature of sin; and
  the fearfulness of falling into the hands of the living God.

Not all the judgments God ever inflicted—nor all the
threatenings he ever denounced, give such an
impressive warning against sin, and admonition
to righteousness—as the death of Christ.

The torments of the bottomless pit are not so
dreadful a demonstration of God's hatred of sin,
as the agonies of the cross!



 

Justification

"Therefore, since we have been justified through
 faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
 Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

Justification is the opposite to condemnation.

Justification is act of God's boundless mercy in
forgiving all the transgressions of the penitent
believer, for the sake of atoning sacrifice of His
beloved Son; and restoring the once guilty
transgressor to the favor of God, and the
hope of eternal life.

The ground on which justification proceeds, is the
death of Christ as an atoning sacrifice for sin.

The the source from which justification flows,
is the mercy of God.

The instrumental cause or means of justification,
is faith in Christ.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done
—but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5



 

Of little use

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by works,
 is dead." James 2:17

True religion begins in right believing and goes on to
right doing; and right believing must, through the
whole of the Christian life, be the guide of right doing.

Faith is the root, out of which grows the whole tree
of our godliness—its trunk, its branches, its leaves,
and its fruit. It is faith which, striking its fibers into
the Word of God as its proper soil, draws up the
moisture which nourishes it, and which has first
come down from heaven. It is only as we understand
this, that we can begin or continue in a course of
true, practical, and experimental religion.

To merely understand the grand truths of Scripture,
is of little use—unless they produce . . .
  repentance,
  faith,
  love, and
  holiness.

That is not right faith which does not lead to practice; and
that is not a right practice which does not spring from faith.


 

A robust and healthful piety

There is such a thing as the spiritual life. A religious profession
is nothing apart from it. Without life, however correct may be its
outward form and expression, it is but a picture or a statue. It
may be a beautiful one, but it is dead! Faith is the expression
of spiritual life, or rather it is the principle of life itself which
develops in all other expressions of it. The spiritual life is subject
to all the varieties which mark the course of our physical vitality;
and hence the reality of what is called 'experimental religion' or
'religious experience'. There is perhaps no subject less
understood, or more abused, than this.

Man is a being possessed of the various faculties of intellect, will,
passions, and conscience. True religion is designed to influence
all these, for it takes the whole soul under its guidance, influence,
and impulsion. A robust and healthful piety gives . . .
  light to the intellect,
  determination to the will,
  emotion to the heart,
  tenderness to the conscience, and
  purity to the imagination.

True piety brings out the effect of this joint operation of the
soul in all the beauties of a holy life. It falls from heaven
upon the whole soul like the solar ray upon the prism, which
divides and distributes the distinct and separate colors over
the whole glassy substance. But men are apt to distort this
beautiful consummation, and represent religion too much as
consisting only, or in the predominance, of one color.

In true godliness, there must be some great truths received
in the exercise of intelligent faith upon the mind. These must
be felt in their influences upon the affections, and carried
out in practical and visible operation in the life. It is the glory
of Christianity that it addresses itself to all our faculties; it
meets us in all our changeful circumstances; and is adapted
to all our conditions of existence.



 

Preach louder than a thousand voices

There is nothing now so much needed by and for Christianity,
as an earnest exhibition, demonstration and manifestation of
Christ's own teachings in His Sermon upon the Mount, founded
on the apostle's doctrine of justification by faith. This, exhibited
by the church in the sight of all the world, would . . .
  preach louder than a thousand voices;
  be more eloquent than ten thousand volumes;
  carry a deeper conviction than the most conclusive logic;
  do more to recommend true Christian doctrine than the
    most powerful and attractive rhetoric.



 

The unbroken peace of our churches

What we need to preserve the unbroken peace of
our churches, is a more distinct recognition and a
more powerful influence of the principles of the gospel;
more humility, more spirituality, more zeal for the
divine glory.

We often carry into the sanctuary, and into the church,
our pride, our self-will, our personal taste. That spirit
of mutual submission, brotherly love, and surrender of
our own gratification to the good of others which the
Word of God enjoins, would keep the church always
happy and harmonious. But instead of seeking the
good of the whole, the feeling of too many of our
members may be thus summarily expressed, "I will
have my way!" Such a spirit is a source of all the evils
to which our churches are ever exposed, and of which
it must be confessed they are but too frequently the
miserable victims.


 

Cherishing a viper in its bosom!

To allow sin to be committed, without being noticed and
removed, is displeasing in the sight of God. Nothing can
be conceived of, more likely to grieve the Holy Spirit, or
to induce Him to withdraw his gracious influence from a
church, than a neglect of scriptural discipline. When
the church neglects to discipline its sinning members . . .
  backsliders are encouraged to go farther astray;
  hypocrites are patronized in their self-delusion;
  the ruin of men's souls abetted;
  the church is corrupted; and
  the honor of Christianity is compromised.

When a church neglects Scriptural discipline,
it is cherishing a viper in its bosom!



 

He has some secret source of happiness

It is highly incumbent upon Christians, to take care
against a worldly spirit. They are in extreme peril
of losing the power of godliness from their hearts, and
joining the number of those, of whom it is said, in the
expressive language of Paul, that "they mind earthly
things!"

Such earthlings look upon the possession of wealth as "the
one thing needful." Wealth is their chief object of pursuit,
the chief source of happiness. Nothing modifies or mitigates
their desire for riches. They are of the earth, earthly!

Now certainly a Christian is, or ought to be, of another spirit
than this! He should be industrious, frugal, and persevering
in his attention to the concerns of this world. But still there
should be in his mind, an ultimate and supreme regard for
the possession of everlasting life. He ought not to be slothful
in business; but then he must be fervent in spirit, serving the
Lord. He should be seen to unite the 'diligent worker' and
'sincere Christian'—and to be busy for both worlds.

The men of this world should be constrained to say of him,
"This man is as attentive to business, and as diligent in it
as we are; but we can perceive in all he does, an inflexible
regard to morality, and an invariable reference to piety. We
can discover no lack of diligence or prudence; but it is perfectly
evident, that his heart and highest hope are in heaven. He is
neither so elated in prosperity, nor so depressed in adversity,
as we are. He has some secret source of happiness, of which
we are not possessed! His eye is upon some driving force,
which we do not recognize."

What a testimony!

Who can obtain a higher one?

Who should seek less?




No prevalence of 'custom' can make that
right, which in itself is wrong. The standard
of a Christian is the Bible; and whatever is
opposed to that, he must avoid and abhor.




Young Christians should be very watchful against
the sins to which the ardor and inexperience of
their years may expose them. They should flee
youthful lusts, and be very cautious to abstain
from vanity and self-conceit.



That Cain-like spirit!

"Am I my brother's keeper?" Genesis 4:9

This was an inquiry suitable enough in the lips of a
murderer—but most unsuitable and inconsistent from
a Christian. Love should induce us to WATCH over one
another. We are brought into fellowship for the very
purpose of being keepers of each other. We are to
watch over our brethren—and admonish and reprove
them as circumstances may require.

I do not mean that we should pry into each other's
secrets, or be busy-bodies in other men's matters—for
that is forbidden by God and abominable in the sight
of man. Much less are they to assume authority over
each other, and act the part of proud and tyrannical
inquisitors. But still we are to "exhort one another
daily, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness
of sin." We are not to allow sin to be committed, or
duty to be omitted by a brother, without affectionately
admonishing him. What can be more incumbent, more
obligatory, than this? Can we indeed love anyone, and
at the same time see him do that which we know will
injure him—without entreating him to desist? "Brethren,
if any man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual
restore such a one in the spirit of meekness."

Let us then take heed against that Cain-like spirit
which is too prevalent in our churches, and which leads
many to act as if their fellow-members were no more
to them than the stranger at the ends of the earth.

I know no duty more neglected than this. It is one
of the most prevailing defects of Christians. Many a
backslider would have been prevented from going far
astray, if, in the very first stages of his declension,
some brother, who had observed his critical state, had
faithfully and affectionately admonished and warned
him. What shame, and anguish, and disgrace, would
the offender himself have been spared, and what
dishonor and scandal would have been averted
from the church—by this one act of faithful love!

I am aware it is a difficult and self-denying duty, but
that cannot excuse its neglect. Neglect of it violates
the law of Christ. Love will enable us to perform it.


 

The cardinal virtue

"So now I am giving you a new commandment:
 Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you
 should love each other. By this all men will
 know that you are My disciples, if you love
 one another." John 13:34-35

Love is enforced by our Lord as the identifying law
of His kingdom. By this we learn that the subjects
of Christ are to be known and distinguished among
men—by their mutual affection.

The dispensation of Jesus Christ is a system of most
wonderful, most mysterious grace! It is the manifestation,
commendation, and perfection of divine love. It originated
in the love of the Father, and is accomplished by the love
of the Son. Jesus was an 'incarnation of love' in our world.
He was love living, breathing, speaking, acting, among
men!

His birth was the nativity of love!

His teachings were the words of love!

His miracles were the wonders of love!

His tears were the meltings of love!

His crucifixion was the agonies of love!

His resurrection was the triumph of love!

Hence it was natural, that love should be the
cardinal virtue in the character of His people,
and that it should be the law which regulates
their conduct towards each other.

Jesus has made His love to us, not only the
motive of our love to each other—but the
pattern of our love to each other. "My command
is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

We bound to love one another, in spite of all
those little infirmities of character and conduct
which we daily discover in our fellow Christians.



 

Let your light shine!

"Let your light shine before men, that they may
 see your good deeds and praise your Father in
 heaven." Matthew 5:16

In order to comply with this, we must . . .
  act consistently with our profession;
  excel in the observance of social duties;
  abound in mercy;
  be most exact in performing all our promises;
  live in a most peaceable and neighborly manner;
  perform every office of kindness which can please or benefit;
  and set an example of industry, honesty, and generosity.



 

Frigid zone, or torrid zone?

The fact is, that some people's religion is of that
weak, unhealthy kind.

Those who have only 'head knowledge'—dwell in
the frigid zone of Christianity; and those who
have only 'feeling'—occupy the torrid zone. The
former are frozen amid mere cold and heartless
speculation; the latter are scorched amid wild
fanaticism.

How much more real enjoyment of the truth is
possessed by him who clearly and comprehensively
understands it! Every Christian should endeavor to
unite the knowledge of a good theologian with
the experience of a real believer. In order to
accomplish this, we should set apart time not
only for reading—but studying the Scriptures.



 

The most hopeless of all human undertakings

"Now the natural man doesn't receive the things of God's
 Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can't know
 them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14

The hearts of men are fully set to do evil. We find
them taken up, occupied, influenced, and governed,
by the palpable and visible things of the present life.

And our business as Christians, is to engage them in
constant resistance to the undue influence of seen
and temporal things, by a vigorous faith in the things
that are unseen and eternal. Our aim and labor are,
by the power of the unseen world to come, to deliver
them from the spell of the present state, with whose
pageantry they are enamored, and under whose
fascination they are well pleased to continue. And
all the while they are so occupied by the pursuits of
business, so engrossed by the cares, comforts, and
trials of life; and are in such breathless haste to
pursue, such distracting bustle to possess, and
such ardent hope to enjoy—the various objects
of their earthly desires, that when we call their
attention to serious godliness, as the one thing
needful, we are deemed intrusive, audacious,
and troublesome.

Even when we have succeeded in gaining a hearing
and arresting attention, we have to contend not only
with an indisposition to receive the truth—but a
determined hostility against it.

To those who are naturally disposed to think well
of themselves—we have to produce a sense of utter
worthlessness and depravity!

To those who will only admit only a few imperfections
and infirmities—we have to displace their feeling of
self-esteem, by one of self-condemnation and
self-abhorrence!

To these carnal minds and hearts, we offer salvation
upon terms which leave not the smallest room for
self-congratulation, or the operation of pride.

Indeed to carry such a message as frequently excites
disgust, calls forth the bitterest enmity of the human
heart, and arouses all its self-love in determined
hostility!

The salvation exhibited in the gospel is not only
opposed to the pride of sinful man, but also to
the evil passions of fallen man. It requires the
excision of sins dear as our right hand, the
surrender of objects which have enamored our
whole soul, the breaking up of habits which
have grown and strengthened with age.

Who can pluck the worldling from the whirlpool of
earthly-mindedness, which sucks down so many?
Who can rescue our hearers from the ruinous
fascinations of Mammon? Who can make inroads
upon the money-loving, money-grasping spirit of
this ungodly age?

To carry on the ministry of the gospel in this revolted
world, with the intention and desire of recovering its
carnal inhabitants from sin and Satan—must appear to
every reflecting mind the most hopeless of all human
undertakings—apart from the aid of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit alone, can induce us to continue in
the ministry another hour. Without His agency, we
would retire in utter despair!


 

Eternal, immutable truth!

The God of truth Himself has placed the Bible on
the seat of majesty in the temple of truth, and has
called upon all systems of philosophy to fall down
and do it homage.

This is our subject—eternal, immutable truth!

Truth given pure from its Divine Source, and bearing
with it the evidence and impress of its own Omniscient
Author. O what, compared with the truths of Scripture,
are the loftiest and noblest of the sciences?

Chemistry, with its beautiful combinations and affinities;
or astronomy, with its astounding numbers, magnitudes,
distances, and revolutions, of worlds; or geology, with its
marvelous and incalculable dates of bygone ages? What is
matter, inert or organized, however diversified, classified,
or combined with its laws of necessity, compared with minds
and souls, and the laws of moral truth by which their actions
are regulated? What is nature, compared with the God of
nature? What are the heavens and the earth, compared with
the 'marvelous mind' which looks out upon them through
the organ of vision, as from a window commanding the
grand and boundless prospect? What is the fleeting term
of man's existence upon earth, with its little cycles of
care, sorrow, and labor, compared with the eternal ages
through which the soul holds on her course of deathless
existence? The works of creation are a dim and twilight
manifestation of God's nature, compared with the grandeur
and more perfect medium of redemption.


 

Our teaching

"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we
 persuade men." 2 Corinthians 5:11

Though a careful analysis of the text should form
the basis of almost all our sermons, there must be
something more than mere exegesis, however clear,
correct, and instructive.

We have to do not only with a dark intellect that
needs to be informed—but with a hard heart that
needs to be impressed, and a torpid conscience
that needs to be awakened! We have to make our
hearers feel that in the great business of godliness,
there is much to be done—as well as much to be
known. We must impart knowledge, for light is as
essential to the growth of piety in the spiritual world,
as it is to the growth of vegetation in the natural one.
The analogy holds good in another point, we must not
only let in light—but add great and vigorous labor to
carry on the culture. We must therefore rise from
exegesis into—exhortation, warning, and admonition.

The apostle's manner is the right one, "Whom we
preach, warning every man and teaching every man
in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect
in Christ Jesus." We must not only direct—but impel
our hearers.

They all know far more than they practice of the Bible;
the head is generally far in advance of the heart; and
our great business is to persuade, to entreat, to beseech.

We have to deal with a dead, heavy, lethargic mind!
Yes more, we have to overcome a stout resistance,
and to move a reluctant heart! When we find every
sinner we address, acting in opposition to the dictates
of his judgment, and the warnings of his conscience,
as well as to the testimony of Scripture; sacrificing the
interests of his immortal soul to the vanities of the
world, and the corruptions of his heart; madly bent
upon his ruin, and rushing to the precipice from which
he will take a fatal leap into perdition; can we, in that
case, be satisfied with merely explaining, however
clearly, and demonstrating, however conclusively,
the truths of Scripture? "We implore you on Christ's
behalf—Be reconciled to God."

Our teaching should . . .
  be perspicuous and impressive,
  command the attention,
  instruct the judgment,
  engage the affections, and
  awaken the conscience.



 

The Christian minister

The Christian minister is the spiritual shepherd of
the flock. He has to increase not their knowledge
only—but also their holiness, love, and spirituality.
He has to aid them in performing all the branches
of duty, and in cultivating all the graces of
sanctification.

A lack of powerful, eloquent, yet simple and
sincere exhortation—is among the greatest
deficiencies of the modern pulpit.



 

The mainspring of all our power in the pulpit

We are weak in the pulpit, because we are weak in
the closet. An earnest pastor will discipline his heart
—for there, within, is the spring of energy, the seat
of impulse, and the source of power. If the heart
beats feebly, the whole circulation must be sluggish,
and the frame inert. So it is with us ministers—our
own personal godliness is the mainspring of all our
power in the pulpit. We are feeble as preachers,
because we are feeble as Christians. Whatever
other deficiencies we have, the chief of them all
lies in our hearts. We have too much forgotten
that the fount of eloquence is in the heart; and
that it is feeling which gives to words and
thoughts their power.

Lukewarmness can excite no ardor, originate no
activity, produce no effect—it benumbs whatever
it touches. If we enquire what were the sources
of the energy, and the springs of the activity, of
the most successful ministers of Christ, we shall
find that they lay in the ardor of their devotion.
They were men of prayer and of faith. They dwelt
upon the mount of communion with God, and came
down from it like Moses to the people, radiant with
the glory on which they had themselves been
intently gazing. They stationed themselves where
they could look at unseen and eternal things, and
came with the stupendous visions fresh in their
view, and preached under the impression of what
they had just seen and heard. They drew their
thoughts and made their sermons from their
minds and from their books—but they breathed
life and power into them from their hearts, and
in their closets!

Trace Whitfield in his career, and you will see how
beaten was the road between his pulpit and his closet
—the grass was not allowed to grow in that path. This
was in great part the secret of his power. He was mighty
in public, because in his retirement he had clothed
himself, so to speak, with Omnipotence. He reflected
the luster he had caught in the Divine presence; and
its attraction was irresistible.

If then we would see a revival of the power of the
pulpit, we must first of all see a revival in the piety
of those who occupy it!


 

What is meant by an earnest ministry?

In the first place then, earnestness implies the selection of some ONE object of special pursuit, and a vivid perception of its value and importance. It is next to impossible for the mind to be intently employed, or the heart to be very deeply engaged, on a multiplicity of objects at once. We have not energy enough to be so divided and distributed. Our feelings to run with force must flow pretty much in one channel—our attention must be concentrated, our purpose settled, our energy exerted—upon one thing, or we can do nothing effectually. The earnest man is a man of one idea, and that one idea occupies, possesses, and fills his soul. To every other claimant upon his time, and interest, and labor, he says, "Stand aside! I am engaged, I cannot attend to you; something else is waiting for me." To that one thing he is committed.

There may be many subordinate matters among which he divides any surplus water—but the current flows through one channel, and turns one great wheel. This "one thing I do," is his plan and resolution. Many wonder at his choice, many condemn it—no matter, he understands it, approves it, and pursues it, notwithstanding the ignorance which cannot comprehend it, and the diversity of taste which cannot admire it. He is no double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, whose preference and purpose are shaken by every cross gale of opinion. It is nothing to him what others do, or what they say as to what he does—he must do that, whatever else he leaves undone. No one can be in earnest who has not thus made up his mind; and he who has, and is resolutely bent upon an object, keeps it constantly before his mind. His attention is so strongly and tenaciously fixed upon it, that even at the greatest distance, "like the Egyptian pyramids to travelers, it appears to him with a luminous distinctness, as if it were near, and beguiles the toilsome length of labor and enterprise by which he must reach it." It is so conspicuous before him that he does not deviate a step from the right direction, he ever hears a voice calling him onward, and every movement and every day brings him nearer to the end of his journey. Break in upon him at any moment, you know where you will find him, and how he will be employed.

This is the first part of the description of an earnest minister—he too has selected his object, and made up his mind concerning it, and insulating it from all others, sets it clearly and distinctly before his mind.

Earnestness implies that the subject has not only been selected—but that it has taken full possession of the mind, and has kindled towards it an intense desire of the heart. It is something more than a correct theory and logical deductions; more than mere exercise of the intellect, and the play of the imagination. Earnestness means that the understanding having selected and appreciated its object, has pressed all the faculties of both mind and body to join in the pursuit of it. It urges the soul onward in its career of action at such a speed that it is set on fire by the velocity of its own motion. The object of an earnest man is never for any long period of time absent from his thoughts. He meditates on it by day, and dreams of it by night—it meets him in his solitary walks as some bright vision which he loves to contemplate, and it comes over him in company with such power that he cannot avoid making it the topic of his conversation, until he appears in the eyes of those who have no sympathy with him, as an enthusiast.

His ministry is sought with the obligation of a principle, and the ardor of a passion. It is impressed upon his whole character, and is inseparable from his conduct.



 

The great difficulty

The great difficulty in the Christian ministry, is that we
have to deal with those who are unwilling to be saved, and
to persuade the sinful, proud, and stubborn hearts of men,
to surrender to holiness and grace. The faithful pastor carries
the offer of infinite and ineffable blessedness, but it is to men
who have no taste for that species of felicity. His would be an
easy office, did he find men everywhere predisposed to close
with the proposals of infinite benevolence. But wherever he
goes he meets with hearts not only indifferent, but hostile,
to his message. The parable which represents the excuses
made for not coming to the marriage feast, is still applicable
to  men in reference to the invitations of the gospel—men
are as they ever were, too busy, or too well satisfied with
their enjoyments and possessions, to care about salvation.
They are madly set upon the objects of the present world.

They are asleep, and need to be roused.
They are careless, and need to be interested.
They are indolent, and need to be stimulated.
And it is with the greatest difficulty we can engage
their attention to the invisible realities of eternity.

No one who leaves out of view the desperate
wickedness of the human heart, can form a true
estimate of the nature, design, and difficulties
of the pastoral office. And the reason why there
is so little of hard labor, and intense earnestness,
and beseeching entreaty, in the ministers of the
gospel, is, that there is the lack of a deep conviction,
or proper consideration, of the resistance to their
endeavors in the sinner's heart, which is perpetually
meeting them.




Time is ever rolling on, and carrying us upon
its rapid and resistless torrent towards eternity.


 

This heavenly light of truth

"All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful
 for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
 in righteousness, so that the man of God may
 be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
    2 Timothy 3:16-17

The word of God is the sword of the Spirit
by which He slays our corruptions, and the
fire by which He purifies our souls.

The doctrines of Scripture are facts, which involve
corresponding emotions and principles of action,
and must, from their very nature, if believed, be
operative upon the heart and the life.

If the doctrines of Scripture . . .
  exert no influence,
  carry with them no practical weight,
  exert no moral power,
they are not truly believed.

The doctrines of Scripture are at once . . .
  the source of consolation, and
  the means of sanctification.

The doctrines of Scripture . . .
  come into the mind as knowledge,
  produce peace and love in the heart,
  spread the beauties of holiness over
the character and conduct.

The doctrines of Scripture are light; and like the
rays of the sun, they sustain life at the root of
the vine, and produce fruit on its branches.

This heavenly light of truth gives . . .
  spiritual vitality to the soul,
  and holy conduct to the life.

"The Word of God is living and active!
 Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
 penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,
 joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts
 and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
 

 

Your adversary!

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary
 the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking
 whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8, 9

What a description of your adversary! One who . . .
  for power is a "lion,"
  for cruelty and rage, a "roaring lion,"
  for activity, "walking about,"
  for diligence, "seeking" out his prey,
  for destructive purposes, "seeking whom he may devour."

Satan's power, though limited and restrained, is very
great. His trickery is equal to his power. His malignity
is not inferior to either. The very idea that this cunning
foe that may be near us at any moment, unseen, and
therefore unnoticed, and may be preparing some new
kind of attack, is indeed sufficient to alarm us, and to
put us upon the best means of averting the danger.

"Be vigilant!" Watchfulness is an essential duty of the
Christian life—none is more necessary—none is more
frequently or more solemnly enjoined. Who that is
asleep can defend himself against a lion? How cautiously,
would we walk, if we were in a country where wild beasts
are common, and saw the footprints, and actually heard
the roar of a lion! Such is our situation! See to it, then,
that you do walk vigilantly—looking all round, watching
every object, lest it conceal the enemy! Be vigilant over . . .
  your trials,
  your comforts,
  your occupations,
  your tastes,
  your pleasures,
  your thoughts,
  your desires,
  your besetting sins,
and especially, watch your hearts with all diligence!

An unwatchful Christian is sure to be an unsuccessful one.



 

One of Satan's masterpieces

"This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the Devil,
 or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown
 down to the earth with all his angels." Revelation 12:9

It is one of Satan's masterpieces to induce men to take
some one truth of Scripture, and to magnify its importance
beyond all due bounds, and to exalt it not only above all
other truths—but to the utter exclusion of them, thus
founding error upon truth, and heresies upon the sacred
Scriptures.

"He was a murderer from the beginning and has always
 hated the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies,
 it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and
 the father of lies." John 8:44



 

Gratified by genius, eloquence, and oratory?

"Take heed therefore how you hear!" Luke 8:18

Let us never forget that to have our souls profited,
that is, to be spiritually improved in knowledge, faith,
holiness, joy, and love—is the proper end of hearing
sermons—and not merely to have our taste gratified
by genius, eloquence, and oratory.

A right end and object in hearing the Word of God
is necessary, for our souls to be in a healthful state.

We live in an age when talent is idolized, and genius
adored. With too many it is not the truth of God that
is thought of, valued, and delighted in—but the talent
of man with which it is set forth.



 

To constitute a man a Christian

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
 Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5

Jesus Christ is the only Teacher who ever made
a 'similarity of disposition to Himself'—a test and
badge of discipleship. He is not only the teacher,
but the pattern of His own religion. His example
is an essential part of His system.

To constitute a man a Christian, he must not only
receive the doctrines of our Lord—but must imbibe
His very spirit. He must not only believe all He
taught—but he must live as He lived, think as He
thought, and feel as He felt. Christ's mind must
be in his mind, as far as he can contain it, and
Christ's heart must be in his heart.

To be a Christian, it is not only necessary we should
  adopt Christ's doctrines,
  comply with His ordinances,
  observe His sacraments,
  associate with His church,
  espouse His cause,
  conform outwardly to His conduct;
but we must have His very mind in us! The prevailing
spirit and disposition of His mind, must be ours also.
Unless the eye of man sees the image of Christ upon
our character, and the eye of God sees the mind of
Christ in our soul, we are not acknowledged as
true Christians.

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
 Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5

And what was the mind of Christ?

How holy was his mind! Not the shadow of sin, nor
the least taint of moral evil ever passed over it, to
becloud or pollute its immaculate purity. His mind
was the seat of the most ineffable benevolence.

His heart was the very temple of love—nothing
malevolent, vindictive, or cruel, ever found a
place there.

All His actions, words, and feelings were the
workings of incomparable love.

His humility was equal to His purity and benevolence.

Where and in whom, is to be seen the union of
holiness, benevolence, and condescension, which
formed the character of the Savior?

Is His holiness to be found in those professors who,
though they are free from external vice and immorality
—allow the corruptions of their heart to go unmortified;
and who indulge, instead of crucifying—the passions
and lusts of the flesh?

Is His benevolence to be found in those who are so
fond of the world, so grasping, and so hoarding, that
little or nothing can be extorted from their reluctant
hands for the salvation of sinners, and the glory of God?

And then where is His humility to be seen in His followers?
Is it to be found in those who will have their rights, and
all their rights, at whatever cost of principle or peace; who
will not tolerate the least offense, without all the boilings
of wounded pride, and mortified vanity?

Oh, is this the mind that was in Christ?

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in
 Christ Jesus." Philip. 2:5



 

The most difficult lesson

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
 humility consider others better than yourselves." Phil. 2:3

The design of this passage is to enforce the injunctions to
repress all selfish considerations of our own rights, interests,
and dignity—and in the exercise of a kind and condescending
regard to the welfare of others—to forego for their advantage
what we might claim for our own.

The disposition which the apostle enjoins is that particular
species of Christian virtue which which consists of a meek
humility, and benevolent condescension for the sake of
promoting the comfort and interests of our fellow Christians.
And because this is the most difficult lesson for our proud
and selfish hearts to learn in the school of Christ, he
enforces it by the power of the most cogent and splendid
example which the universe contains—that of our Lord
Jesus—in His striking condescension, and profound humility.



 

The most sublime doctrines

The seat of all true religion is in the soul. The
soul forms the character and guides the conduct
by the power of an inward principle of spiritual life.

There is an intimate connection between Christian
truth and Christian practice. The truth is employed
by the sacred writers to enforce Christian practice.

The most sublime doctrines of our holy Christian
religion, are all practical in their design and
tendency. They are not mere theory or academics,
but are "the truth which is according to godliness."



 

The religion which God demands

Never forget, my dear friends, that the religion which
God demands of you, and delights in and will accept,
is a religion of the heart—a religion of . . .
  penitence and faith in Christ,
  love to God,
  hope of heaven,
  hatred of sin,
  charity to man;
all existing in the soul as so many godly affections,
called forth in the actions of a holy life, and rendered
vocal in words of prayer and praise.



 

The palm tree!

"The godly will flourish like palm trees." Psalm 92:12

The palm tree is indigenous to tropical and other
warm climates. It grows to a considerable height and
size, and presents a beautiful appearance. Its fruits
are much valued and are eaten both fresh and
preserved, and are also pressed for syrup and wine.

But it is not for its fruit alone that the palm tree is so
valuable. From the boughs, which are yearly lopped
off from the lower parts of the stem, are made baskets,
cages, ropes, and sacks; from the leaves are made
mattresses, sandals, etc. It is an evergreen, and
lives to an extreme old age—the wood is durable
and much used.

How striking an emblem of a godly man. He shall
flourish like the palm tree!



 

Not how many tears we can shed

The emotional part of true godliness may be, and is
by many, overestimated. The question is not merely
what we can feel—but what we can do, for Christ;
not how many tears we can shed—but how many
sins we can mortify; not what raptures we can
experience—but what self-denial we can practice;
not what happy frames we can enjoy—but what
holy duties we can perform; not simply how much
we are pleased at the sermon—but how much we
can exhibit of the mind of Jesus in our communion
with our fellow-men; not only how far above earth
we can rise to the bliss of heaven—but how much
of the love and purity of heaven we can bring down
to earth. In short, not how much of rapt feeling we
can indulge—but how much of godly principle we
can bring to bear on our whole conduct.


 

The Scriptures should not be read

Some prescribe to themselves the task of reading
so many chapters of the Bible every day. But the
Scriptures should not be read, merely for the
sake of being read.

It is not the quantity of Scripture read, but the
quantity studied, understood, and applied, that
does us good. One verse pondered upon, felt,
and applied, is better than a whole chapter or
book, read negligently, thoughtlessly, and
without self-application.

A real, devout, and intelligent study of the Scriptures,
is essential to great progress in godliness. SEARCH the
Scriptures daily. Meditate on the Word of God day and
night—and put it into practice. Study the Word of God
with prayer for divine teaching. Take up David's petition,
"Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your law."

There is much corruption in your heart generating a false
bias, and beclouding your judgment—and likely therefore
to lead you to misconception and error. Beseech of God
to send forth His Spirit into your heart to purify it from
depravity, that you may be better preserved from error.
We must give up all preconceived ideas, all prejudices,
all pride of intellect, and go in humility to the Scriptures
as learners.


 

Guard your heart!

"Above all else, guard your heart; for out of it
 are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

The heart is . .
  the great vital spring of the soul,
  the fountain of actions,
  the center of principle,
  the seat of motives

The heart is the center of the thoughts and
feelings—out of which conduct comes.

The heart must be the first, chief, constant object
of solicitude to the Christian. It is this which God
sees, and because God principally looks at it, the
heart must be ever uppermost in our concern.

To keep the heart must mean exerting ourselves
with great earnestness, in dependence upon Divine
grace, to preserve it in a good state; laboring to
preserve its vitality, vigor, and purity.

The heart is the citadel of the soul. If this is
neglected, the enemy at the gates will soon be
in and take possession. Set a watch, therefore,
upon the heart. Let the sentinel be never off
duty, nor sleeping at his post.

Keep out evil thoughts, and unholy affections, and
vile imaginations. Without great vigilance they will
elude observation. As soon as an enemy of this kind
is detected, he must be seized and made captive,
until every thought is brought into subjection to
Christ.

As the state of the heart is, so is the man in
reality—and before God. Guard your heart!


 

Christians should have a clear understanding, a deep
conviction, and a very powerful impression, that they
are called not only to holiness and happiness—but
also to usefulness. Yet they are sometimes so much
taken up with the enjoyment of their own personal
religion and Christian privileges, as to sit down in
luxurious ease and indolently enjoy the happiness
to which they are brought. But let them know and
remember, that one of the strongest evidences
of our own salvation, is a deep concern and a
vigorous activity for the salvation of others.


 

The concentrated nutriment of the divine life!

In Scripture, there is no knowledge which is purely
academic—all, all is practical. Every part is "a doctrine
according to godliness." The design of the Bible, is
"that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works."

Truth is but a means to an end, and that end is holiness.

Everyone of us ought to study our Bibles with that prayer
upon our lips, "Sanctify me by Your truth; Your word is
truth." We should grow in our understanding of the
example of Jesus—that we might be more like Him.

A desire to know merely to know, is curiosity.
A desire to know in order to do, is godliness.

Never was there an age when Bibles were more widely
circulated, and never an age when they were less read!

Magazines, periodicals, and books of all kinds have
come in upon us like a flood, which in many cases has
almost swept away the Bible. It is Bible truth from its
own source, which is the 'concentrated nutriment' of
the divine life! It will be found that they are usually the
strongest, healthiest, and most rapidly growing of the
children of God, who live most upon the sincere, that is,
the pure and "unadulterated" milk of the Word of God.

The writings of men are very useful in their place when
they lead us to the Word of God. But too many people
allow themselves to be kept away by these writings,
from the fountains of pure truth—the sacred Scriptures!



 

Scriptural joy

Scriptural joy makes . . .
  duty cheerful,
  trials light,
  temptations powerless, and
  worldly amusements insipid.

"May the God of hope fill