Grace Gems

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

The death of an infant
by John Newton
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Reader, let me ask you a very important question

(James Smith, "Is It Possible?" 1856)

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction--and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life--and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Reader, let me ask you a very important question. I do so in love. It is a solemn and plain question--but do not be offended at its plainness. Receive it, consider it, and reflect upon it:
"Do you believe it is possible, that you may go to Hell?"

That many go to Hell--cannot be doubted.
That Hell is a dreadful place--cannot be questioned.
That many are now on the road to Hell--is as clear as daylight.
That few are sufficiently concerned to escape from Hell--is very evident.

Do you believe it is possible, that you may go to Hell? You, who, perhaps never entertain a thought of doing so? The very supposition is alarming, is it not? But may not any sinner go to Hell? And are not you a sinner? If any sinner may go to Hell, and you are a sinner--why  then, may not you go there?

What if you should?

Yet, it is not only possible--but certain that you shall go to Hell, unless you experience a very great change. For "unless a man is born again--he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

How many go on as careless, as thoughtless, as indifferent about their souls--as if they thought it was impossible for them to go to Hell.

There is John Jones, the weaver. He has read the New Testament, he has heard the gospel, he knows that he has an immortal soul. But he never prays, he very often spends his Saturday nights at the ale-house, and he lies late in bed on Sunday mornings. Week after week he goes on like this. He has no care for his own soul, or the souls of his wife and children. He knows that he must die. He professes to believe in Heaven and Hell--but he acts just as though he never thought for one moment, that it was possible for him to go to Hell. Indeed, he troubles himself so little about God, or his soul, or eternity--that it appears that the thought has never entered into his head!

Roger Thomas, the blacksmith, knows all the news of the village. He talks much. He reads some. He swears often. He loves his pipe and his beer. He goes to church now and then on Sunday; but if you mark his conduct, listen to his conversation, and notice his spirit--you will be led to conclude that he never asks himself the question, "Is it possible for me to be sent to Hell?" No, no! He has too good an opinion of himself to even suppose such a thing. He has no idea that God would ever treat him so harshly as that. What, send him to Hell? If so, what would become of most of the people in the parish! "No, no, God is merciful," says he. He intends to repent by and bye. When he comes to his death-bed--then he will pray, read his Bible, and make his peace with God. Thus he flatters his own pride, deceives his own soul, and secures his own damnation!

Reader! Do you believe it possible that you may go to Hell?

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:21-23

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing!
by John Newton  Play Audio!  Download Audio

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Those everlasting arms!

(James Smith, "Daily Bible Readings for the Lord's Household")

"Underneath are the everlasting arms!" Deuteronomy 33:27

That is--underneath every believer.
Those everlasting arms are there . . .
  to bear him up,
  to bear him on, and
  to preserve from all real danger.

The arms of God are . . .
  invisible--no one sees them;
  spiritual--no one feels them;
  careful--no one falls out of them;
  omnipotent--no one overcomes them.

If the everlasting arms of my God are underneath me, then . . .
I may quietly yield myself unto Him;
I may confidently expect divine protection;
I may be certain that He will lift me above my foes;
I may feel assured that He will safely convey me home.

Aged saints may rejoice in this; for to them the Lord says, "I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you!" Isaiah 46:4

And weak believers may rejoice in this, for "He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart!" Isaiah 40:11

O to realize this sweet and encouraging truth: underneath me are the everlasting arms!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Our wisest plans and endeavors
by John Newton, very helpful
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What does God require of His children?

(James Smith, "Good seed for the Lord's field!" 1856)

What does God require of His children?

God requires unqualified submission to His Word. You must . . .
  receive the doctrines He has revealed,
  believe the promises He has made, and
  perform the precepts He has given.

His doctrines are to enlighten you,
His promises are to comfort you,
His precepts are to direct you, and
His providence is to supply you.

God requires you to look upon Himself as your Father, and to walk before Him as such--in faith, love, and holy obedience. He has provided grace to enable you to perform all that He requires--and He bids you to ask and receive.

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

If a toad or a serpent was put in my food or in my bed!
by John Newton  Play Audio!  Download Audio

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What does our church need?

(James Smith, "Good seed for the Lord's field!" 1856)

"Our gospel came to you not simply with words--but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:5

"We have," said one pastor, "the gospel regularly preached, the prayer meetings are continued, the church is in peace--but very few souls are converted to God! What does our church need?"

It needs the presence and power of the Holy Spirit! For unless the Holy Spirit works--your minister may preach, your church may meet--but no real good will be done! God's work is carried on, not by might nor by power--but by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. It is the Spirit who must . . .
   open the heart,
   quicken the soul, and
   sanctify the person!

And if the Spirit works--then the feeblest ministry is efficient, and the smallest church prospers!

All the success that followed the preaching of Peter, and the labors of Paul--was from the Holy Spirit. Therefore Paul says, "God gave the increase." Then the church felt her need of the Spirit; she realized her dependence on that divine Agent; she prayed with faith, fervor, and importunity for the blessing; and God answered her prayers, and filled His servants with the Holy Spirit and with power!

But now-a-days, we merely talk of the Spirit--rather than feel our need! We boast of our instruments--rather than realize our dependence on the Almighty Agent!

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God's Jewels!
by Thomas Watson
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All the sins of the saints!

"We know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

All the afflictions, and
all the temptations, and
all the desertions, and
all the oppressions, and
all the oppositions, and
all the persecutions
which befall a godly man--shall work for his good.

Every cross, and
every loss, and
every disease--
which befall the holy man--shall work for his good.

Every device,
every snare,
every deceit,
every stratagem,
and every enterprise of Satan against the holy man--shall work for his good.

They shall all help to make him . . .
  more humble,
  more holy,
  more heavenly,
  more spiritual,
  more faithful,
  more fruitful,
  more watchful.

Every prosperity--and every adversity,
every storm--and every calm,
every bitter--and every sweet,
every cross--and every comfort,
shall work for the holy man's good.

When God gives a mercy--that shall work for his good.

When God takes away a mercy--that shall work for his good.

Yes, even all the falls and all the sins of the saints shall work for their good. Oh . . .
  the care,
  the fear,
  the watchfulness,
  the tenderness,
  the zeal--
which God raises in the souls of His saints by their very falls! Oh the hatred, the indignation, and the detestation--which God raises in the hearts of His children against sin--by their very falling into sin!

Oh what love to Christ,
what thankfulness for Christ,
what admiration of Christ,
what cleaving to Christ,
what exalting of Christ,
what drawings from Christ's grace--
are saints led to, by their very falls!

It is the glory of God's holiness, that . . .
  He can turn spiritual diseases--into holy remedies!
  He can turn soul poisons--into heavenly cordials!
  He can prevent sin by sin, and cure falling by falling!

O Christian!
What though friends and relations frown upon you,
what though enemies are plotting and conspiring against you,
what though needs, like armed men, are breaking in upon you,
what though men rage, and devils roar against you,
what though sickness is devastating your family,
what though death stands every day at your elbow--
yet there is no reason for you to fear nor faint, because all these things shall work for your good! Yes, there is wonderful cause of joy and rejoicing, in all the afflictions and tribulations which come upon you--considering that they shall all work for your good.

O Christians! I am afraid, I am afraid--that you do not run so often as you should--to the breasts of this promise, nor draw that sweetness and comfort from it, that it would yield, and that your several cases may require: "We know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." I have been the longer upon this verse, because the condition of God's people calls for the strongest cordials, and the choicest and the sweetest comforts.

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

An easy hell!
By Thomas Watson, very comforting!
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Was Moses a wise man--or a fool?

(James Smith, "MOSES; Or, The Young Man's Choice" 1856)

"Moses chose to suffer affliction along with the people of God--rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time!" Hebrews 11:25

The choice is done. Moses is determined. He has counted the cost!
Instead of honor--shame;
instead of praise--blame;
instead of respect--contempt;
instead of plenty--poverty;
instead of a princely portion--a slave's lot.

Was this wise? Was Moses a wise man--or a fool? What do you think of Moses--was he right, or wrong? But if Moses was right, as I suppose you will admit, allow me to ask: Have you acted rightly? Have you made the same choice?

Have you looked at the world at its best--and at true religion at its worst; and have you seriously, deliberately, and prayerfully decided to renounce the world, and embrace the despised religion of Christ, with all the scorn, contempt, and sufferings to which it may expose you?

Moses made his choice between the children of God and their sufferings--and the Egyptians and their pleasures. And you must make your choice between . . .
  Christ--or the world,
  sin--or holiness,
  the path to Heaven--or the road to Hell.

"Choose this day whom you will serve!"

A master you must have, and it must be either Satan--or Christ.
Serve you must, and your service must be either sin--or righteousness.

Look, then at the world--at its honors, wealth, and pleasures;
look also at the church--at its poverty, contempt, and sufferings.

Look at Hell--with its bitter reflections, deep sorrows, and indescribable torments;
look also at Heaven--with its sweet thoughts, pure enjoyments, and endless felicity.

Now make your choice!

Do you choose the world and its pleasures now--along with Hell and its horrors forever? Do you chose rather to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time, than to serve and suffer with the people of God--though you know your end will be as bitter as wormwood, and as dreadful as the just wrath of a holy and unchangeable God could make it?

If Moses was wise--then what can you be, but a fool? And your foolishness now--will increase your anguish and agony to all eternity!

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

288 Opinions about the way to happiness
By Thomas Watson, very insightful
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My nature is the same as in the harlot, the drunkard, the murderer!

(James Smith, "MARY; Or, The Power of Penitence" 1856)

"If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner!" Luke 7:39

This woman was a sinner--an open sinner. One who had violated the laws of decency, as well as the law of God. She is condemned and despised. Many are more ready to condemn--than to pity; to despise--than to endeavor to reclaim.

We forget when we look at the profane--that we have the same seeds of profanity in our hearts! We forget that evil human nature is essentially the same in all. We forget that education, circumstances, providence, or the grace of God--make the only difference between us and the vilest man that ever lived!

We are all one man's sons. We were hewn out of the same rock--we were dug out of the same pit. My nature is the same as in the harlot, the drunkard, the murderer; and if left to myself--I would have been as depraved as they are! Humbling consideration this!

While I condemn sin--let me ever pity the sinner. While I mourn over the fallen--let me ask the question so well put by the apostle, "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have--that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4:7.

Am I vile? Let me take the blame and the shame to myself.
Am I saved and holy? Let sovereign grace have all the glory and praise!

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We have no "text" quote today. Instead, on this Resurrection Sunday, we highly encourage all of our subscribers to listen to "Jesus: Yesterday, Today, Forever!" So gather your whole family together, and be blessed by this thrilling audio presentation of the life, death and resurrection of our precious Savior!

Just click on one of the following links:

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[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

They are all head--but no feet!
By Thomas Watson, very insightful
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We do not have to be crucified on pieces of wood!

(J. R. Miller, "The Wider Life" 1908 )

"I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy--to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

The godly life is not one of ease, pleasure and self-indulgence.

We are taught to present our bodies, as a living sacrifice unto God. Ancient offerings were brought to the altar, and presented dead. But the Christian sacrifice, instead of being poured out in a bloody oblation, is to be a living sacrifice of service, of love, of devotion.

The great sacrifice of Christ is both the model for all Christian life, and also its inspiration. We look at His six hours on the cross--as if that were its only act and expression. But the cross was not endured by Christ merely during those six hours on Calvary; it was in all His life, in every day and hour of it. Everything He did was in love, and love is always a living sacrifice. He was always sacrificing Himself. On Calvary, He only wrote the word out in capitals!

The cross stands not merely for the sufferings of Christ endured in redeeming sinners--but also for the law of love and of sacrifice in every department of Christian living. It is not enough to have the cross on our churches, as a symbol of redemption; or to wear it as an ornament around our neck; the cross must be in the heart--and manifested in the life!

We talk a great deal about the love of Christ--but we must strive to illustrate it and reproduce in our own lives, in our own measure--the sweetness, the charity, the kindness and the helpfulness of Jesus Christ. The cross is everywhere. The more of the 'sacrificial' quality we get into our life--the diviner and the lovelier our life will be.

We do not have to be crucified on pieces of wood--to bear a cross, and make a living sacrifice. The cross must be in the lives of those who follow Christ; not branded on their bodies--but wrought into their character, their disposition, their conduct, their spirit! We cannot live a Christian life for a day, without coming to points of sacrifice.

The cross of Christ does not take our own cross from us--Christ does not bear our cross for us. His cross becomes the law of our life, and makes it all sacrificial. Every sacrificial thing we do, reveals the cross. The Beatitudes are all sacrificial. No one can live the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and not crucify self continually.

All sacrifice at length, blossoms into Christlike beauty, sweetness and joy.


"Take me, Lord, and use me today--as You will. I lay all my plans at Your feet. Whatever work You have for me to do--give it into my hands. If there are those You would have me help in any way--send them to me, or send me to them. Take my time--and use it just as You will."

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

You have but a little way to go!
By Thomas Watson, very insightful
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Reader, are you a Christian?

(James Smith, "Good seed for the Lord's field!" 1856)

Are you a Christian?

This is a very important inquiry, because many profess to be so--who are not so in reality. And yet no one can be saved--unless he is a Christian.

If anyone is in Christ--he is a new creature:
he is convinced of sin--and mourns over it;
he hates sin--and departs from it;
he reads the Word of God--and loves it;
he hears the gospel of Christ--and believes it.

He becomes a disciple of Christ, . . .
  learning His doctrines,
  trusting His promises,
  and doing His will.

He receives the Spirit of Christ, which is a spirit of meekness, love, and holiness.

He would rather suffer for Christ--than sin against Christ! He . . .
  loves the person of Christ,
  imitates the example of Christ, and
  observes the ordinances of Christ.

He commits his soul into the hands of Jesus . . .
  to be pardoned through His blood,
  to be justified by His righteousness,
  to be sanctified by His Spirit,
  to be preserved by His power,
  to be used for His glory, and
  to be presented faultless by Him to the Father at last.

He looks for the second coming of Christ with joy--because then he will be like Him, for he will see Him as He is!

Such is a Christian, according to the New Testament.

Reader, are you a Christian?

Can you live without prayer?

Can you be happy without Christ?

Can you neglect or despise the Word of God?

If so--then you are not a Christian!

Every Christian finds . . .
  prayer to be the breath of his soul,
  Christ to be the food of his soul,
  the Bible to be the comfort of his soul, and
  the Lord's people to be the beloved companions of his soul.

Examine yourself, for thousands bear the Christian name--who know nothing of Christian experience. Multitudes live and die under a delusion--and will say to Jesus at last, "Lord, Lord, we were Christians!" Then He will say unto them, "I never knew you! Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" This will be dreadful--most dreadful!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Nine evils which death will put an end to!
By Thomas Watson, very comforting!
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The devil's draw-net!

(Thomas Watson, "Dearly Beloved" 1662)

"He who walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed!" Proverbs 13:20

Take heed of the company you keep! Beware of unnecessary familiarity with the ungodly.

We cannot catch health from another--but we may soon catch a disease! The disease of sin is very contagious! I should be as afraid of going among the wicked--as going among those who have the plague! "They mingled among the pagans--and adopted their evil customs!" Psalm 106:35. If we cannot make others better--let us take care that they make us no worse.

Lot was a 'miracle'--he kept fresh in Sodom's salt-water!

My beloved, take heed of the occasions of sin--evil company is a great occasion of sin. The Nazarites in the old law, as they were not to drink wine--so they were also forbidden grapes, from which the wine was made, as you read in Numbers 6. This teaches us, that all occasions of sin must be avoided.

Evil company is the devil's draw-net, by which he draws millions to Hell. How many families, and how many souls have been ruined and undone by evil company? Many there are, who go from a play-house and from a tavern--to the bottomless pit!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Playing with monkeys and parrots!
By Thomas Watson, very comforting!
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Counterfeit piety--is double iniquity!

(Thomas Watson, "Dearly Beloved" 1662)

"Surely, You desire truth in the inward part." Psalm 51:6

Be sincere! Be what you seem to be!

Do not be like rowers in a boat, who look one way--and row another way.
Do not look heaven-ward by your profession--and row hell-ward by your life!

Do not pretend to love God--and yet really love sin.

Counterfeit piety--is double iniquity! Let your hearts be sincere and upright with God.

The plainer the diamond is--the richer it is. Just so, the more plain and sincere the heart is--the more does God value His jewel.

A little rusty gold--is far better than a great deal of bright brass. Just so, a little true grace, though rusted over with many infirmities--is better than all the glistening shows of religious hypocrites.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" Matthew 23:27-28, 33

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

Walking pictures of Christ!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Let me tell you, the Devil has his ministers!

(Thomas Watson, "Dearly Beloved" 1662)

Take heed whom you listen to! It is our dear Savior's counsel, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing--but inwardly are ravening wolves!" Matthew 7:15.

Let me tell you, the Devil has his ministers--as well as Christ! There are some, who by the subtlety of their wit, have learned the art of mixing error with truth, and to give poison in a golden cup!

Take heed WHO you hear, and HOW you hear. Be like those noble Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether the things that they taught, were true or not. Acts 17:11.

Your ears must not be like sponges which suck in puddle-water, as well as wine. But your ears must be like a winnowing fan, which fans out the chaff--but retains the pure wheat. You must be like those in the parable, who gathered the good fish--but cast the bad away. Matthew 13:48.

The saints are called virgins for their wisdom--they will not let everyone defile their souls with error! They have both a judicious ear, and a critical palate--which can distinguish between truth and error; and discern a difference between God's pure food, and the devil's cooking!

[nChrist]

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

That spiritual pipe!
By Thomas Watson
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  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

You fools--when will you be wise?

(James Smith, "Important Questions!" 1858)

"You fools--when will you be wise?" Psalm 94:8

The Scripture stigmatizes the lost sinner as a fool. He may be rich, he may be learned, he may fill an honorable station in the world--but so long as he neglects the one thing needful--he is called a fool.

Wisdom consists in fixing upon a worthy end--and pursuing it in the most prudent and judicious way.

A wise man . . .
thinks of his immortal soul--and seeks its salvation above everything else.
thinks of the wrath of God--and endeavors by all means to escape it.
thinks of a crown of glory--and sets his heart upon obtaining it.
sees that glorifying God is his highest honor, and secures his greatest happiness--and therefore he makes that the grand end of his life.

But the multitude, alas! the multitude overlook, or despise, or treat these things with contempt! They live . . .
as if self-gratification were the end of their creation,
as if earth were their eternal dwelling-place, and
as if glorifying God were no business of theirs!

If we were to judge them by their conduct, we would be ready to conclude . . .
that they had no souls to be saved or lost,
that there was no Hell to escape,
that there was no Heaven to obtain,
that there was no crown of glory to be won,
that there was no crown of shame to be avoided.
Surely the Scriptures are right in designating such men fools--for fools, the greatest fools, they must be!

Should the eye of a worldly man or woman light upon this page--God asks you the question, "When will you be wise?"
When will you begin to seek the kingdom of God, and His righteousness?
When will you come to Jesus, and be saved from wrath by Him?
When will you begin to lay up for yourself treasure in heaven?
When will you prepare for death, judgment, and eternity?

"If only they were wise and would understand this, and discern what their end will be!" Deuteronomy 32:29

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Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:

There are nails in that cross!
By Thomas Watson, on 'trials', superb.
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Should it be according to your mind?

(James Smith, "Important Questions!" 1858)

"Should it be according to your mind?" Job 34:33

We are prone to be fretful, to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence, and to reflect harshly upon the Lord's dealings with us.

We want our own way.

We wish to carve for ourselves.

We would be treated as God's favorites.

We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And if this does not appear to be done--if our wills are crossed, if our schemes are frustrated, if our purposes are broken off--then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.

Under these circumstances, God comes to us--as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols--and puts this question to us: "Should it be according to your mind?"

Are you wiser than God?

Are you kinder than God?

Are you holier than God?

Are you more just than God?

Are you better informed than God?

May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish?

Should it then be according to your mind?

Should you reign--or God?

Remember that God acts in the highest wisdom; His motives are grace and justice; and all His purposes are worthy of Himself.

The least the Christian can do is to submit--and to prefer God's wisdom, way, and work--to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people--they, at least, should daily say, "Father, may Your will be done!"

O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence--but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted--your best interests are secured; and soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness, have marked out every step of your road!

"Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing--but someday you will." John 13:7