The Afflictions of the Godly # 1
For the past few years, we have endeavored to help some of God's unestablished children by devoting one article annually (under this title) to the particular end of resolving their uncertainty. In order that they may recognize their spiritual portrait, we seek to describe one or other of those features of the regenerate which the Holy Spirit has drawn in the Scriptures. So far from despising those who are deeply exercised as to their actual state, refusing to "give themselves the benefit of the doubt", we admire their caution.
God has exhorted His people to "make their calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10), and one of the ways we may set about doing so is to prayerfully and humbly compare our hearts and lives - with those marks of grace, or fruits of the Spirit, which are delineated in the Bible. God's Word is likened unto a "mirror" in which we may behold ourselves (James 1:23-24) and perceive what we are by nature - and what we have been made by grace. May each of us be granted eyes to see ourselves as that divine Mirror represents us.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray - but now have I kept your word."
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes."
"I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me" (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75).
We link these three verses together because they treat of the same subject, namely the attitude of the heart of one who had been afflicted by God. Each of them breathes the language of a gracious soul, and not that of a natural man. Each of them acknowledges the beneficial effects of sanctified trials. Each of them evidences a humble heart, for so far from murmuring at God's dispensations - unpleasant though they be to flesh and blood - there is a grateful acknowledgement of their benevolent design. Each of them is a confession made not while smarting under the rod - but after it has done its appointed work.
If our readers can truthfully make such language their own, then they have good reason to conclude they are bound in the same "bundle of life" (1 Sam. 25:29) as David.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray - but now have I kept your word." This is the expression of an honest heart, for it freely owns that before affliction he had "gone astray." Since the "flesh" still remains in the Christian's heart, he is very prone to stray from God; yes, unless he is diligent in watching and praying against temptation and daily mortifying his lusts - he is certain to do so. That evil tendency is much stimulated by temporal success, for then we are far more apt to indulge the flesh - than deny it. "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: you are waxen fat, you are grown thick, you are covered with fatness; then he forsook God" ( Deu. 32:15). "I spoke unto you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear" (Jere. 22:21). By such backsliding, we bring down upon ourselves the rod of God - to curb further excesses of carnality, and to drive us back into the paths of righteousness. God often sends a worm to smite the gourd of our creature comforts (Jonah 4:7); and prosperity is followed by adversity; but if that affliction is blessed to us - then do we keep the Word as we did not previously (Luke 2:19).
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes." This is the breathing of a grateful heart. Very different is the sentiment of the natural man. Scripture declares, "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects" (Job 5:17) - but the world imagines that happy is he who is exempt from trials and troubles. Which do you agree with, my reader? Yet it is one thing to give a general assent to the inspired declaration, "Blessed is the man whom you chasten, O Lord, and teach out of your law" (Psalm 94:12) - but it is quite another to learn by experience, the benefits of affliction. To be merely reconciled to our tribulations is a great mercy - but to have personal proof that, though the medicine be unpalatable, its effects are beneficial, is yet better.
Such is the result in those who are "exercised" under the chastening hand of their Father (Heb. 12:11). "The Philistines could not understand Samson's riddle - how "Out of the eater came something to eat - and out of the strong came something sweet" (Judges 14:14). As little can the world comprehend the fruitfulness of the Christian's trials: how his gracious Lord sweetens the "bitter" waters of Marah (Ex. 15:23)".
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Saturday, June 8, 2019
The Yoke of Christ # 2
The Yoke of Christ # 2
First, the Lord says, "Take My yoke upon you" (Matt. 11:29). To take His yoke upon us is to enlist under His banner, to make a public profession of His Gospel, to surrender to His Lordship.
"Learn of Me." To learn of Him is to take our place at His feet as little children to be instructed by Him. It is to submit ourselves wholly to His will, to obey His precepts, and to pattern our lives after His example.
Those are the conditions which must be fulfilled by us if we are to obtain rest unto our souls.
Then, second, He assures us "For My yoke is easy, and burden is light." That is the inducement to comply with His terms. By those words, each professing Christian reader should honestly and seriously examine himself. They afford a sure criterion by which we may test ourselves and ascertain whether or not we have really taken His yoke upon us.
Each one may identify himself by his answers to these questions: Am I find the yoke I am wearing easy or difficult? Is the burden I am carrying light or heavy? As John Newton declared, "This verse alone, if seriously attended to, might convince multitudes that, though they bear the name of Christians and are found among the Lord's worshiping people, they are as yet entire strangers to the religion of the Gospel. Can it be supposed that our Lord would give a false character of His yoke? If not, how can any dream that they are His followers while they account a life of communion with God and entire devotedness to His service, to be dull and burdensome? Those, however, who have made the happy trial, find it to be such a burden as wings are to a bird. Far from complaining of it, they are convinced that there is no real pleasure attainable in any other way."
Christ's commandments are not, in themselves, "grievous" (1 John 5:3), but are "holy, just, and good" (Romans 7:12). They are given in love, and are to be fulfilled by love. "In keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11). For the keeping of them, full assistance is obtainable from Him if we do but seek the same. It is the way of transgressors that is "hard" (Proverbs 13:15), but strong consolation is to be found in the way of Christian duty, and in Christ's presence there is fullness of joy. Wisdom's ways "are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3:17). It must be so, for every part is lighted from above, the whole path is strewn with precious promises, each step is heavenward. The only happiness worth seeking is to be found therein.
Yes, it must be so, for there is comfort and contentment in walking with God.
If, then, the way along which the reader is journeying is unpleasant, he is a stranger to Wisdom's ways and is a fool. Those ways are pleasant only to Wisdom's children. The yoke of Christ is irksome and distasteful to the unregenerate, for it makes directly against the motions of the carnal nature. The service of Christ is veritable drudgery to those who are in love with the world and who find their delight in gratifying the lusts of the flesh. To the self-willed and self-seeking, the commandments of the Lord cannot but be offensive - for they require the denying of self and the pursuit and cultivation of personal holiness.
But to one whose heart has been captivated by Christ, to be under His yoke is delectable. If he comes to Him daily to be renewed in the inner man, yields himself afresh to His rule, sits at His feet to be taught of Him the loveliness of meekness and lowliness, enjoys communion with Him, then, His will is "good and acceptable" (Romans 12:2) to him.
None can adequately describe the radical contrast there is between the bondage and misery of the service of sin - and the liberty and peace of practical holiness. But anyone who has personally experienced both, need have no difficulty in determining whether he is out of Christ - or yoked to Him. If you have a peace which passes understanding and a joy which the world knows nothing of - you are a godly person. If despite both upward and outward opposition, you find obedience to Christ desirable and agreeable - then, His Spirit must indwell you, and the more you grow in grace, the easier His yoke and the lighter His burden.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
First, the Lord says, "Take My yoke upon you" (Matt. 11:29). To take His yoke upon us is to enlist under His banner, to make a public profession of His Gospel, to surrender to His Lordship.
"Learn of Me." To learn of Him is to take our place at His feet as little children to be instructed by Him. It is to submit ourselves wholly to His will, to obey His precepts, and to pattern our lives after His example.
Those are the conditions which must be fulfilled by us if we are to obtain rest unto our souls.
Then, second, He assures us "For My yoke is easy, and burden is light." That is the inducement to comply with His terms. By those words, each professing Christian reader should honestly and seriously examine himself. They afford a sure criterion by which we may test ourselves and ascertain whether or not we have really taken His yoke upon us.
Each one may identify himself by his answers to these questions: Am I find the yoke I am wearing easy or difficult? Is the burden I am carrying light or heavy? As John Newton declared, "This verse alone, if seriously attended to, might convince multitudes that, though they bear the name of Christians and are found among the Lord's worshiping people, they are as yet entire strangers to the religion of the Gospel. Can it be supposed that our Lord would give a false character of His yoke? If not, how can any dream that they are His followers while they account a life of communion with God and entire devotedness to His service, to be dull and burdensome? Those, however, who have made the happy trial, find it to be such a burden as wings are to a bird. Far from complaining of it, they are convinced that there is no real pleasure attainable in any other way."
Christ's commandments are not, in themselves, "grievous" (1 John 5:3), but are "holy, just, and good" (Romans 7:12). They are given in love, and are to be fulfilled by love. "In keeping of them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11). For the keeping of them, full assistance is obtainable from Him if we do but seek the same. It is the way of transgressors that is "hard" (Proverbs 13:15), but strong consolation is to be found in the way of Christian duty, and in Christ's presence there is fullness of joy. Wisdom's ways "are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3:17). It must be so, for every part is lighted from above, the whole path is strewn with precious promises, each step is heavenward. The only happiness worth seeking is to be found therein.
Yes, it must be so, for there is comfort and contentment in walking with God.
If, then, the way along which the reader is journeying is unpleasant, he is a stranger to Wisdom's ways and is a fool. Those ways are pleasant only to Wisdom's children. The yoke of Christ is irksome and distasteful to the unregenerate, for it makes directly against the motions of the carnal nature. The service of Christ is veritable drudgery to those who are in love with the world and who find their delight in gratifying the lusts of the flesh. To the self-willed and self-seeking, the commandments of the Lord cannot but be offensive - for they require the denying of self and the pursuit and cultivation of personal holiness.
But to one whose heart has been captivated by Christ, to be under His yoke is delectable. If he comes to Him daily to be renewed in the inner man, yields himself afresh to His rule, sits at His feet to be taught of Him the loveliness of meekness and lowliness, enjoys communion with Him, then, His will is "good and acceptable" (Romans 12:2) to him.
None can adequately describe the radical contrast there is between the bondage and misery of the service of sin - and the liberty and peace of practical holiness. But anyone who has personally experienced both, need have no difficulty in determining whether he is out of Christ - or yoked to Him. If you have a peace which passes understanding and a joy which the world knows nothing of - you are a godly person. If despite both upward and outward opposition, you find obedience to Christ desirable and agreeable - then, His Spirit must indwell you, and the more you grow in grace, the easier His yoke and the lighter His burden.
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
The Yoke of Christ # 1
The Yoke of Christ # 1
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).
Probably there is no passage in the New Testament more familiar to church-goers than then Matthew 11:28-30 of which our quotation is the final clause. Yet, there is scarcely any other that has been so sadly mangled by unqualified novices and unfaithful preachers. The invitation and promise with which it opens have been divorced from the condition by which they are qualified - so that an entirely inadequate, in fact a false, apprehension of the same has been conveyed of what our Lord there taught. That which is required from those desiring rest of soul - namely, submission to the authority of Christ and the following of His example - is omitted. They emphasize His gift, but are silent upon the terms upon which He bestows it.
Far better instructed thereon than so many of our modern evangelists was good old Matthew Henry. Outlining the whole passage, that helpful commentator pointed out: "We are invited to Christ as our Priest, Prince, and Prophet, to be saved - and, in order to that, to be ruled and taught by Him.
First, we must come to Christ as our great High Priest and repose ourselves in Him for salvation.
Second, we must come to Him as our Prince or Ruler, and submit ourselves to Him, "Take My yoke upon you." This must go along with the former, for Christ is exalted to be both a Prince and a Saviour (Acts 5:31). The rest He promises is a release from the drudgery of sin - not from the service of God. Christ has a yoke for our necks - as well as a crown for our heads - and this yoke He requires that we should take upon us.
Third, we must come to Him as our Prophet or Teacher, and set ourselves to learn from Him. We must learn of Him to be "meek and humble in heart" - to mortify our pride and passion, which render us so unlike to Him. We must so learn of Christ, for He is both Teacher and Lesson, Guide and Way."
"My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." This is not a poetic hyperbole, but the language of truth and soberness, and, therefore, is not to be denied or doubted. The Saviour was there drawing a blessed contrast with the scribes and Pharisees, of whom He said, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders" (Matt. 23:4). In order to gratify a domineering spirit, they usurped authority, and, by their inventions and traditions, removed liberties which God allowed, and imposed irksome injunctions which He had never enjoined. They demanded a greater strictness in the observing of the ceremonial law than the Lord did, obtruding severe tasks (under pain of heavy penalties), but offering no assistance unto those who submitted to their dictates. They were the false shepherds who ruled "with force and cruelty" (Ezekiel 34:4). Such has ever characterized a carnal priesthood. Now, in sharp and blessed opposition thereto, the great High Priest of God's people presents a yoke which is easy and a burden that is light - and places His everlasting arms beneath those who voluntarily take and wear the same.
Christ is no cruel Egyptian taskmaster, requiring men to make bricks without straw, but a "merciful and faithful High Priest" (Hebrews 2:17) One who can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (4:15). Therefore, it is not fetters and chains which He imposes upon His followers, but a yoke that is pleasant and a burden that is light. As others before us have pointed out, the Greek word rendered "easy" also signifies "good and gracious." So far from Christ's yoke being galling and painful - to the yielding neck it is benignant and delightful. It is designed not for our injury, but for our benefit.
The first reference in His "my yoke" and "my burden" is unto the one that Christ Himself wore and bore, and which He declared to be easy and light. And what did they consist of? Why, doing the Father's will, being about His Father's business. In that He delighted (Psalm 40:8), and to do that business was what had brought Him down from Heaven to earth (Luke 2:49). Since His followers are predestined to be conformed unto His image, He requires that they should wear the yoke which He sets before them. Christ gives rest not in sin and unlawful pleasures - but from them, by engaging the heart with something infinitely better. It is rest, not in our lusts, but in Himself!
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).
Probably there is no passage in the New Testament more familiar to church-goers than then Matthew 11:28-30 of which our quotation is the final clause. Yet, there is scarcely any other that has been so sadly mangled by unqualified novices and unfaithful preachers. The invitation and promise with which it opens have been divorced from the condition by which they are qualified - so that an entirely inadequate, in fact a false, apprehension of the same has been conveyed of what our Lord there taught. That which is required from those desiring rest of soul - namely, submission to the authority of Christ and the following of His example - is omitted. They emphasize His gift, but are silent upon the terms upon which He bestows it.
Far better instructed thereon than so many of our modern evangelists was good old Matthew Henry. Outlining the whole passage, that helpful commentator pointed out: "We are invited to Christ as our Priest, Prince, and Prophet, to be saved - and, in order to that, to be ruled and taught by Him.
First, we must come to Christ as our great High Priest and repose ourselves in Him for salvation.
Second, we must come to Him as our Prince or Ruler, and submit ourselves to Him, "Take My yoke upon you." This must go along with the former, for Christ is exalted to be both a Prince and a Saviour (Acts 5:31). The rest He promises is a release from the drudgery of sin - not from the service of God. Christ has a yoke for our necks - as well as a crown for our heads - and this yoke He requires that we should take upon us.
Third, we must come to Him as our Prophet or Teacher, and set ourselves to learn from Him. We must learn of Him to be "meek and humble in heart" - to mortify our pride and passion, which render us so unlike to Him. We must so learn of Christ, for He is both Teacher and Lesson, Guide and Way."
"My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." This is not a poetic hyperbole, but the language of truth and soberness, and, therefore, is not to be denied or doubted. The Saviour was there drawing a blessed contrast with the scribes and Pharisees, of whom He said, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders" (Matt. 23:4). In order to gratify a domineering spirit, they usurped authority, and, by their inventions and traditions, removed liberties which God allowed, and imposed irksome injunctions which He had never enjoined. They demanded a greater strictness in the observing of the ceremonial law than the Lord did, obtruding severe tasks (under pain of heavy penalties), but offering no assistance unto those who submitted to their dictates. They were the false shepherds who ruled "with force and cruelty" (Ezekiel 34:4). Such has ever characterized a carnal priesthood. Now, in sharp and blessed opposition thereto, the great High Priest of God's people presents a yoke which is easy and a burden that is light - and places His everlasting arms beneath those who voluntarily take and wear the same.
Christ is no cruel Egyptian taskmaster, requiring men to make bricks without straw, but a "merciful and faithful High Priest" (Hebrews 2:17) One who can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (4:15). Therefore, it is not fetters and chains which He imposes upon His followers, but a yoke that is pleasant and a burden that is light. As others before us have pointed out, the Greek word rendered "easy" also signifies "good and gracious." So far from Christ's yoke being galling and painful - to the yielding neck it is benignant and delightful. It is designed not for our injury, but for our benefit.
The first reference in His "my yoke" and "my burden" is unto the one that Christ Himself wore and bore, and which He declared to be easy and light. And what did they consist of? Why, doing the Father's will, being about His Father's business. In that He delighted (Psalm 40:8), and to do that business was what had brought Him down from Heaven to earth (Luke 2:49). Since His followers are predestined to be conformed unto His image, He requires that they should wear the yoke which He sets before them. Christ gives rest not in sin and unlawful pleasures - but from them, by engaging the heart with something infinitely better. It is rest, not in our lusts, but in Himself!
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Strong and Free # 3
Strong and Free # 3
But learn to know your weakness, and then learn to know the abundant strength laid up for you in Christ. "My son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus." "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed."
It is the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart, who imparts true strength and liberty - and, when you come by faith to Christ, this gift He bestows. Trusting in His grace, leaning on His mighty arm, strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, in the very highest sense you shall know what it is to be "strong and free."
You shall be strong! You shall be strong to fight His battles and to endure hardness as a good soldier of His Cross. You shall be strong to run the heavenly race and to win a bright crown of glory. You shall be strong to do right, however hard and difficult at times it may be. And you shall be free! You shall break off the fetters of former sin. You shall enjoy the liberty of a conscience set free from the bonds of guilt. You shall have freedom of access into God's presence, as a dear child, crying Abba, Father. You shall experience that Christ's yoke is an easy one and His burden light, because you bear it in the spirit of grateful love.
In the service which Your love appoints
There are no bounds for me,
But my heart is taught the secret truth
That makes Your children free,
And a life of self-renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.
Yes, abiding in Christ, waiting upon the Lord in humble, continual prayer, you shall be "strong and free."
Before I close this paper I should like to draw a couple of contrasts.
You may remember the story of an Irish eagle in its upward flight looking down on the lake beneath and catching sight of a carcass floating on the surface. Poising for a moment on its pinions, it darted downward, fixed its claws in the dead body of the animal, and gorged itself with the spoil it had found. But it never rose again. When it attempted to do so, the water had frozen on its wings, and it was shortly afterwards captured and killed.
The story has its lesson for the young. You may be caught in the same way. You have begun to seek a higher life - but there comes a terrible snare. Your eye is attracted by something which is pleasant to the flesh, and if you yield, it may be death to the soul. You may be drawn down to earth. You may lose all taste for higher things. The wing of faith may lose its power. You may be led by this one thing, to give up the bright and blessed hope of the everlasting kingdom, and you may live and die without Christ and without hope.
Remember the words, "He who sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
But let me present another contrast. Have you ever noticed the eagles chained and caged at the Zoological Gardens? There you see some noble bird which, in its native state, would roam for miles, and make many a flight toward the sky - now unable to escape its fetters, and day after day losing more and more its vigor and strength. It is not now "strong and free", as once it may have been - but a poor captive, wearing out its life in its long imprisonment.
And is there not something here that may be parallel to the condition of many a one?
There are those who permit their thoughts and desires to be chained down to earth, by business duties or the cares of daily life. They give themselves to these as if thee were nothing higher or better. They neglect the sacred duty of prayer. They never ponder the great truths of Holy Scripture. Even the Sunday makes but little difference, as on God's holy day there is no hearty seeking after God and His kingdom. Oh, do not thus cast away your brightest and highest privilege. Do not thus sacrifice the joys which might otherwise mingle with your commonest duties.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21).
~George Everard~
(The End)
But learn to know your weakness, and then learn to know the abundant strength laid up for you in Christ. "My son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus." "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed."
It is the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart, who imparts true strength and liberty - and, when you come by faith to Christ, this gift He bestows. Trusting in His grace, leaning on His mighty arm, strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, in the very highest sense you shall know what it is to be "strong and free."
You shall be strong! You shall be strong to fight His battles and to endure hardness as a good soldier of His Cross. You shall be strong to run the heavenly race and to win a bright crown of glory. You shall be strong to do right, however hard and difficult at times it may be. And you shall be free! You shall break off the fetters of former sin. You shall enjoy the liberty of a conscience set free from the bonds of guilt. You shall have freedom of access into God's presence, as a dear child, crying Abba, Father. You shall experience that Christ's yoke is an easy one and His burden light, because you bear it in the spirit of grateful love.
In the service which Your love appoints
There are no bounds for me,
But my heart is taught the secret truth
That makes Your children free,
And a life of self-renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.
Yes, abiding in Christ, waiting upon the Lord in humble, continual prayer, you shall be "strong and free."
Before I close this paper I should like to draw a couple of contrasts.
You may remember the story of an Irish eagle in its upward flight looking down on the lake beneath and catching sight of a carcass floating on the surface. Poising for a moment on its pinions, it darted downward, fixed its claws in the dead body of the animal, and gorged itself with the spoil it had found. But it never rose again. When it attempted to do so, the water had frozen on its wings, and it was shortly afterwards captured and killed.
The story has its lesson for the young. You may be caught in the same way. You have begun to seek a higher life - but there comes a terrible snare. Your eye is attracted by something which is pleasant to the flesh, and if you yield, it may be death to the soul. You may be drawn down to earth. You may lose all taste for higher things. The wing of faith may lose its power. You may be led by this one thing, to give up the bright and blessed hope of the everlasting kingdom, and you may live and die without Christ and without hope.
Remember the words, "He who sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
But let me present another contrast. Have you ever noticed the eagles chained and caged at the Zoological Gardens? There you see some noble bird which, in its native state, would roam for miles, and make many a flight toward the sky - now unable to escape its fetters, and day after day losing more and more its vigor and strength. It is not now "strong and free", as once it may have been - but a poor captive, wearing out its life in its long imprisonment.
And is there not something here that may be parallel to the condition of many a one?
There are those who permit their thoughts and desires to be chained down to earth, by business duties or the cares of daily life. They give themselves to these as if thee were nothing higher or better. They neglect the sacred duty of prayer. They never ponder the great truths of Holy Scripture. Even the Sunday makes but little difference, as on God's holy day there is no hearty seeking after God and His kingdom. Oh, do not thus cast away your brightest and highest privilege. Do not thus sacrifice the joys which might otherwise mingle with your commonest duties.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21).
~George Everard~
(The End)
Strong and Free # 2
Strong and Free # 2
But our motto will lead us a step or two further. It is good to be "strong and free" physically - yet it is still better to be so morally. What a benefit and comfort to yourself and to many beside will it be, if you are strong in moral principle and decision of character - and free from the slavery and bondage of bad habits. The angel said to Daniel, "O man greatly beloved, be strong, yes, be strong." So would I say to you. Be strong to do the right, to go forward in the path of straightforward honesty and integrity of purpose, in spite of legions of enemies and hosts of difficulties. Speak truly, live truly, act truly. Be strong to resist whatever is of evil. Abhor and reject every temptation to turn aside.
Be firm as a rock against every enticement to pleasure or profit, at the cost of a good conscience. Be able to say "No," to mean it, and to stick to it, though the wary tempter has a tongue as smooth as oil and as musical as a siren's note.
Avoid the very first step in evil. Don't break the fence with the idea that you can soon make up the breach. Don't go a little way in the wrong direction imagining that you can easily make up what is lost.
It is said that if a man goes out with newly cleaned boots, he walks carefully, so as not to bemire them; but when they have been soiled with the mud, then he will go through the deepest mire and not mind it. I am sure this is true in one sense. There is a pain about the first act of sin; but when the conscience is accustomed to what is wrong, a man will go anywhere and do anything, and will feel but little the sin he is committing.
My young friend, beware of a single blot on the conscience! Keep clear of associates with whom you are not safe. Watch against the touch of evil. Turn from the spot where danger is likely to meet you.
Many a young man flatters himself that he is a "bird of freedom," while he is the truest slave under the sun. He cannot say "No" to the least temptation, though he knows full well that it is injuring his character, destroying his future prospects, bringing upon himself a scourge of many cords in the upbraidings of a guilty conscience, and wounding and grieving those who love him best upon earth.
If he is free, it is the freedom of the lamb in the desolate wild, free to roam where it will - but sure to perish at length through hunger or as the spoil of fierce wolves. Far be from you freedom like this? Give me rather the safety of the fold, the guiding care of the Good Shepherd; yes, and if need be, the rod to chasten me when I stray, that I may return to the peace and security of His faithful guardianship.
From the arts that would allure us,
From the toils that would ensnare,
You who slumber not, secure us
By Your ever-watchful care:
And if e'er from You we roam,
Fetch, O fetch, Your wanderers home.
But how may you be thus "strong" in right principle and "free" from such bonds and snares as I have named? There is only one way. A good education is not enough. Even the example and training of godly parents, though beyond all price, is not strong enough to secure you at all times against the assaults that may overcome you. The true secret of moral strength and liberty, is the spiritual strength and freedom which Christ alone can give.
In yourself you have no strength - none whatever. "Without Me," Christ says, "you can do nothing." You have no power to do a single thing aright, or to beat down one snare of the wicked one.
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (Isaiah 40:30). That is, mere natural powers, mere human strength, even the good purposes of youth, will succumb in the great battle with sin, the world, and the devil. Man is described as "a worm," and what power has the worm to resist an enemy or to rise above the earth on which it crawls?
~George Everard~
(continued with # 3)
But our motto will lead us a step or two further. It is good to be "strong and free" physically - yet it is still better to be so morally. What a benefit and comfort to yourself and to many beside will it be, if you are strong in moral principle and decision of character - and free from the slavery and bondage of bad habits. The angel said to Daniel, "O man greatly beloved, be strong, yes, be strong." So would I say to you. Be strong to do the right, to go forward in the path of straightforward honesty and integrity of purpose, in spite of legions of enemies and hosts of difficulties. Speak truly, live truly, act truly. Be strong to resist whatever is of evil. Abhor and reject every temptation to turn aside.
Be firm as a rock against every enticement to pleasure or profit, at the cost of a good conscience. Be able to say "No," to mean it, and to stick to it, though the wary tempter has a tongue as smooth as oil and as musical as a siren's note.
Avoid the very first step in evil. Don't break the fence with the idea that you can soon make up the breach. Don't go a little way in the wrong direction imagining that you can easily make up what is lost.
It is said that if a man goes out with newly cleaned boots, he walks carefully, so as not to bemire them; but when they have been soiled with the mud, then he will go through the deepest mire and not mind it. I am sure this is true in one sense. There is a pain about the first act of sin; but when the conscience is accustomed to what is wrong, a man will go anywhere and do anything, and will feel but little the sin he is committing.
My young friend, beware of a single blot on the conscience! Keep clear of associates with whom you are not safe. Watch against the touch of evil. Turn from the spot where danger is likely to meet you.
Many a young man flatters himself that he is a "bird of freedom," while he is the truest slave under the sun. He cannot say "No" to the least temptation, though he knows full well that it is injuring his character, destroying his future prospects, bringing upon himself a scourge of many cords in the upbraidings of a guilty conscience, and wounding and grieving those who love him best upon earth.
If he is free, it is the freedom of the lamb in the desolate wild, free to roam where it will - but sure to perish at length through hunger or as the spoil of fierce wolves. Far be from you freedom like this? Give me rather the safety of the fold, the guiding care of the Good Shepherd; yes, and if need be, the rod to chasten me when I stray, that I may return to the peace and security of His faithful guardianship.
From the arts that would allure us,
From the toils that would ensnare,
You who slumber not, secure us
By Your ever-watchful care:
And if e'er from You we roam,
Fetch, O fetch, Your wanderers home.
But how may you be thus "strong" in right principle and "free" from such bonds and snares as I have named? There is only one way. A good education is not enough. Even the example and training of godly parents, though beyond all price, is not strong enough to secure you at all times against the assaults that may overcome you. The true secret of moral strength and liberty, is the spiritual strength and freedom which Christ alone can give.
In yourself you have no strength - none whatever. "Without Me," Christ says, "you can do nothing." You have no power to do a single thing aright, or to beat down one snare of the wicked one.
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (Isaiah 40:30). That is, mere natural powers, mere human strength, even the good purposes of youth, will succumb in the great battle with sin, the world, and the devil. Man is described as "a worm," and what power has the worm to resist an enemy or to rise above the earth on which it crawls?
~George Everard~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Strong and Free # 1
Strong and Free # 1
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31).
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
"Strong and Free!" Such were the words I noticed beneath the picture of a noble eagle with outspread wings soaring upwards to the sky. It was the motto of an Athletic Society, and when I saw it, it was upon a placard announcing athletic sports to be held in the neighborhood.
I take these words as a suitable motto for all young men. I scarcely know a better illustration of a high and glorious course, than that of the eagle, strong and free, mounting higher and higher. Nor is it a life beyond you. A gracious promise tells how it may be attained: "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
In many respects the motto is a good one for young men. It is a capital thing to be "strong and free" physically. Hence such sports as tend to develop the muscle an give elasticity to the body are not to be despised. Strong limbs, a supple frame, whatever enables a man to undergo severe toil, to endure hardship and privation, to put the best foot forward - all this is most valuable and helpful. It is a priceless gift to the soldier or the sailor - to the traveler in uncivilized countries, to the emigrant who has to clear the land and build himself a homestead, in fact, to every one who would be strong to labor, active and quick in what he has to do, and able to rough it whenever there is need.
I knew of a young clergyman, in the years gone by, who had this power, and by means of it did very much good. He was an excellent Alpine climber, and had great physical strength, and knew how to utilize it in the service of his Master.
With a lantern on his shoulder, he would walk six, eight, or even ten miles, then give an admirable lecture, illustrated by missionary slides; then pack up his gear, walk back, and reach his home somewhere about midnight.
Unhappily on one of his journeys he was too venturesome. he attempted to climb the Matterhorn, but he fell, and with his two companions he lies buried at Zermatt, surrounded on all sides by the mountain heights he loved so well.
There is no need you should follow him in risking your life; but I do hope you will endeavor, like him, to be "strong and free" in body, and then make good use of the gift you possess.
To do this, beware of sloth and self-indulgence. Beware of every habit of excess that will injure the vigor and strength of your constitution. When you have opportunity, give an afternoon or evening to the gymnasium, or boating, or football, or mount your bicycle and enjoy the pleasure of going almost as fast as the train. If this is beyond you, at any rate take a good walk of eight or ten miles, or even three or four. This is far better than idling around the house, when you might be getting good healthy exercise.
A word by the way I would here drop to any young friend who is fond of his bicycle. I am glad you are, though sometimes you come rather too near, and so quietly withal, that I am afraid you are going to run over my toes! I suppose I must put up with this, but there is one thing I do ask you. I wish you would spare the Sunday ride. I am sure you would if you knew the blessing of keeping it holy, and the pain you sometimes give to those who value it aright. Put your bicycle aside on Saturday night. It won't grow rusty before Monday, and perhaps you will enjoy it all the more from having spent a quiet, happy day in the House of God.
One thing I am sure you will never regret. The more you can spend of God's day in whatever will be a help to yourself and others - the greater will be your peace and the brighter your crown hereafter.
To the surprise of his wife, a Christian working man used to rise earlier on Sunday than any day in the week. At last he gave her the reason: "I like the day I give to my Saviour to be the longest in the week." If your spirit is something like this, every Sunday will be a step on the ladder, leading you nearer to your everlasting Home.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 2)
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31).
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
"Strong and Free!" Such were the words I noticed beneath the picture of a noble eagle with outspread wings soaring upwards to the sky. It was the motto of an Athletic Society, and when I saw it, it was upon a placard announcing athletic sports to be held in the neighborhood.
I take these words as a suitable motto for all young men. I scarcely know a better illustration of a high and glorious course, than that of the eagle, strong and free, mounting higher and higher. Nor is it a life beyond you. A gracious promise tells how it may be attained: "Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
In many respects the motto is a good one for young men. It is a capital thing to be "strong and free" physically. Hence such sports as tend to develop the muscle an give elasticity to the body are not to be despised. Strong limbs, a supple frame, whatever enables a man to undergo severe toil, to endure hardship and privation, to put the best foot forward - all this is most valuable and helpful. It is a priceless gift to the soldier or the sailor - to the traveler in uncivilized countries, to the emigrant who has to clear the land and build himself a homestead, in fact, to every one who would be strong to labor, active and quick in what he has to do, and able to rough it whenever there is need.
I knew of a young clergyman, in the years gone by, who had this power, and by means of it did very much good. He was an excellent Alpine climber, and had great physical strength, and knew how to utilize it in the service of his Master.
With a lantern on his shoulder, he would walk six, eight, or even ten miles, then give an admirable lecture, illustrated by missionary slides; then pack up his gear, walk back, and reach his home somewhere about midnight.
Unhappily on one of his journeys he was too venturesome. he attempted to climb the Matterhorn, but he fell, and with his two companions he lies buried at Zermatt, surrounded on all sides by the mountain heights he loved so well.
There is no need you should follow him in risking your life; but I do hope you will endeavor, like him, to be "strong and free" in body, and then make good use of the gift you possess.
To do this, beware of sloth and self-indulgence. Beware of every habit of excess that will injure the vigor and strength of your constitution. When you have opportunity, give an afternoon or evening to the gymnasium, or boating, or football, or mount your bicycle and enjoy the pleasure of going almost as fast as the train. If this is beyond you, at any rate take a good walk of eight or ten miles, or even three or four. This is far better than idling around the house, when you might be getting good healthy exercise.
A word by the way I would here drop to any young friend who is fond of his bicycle. I am glad you are, though sometimes you come rather too near, and so quietly withal, that I am afraid you are going to run over my toes! I suppose I must put up with this, but there is one thing I do ask you. I wish you would spare the Sunday ride. I am sure you would if you knew the blessing of keeping it holy, and the pain you sometimes give to those who value it aright. Put your bicycle aside on Saturday night. It won't grow rusty before Monday, and perhaps you will enjoy it all the more from having spent a quiet, happy day in the House of God.
One thing I am sure you will never regret. The more you can spend of God's day in whatever will be a help to yourself and others - the greater will be your peace and the brighter your crown hereafter.
To the surprise of his wife, a Christian working man used to rise earlier on Sunday than any day in the week. At last he gave her the reason: "I like the day I give to my Saviour to be the longest in the week." If your spirit is something like this, every Sunday will be a step on the ladder, leading you nearer to your everlasting Home.
~George Everard~
(continued with # 2)
The Importance of Dogma # 7
The Importance of Dogma # 7
And now let me conclude this paper with two special words of warning. They are warnings so closely connected with my subject that I dare not keep them back. I offer them with some confidence, for I lay no claim to infallibility. I ask my readers to take them for what they are worth. They are cautions for the times in which we live.
(a) On the one hand I desire to raise a warning voice against the growing disposition to sacrifice dogma on the altar of so-called unity, and to give up sound doctrine for the sake of peace and cooperation. The tide is running strongly in that direction - so we must mind what we are about. Peace is an excellent thing - but it may be bought too dear. And it is bought too dear if we keep back any portion of gospel truth - in order to exhibit to men a hollow semblance of unity. The divisions of the Church are unhappy and dangerous. They are the strength of liberalism, and the laughing-stock of the world. They are an evil omen. God sees them, and is displeased. When children fight about the candle - they are often left in the dark.
But for Christ's sake let us beware of trying to heal our breaches by lowering our standard of doctrine, and watering our statements of truth in order to avoid giving offence. To skin over a wound externally, while mischief is going on inside, a poor surgery, and not a cure. Some men cut the knot - by refusing to show their faces or open their mouths except in the presence of sympathizing and congenial audiences. Be it so, if they please. I shall throw no stone at them. Others think they are more in the line of duty (if not of pleasure) when we stand boldly in any place where we can get a fair hearing, whether on Congress platforms or in cathedral pulpits, and try to confess Christ, and to confront error by truth.
But whatever line of conduct we adopt, whether we sit at home at ease, or do battle and jeopardize our lives on high places, and face contradiction - let us never compromise sound doctrine for the sake of pleasing anyone, whether he be Bishop or Presbyter, Romanist or Infidel, Ritualist or Neologian, Churchman or Dissenter, or Plymouth brother.
Let us be civil and courteous to every one, however much we may disagree with him. Let us never, never compromise and give up one jot or tittle of Evangelical dogma.
Well says Martin Luther: "Accursed is that charity which is preserved by the shipwreck of faith or truth, to which all things must give place; both charity, or an apostle, or an angel from Heaven."
Well says Dr. Gauden: "If either peace or truth must be dispensed with, it is peace and not truth. Better to have truth without public peace - than peace without saving truth."
(b) On the other hand, I desire to raise a warning voice against the growling tendency to be dogmatic about things which are not necessary to salvation. To be positive where the Bible is silent, to condemn and anathematize those whom God has not condemned, and to exalt things indifferent and secondary to a level with the primary verities and weightier matters of the gospel. By all means let us be bold, firm, and unbending as steel, about every jot and tittle of Evangelical dogma and Christ's truth; but let us not cultivate the detestable habit of excommunicating every man who does not see everything exactly with our eyes, and pronounce Shibboleth precisely as we do. For Christ's sake let us make allowances for slight varieties of opinion in non-essential matters. Let us not out-ritualize ritualists in over-scrupulousness and particularity. Let us not squabble about straws - when the Canaanite and Perizzite are in the land; or bite and devour one another, like the wretched Jewish factions in the siege of Jerusalem, when the Romans were thundering at the gates! Never, never, I am persuaded, was the old saying of Rupertus Meldenius so worthy of daily remembrance:
"In essentials - unity.
In non-essentials - diversity.
In all things - charity.
"But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8-9).
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
And now let me conclude this paper with two special words of warning. They are warnings so closely connected with my subject that I dare not keep them back. I offer them with some confidence, for I lay no claim to infallibility. I ask my readers to take them for what they are worth. They are cautions for the times in which we live.
(a) On the one hand I desire to raise a warning voice against the growing disposition to sacrifice dogma on the altar of so-called unity, and to give up sound doctrine for the sake of peace and cooperation. The tide is running strongly in that direction - so we must mind what we are about. Peace is an excellent thing - but it may be bought too dear. And it is bought too dear if we keep back any portion of gospel truth - in order to exhibit to men a hollow semblance of unity. The divisions of the Church are unhappy and dangerous. They are the strength of liberalism, and the laughing-stock of the world. They are an evil omen. God sees them, and is displeased. When children fight about the candle - they are often left in the dark.
But for Christ's sake let us beware of trying to heal our breaches by lowering our standard of doctrine, and watering our statements of truth in order to avoid giving offence. To skin over a wound externally, while mischief is going on inside, a poor surgery, and not a cure. Some men cut the knot - by refusing to show their faces or open their mouths except in the presence of sympathizing and congenial audiences. Be it so, if they please. I shall throw no stone at them. Others think they are more in the line of duty (if not of pleasure) when we stand boldly in any place where we can get a fair hearing, whether on Congress platforms or in cathedral pulpits, and try to confess Christ, and to confront error by truth.
But whatever line of conduct we adopt, whether we sit at home at ease, or do battle and jeopardize our lives on high places, and face contradiction - let us never compromise sound doctrine for the sake of pleasing anyone, whether he be Bishop or Presbyter, Romanist or Infidel, Ritualist or Neologian, Churchman or Dissenter, or Plymouth brother.
Let us be civil and courteous to every one, however much we may disagree with him. Let us never, never compromise and give up one jot or tittle of Evangelical dogma.
Well says Martin Luther: "Accursed is that charity which is preserved by the shipwreck of faith or truth, to which all things must give place; both charity, or an apostle, or an angel from Heaven."
Well says Dr. Gauden: "If either peace or truth must be dispensed with, it is peace and not truth. Better to have truth without public peace - than peace without saving truth."
(b) On the other hand, I desire to raise a warning voice against the growling tendency to be dogmatic about things which are not necessary to salvation. To be positive where the Bible is silent, to condemn and anathematize those whom God has not condemned, and to exalt things indifferent and secondary to a level with the primary verities and weightier matters of the gospel. By all means let us be bold, firm, and unbending as steel, about every jot and tittle of Evangelical dogma and Christ's truth; but let us not cultivate the detestable habit of excommunicating every man who does not see everything exactly with our eyes, and pronounce Shibboleth precisely as we do. For Christ's sake let us make allowances for slight varieties of opinion in non-essential matters. Let us not out-ritualize ritualists in over-scrupulousness and particularity. Let us not squabble about straws - when the Canaanite and Perizzite are in the land; or bite and devour one another, like the wretched Jewish factions in the siege of Jerusalem, when the Romans were thundering at the gates! Never, never, I am persuaded, was the old saying of Rupertus Meldenius so worthy of daily remembrance:
"In essentials - unity.
In non-essentials - diversity.
In all things - charity.
"But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8-9).
~J. C. Ryle~
(The End)
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