True Wisdom Incomparable # 1
"For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly." (Proverbs 3:14-18).
The wisdom of God is a perfection of His which He knows all things, arranges all things, provides for all things, so that none of His purposes can be frustrated, or any of His plans be defeated. His every purpose, every plan, is infinitely wise, and must therefore be carried out.
The Lord Jesus is the personal wisdom of God. Or, the wisdom of God personified, and represented - for in Him dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He is the only wise God, revealed and manifested. Divine wisdom in man, is real religion; or man sympathizing with God, fixing on the same end, fallin in with the same plan, and carrying on the same work.
To get wisdom, is to become wise unto salvation; wise to secure all real good, and to escape from all real evil. Wisdom is commended to us by the wisest of men, and we are exhorted to get it and retain it; in order to which it is set forth as preeminently excellent. Hear the word, "She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her!" (Proverbs 3:15).
Like some lovely female, having length of days in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor, leading in pleasant ways and peaceful paths - she is presented to engage our attention and win our love.
Let us look at THE OBJECT. True wisdom - or real religion as it stands in the knowledge and fear of God. At present, real religion is comprised in four things:
1. In the knowledge of Christ. He is the Saviour. He saves all who put their trust in Him. Every one who knows Him, trusts in Him, and is saved by Him. No science is to be compared to the knowledge of Christ. It is never perfect - but will be forever capable of increase. Paul knew much - but how ardently he desired more. For it, he suffered the loss of all things, and still cried out, "That I may know him!" To know Christ is to be truly wise, eternally safe, and really happy.
2. The knowledge of Christ, always leads to union with Christ. On Him alone we rest. From Him we draw all our supplies. By Him we are empowered and directed. As the building rests on the foundation, as the branch receives from the vine, and as the member is directed by the head, so being in union with Christ, are we blessed and benefitted by Him. As united to Him, we are interested in all that belongs to Him, and derive incalculable and eternal blessings from Him.
3. This leads to conforming to Christ. Receiving His Spirit, we observe His word, copy His example, and resemble Him in some faint degree. The more we resemble Christ - the more we desire to do so; nor will anything but inward and outward likeness to Jesus ever satisfy us.
4. Then comes the prospect of being forever with Christ.
Knowing Him - we cannot rest until we are in union with Him; united to Him - the highest object of our desire is to resemble Him; and resembling Him - the heart longs to be with Him.
This is true religion, the religion of Christ. It has Christ for its object and subject; Christ for its source and center; Christ as its Alpha and Omega.
It brings us to Christ - as sinners; unites us with Christ - as believers; conforms us to Christ - as Christians; and forever connects us with Christ - as saints.
The transcendent excellency OF THIS OBJECT. "She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her!"
Men desire health - but bodily health is only for a time. Divine wisdom gives perpetual health, both of body and soul. Men desire wealth, life, honor, pleasure and fame. Then we must get wisdom! If we obtain this wisdom, or if we are truly godly - then we shall exist forever in health, wealth, honor, pleasure, and renown. We shall dwell with God, be like His beloved Son, and never know a painful desire, anxious wish, or gloomy fear!
Let us therefore value, or prefer true wisdom to everything else, for all desirable things are not to be compared with it.
Let us try to induce others to embrace wisdom. She calls to the sons of man. She has provided a sumptuous feast. She is willing to receive all that come. To all about us then let us employ the invitation. "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you!" (Proverbs 4:6-8).
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Saturday, March 21, 2020
An Israelite Indeed!
An Israelite Indeed!
True grace in the heart always manifests itself by a concern for the welfare of others, and an attempt to bring them to Jesus. Where there is no concern for the salvation of others, no efforts to save souls from death - the case is at best very doubtful. When Jesus called Philip, he began to look after Nathaniel, spoke to him, pleaded with him, and met his objections; nor did he leave him, until he had brought him to Jesus. "Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." (John 1:47). Letus look at:
Nathaniel's Title. "An Israelite indeed!" As an Israelite - he was distinguished from other nations; and as an Israelite indeed - he was distinguished from many of his own people. He was circumcised in heart, as every true believer is, being renewed in the spirit of his mind. He was taught out of God's law - and therefore knew God's holiness, and his own sinfulness, and the method of salvation by grace. He was savingly interested in the atonement, which was made by Israel's priest, for Israel's race. He was cleansed from pollution and defilement, with the washing of water by the word. He was separated from the world around, separated by God, and for God, as the whole house of Israel were. He was related to God, being part of the people whom the Lord called His own, his first-born. To him as a sincere, sensible, and instructed worshiper of God - no sin was imputed, for to him belonged the blessedness of the man whose iniquity is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, to whom the Lord does not impute sin.
Just so, all God's true Israel are regenerated by the Holy Spirit - taught of God; savingly interested in the sacrifice and perfect work of Christ; cleansed from pollution by the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit; adopted into God's family; and justified from all things before God's throne. Consider, then,
Nathaniel's Excellence. "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." There was no pretense about him, no hypocrisy, no sham. He was really what he appeared to be - as every profesor should be.
He was sincere before God in prayer and praise, offering Him the service of the heart, and giving utterance to the feelings of the soul.
He was sincere before men in his profession and in his dealings. He professed to be just what he was - and was just what he professed to be. His word might be taken, and his honesty trusted.
He was honest with himself, examining his own heart, and comparing his inner life and outward conduct with God's own righteous standard. He was all of one piece - the same in all places, in all companies, and at all times, so that you may know him. He hated graft, cunning, duplicity, and artifice; and was open and candid in his dealings. This is just what every professor or religion should be and do. Brethren, let us be deceitless. Let us have no hypocrisy, no pretense, no sham. But let us be sincere, upright, and honest. If we are wicked - let us appear so; and if we are righteous - let us prove it by works of righteousness. But never let us cover hatred with deceit, either toward God or man. Let us now glance at,
The Saviour's Note of Admiration. "Behold!" Behold the character, for it is rare and uncommon; it is excellent and admirable; it is instructive and impressive. Let us, therefore, behold and learn what Christ admires; what grace produces; and what distinguishes man from man - SINCERITY. There is no true religion without sincerity of heart and life. Let us see what God approves.
Observe, profession and possession differ: many have a profession of Christ - who do not have possession of Christ. Therefore said the apostle, "We are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh."
The Saviour discerns and distinguishes. His eye penetrates the heart. He is acquainted with every thought, purpose, and motive of the soul. There is no deceiving Him, for He has said, "I am He who searches hearts and minds."
Gracious Saviour, search me in mercy. Show me just what I am in Your sight - and make me just what I ought to be, both before God and man. Save, O save me, from all pretense, hypocrisy, and deceit; and make me open, honest, and sincere; that those who know me best, may say of me, as you did of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
True grace in the heart always manifests itself by a concern for the welfare of others, and an attempt to bring them to Jesus. Where there is no concern for the salvation of others, no efforts to save souls from death - the case is at best very doubtful. When Jesus called Philip, he began to look after Nathaniel, spoke to him, pleaded with him, and met his objections; nor did he leave him, until he had brought him to Jesus. "Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." (John 1:47). Letus look at:
Nathaniel's Title. "An Israelite indeed!" As an Israelite - he was distinguished from other nations; and as an Israelite indeed - he was distinguished from many of his own people. He was circumcised in heart, as every true believer is, being renewed in the spirit of his mind. He was taught out of God's law - and therefore knew God's holiness, and his own sinfulness, and the method of salvation by grace. He was savingly interested in the atonement, which was made by Israel's priest, for Israel's race. He was cleansed from pollution and defilement, with the washing of water by the word. He was separated from the world around, separated by God, and for God, as the whole house of Israel were. He was related to God, being part of the people whom the Lord called His own, his first-born. To him as a sincere, sensible, and instructed worshiper of God - no sin was imputed, for to him belonged the blessedness of the man whose iniquity is forgiven, and whose sin is covered, to whom the Lord does not impute sin.
Just so, all God's true Israel are regenerated by the Holy Spirit - taught of God; savingly interested in the sacrifice and perfect work of Christ; cleansed from pollution by the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit; adopted into God's family; and justified from all things before God's throne. Consider, then,
Nathaniel's Excellence. "An Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit." There was no pretense about him, no hypocrisy, no sham. He was really what he appeared to be - as every profesor should be.
He was sincere before God in prayer and praise, offering Him the service of the heart, and giving utterance to the feelings of the soul.
He was sincere before men in his profession and in his dealings. He professed to be just what he was - and was just what he professed to be. His word might be taken, and his honesty trusted.
He was honest with himself, examining his own heart, and comparing his inner life and outward conduct with God's own righteous standard. He was all of one piece - the same in all places, in all companies, and at all times, so that you may know him. He hated graft, cunning, duplicity, and artifice; and was open and candid in his dealings. This is just what every professor or religion should be and do. Brethren, let us be deceitless. Let us have no hypocrisy, no pretense, no sham. But let us be sincere, upright, and honest. If we are wicked - let us appear so; and if we are righteous - let us prove it by works of righteousness. But never let us cover hatred with deceit, either toward God or man. Let us now glance at,
The Saviour's Note of Admiration. "Behold!" Behold the character, for it is rare and uncommon; it is excellent and admirable; it is instructive and impressive. Let us, therefore, behold and learn what Christ admires; what grace produces; and what distinguishes man from man - SINCERITY. There is no true religion without sincerity of heart and life. Let us see what God approves.
Observe, profession and possession differ: many have a profession of Christ - who do not have possession of Christ. Therefore said the apostle, "We are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ, and have no confidence in the flesh."
The Saviour discerns and distinguishes. His eye penetrates the heart. He is acquainted with every thought, purpose, and motive of the soul. There is no deceiving Him, for He has said, "I am He who searches hearts and minds."
Gracious Saviour, search me in mercy. Show me just what I am in Your sight - and make me just what I ought to be, both before God and man. Save, O save me, from all pretense, hypocrisy, and deceit; and make me open, honest, and sincere; that those who know me best, may say of me, as you did of Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"
~James Smith~
(The End)
Saturday, March 14, 2020
The Plague of Unsatisfiedness (and others)
The Plague of Unsatisfiedness (and others)
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of covetousness; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).
Covetousness is a very great and grievous sin; a mother-sin, a breeding sin; a sin which has all sin in its womb; a very vile and heinous sin; the root of all evil.
Covetousness makes the soul earthly - which should be celestial.
Covetousness is an evil which subjects men to the basest and vilest evils.
Covetousness makes a man a fool! "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20).
Covetousness robs a man of all true peace, comfort, contentment and quiet.
Covetousness brings men into snares which drown their souls in perdition.
Covetousness renders men unsatisfied under all their outward enjoyments. Though a covetous wretch has enough to sink him - yet he can never have enough to satisfy him. First he wishes for a bag full, and then a chest full, and then a room full, and then a house full, etc.
The plague of unsatisfiedness - is the great plague which covetous men are under. Certainly you shall as soon fill a triangle with a circle, and a chest with grace - as you shall be able to fill and satisfy a covetous mind with money.
A covetous man is like a swine - which is good for nothing while it lives. The horse is good to carry, the ox is good to draw, the sheep is good for cloth, the cow is good to give milk, and the dog is good to guard the house - but the hog is good for nothing while he lives! Just so, a covetous man is only serviceable when he is dead. The scripture often proes true, "the riches of a sinner are laid up for the just" (Job 27:17).
No sin lays men under greater woes!
"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
_____________________
A House of Fools!
"The heart of fools is in the house of pleasure" (Ecc. 7:4).
A fool prefers toys and trifles, above things of greatest worth.
Just so, wicked and ungodly men prefer their lusts, before the Lord. Upon choice, they prefer the honors, the riches and glory of this fleeting world - above their own souls and the great concerns of eternity.
Says one: "If you behold the lives of men, you will judge the whole world to be a house of fools!"
Ah, friends! What folly can be compared to that of men's spending their time, their strength, their lives, their souls - in getting the ephemeral things of this world, and neglecting that one thing necessary - the salvation of their souls! Oh, what vanity is it to prefer a puff of honor, a blast of fame, a dream of pleasure, a wedge of gold, a Babylonish garment, and such like transitory trifles and trash - before a blessed eternity!
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of covetousness; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15).
Covetousness is a very great and grievous sin; a mother-sin, a breeding sin; a sin which has all sin in its womb; a very vile and heinous sin; the root of all evil.
Covetousness makes the soul earthly - which should be celestial.
Covetousness is an evil which subjects men to the basest and vilest evils.
Covetousness makes a man a fool! "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20).
Covetousness robs a man of all true peace, comfort, contentment and quiet.
Covetousness brings men into snares which drown their souls in perdition.
Covetousness renders men unsatisfied under all their outward enjoyments. Though a covetous wretch has enough to sink him - yet he can never have enough to satisfy him. First he wishes for a bag full, and then a chest full, and then a room full, and then a house full, etc.
The plague of unsatisfiedness - is the great plague which covetous men are under. Certainly you shall as soon fill a triangle with a circle, and a chest with grace - as you shall be able to fill and satisfy a covetous mind with money.
A covetous man is like a swine - which is good for nothing while it lives. The horse is good to carry, the ox is good to draw, the sheep is good for cloth, the cow is good to give milk, and the dog is good to guard the house - but the hog is good for nothing while he lives! Just so, a covetous man is only serviceable when he is dead. The scripture often proes true, "the riches of a sinner are laid up for the just" (Job 27:17).
No sin lays men under greater woes!
"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Tim. 6:9-10).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
_____________________
A House of Fools!
"The heart of fools is in the house of pleasure" (Ecc. 7:4).
A fool prefers toys and trifles, above things of greatest worth.
Just so, wicked and ungodly men prefer their lusts, before the Lord. Upon choice, they prefer the honors, the riches and glory of this fleeting world - above their own souls and the great concerns of eternity.
Says one: "If you behold the lives of men, you will judge the whole world to be a house of fools!"
Ah, friends! What folly can be compared to that of men's spending their time, their strength, their lives, their souls - in getting the ephemeral things of this world, and neglecting that one thing necessary - the salvation of their souls! Oh, what vanity is it to prefer a puff of honor, a blast of fame, a dream of pleasure, a wedge of gold, a Babylonish garment, and such like transitory trifles and trash - before a blessed eternity!
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
~Thomas Brooks~
(The End)
Saturday, March 7, 2020
The Saviour's Will # 3
The Saviour's Will # 3
All things are possible to grace - and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God - without grace! But we can do all things - through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without Him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God - we cannot fall! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone - we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him - but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of His family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; His person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world - the Spirit and graces of his Saviour, and thus live to His glory, who died for His sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary - is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need - and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in His name - He will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty - but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Our Saviour in His wisdom has apportioned to His people enough, enough for their real welfare - though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty - or gives us more. He gives more grace, He gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is course, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant - it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart - for this is not your rest - for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance - He will come Himself! And to satisfy us with it - He will abide with us forever!
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! The days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
In a very little while - Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (1 John 3:1-2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
All things are possible to grace - and grace is willed to us! By grace, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. We can do nothing good, or acceptable to God - without grace! But we can do all things - through Christ strengthening us! Our strength lies in absolute dependence on the word, presence, power, and faithfulness of God! Our weakness and falls are from that spirit of independence which at first led man from God, and constantly prompts us to endeavor to do without Him.
If we abide in Jesus, if we venture, trusting only to the power of a present God - we cannot fall! But though as strong as Samson, if we venture at anything alone - we shall fall as foully as Samson did. It is not by human might, that the Christian runs the race set before him - but it is by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty!
Grace is willed to us by Jesus, and Jehovah will give grace and glory; and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. He has willed to all of His family, "All things which pertain to life and godliness."
No man is required to live godly at his own expense; everything necessary is prepared, promised, and bestowed by Jesus. A godly life is a life of self-denial, and dedication to the Lord; His person is to be daily offered up as a sacrifice to God. His private interests are merged in the interests of his beloved Lord. It is for him to exhibit to the world - the Spirit and graces of his Saviour, and thus live to His glory, who died for His sin. All spiritual blessings, and every temporal mercy which is necessary - is bequeathed to him! Seeking the Lord, he shall not lack any good thing. His Heavenly Father knew what he would need - and provided for him accordingly; and Jesus has assured him that applying to the Father in His name - He will bestow needed grace upon him.
We apply for what Jesus purchased, and receive by grace, all that God has promised. Our present portion of temporals may be scanty - but it is sufficient; and better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great revenues without it. The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
Our Saviour in His wisdom has apportioned to His people enough, enough for their real welfare - though perhaps not enough to gratify their pride, or please their carnal imagination. He teaches us both how to abound and how to suffer need. He either sanctifies our poverty - or gives us more. He gives more grace, He gives liberally and upbraids not.
We are traveling to the place which the Lord our God has promised us, and we only need our traveling expenses; and these we shall assuredly receive! And if our fare is course, our bed hard, our habitation uncomfortable, and our society unpleasant - it can be so but for a little while, for soon the command will come, "Arise and depart - for this is not your rest - for it is polluted!"
5. Finally, our Lord has willed us an INHERITANCE, which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading! It is laid up in Heaven for us. It is a house not made with hands, in a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It is an eternal weight of glory. To introduce us to our inheritance - He will come Himself! And to satisfy us with it - He will abide with us forever!
In this inheritance, all will be purity, peace, activity, and glory! Jesus will be forever honored, and we shall be forever delighted and satisfied! The days of our mourning shall be ended. The people shall be all righteous, and they shall inherit the land forever, that Jehovah may be glorified!
In a very little while - Jesus will come back for us!
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (1 John 3:1-2).
~James Smith~
(The End)
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