Grace Gems

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Enthralled with the doll or the rattle

(Thomas Brooks, "A Word in Season to Suffering Saints")

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You!" Psalm 63:1-3

Be sure that you don't take up your greatest delight . . .
  in any creature,
  in any comfort,
  in any contentment,
  in any worldly enjoyment.

When the mother sees that the child is enthralled with the doll or the rattle--she comes not in sight. If you take up your rest in any of the dolls and rattles--in any of the poor things of this world--God will certainly keep out of sight! He will never honor them
with His gracious presence--who enthralled with anything below Himself, below His presence.

When you begin to be tickled and enthralled with this and that worldly enjoyment, reason thus, "Here is a gracious spouse, here are precious children, here is a pleasant home, here is a wonderful climate, here is a gainful trade, etc. But what are all these to me--so long God has withdrawn His presence from me?"

Remember this once for all: that the whole world is but a barren wilderness--without the gracious presence of God!

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You are on the road to eternity!

(Thomas Boston, "Death")

"For I know that You will bring me to death, and  to the house appointed for all living." Job 30:23

If you are in Christ, you may well bear your trials.

Death will put an end to all your troubles!

If a man on a journey is not well accommodated, where he lodges only for a night--he will not trouble himself much about the matter; because he is not to stay there, it is not his home.

You are on the road to eternity!

Let it not distress you that you meet with some hardships in the 'inn of this world'.

Fret not, because it is not so well with you as with some others. One man travels with an expensive polished cane in his hand; his fellow traveler, perhaps, has but a common staff or stick: either of them will serve the turn. It is no great matter which of them is yours; both will be laid aside when you come to your journey's end.

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Ask him now how he likes his bargain!

(Thomas Watson, "Doctrine of Repentance")

"The deceitfulness of sin" Hebrews 3:13

Sin is a mere cheat. While it pretends to please us, it beguiles us!

Sin does as Jael did. First she brought the milk and butter to Sisera--then she pounded the tent peg through his head! Judges 5:26

Sin first courts--and then kills!

It is first a fox--and then a lion!

Whoever sin betrays--it kills!

Those locusts in Revelation are fit emblems of sin:
"They had gold crowns on their heads . . .
 They had tails that stung like scorpions, with power to torture people." Revelation 9:7-10

Judas pleased himself with the thirty pieces of silver--but they proved deceitful riches. Ask him now how he likes his bargain!

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Paid loafers and social parasites!

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

It is easy for preachers to become paid loafers and social parasites, wasting their days in pleasure, recreation, and bumming around with open palms and an expectant look. Sadly, the religious hucksters and hirelings of the world have earned their reputation. Let no gospel preacher do so!

The pastor has no boss within sight. He is not required to keep regular office hours. And no one checks up on him, to be sure he is working. That is as it should be. Yet, the very fact that a church treats her pastor as she should, makes it possible for the pastor to abuse his office, neglect his work, give himself to idleness, or to providing luxuries for himself and his family; when he should give himself relentlessly to study, and prayer, and preaching. If we devote ourselves to this labor, there will be little time or energy for other things.

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely." 1 Timothy 4:15-16

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Vessels of His wrath!

(Samuel Davies, "The Vessels of Mercy and the Vessels of Wrath Delineated")

"What if God, choosing to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath--prepared for destruction?" Romans 9:22

Vessels of His wrath! How terribly emphatic is this phrase! Vessels dreadfully capacious of divine wrath! to be filled to the brim--with that burning liquid!

Lost sinner! Consider your present dangerous situation! You hang over the pit of destruction by the slender thread of life, held up only by the hand of an angry God--just as we hold a spider, or some poisonous insect over a fire, ready to throw in it! You are ripe for destruction, and therefore in danger every day, every hour, every moment--of falling into it! You are as fit for destruction--as a murderer is fit for the gallows! Such polluted vessels of wrath must be thrown out of the way into some dark corner in hell--that they may no more encumber or disgrace the more honorable places of the universe. And is this a situation in which it befits you to be merry, and mirthful, and thoughtless, and eager after worldly trifles? Oh does it not befit you rather--to be on your knees at the throne of grace, and vigorously pressing into the kingdom of God?

Alas! I must leave this warning with you, and if you do not remember it now--you will remember it millions of ages hence, when the remembrance of it will torment you with intolerable anguish!

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Alas! you are likely to dance and frolic yourselves into hell!

(Samuel Davies, "The Tender Anxieties of Ministers for Their People")

"I stand in doubt of you." Galatians 4:20

I am in doubt of some of you--that the WORLD has your hearts! Your thoughts seem to be engrossed by it, and your affections are fixed upon it as your supreme good--and hence your mouth is full of it; for out of the abundance of the heart--the mouth speaks. Now if any man loves the world--the love of the Father is not in him. Covetousness is idolatry; and you know that no idolater has eternal life. I fear that this is the character of some of you!

I am no enemy to the lawful pleasures of mankind, nor do I place genuine piety in morose, mopish, melancholy austerities. But after all, I must declare, that I have very little hopes of the success of the gospel among you--if I should have a congregation of dancing, frolicking, worldly professors! Alas! you are likely to dance and frolic yourselves into hell!

If you should die this night--I am in doubt whether heaven or hell will be your eternal residence!

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If you meet that poor wretch who thrust his spear into My side!

(Benjamin Grosvenor, "The Temper of Jesus Christ towards His Enemies, and His Grace to the Chief of Sinners")

"Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47

It is very affecting that the first offers of grace should be made to those who, of all people in the world--had done it the most harm! One would rather have expected the apostles should have received another kind of charge, and that Christ should have said, "Let repentance and forgiveness of sins be preached--but do NOT carry it to Jerusalem, that wicked city, that has been the slaughter-house of my prophets, whom I have often sent. Last of all, I myself, the Son, came--and with wicked hands, they have crucified and murdered Me! They may do the same to you! Do not let the gospel enter those wicked gates, through which they led Me, its Author, to crucifixion!"

But Christ singles out exactly these--to make monuments of His mercy, and commands the first offer of eternal life to be made to them! As if our Lord had said: "Lest the poor house of Israel should think themselves abandoned to eternal despair--as cruel and vile as they have been--go, make the first offer of grace to them! Let those who spilled My blood--be welcome to its healing virtue. Tell them that there is repentance and forgiveness, even for them!"
"Nay, if you meet that poor wretch who thrust his spear into My side, tell him that there is another way, a better way of coming to My heart--even My heart's love! Tell him, that if he will repent, and look upon Me whom he has pierced, and will mourn--then I will cherish him in that very bosom which he has wounded! Tell him that he shall find the blood which he has shed--to be an ample atonement for the sin of shedding it! And tell him from Me, that he will put Me to more pain and displeasure by refusing this offer of My blood--than when he first drew it forth!"

"For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!" Matthew 9:13

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An infallible test!

(Samuel Davies, "The Nature of Love to God and Christ, Opened and Enforced")

"If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

If you truly love the Lord Jesus Christ--then you earnestly study and endeavor to please Him by a life of universal obedience. Love is always desirous to please the person beloved; and it will naturally lead to a conduct that is pleasing. This, then, you may be sure of, that if you truly love Jesus--then it is the labor of your life to please Him.

The only way to please Jesus, and the best test of your love to Him--is obedience to His commandments. This is made the decisive mark by Christ Himself: "If anyone loves Me--he will obey My teaching. He who does not love Me--will not obey My teaching." John 14:23, 24.

Jesus repeats this theme over and over in different forms: "Whoever has My commands and obeys them--he is the one who loves Me," verse 21. "If you love Me--you will obey what I command," verse 15. "You are My friends--if you do what I command." John 15:14. "This is love for God," says John; that is, it is the surest evidence, and the natural, inseparable effect of our love to God, "that we obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3; that is, they will not seem grievous to one who obeys them from the principle of sincere love.

Here, then, you who profess to love the Lord Jesus--here is an infallible test for your love! Do you make it the great study of your life to keep His commandments? Do you honestly endeavor to perform every duty which He has required--and that because He has commanded it? And do you vigorously resist and struggle against every sin, however constitutional, however fashionable, however gainful--because He forbids it? And is the way of obedience pleasant to you? Would you choose this holy way to heaven, rather than any other--if it were left to your choice?

Your not loving God--if it continues, will certainly lead you to hell. You are fit for no other place! Where should the enemies of God be--but in an infernal prison? There is the same propriety in throwing you into hell--as in shutting up madmen in bedlam--or rebels in a dungeon! Why, you are devilized already! You have the very temper of devils! Enmity to God is the grand constituent of a devil--it is the worst ingredient in that infernal disposition; and this you have in your hearts, and, as it were, incorporated with your habitual temper! And what do you think will become of you? Judge for yourselves: must you not be doomed to that everlasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels--whom you resemble?

"If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

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All that man can need--and all that God can give!

(Cornelius Tyree, "The Glorious Sufficiency of Christ" 1879)

"God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him!" Colossians 1:19

"In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden!" Colossians 2:3

Do not only study Christianity--but Christ!

Do not only ponder redemption--but the Redeemer!

Do not only contemplate salvation--but the living Savior!

In this way, the mind will be convinced, and the heart savingly won to Him. In the person, character and work of Christ--is included all that man can need--and all that God can give!

"Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness!" John 1:16

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Would it not be better for you to be a cat or dog?

(Samuel Davies, "The Wonderful Compassion of Christ to the Greatest Sinners")

"You will not come to Me--that you might have life!" John 5:40. Yet you think that your not coming to Jesus is no crime. Is this consistent reasoning? Is it not the same as if a rebel should think to excuse himself by pleading, "I have such an inveterate hatred to my king--that I cannot love him!" Or as if a robber should plead in his defense, "I have such an aversion to honesty--that I cannot possibly help stealing!" Would not this be an aggravation of the crime--rather than an excuse! Is the invincible strength of your hatred to Christ--a vindication of it? Are you the more excusable--by how much the more you hate Him?

Sinners, give up this foolish reasoning, for the matter is too important to be trifled with! In short, whatever pleas and excuses you make--you will find at last that your destruction is entirely the effect of your own perverse desires and choice! You simply WILL not come unto Christ--that you might have life--and therefore you must perish without it. This reflection will forever torment you--that you willfully destroyed yourselves, and were guilty of the most unnatural self-murder! To you, therefore, I may properly address that expostulation:

"Why will you die? Why will you? Why do you most willfully destroy yourselves? Why will you die? Why will you causelessly eternally perish by your own act? What can be greater stupidity than this!"

In this light, the conduct of sinners is frequently exposed in the sacred writings: "The ox knows his owner," says Isaiah, "and the donkey his master's crib--but Israel does not know, My people does not consider!" Isaiah 1:3. "Every one turns to his course," says Jeremiah, "as the horse rushes into the battle! Yes, the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the crane, and the swallow, observe the time of their coming; but My people," (who are more stupid than these brutes!) "know not the judgment of the Lord." Jeremiah 8:6-7.

To refuse the offer of eternal salvation, when proposed upon the most reasonable terms, is to rush into hell--rather than be saved by the friendly hands of Jesus Christ! It is to suffer the most dreadful execution--rather than accept Christ's free pardon! It is to reject all the bliss of heaven--when freely proposed by Christ! It is to choose the pleasures of sin for a season--rather than an eternity of the most exalted happiness!

Is this the conduct of a reasonable creature? No! Show me the brute, if you can, that would act so stupid a part--in things which come within the sphere of its capacity. Would it not be better for you to be a cat or dog--than that brute man--who is capable of so much stupidity?

An immortal soul lost! Lost forever! Lost by its own obstinacy! Lost amidst the means of salvation! How tragic a case is this! God dishonored! Jesus rejected! His love spurned! His blood trampled upon! His Spirit grieved! How lamentable is this!

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A practical atheist

(Samuel Davies - 1750s)

A professed atheist--is a monster that we do not often meet with.

But the more absurd and astonishing phenomenon of a practical atheist; one who is orthodox in principle--but an infidel in practice--we find wherever we turn!

"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46

"They claim to know God--but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good!" Titus 1:16

"Those who claim they belong to the Lord--must turn away from all wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19

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A tree is recognized by its fruit!

(Samuel Davies, "The Nature and Author of Regeneration")

"Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19

One distinguishing characteristic of the new birth, is, universal holiness of practice. This consists of a conscientious observance of every known duty--and an honest, zealous resistance of every known sin.

There is no known DUTY, however unfashionable, disagreeable, or dangerous--but what the true convert honestly endeavors to perform!

And there is no known SIN, however customary, pleasing, or gainful--but what he honestly resists, and from which he labors to abstain.

When the heart is made holy--it will infallibly produce habitual holiness of practice. A good tree--must bring forth good fruit.

Oh what a change is this from his former temper!

"Make a tree good--and its fruit will be good; or make a tree bad--and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is recognized by its fruit." Matthew 12:33

"Every tree that does not produce good fruit--will be cut down and thrown into the fire!" Matthew 3:10

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Find rest, O my soul, in God alone!

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")

"I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

There is no rest for the Christian in this world. There will be always something to disturb, perplex or distress him; it is an enemy's land.

But Jesus says, "I will give you rest." He does so by enabling us to . . .
  rely on His Word,
  recognize His hand,
  submit to His will, and
  trust in His perfect work.

He assures us . . .
  that our sins are forgiven;
  that we are safe in His keeping;
  that His presence shall always be with us; and
  that all things shall work together for our eternal good.

We can rest on His faithfulness--for He has been tried, and found faithful.

We can rest on His love--for He loves us to the uttermost.

We can rest on His power--for it is ever engaged on our behalf.

We can rest on His covenant--for it is ordered in all things and sure.

We can rest on His blood--for it speaks peace, pardon, and acceptance with God.

We can rest at His feet--for there we are safe, and can never be injured.

We cannot rest . . .
  on our graces,
  on our comforts,
  on our friends, or
  on our possessions.

We may rest on Jesus alone.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken!" Psalm 62:5-6

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The thread of life is held by the divine hand alone!

(Samuel Davies, "A New Year's Gift!" January 1, 1760)

"Knowing the TIME, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep!" Romans 13:11

TIME, like an ever-running stream, is perpetually gliding on--and hurrying each of us into the boundless ocean of eternity!

Consider the UNCERTAINTY of your time! You may die . . .
  the next year,
  the next month,
  the next week,
  the next hour, or
  the next moment!

I once knew a minister who, while he was speaking on this same point--was made a striking illustration of it--and instantly dropped down dead in the pulpit!

You cannot call one day of this next year your own! Before that day comes, you may be done with time--and have entered upon eternity!

People presume upon time, as if it were guaranteed to them for so many years; and this is the delusion which ruins multitudes! How many are now in eternity, who began the last year with as little expectation of death, and hopes of long life--as you have at the beginning of the present year! And this may be your doom!

Should a prophet be sent to open the book of the divine decrees to you--as Jeremiah did to Hananiah; some of you would no doubt see it written there by your name, "This very year you are going to die!" Jeremiah 28:16. Some unexpected moment in this year--will put an end to all the labors and enjoyments of the present state, and all the duties and opportunities peculiar to it!

Therefore, if sinners would repent and believe--NOW is the time, because this is the ONLY time they are certain of! Sinners, you may be in hell before this year finishes its round--if you delay the great business of salvation any longer!

For remember, time is uncertain! Youth, health, strength, business, riches, power, wisdom, and whatever this world contains--cannot insure it. No, the thread of life is held by the divine hand alone; and God can snap it asunder, without warning, in whatever moment He pleases!

"It is appointed unto men once to die--and after that to face judgment!" Hebrews 9:27

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Where am I bound for? For heaven--or for hell?

(Samuel Davies, "A New Year's Gift" January 1, 1760)

"Knowing the TIME, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep!" Romans 13:11

Consider the SHORTNESS of your time! That part of time which is parceled out to you, is not only uncertain--but extremely short! It is uncertain when it will end, but it is absolutely certain that it will end very soon!

In a short time--you will be conveyed you from this world--to heaven or hell.

And is it not high time then for you to awake out of sleep! Your work is great--and your time is short! You have no time to spare--none to trifle away!

Methinks it would shock a man to enter upon a new year, without knowing whether he will be in heaven or hell before the end of it!

We are all standing upon the slippery brink of eternity!

This day let us put this question to our hearts: "What really am I? Am I an humble, dutiful servant of God? Or am I a disobedient, impenitent sinner? Am I a disciple of Christ in reality? Or do I only wear His name, and make an empty profession of His religion? Where am I bound for? For heaven--or for hell? Which am I most fit for in my disposition? For the region of perfect holiness--or for that region of sin and impurity? Shall I stupidly delay the determination, until it is passed by the irrevocable sentence of the Supreme Judge, before whom I may stand before this year is at a close? Alas, if it should then be against me--then my doom will be remediless!"

There is none of this salvation work in hell! They no sooner enter into the eternal world--than their state will be unchangeably and eternally fixed!

All are ripe for eternity, before they are removed into it!

The godly are ripe for heaven--and the wicked are ripe for hell!

The godly are vessels of mercy, prepared for glory; the wicked are vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction, and for nothing else!

And therefore they must remain forever in their respective lodgings!

Sinners do indeed repent when in hell--but their repentance is their punishment, and has no tendency to amend or save them. They mourn and weep--but their tears are but oil to increase the flame! They cry, and perhaps pray in hell--but the hour of acceptance with God is past--past forever! The means of grace are all gone! The sanctifying influences of the Spirit are all withdrawn forever! And hence, they will corrupt and putrefy into mere masses of pure unmingled wickedness and misery!

Sinners, realize this thought--and surely, it must rouse you out of your lethargy and sleep!

Trifle on a little longer--and it is all over with you!

Spend a few days more as you have spent your time past--and you will be engulfed in as hopeless misery--as any devil in hell!