Grace Gems

[nChrist]

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Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe?

(Samuel Davies, "The Justice of God--and the Sins of Our Country" 1755)

"When disaster comes to a city--has not the LORD caused it?" Amos 3:6

It concerns us all to seriously reflect upon our own sins, and the sins of our land--which have brought these calamities upon us.

We and our countrymen are sinners, aggravated sinners! God proclaims that we are such--by His judgments now upon us: by withering fields and scanty harvests, by the sound of the trumpet and the alarm of war!

O my country, is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities infinite? Where is there a more sinful spot to be found upon our guilty globe? Pass over the land, take a survey of the inhabitants, inspect into their conduct--and what do you see? What do you hear?

You see the gigantic forms of vice bidding defiance to the God of heaven--while true religion and virtue are forced to retire, to avoid public contempt and insult!

You see herds of drunkards swilling down their cups, and drowning all morality within them!

You hear the swearer venting his fury against God--trifling with that Name which prostrate angels adore, and imprecating that damnation, under which the hardiest devil in hell trembles and groans!

You see avarice hoarding up her useless treasures, dishonest craft planning her schemes of unlawful gain, and oppression unmercifully grinding the face of the poor!

You see prodigality squandering her stores! You see luxury spreading her table!

You see vanity laughing aloud and dissolving in empty, unthinking mirth; regardless of God, of time and eternity!

You see sensuality wallowing in carnal pleasures, and aspiring, with perverted ambition--to sink as low as her four-footed brethren in the stalls!

You see cards more in use than the Bible; the backgammon table more frequented than the table of the Lord; novels and romances more read--than the history of the blessed Jesus!

You see trifling, and even evil diversions and amusements, become a gigantic business! The outcome of a horse-race is more anxiously attended to--than the concerns of eternity!

And where these grosser forms of vice do not shock your senses--you often meet with the appearances of a more refined impiety, which is equally dangerous!

You hear the conversation of reasonable creatures, of candidates for eternity-- engrossed by trifles, or vainly wasted on the affairs of time! These are their important subjects of conversation, even at the threshold of the house of God!

You see swarms of prayerless families all over our land! You see ignorant, wicked children, unrestrained and untaught by those to whom God and nature have entrusted their souls!

You see the holy religion of Jesus--abused, neglected, disobeyed, and dishonored by its professors!

You see crowds of professed believers, who are in reality, practical atheists! These nominal Christians are really unholy heathens! They are abandoned slaves of sin--who yet pretend to be the servants of the holy Jesus!

You see multitudes lying in a deep sleep in sin all around us! You see them eager in the pursuits of the vanities of time--but stupidly unconcerned about the important realities of the eternal world just before them! So few are concerned what shall become of them--when all their connections with earth and flesh must be broken, and they must take their flight into strange, unknown regions! So few lamenting their sins! So few crying for mercy and a new heart! So few flying to Jesus!

[nChrist]

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The only effectual reformer of the world!

(Samuel Davies, "Serious Reflections on WAR" 1757)

"When He comes--He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment!" John 16:8

The Holy Spirit is the only effectual reformer of the world! If He is absent--
  legislators may make laws against crime;
  philosophers may reason against vice;
  ministers may preach against sin;
  conscience may remonstrate against evil;
  the divine law may prescribe, and threaten hell;
  the gospel may invite and allure to heaven;
but all will be in vain!

The strongest arguments, the most melting entreaties, the most alarming denunciations from God and man, enforced with the highest authority, or the most compassionate tears--all will have no effect--all will not effectually reclaim one sinner, nor gain one sincere convert to righteousness!

Paul, Apollos, and Peter, with all their apostolic abilities, can do nothing, without the Holy Spirit. Paul may plant the seed--and Apollos may water it; but God alone can make it grow! "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything--but only God, who makes things grow!" 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7.

Never will peace and harmony be established in this jangling world--until this Divine Agent takes the work in hand.

It is He alone--who can melt down the obstinate hearts of men into love and peace!

It is He alone--who can soften their rugged and savage tempers, and transform them into mutual benevolence!

It is He alone--who can quench those lusts that set the world on fire, and implant the opposite virtues and graces. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are mentioned by Paul, as the fruit of the Spirit, because the Spirit alone is the author of them. And if these dispositions were predominant in the world--what a serene, calm, peaceful region would it be, undisturbed with the hurricanes of human passions!

Oh, how much do we need the influence of the blessed Spirit . . .
  to break the heart of stone,
  to enlighten the dark mind, and
  to comfort the desponding soul!

[nChrist]

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You see the workings of gratitude even in your dog!

(Samuel Davies, "The Justice of God--and the Sins of Our Country")

"The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's feeding–trough, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand!" Isaiah 1:3

How few sensible of their dependence upon God, as the great Sustainer of the universe? You see that even the dull ox knows its owner, and the stupid donkey knows its master's feeding–trough; you see the workings of gratitude even in your dog, which welcomes you home with a thousand fondling motions! But how is Jehovah's government and agency practically denied in His own territories! How few receive the blessings of life as from His hand--and make proper returns of gratitude to Him!

"Oh--sinful nation, people weighed down with iniquity, brood of evildoers, depraved children! They have abandoned the Lord; they have despised the Holy One of Israel; they have turned their backs on Him!" Isaiah 1:4

[nChrist]

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The daughter of faith

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

"You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord draws near." James 5:8

Our God is a God of patience.
The Lord Jesus is the great Example of patience.
The Holy Spirit is the Agent producing patience.
Trials, troubles, and disappointments, are the means which exercise and strengthen patience.

The patience that God requires, is a disposition to bear all that He has appointed for us, without complaining; yes, with resignation and hope; to wait God's time for the mercies we need--or for answers to the prayers we put up.

Patience is the daughter of faith. It is only as we believe that God has appointed, overrules, or commands all things for our good and His glory--that we can be patient.

Patience . . .
  produces reliance on God,
  shuts the mouth from complaining,
  keeps back the heart from seeking revenge,
  and is a principal point in self-control.

Are you impatient?

Then confess it, and mourn over it before God! Impatience will make you miserable, and lead you to dishonor God. Watch against it!

Look at the patience of the Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs--of Jesus! "You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord draws near."

[nChrist]

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You are devilized already!

(Samuel Davies, "Evidences of the Lack of Love to God" April 14, 1756)

"If anyone does not love the Lord--that person is cursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

What a monstrous soul you have within you--which cannot love God!
Which cannot love supreme excellence, and all perfect beauty;
which cannot love your divine Parent, the Author of your mortal frame;
which cannot love your prime Benefactor and gracious Redeemer;
which cannot love Him, "in whom you live, and move, and have your being,"
which cannot love Him, who alone is the proper happiness for your immortal spirit;
who can love a parent, a child, a friend, with all their infirmities--but cannot love God;
who can love the world; who can love even sinful pleasures--and yet cannot love God;
who can love everything that is lovely--but God, who is infinitely lovely;
who can love wisdom, justice, veracity, goodness, clemency, in creatures, where they are attended with many imperfections--and yet cannot love God, where all center and shine in the highest perfection!

What a monster of a soul is this!

Must it not be a devil--to be capable of such unnatural horrendous wickedness? Can you be easy, while you have such a soul within you? What a load of guilt must lie upon you!

If love to God is the fulfilling of the whole law--then the lack of love must be the breach of the whole law. You break it all at one blow! Your life is but one continued, uniform, uninterrupted series of sinning! The lack of love to God diffuses a malignity through all you do!

Now, I appeal to you yourselves--is not this a very dangerous situation? While you are destitute of sincere love of God--can you flatter yourselves that you are fit for heaven?

What! fit for the region of divine love?

What! fit to converse with a holy God, and live forever in His presence?

What! fit to spend an eternity in His holy service?

Can you be fit for these things--while you have no love to Him? Certainly not! You must perceive yourselves to be fit for destruction--and fit for nothing else! You are devilized already! Lack of love to God is the grand constituent of a devil, the worst ingredient in that infernal character. And must you not then be doomed to that everlasting fire--which is prepared and fit for the devil and his angels?

"If anyone does not love the Lord--that person is cursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

[nChrist]

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Tomorrow   comes--and they are in hell!

(Samuel Davies, "The Objects, Grounds, and Evidences of the HOPE of the Righteous")

"The wicked is driven away in his wickedness; but the righteous has hope in his death." Proverbs 14:32

"The wicked is driven away in his wickedness."

That is, the wicked man dies--just as he lived.

He lived in wickedness--and in wickedness he dies.

His wickedness sticks fast upon him--when his earthly enjoyments, his friends, and all created comforts leave him forever.

The guilt of his wickedness lies heavy upon him--like a mountain of lead, ready to sink him into the depths of eternal misery!

And the principles of wickedness, which he indulged all his life, still live within him, even after the agonies of death; nay, they now arrive at a dreadful immortality, and produce an eternal hell in his heart!

He leaves behind him not only all his earthly comforts--but all the little remains of goodness which he seemed to have, while under the restraints of divine grace: and he carries nothing but his wickedness along with him into eternity! With this dreadful attendant--his wickedness--he must stand before the tribunal of his holy Judge! To leave his earthly all behind him, and die in the agonies of dissolving nature--this is terrible. But to die in his wickedness--this is infinitely the most terrible of all!

He once flattered himself that though he lived in wickedness--that he would not die in it. He adopted many resolutions to amend, and forsake his wickedness toward the close of life, or upon a death-bed. But Oh! how sorely is he disappointed! After all his promising purposes and hopes--he died as he lived--in wickedness!

This is generally the fate of veterans in sin. They are resolving and re-resolving to reform all their lives; but after all--they die the same as they lived. They intend to prepare for death and eternity--but just not today. They have always something else to do today; and therefore they put off this work until tomorrow. Tomorrow comes, and instead of reforming, they die in their wickedness. Tomorrow comes--and they are in hell!

"The wicked is driven away in his wickedness." He is driven away--in spite of all his reluctance. Let him cling to life ever so strongly--yet he must go! All his struggles are vain, and cannot add one moment to his life.

Indeed, the wicked have so little taste for heaven, and are so much in love with this world--that if they leave it at all--they must be driven out of it--driven out of it, whether they want or not!

When they hope for heaven, they do in reality consider it but a shift, or a refuge, when they can no longer live in this, their favorite world. They do not at all desire heaven--in comparison with this world. They would live forever in this present world--if they could have their choice. But let them grasp ever so hard--they must let go their hold. They must be driven away, like chaff before a whirlwind--driven away into the regions of misery--into the regions of misery, I say; for certainly the happiness of heaven was never intended for such as are so averse to it; and who prefer this wretched world, with all its cares and sorrows--before heaven itself!

"But the wicked will lose hope. They have no escape. Their hope becomes despair." Job 11:20

"When the wicked die--their hopes all perish!" Proverbs 11:7

"The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath!" Proverbs 11:23

[nChrist]

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We know not what this day may bring forth

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

"I will surely do you GOOD!" Genesis 32:12

Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him--but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus that God speaks to US this morning. How gracious!

We know not what this day may bring forth--but we do know that our God, who superintends every event, will do us good.

We may mistake as to what will be for our good--but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgment: "It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted!"

Your God will do you good--therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you needed bitter medicine--as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful--if necessary for your soul's welfare.

Look at your trials, and say, "This also shall turn to my good!"

Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."

Look to the future, and rejoice, "The Lord will surely give me that which is GOOD."

Look in every direction, and say, "Surely the Lord will do me good--I will trust, and not be afraid."

[nChrist]

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To nourish a serpent in the bosom!

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

"Walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Pride is one of our greatest evils!

To indulge pride--is to nourish a serpent in the bosom!

The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are sincerely humble--that we can be truly happy.

God condescends to walk with the humble man--but He keeps the proud man at a distance.

Consider . . .
  what a vile sinner you were by nature,
  what evil now lurks in your heart,
  what you would have been, but for the grace of God
--and be humble.

All you have which is truly good--is the gift of free grace!

All you do that is good--is the effect of God's working in you!

What then, do you have to be proud of?

What reason then, do you have to boast?

Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement!

Nourish humbling thoughts of yourself!

Admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God--in even noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm as yourself!

Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus--and endeavor to walk just as He walked. "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

[nChrist]

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Paul's estimate of himself

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

"I am nothing!" 2 Corinthians 12:11

This was Paul's estimate of himself: "less than the least of all saints," and "the chief of sinners."

The more we know of ourselves and of Jesus--
  the more shall we be humbled in the dust before Him;
  and the lower we lie before Him,
  and the happier and holier we shall be.

Sinful MAN will, MUST be something--this is both his pride and his misery.
The Christian is willing to be nothing--that Christ may be all in all.

If we daily felt that we are nothing--how many mortifications we would be spared; what admiring views of the grace of God would fill and sanctify our souls!

Apart from Christ--we are less than nothing; but in Christ--we are something!

    We are empty--but He fills us!

    We are naked--but He clothes us!

    We are helpless--but He strengthens us!

    We are lost--but He finds us!

    We are ruined--but He saves us!

    We are poor--but He supplies us!

All that we are--is by Christ!

All that we have--is from Christ!

All that all we shall be--is through Christ!

Christian, you are nothing! Therefore beware of thinking too highly of yourself; or imagining that you deserve more than you receive--either from God or men.

Humble souls are soon satisfied.

   O could I lose myself in Thee,
   Your depth of mercy prove,
   O vast unfathomable sea
   Of unexhausted love!
   I loathe myself when God I see,
   Content if Christ exalted be!

[nChrist]

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Grace personified!

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

"The glory of His grace." Ephesians 1:6

The glory of grace is its freeness! Grace . . .
  fixes upon objects that are most unworthy;
  bestows upon them the richest blessings;
  raises them to the highest honor;
  promises them the greatest happiness;
  and all for its own glory.
Nothing can be freer than grace!

The glory of grace is its power! Grace . . .
  conquers the stubbornest sinners;
  subdues the hardest hearts;
  tames the wildest wills;
  enlightens the darkest understandings;
  breaks off the strongest fetters;
  and invariably conquers its objects.
Grace is omnipotent!

The glory of grace is its benevolence! Grace . . .
has delivered, supplied, conducted, supported, and glorified thousands;
brings the inexhaustible fullness of God--to supply the creature's needs;
opens the treasury of heaven--to enrich poor, miserable, and wretched creatures on earth.
gives away all it has--reserving nothing for itself!

Jesus is grace personified! In Him grace is displayed in all its beauty, excellency, and loveliness. "Full of grace." John 1:14

O Jesus! glorify Your free powerful, and benevolent grace in me!

[nChrist]

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The situation in which she died is instructive:

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

She had hospitably entertained the angels,
she had believed their message,
she had obeyed their command,
she had left Sodom behind her,
she had forsaken the ungodly.

Yet her heart was left in the city!

She was cut off by a visible display of God's judgment!

"But Lot's wife looked back--and she became a pillar of salt!"
  Genesis 19:26


The situation in which she died is instructive:

It was not in Sodom--but on the plain.

She escaped one judgment--but was overtaken by another!

She was deprived of eternal life--for too highly prizing earth's comforts!

She was left as sad example of God's jealousy, and His displeasure against sin.

God will be honored either by our obedience--or by our punishment!

It is dangerous to trifle with the smallest of God's commands!

We may overcome one temptation--and yet fall by another!

Here is a warning to the covetous--whose hearts are set on earthly things!

Here is a warning to the self-willed--who trifle with God's commands!

Here is a warning to the undecided--who stand between Sodom and Zoar.

Let us examine--are our hearts detached from the world?

Be not high-minded--but fear!

"Remember Lot's wife!" Luke 17:32

[nChrist]

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He seems to grow more like Satan!

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

"Their righteousness is from Me!" Isaiah 54:17

The longer the Christian lives--the more he learns. And the more the Spirit teaches him--the more he loathes himself and renounces his own righteousness as filthy rags.

He hoped sensibly . . .
  to grow in holiness,
  to feel his corruptions subdued, and
  to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption.

But instead of this:
  he seems to grow more like Satan,
  his corruption appears to get stronger and stronger, and
  the depravity of his nature appears more and more dreadful!

He thinks himself to be a monster of iniquity, and wonders how God can possibly love him, or show any favor unto him.

Yet, this heart-felt experience . . .
  endears God's free grace,
  renders Christ unspeakably precious,
  and the gift of righteousness invaluable!

How can such a man be just before God? Where is his righteousness to come from? Jehovah answers, "His righteousness is from Me!"
Jesus wrought it;
the Father imputes it to us;
the gospel reveals it; and
faith receives it, puts it on, and pleads it before God.

Precious Jesus! in You alone, I have righteousness and strength!

[Shylynne]

"He hoped sensibly . . .
  to grow in holiness,
  to feel his corruptions subdued, and
  to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption.

But instead..."

I love this!  It is exactly like that....the more tall and beautiful the Lily grows within its soil, the more keenly the clay feels its own unworthiness in comparison...

More grace for today...

Clay pottery remains nothing more than clay no matter what is done with it...the only thing that matters is what is planted in the clay...God chose to plant His most precious Lilly of the Valley in you....and He stays with you...continually nurturing the life He placed in you...thats treasure enough...thats joy enough...thats strength enough...thats life enough...all glory to God!

2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

[nChrist]

Amen Shylynne! - Very Nice!

[nChrist]

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

"Look unto Me!" Isaiah 45:22

A new morning opens upon us--and we are still exposed . . .
  to sorrow,
  to Satan, and
  to disappointment!
Sin lives in us--and a thousand things are ready to distress us!

But our God says, "Look unto Me!"

Look unto Me . . .
  as the source of happiness,
  as the giver of grace,
  as your Friend!

Look unto Me . . .
  in every trial,
  for all you need, and
  in every circumstance.

Look unto Me TODAY, I have blessings to bestow! I am waiting to be gracious to you!

Believe that I am deeply interested in your present and eternal welfare!

Believe that I will perform--all I have promised!

Believe that I am with you--on purpose to bless you! I cannot be unconcerned about anything that affects you! I pledge Myself to make all things work together for your eternal good.

You have looked to SELF, and to others, in times past--and you have only met with trouble and disappointment!

Now look unto Me ALONE!

Look unto Me FOR ALL!

"Look unto Me!"