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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.” Rom_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.” Tit_3:5
Of little use
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by works, is dead.” Jam_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?” Gen_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.” Joh_13:34 - Joh_13:35
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.” Mat_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.” 1Co_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.” 2Co_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.”
2Ti_3:16 - 2Ti_3:17
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.” Heb_4:12
Your adversary!
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1Pe_5:8, 1Pe_5:9
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.” Rev_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.” Joh_8:44
Gratified by genius, eloquence, and oratory?
“Take heed therefore how you hear!” Luk_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.” Php_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.” Php_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.” Php_2:5
The most difficult lesson
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Php_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.” Psa_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.” Pro_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 you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” Rom_15:13
Faith
“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2Co_5:7
Faith is the root of all true piety. Christians need faith for sanctification, consolation, and perseverance. Every act of the spiritual life is an act of faith; every step in the spiritual walk is a step of faith. The Christian's course is not one of doing merely, but of believing.
His prayers are the breathings of faith; his works are the actings of faith; his penitence is the tear of faith; his joy is the smile of faith; his hopes are the anticipations of faith; his fears are the tremblings of faith; his strength is the confidence of faith; his submission is the acquiescence of faith.
Faith is...
the eye that looks at Christ; the foot that moves to Him; the hand that receives Him; the mouth that feeds upon Him.
It is not only by the activity of obedience, but by the silent and passive power of dependence, that the Christian is strong and victorious.
Here is the reason why so many professors are so worldly and so weak; why they make such little progress, and such small attainments—they are so much under the dominion of sense, are so almost wholly given up to a life of sight, that they have neither time nor inclination to look at the things that are unseen and eternal.
There is in them no habitual looking to Christ, no abiding in Him, no vivid consciousness that all their springs are in Him, and that it is from His fullness they are to receive necessary grace.
We must prefer the invisible realities of eternity, to the visible things of time; and amid all that is...
dazzling to sense, gratifying to appetite, and dear to passion, by faith, spend a life of...
self-denial, mortification of sin, and separation from the world.
Be this then your sincere and earnest prayer, my dear friends, “Lord, increase our faith!” Be willing to have the world displaced from your soul, to make room for the objects of faith! Be ever ready to come from the dazzling glare of earthly scenes, to dwell in the calm and holy light of faith. Study the Scriptures, and meditate much upon their contents. Frequent and devout converse with the objects of faith, is the best way to have it increased.
Watch diligently against the influence of those objects which have a fatal tendency to eclipse faith's light, to obstruct its operation, and enfeeble its life—namely sensual pleasure; eager pursuit of the world; and a too intimate converse with those who mind earthly things.
An active, powerful, and craving principle
“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2Co_5:7
Do not the great bulk of those who call themselves Christians appear to be living far too much by sight —and not by faith in eternal realities?
Not indeed that they are immersed in vice or amusing gaieties; but how deeply sunk in worldly care, how taken up with worldly comforts! No matter how pure, and how innocent the things may be in themselves, if they hide scriptural objects from the eye of faith—they are unlawful, as to their influence, when they do this.
Our profession implies a disposition, and a habit of seeking our highest objects of interest and delight, in things unseen and eternal—a daily converse of the soul with God and Christ; with heaven and eternity. He who is thus walking will not allow himself to be long out of sight of the cross. He will not wander far from God in quest of happiness. He will not shut himself up amid terrestrial pleasures, however rational or innocent. He has a new principle in his nature, beside sense and reason—for he has faith. And faith is an active, powerful, and craving principle, which aspires after something higher, and better, and more enduring—than anything he can see, or touch, or taste!
He is the subject of wants and woes, which only faith can relieve and mitigate. Neither sense nor reason can assist him to throw off his load of guilt, or give satisfaction to desires, which the world is too poor to gratify.
Here, therefore, on this terrestrial globe, he finds himself a prisoner, sighing for escape from the dark and limited region which he inhabits—and it is only faith that can open for him the doors, and make way for his excursion into the invisible realities of eternity!
Alas! how small are our attainments in this divine life of faith! How much are we occupied and engrossed by things of time and sense.
What do you know of this life of faith?
You are all living by faith or sight; either upon heavenly things—or earthly things.
On what is your soul living?
What is it that supplies your comfort?
Where does your spirit go daily to quench her thirst after happiness—to the breaking cisterns of 'earthly good'—or to the fountains of living waters?
Sooner or later, the fullest store of the joys of earthly delights will be exhausted. Pleasures, profits, honors —what are they? The whole form only a kind of 'imaginary world', a sort of 'splendid show', like that in a dream, which when you awake—all is gone!
To grasp it—is to grasp a shadow!
To feed upon it—is to feed upon the wind!
Christ and His salvation—heaven and eternity—are the only substantial realities! And these are the objects for which faith lives, and toward which it is perpetually walking.
How precious is the privilege of prayer!
How precious is the privilege of prayer! We are at freedom to pour out the utmost secrets of our hearts, whether of sin, sorrow, or anxiety.
Some of your happiest, holiest seasons on earth have been spent in prayer. There you have communed with God! In prayer...
your cares have been lightened, your sorrows alleviated, your fears dissipated, your souls invigorated.
In prayer you have...
conquered the world, subdued your foes, mortified your corruptions.
O what hours you have spent, what discoveries you have made, what joys you have experienced!
Stumbling blocks
“We put no stumbling block in anyone's path.”
2Co_6:3
Be very careful not to throw stumbling blocks in a Christian's path, even in little things. I do not now allude to immoralities and vice. But I refer to the lesser violations of Christian propriety; such as...
the indulgence of bad dispositions; offences against love, gratitude, and humility; the practice of dishonorable business artifices; covetousness; hard-heartedness; indifference to the cause of Christ; conformity to the world in...
spirit, entertainments,
dress, and amusements.
I beseech you to abstain from such things!
Do not give the 'sanction of your example', or the 'aid of your influence' to the spread of a diseased religious profession, in which such leprous spots as these are continually breaking out! “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
You should be the first to set the example, and to give out a pattern of self-denial! You should be the leaders of the cross-bearing company!
You should be advanced in the virtues of...
forbearance, temperance, and separation from the world!
You should lend your example and aid in training the new converts to that hardy, enduring, self-denying religion, which is implied in the Christian profession.
“Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in another Christian's path.” Rom_14:13
Real happiness
There is more real happiness in the believer's mind, when in the very midst of poverty and trouble, he exercises a lively confidence in God—than the richest worldling on earth enjoys, when surrounded by all his untold wealth, and incalculable possessions.
To feel our own poverty, emptiness, nothingness—and yet at the same time to feel in all the confidence of faith, our fullness in Christ and our title to that priceless inheritance, which God has reserved for His children, which is kept in heaven for them—pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay—is one of the most felicitous states of mind we can attain to in this world! It unites the deepest humility—with the most exalted and triumphant anticipations!
The life of faith
“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2Co_5:7
The life of faith means to be habitually influenced in the state of our minds and conduct, not by visible objects, but by the invisible realities which are revealed in the Word of God. It is said of Moses, “He persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.” This is the life and walk of faith with respect to God—a realizing sense of His invisible presence —such a persuasion as leads us to all that conduct which He requires. This then is the life of faith—to believe that we are ever surrounded by an all-seeing, holy, and merciful God—and to conduct ourselves toward Him accordingly.
“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal_2:20
No exclusive time, or place, or sphere
Many professing Christians are far too limited in their ideas of the nature, design, and extent of practical religion. They act as if religion had nothing to do either with business, with temper, or with our domestic and social relations! They act as if religion were a mere matter of opinion or ceremony—a thing of the cloister, the closet, or the sanctuary, which is to be confined to its own retreats, and never to be allowed to approach the scenes of worldly business, and secular pursuits!
They act as if religion were a mere rule to direct us how we are to behave ourselves in the house of God, and to regulate our worship; and which, having done this, has accomplished its object!
Is not this, I say, the view which if we may judge by their behavior, many take of religion?
But can anything be more inaccurate?
True religion is a permanent, all-pervading, unchanging principle, possessing a kind of universality of nature! It must go with us, not only into the sanctuary of God, or into the closet of private devotion, but into all places! It must regulate our conduct, not only toward the church, but toward the world!
It must operate upon us and influence us, not only on Sundays, but at all times! It must dictate, not only how we pray, and read the Bible—but how we buy, and sell, and get gain.
True religion has no exclusive time, or place, or sphere, of its own—but is a matter of all times, places, and scenes. Though heavenly in her origin, her nature, and her destiny—she is not so thoroughly ethereal as to turn away from the scenes of this mundane sphere, as beneath her notice and unworthy of her control.
Practical religion must be seen in everything!
If we are unamiable at home
The influence of religion must be seen, and its power felt, in making a happy home. Religion ought to give strength, tenderness, and sanctity—to all the relationships of life. It should make...
husbands and wives more affectionate and devoted, parents more kind, judicious, and vigilant, children more dutiful, respectful, and attentive.
If we are unamiable at home, there must be something essentially defective in our profession.
Fearful instances of self-deception
The man who assured he is saved, while he is habitually living in the habitual neglect of known duty, or in the indulgence of actual sin—is one of the most fearful instances of self-deception in our world.
The great design of the gospel, is to establish a God-like frame and disposition of spirit, which consists in righteousness and true holiness in the hearts of men.
He who has the most confident persuasion of his being a Christian now, and of his going on to heaven hereafter, and whose confidence rests on good ground, will be the holiest man.
A heavenly-minded man
Heavenly-mindedness means the spontaneous, frequent, delightful, practical bent of our reflections toward eternal life. A heavenly-minded man is one who considers himself as a pilgrim and stranger upon earth. He regards heaven as his native country, and as instinctively turns his thoughts to it. Scarcely a day passes during which no thought of his mind, no glance of the eye of faith, turns to the glory to be revealed.
Precious to him are those parts of Scripture which speak of the life to come, and exhibit to him, amid the darkness of his way—the distant lights of his father's house. Sermons that represent the holiness and happiness of heaven are delightful to his heart; books that describe it are congenial with his taste; and the songs of Zion, which sounds like the echo of its divine harmonies, excite all his hallowed sensibilities, and elevate his spirit to catch some of the falling rays of the excellent glory.
The beautiful symbols of heavenly bliss, seize and fix his imagination; while his enlightened judgment and his holy heart, repose upon...
the presence of God, the vision of the Lamb, the sinless purity, the eternal rest, the communion of the blessed, the fellowship of angels.
A heavenly-minded man not only employs his thoughts, but sets his affections on things above.
A heavenly-minded man goes farther than this, and prepares for future glory. Grace is the preparation for glory, and he who has most grace, is most fitted for glory.
The man who is going to occupy a place in the palace, endeavors to acquire courtly manners, and to provide himself with a court dress. So the eminently spiritual Christian considers himself as going in to dwell in the palace of the King of kings, and his great business upon earth is to prepare himself with the qualifications and dress of the celestial court. And as he clearly perceives that the prevailing dispositions of heaven are purity and love, he labors to grow in holiness and charity. If asked, in any situation or circumstance, or at any period, what are you engaged in or employed about? his answer is, “I am dressing for heaven; making myself ready to go in and dwell with Christ!
Having a post to fill in the divine palace, I am preparing for it by the mortification of sin, and a growth in grace.”
Such is heavenly-mindedness—but, alas! where is it to be found? I know where it ought to be found—in every professing Christian. His principles demand it, his profession requires it, his prospects justify it.
But alas, how disgusting it is to witness the earthly mindedness, and to hea