Grace Gems

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You are a filthy pauper!

(Arthur Pink, "Identification of the Godly")

"For this is what the high and lofty One says--He who lives forever, whose name is holy: I live in a high and holy place--but also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit." Isaiah 57:15

A humble spirit or heart, is an infallible sign of regeneration; for the unregenerate are proud, self-satisfied, self-righteous.

Yet the very mention of the word "humility" seems to cut off many Christians. As they examine themselves, they discover so much pride at work within, that they are quite unable to persuade themselves that they have a humble heart. It seems to them--that humility is one thing they most evidently lack. Now it will no doubt be a startling statement--but we unhesitatingly affirm that the great majority of God's people are far more humble than they suppose!

FIRST, that the Christian reader possesses a humble heart, is plain from the fact that he confesses himself to be a Hell-deserving sinner. We do not have in mind what you say of yourself when in the company of your fellows--but rather what you feel and say of yourself when alone with God. Whatever pretenses you are guilty of before men--when in the presence of the Omniscient One--you are real, sincere, and genuine.

Now, dear reader, be honest with yourself: When on your knees before the Throne of Grace, do you freely and frankly acknowledge that if you received your lawful due, you would--even now--be suffering the dreadful fires of Hell? If so, a miracle of grace must have been wrought within you. No unregenerate person will or can honestly make such a confession to God--for he does not feel he has done anything deserving of eternal punishment.

SECOND, if you own that "all your righteous acts are like filthy rags," that is proof you possess a humble heart. Of course, we mean much more than your merely uttering those words as a parrot might, or even singing then during some religious service. We mean that when you are in the presence of the Lord--which is always the surest test--you personally realize that you have not a single meritorious deed of your own to commend you to His favorable regard.

We mean that, when bowed in His presence, in the calmness and quietness of your prayer-closet, you own without any qualification, that your best performances are defiled by sin--and that in yourself, you are a filthy pauper!

If that is indeed your language before God--it most certainly issues from a humble heart. The heart of the natural man thinks and feels the very opposite, and can no more loathe himself--than transform himself into a holy angel.

THIRD, if you receive everything in the Scriptures as a little child--that is another proof that a miracle of grace has been wrought within you and that you now possess a humble heart. By nature, all are "wise and prudent" in their own esteem.

The enmity of the proud carnal mind rises up against the sovereignty of God--making one vessel to honor and another to dishonor; against the spirituality and strictness of the Divine Law--which curses all who deviate the slightest from its holy demands; and against the endless punishment of all dying out of Christ. But the regenerate, though there is much they do not understand, accept without murmur or question--all that is revealed in the Word. If you do, that is proof that your pride has been abased before God.

How thankful we should be that Scripture does not say that God dwells only in those who have complete victory over sin, or those who enjoy unbroken and unclouded communion with Him. Had those been the distinguishing features named--then every one of us might well despair!

But every regenerate person has a humble heart. And if you, my reader, measuring yourself by what has been pointed out above, can discern such fruits and evidences of  humility--then so far from its being presumptuous for you to look upon yourself as one saved and indwelt by God--it would be most wicked presumption for you to do otherwise.

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Bring nothing but your sins and miseries

(Thomas Wilcox)

When you come to Christ--you must leave behind you:
  all your own righteousness,
  all your own holiness,
  all your own sanctification,
  all your own duties,
  all your own tears,
  all your own repentings, etc.
Oh, this is hard!

You must bring nothing but your sins and miseries to
Him. Otherwise, Christ is not fit for you--nor you for Christ!

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A whole Christ must be received--with the whole heart

(Thomas Sherman, "Aids to the Divine Life--A Series of Practical Christian Contemplations" 1680)

"Yet to all who received Him . . . He gave the right to become children of God" John 1:12

A whole Christ must be received--with the whole heart.

Some in their understanding, assent to the way of salvation--yet do not consent to it with their will. In judgment they are for Christ--but in affection they are for other things. There is only a part of their soul that is for Christ. Others would have the benefits that are from Christ--but have no love for the person of Christ.

Some would have Christ only as a Savior--but not as a Lord. They desire Him only as a Priest to offer a sacrifice for their sins--but not as a Prophet to instruct them, nor as a King to rule over them. So that it is but part of Christ, that they would receive.

But both of these courses are equally dangerous; for, if we would be saved, we must cleave to Christ with all the faculties of the soul--with will, judgment, affection, etc. And so, again, we must cleave to the whole of Christ--Christ in His natures, person, offices, etc. If, therefore, you would rightly receive Christ, see that your whole soul receives a whole Christ.

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Affliction prepared for and improved

(Thomas Sherman, "Aids to the Divine Life--A Series of Practical Christian Contemplations" 1680)

"It was good for me to be afflicted--so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:71

As it is the duty of God's children to prepare for affliction before it comes; so it is also their duty to improve affliction when it does come.

If we do not prepare for affliction--we shall be surprised by it;
and, if we do not improve it--we are likely to increase it.

He who would prepare for affliction, must beforehand:
(1.) resign all to God,
(2.) strengthen his graces,
(3.) store up divine promises,
(4.) and search out secret sins.

And he who would improve affliction when it does come, must labor to see:
  sin more and more in its filthiness--so as to mortify it;
  his heart in its deceitfulness--so as to watch over it;
  the world in its emptiness--so as to be crucified to it;
  grace in its amiableness--so as to prize it;
  God in His holiness--so as to revere Him; and
  heaven in its desirableness--so as to long after it.

He who takes more care to avoid afflictions--than to be fitted for them; or is more solicitous to be delivered from them--than to be bettered by them; is likely to come soonest into them--and to live longest under them!

"God disciplines us for our good--that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

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If this is happiness--then give me misery!

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen, and lived in luxury every day." Luke 16:19

How apt are many at the sight of a rich worldling--to envy him for what he has. But, for my part, I rather pity him for what he lacks!
He has a talent--but it lacks improvement;
he has a lamp--but it lacks oil;
he has a soul--but it lacks grace;
he has the creature--but he lacks the Creator;
he has a mansion--but he lacks heaven.

In his life, he floats upon a torrent of vanity--which rolls along into an ocean of vexation!

And after death, it will be said of him, "Take this unprofitable servant, bind him hand and foot, and cast him into outer darkness! Consign his soul to the eternal lake of fire and brimstone!"

Where now is the object of your envy?

It is not his gold that can then rescue him,
nor his mansion that can then satisfy him,
nor his friends that can then comfort him.

Therefore, if he is worth the envying--then who can be worth the pitying?

If this is happiness--then give me misery!

Lord, rather make me poor with a holy heart--than rich with an evil heart of unbelief!

"Have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue--because I am in agony in this fire!" Luke 16:24

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment--but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

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Would Jesus do it?

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

"I have set you an example--that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15

When anything presents itself, think: if He were alive and in my place--would Jesus do it? Or if I were about to die--would I still do it?

I must walk--as He has walked; and I must live--as I intend to die. If the thing in question is not Christ's will--it is my sin. And if I die in that sin--it will be my ruin.

I will therefore in every action so conduct myself--as if Christ were on the one hand--and death on the other!

"Leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:2

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The Christian's choice

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Ecclesiastes 1:2

I am frail--and the world is fleeting; but
my soul is immortal--and God is eternal.

If I choose earthly pleasures--I shall reap nothing but vanity and dissatisfaction.

If I aim at mammon, the god of this world--then shall I resemble the rich fool, who, for earthly gain, sacrificed his immortal soul; and, in consequence, went to eternal perdition!

But if I choose God for my portion, then mercy and goodness shall follow me while I live--and glory and eternal pleasure shall crown me when I die!

I will therefore now forsake that which I shall soon lose,
so that I may embrace that which I shall always enjoy!

"You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are eternal pleasures!" Psalm 16:11

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O stand amazed at His free grace!

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

O precious saint! Three questions call for your answer:
   1. What were you?
   2. What are you?
   3. What shall you be?

1. What were you?
Dead in your transgressions and sins,
a rebel to your God,
a prodigal to your Father,
a slave to your lust,
the devil's captive,
on the highway to hell.

2. What are you?
Redeemed by Christ,
a royal child of God,
the spouse of Christ,
the temple of the Holy Spirit,
the heir of a priceless eternal inheritance!

3. What shall you be?
A glorious saint,
a companion of angels,
a triumphant victor,
a crowned king,
an attendant on the Lamb,
a participant in those soul-ravishing and ineffable excellencies that are in God! You shall behold the King of Glory face to face--and enjoy immediate communion with Jesus Christ! Nay more, you are made one with Him:
  clothed with His excellencies,
  enthroned with His glories,
  crowned with His eternity,
  and filled with His felicity!

"No eye has seen,
 no ear has heard, and
 no mind has imagined . . .
 what God has prepared for those who love Him!"
1 Corinthians 2:9

O stand amazed at His free grace--and render all the glory to God!

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O think upon your dignity!

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

Christian! You are a child of God's love, an heir of His glory, and reckoned among His favorites! O think upon your dignity, and consider:

Will an Emperor live like a beggar?

Is it befitting for those who are clothed in scarlet--to wallow in the mire?

Am I born of God--and shall I live like a beast?

Has God raised my soul to the purest excellencies--and shall I stain my dignity with the world's filth?

May I feed upon Christ--and shall I feed upon empty vanities?

Shall I who am to judge the world--be a drudge to the world?

Has Christ prepared for me a mansion in the heavens--and shall I be groveling in earthly mire?

Am I a child of light--and shall I commit the works of darkness?

No! I am born to greater and higher things--than to be a slave to lust, and a drudge to the world!

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Go, take your fill!

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

"In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!" Psalm 16:11

Your happiness arises from that object on which your affections are placed.  Where your treasure is--there will your heart be also. If your affections are placed upon a poor empty creature; or, if like Judas, your heart is so depraved, that you desire only the money-bag; or, like Reuben, you are content, for worldly convenience, to continue on this side Jordan--then remember that you are bartering eternal life for a mere fantasy, and deceiving yourself into irretrievable and endless ruin!

If you will be content with . . .
  a breath of honor,
  a blaze of pleasure,
  a snare of riches, or
  a parcel of vanity,
then go, take your fill! But know assuredly--that the end of these things is death!

When you shall draw your last breath,
when honor will appear only as air,
when your deathless soul shall be forever ensnared
--then you will greatly lament your past conduct,
and wish you had never been born!

But now, O true Christian, if you are risen with Christ from the dead, and are looking at unseen and eternal realities--then for you is prepared . . .
  a golden crown,
  a celestial harp,
  a glorious mansion,
  and eternal hallelujahs!
You shall enjoy the presence of God and the Lamb forever and ever! You shall gaze on the incomparable brightness of God, and forever contemplate the wonders of redemption!

Lord, if this is my happiness--then let others enjoy the things of this world! For my part, I am content to deny myself, and take up my cross and follow You!

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A needed book

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"I have put my hope in Your Word."
    Psalm 119:81

So long as there are . . .
  tears and sorrows,
  and broken hearts,
  and crushed hopes,
  and human failures,
  and lives burdened and bowed down,
  and spirits sad and despairing--
so long will the Bible be a needed book.
It is full of inspiration, light, help and strength for earth's weary ones.

"The law of the LORD is perfect--reviving the soul.
 The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy--making wise the simple.
 The precepts of the LORD are right--giving joy to the heart.
 The commands of the LORD are radiant--giving light to the eyes.
 The fear of the LORD is pure--enduring forever.
 The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more desirable than gold--even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey--even honey dripping from the comb.
By them is Your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Psalm 19:7-11

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Something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people

(J. C. Ryle, "Old Paths")

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply--there will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
  character,
  feelings,
  conduct,
  opinions
  and daily life.

You will not see perfection in him; but you will see in him--something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people.

You will see him . . .
  hating sin,
  loving Christ,
  following after holiness,
  taking pleasure in his Bible,
  persevering in prayer.

You will see him . . .
  penitent,
  humble,
  believing,
  temperate,
  charitable,
  truthful,
  good-tempered,
  patient,
  upright,
  honorable,
  kind.

These, at any rate, will be his aims--these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection.

In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly--in others less. This only I say--wherever there is true conversion, something of this kind will be seen.

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What was wrong with him?

(Arthur Pink)

"One thing you lack" Mark 10:21

Those words addressed by our Lord to the rich young ruler who had approached Him with such apparent eagerness and earnestness, and in whom there were some admirable qualities which are rarely found in young men, especially those of affluence.

Yet there was a fatal defect, for the sequel informs us that he turned from Christ, and "went away sad" (Mark 10:22). What was wrong with him? "'One thing you lack--Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth." (Mark 10:21-22).

There was a struggle between his convictions and his corruptions; he desired to serve two masters--God and mammon; and when Christ told him that was impossible, he was chagrined.

His fatal deficiency may be described in a variety of ways. He had no conviction that he was a ruined, lost and Hell-deserving sinner, no consciousness that he was a spiritual leper in the sight of God, no realization of his utter helplessness to better his condition. Though religious, he was still in nature's darkness, and therefore, his affections were not raised above the vanities of this world. There was no love for God within him; and consequently, he was unwilling to deny himself, abandon his idols, and give God His rightful place in his life--serving, pleasing, and enjoying Him. He lacked a real and unreserved surrender of his heart to God.

Is that the case with you, dear reader?

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All will be pure, unmingled happiness--or pure, unmingled misery!

("Life's Shortness and Vanity", A funeral sermon by Samuel Davies)

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment--but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

In this present world, our good and evil are blended. Our happiness has some bitter ingredients, and our miseries have some agreeable mitigations.

But in the eternal world, good and evil shall be entirely and forever separated! All will be pure, unmingled happiness--or pure, unmingled misery!

But what gives infinite importance to these joys and sorrows is--that they are enjoyed or suffered in the eternal world, and they are themselves eternal. Eternal joys! Eternal pains! Joys and pains that will last as long as the King eternal and immortal will live to distribute them! As long as our immortal spirits will live to feel them! Oh what joys and pains are these!

And these eternal joys or pains, my friends--are awaiting every one of us! These pleasures, or these pains--are felt this moment by all our friends and acquaintances who have died before us! And in a little, little while--you and I must feel them!

Alas! What then, have we to do with time and earth? Are the pleasures and pains of this world--worthy to be compared with eternal pleasures and pains? "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!" The enjoyments and sufferings, the labors and pursuits, the laughter and tears of the present state--are all nothing in comparison. What is the loss of an estate, or of a dear relative--compared to the loss of a blissful immortality?

And if our heavenly inheritance is secure--what does it matter, even if we should be reduced into Job's forlorn situation? What does it matter, even if we are poor, sickly, racked with pains, and submerged in every human misery? Heaven will more than make amends for all!

But if we have no evidences of a title to heaven, the sense of these transitory distresses may be swallowed up in the fear of the horrible miseries of eternity!

Alas! What does it avail--that we play away a few years in mirth and gaiety, in grandeur and pleasure--if when these few years have fled, we lift up our eyes in hell, tormented in eternal flames!

Oh what are all these transitory things--to a candidate for eternity! An heir of everlasting happiness--or everlasting misery!

If we spend our immortality in eternal misery--what sorry comfort will it be that we laughed, and played, and frolicked away our few years upon earth!

As Christians, we are to be nobly indifferent to all the little amusements and pleasures of so short an earthly life.

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment--but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

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The causes of the stupid unconcernedness

(Samuel Davies, "Unseen Things to Be Preferred to Seen Things")

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen--but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary--but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Among all the causes of the stupid unconcernedness of sinners about true religion, and the feeble endeavors of saints to improve in it--there is none more common or more effectual, than their not forming a due estimate of the things of time--in comparison to those of eternity!

Our present affairs engross all our thoughts, and exhaust all our activity--though they are but transitory trifles; while the solemn realities of the future world are hid from our eyes by the veil of flesh and the clouds of ignorance. Did these unseen eternal realities break in upon our minds in all their tremendous importance, they would . . .
  annihilate the most desired vanities of the present state,
  obscure the glare of all earthly glory,
  render all its pleasures insipid, and
  give us a noble resignation under all its sorrows.

A realizing view of these eternal realities, would . . .
  shock the worldling in his thoughtless career,
  tear off the hypocrite's mask, and
  inflame the devotion of the languishing saints!

The concern of mankind would then be how they might make a safe exit out of this world--and not how they may live happy in their earthly state. Present pleasure and pain--would be swallowed up in the prospect of everlasting happiness--or misery hereafter! Eternity, solemn eternity, would then be our serious contemplation. The pleasures of sin would strike us with horror--as they issue in eternal pain! And our present afflictions, however tedious and severe, would appear but light and momentary--if they work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!