Grace Gems

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Mr. Andrews met with many storms and billows during his voyage on the sea of life!

(John Newton's Letters)

"Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me be with Me where I am--that they may behold My glory!" John 17:24

My Very Dear Friends,
We wished that Mr. Andrews might remain much longer in this world of sin and sorrow--but the Lord had much better things for him. The time was come when He would have him near His throne, to behold His glory--and therefore our prayers were overruled.

I hope dear Mrs. Andrews can say from her heart, "The Lord does all things well."

The time is short, and those who weep should be, if believers--as though they wept not. Many whom we loved best while here, and who are gone a little before us--are waiting for us. The joy of meeting where there will be no parting--will make abundant amends for the pain of a temporary separation.

Mr. Andrews met with many storms and billows during his voyage on the sea of life--but we trust he is now in that peaceful haven, where the winds of trouble never blow.

What a wonderful transition--to pass, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye--from pain and sickness and weeping friends--to join in the songs of the innumerable company of the redeemed before the throne of God and the Lamb!

"And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away!" Revelation 21:4

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She had often been cautioned against sliding down by the rail!

(John Newton's Letters)

My dear friends,
Poor dear Rebecca! Thankfully your child was not killed, nor a bone broken. We are always glad to hear from you, but now we must beg to hear soon to confirm our hopes, that by this time she is perfectly recovered. She had often been cautioned against sliding down by the rail--but I believe her late tumble will render future warnings needless. [Note: Rebecca had fallen off the rail at the top of stairs, and was taken up apparently dead--but revived in a few minutes.]

Is it not so with us? What are all the Lord's precepts or prohibitions--but admonitions to do ourselves no harm. We are but children of a larger growth, and think we can please ourselves in our own way--until repeated experience makes us wiser, and the consequences of our choices teach us how unfit we are to choose for ourselves. The Lord pities His redeemed children--He says, "Oh, that you had hearkened unto Me!"

I preached a funeral sermon yesterday evening for my dear friend Benamore, from his own dying words, "He has done oil things well!" How can it be otherwise? If He does all things--then they must necessarily be well done; for His wisdom, power, and goodness are infinite. We are assured that not a sparrow, much less a child and a servant who loves Him, can fall to the ground without Him!

We are travelers through this wilderness world, and know something of the difficulties and dangers which surround us. At all times, let us stir up each other to admire our great Shepherd.
What love to redeem His sheep with His own precious blood!
What infinite wisdom--what an infallible guide!
What a sure guard is His almighty power!
What a never failing supply from His unbounded fullness!
What a comfortable resource we have in that unspeakable compassion and tenderness, which are but feebly represented by the tenderness of the nearest earthly relations--father, husband, brother, friend--all united!

He who once bled to death for us upon the cross--now reigns as a King and Priest upon His heavenly throne! He hears our prayers--He watches over us--He is preparing a place for us near Himself, and is waiting to receive us. We shall soon be at home, at our long home--for then all our warfare and wanderings will be ended, and we shall go out no more. Let us then cheerfully take up our cross, and run with faith and patience, the race that is set before us--looking unto Jesus!

May the Lord bless you all and double all your comforts, and sweeten all your trials, with a sense of His special redeeming love.
Your affectionate and obliged friend,
John Newton, 5th October, 1796

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From Grace Gems:
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He who gave--has an undoubted right to take away!

(John Newton's Letters)

"Naked I came from my mother's womb--and naked I will depart. The LORD gave--and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21

Believers are free from condemnation--but not free from pain, sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, sudden trying changes, and what we call premature death. These trials give occasion for the exercise and manifestation of many graces which are not so visible in the sunshine of prosperity. Our trials are further sanctified, to wean the people of God more from the world, and to weaken the body of sin which still dwells in them.

He who gave--has an undoubted right to take away. We are sure that His sovereignty is combined with His infinite wisdom and goodness--and that, when He crosses our wishes, no less than when He grants them--He does all things well! He does not afflict without a need-be--neither will He permit a trial to continue longer than is necessary. Be still, my soul, and know that He is God!

You are in the best hands--and I leave you with Him who loves you and will make all things work for your final benefit.

Oh, the mercy to be enabled to trust ourselves and those whom we love--to Him, and to see them confiding in Him likewise and resigned to His wise disposal. This all-sufficient God can and does make His people more than equal to any and every trial He appoints for them.

But I am a poor creature--and am daily learning that without Him I can do nothing.

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If you admit a pig into your parlor among your friends

(John Newton's Letters)

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful--but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life!" Revelation 21:27

If we do not exactly know the particulars of what Heaven is--then we know to a certainty what it is not. We are sure that it is not like earth--there are no ale-houses, gambling parlors, or theaters there.

How then could those whose hearts are set upon these things--possibly be happy even in Heaven, where they would be separated forever from all that they love? Heaven must be a Hell to an unhumbled, unsanctified sinner--even if he could be admitted there. The company, the employments, the enjoyments--are of the same kind with what he despised on earth. If you admit a pig into your parlor among your friends--he would find no pleasure there. He would rather be in the sty, or wallowing in the mire in a ditch!

Well, such were some of us--yes, such were all of us once! And you, my dear friends, though you were not vile profligates like me--you were carelessly swimming down the stream of the world, and, when upon the edge of the whirlpool which would have eternally swallowed you up--He snatched you with a strong hand, set your feet upon a rock, established your goings, and has put a new song in your mouth!
"By the grace of God I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

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From Grace Gems:
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If He appoints otherwise!

(John Newton's Letters)

My dear friends,
We sympathize with you in what you must feel for dear Rebecca's illness. You know that the Lord has an absolute right to dispose of all His creatures as He sees fit. As sinners--we have no rights. As believing pardoned sinners--we can have no reason to complain.

I trust that Rebecca's illness is sanctified to give her nearer, deeper, and more precious views of the truths which she learned while in health. As low as she is brought, the Lord can raise her with a word; and He will--if it is for His glory and her best benefit. If He appoints otherwise, He can make her last days her best days--and enable you to cheerfully resign her to Him. Whether she lives or dies--she is the Lord's. The time is short--and we hope to follow her to a better world, where there will be no more sin or sorrow or painful separation!

You know that the sovereignty of God toward His people is not arbitrary. It is connected with a wisdom which can make no mistakes--and a love which can give no unnecessary pain to those for whom He died upon the cross.

If we are in heaviness--then there is a need-be for it, and it is but for a season. His thoughts and ways are high above ours. What we do not know now--we shall know hereafter. Even now, we may be sure that He does all things well. May His gracious presence be with you--and then you will be able to rejoice, even in tribulation.

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Nothing more quickly or truly indicates an irreverent and undevout mind!

(Octavius Winslow)

"Our Father in Heaven, may Your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9

Nothing more quickly or truly indicates an irreverent and undevout mind, than levity on sacred subjects. The individual who can provoke a smile, or indulge in a cleverness, or shape a witticism--at the expense of what is divine and sacred--is blasphemous indeed! He who can treat in a light manner any religious subject, who can turn the Bible into a jest-book, and intersperse secular conversation with religious phraseology or Scripture language in sport--will the great God hold such an irreverent and profane mind guiltless?

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain--for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain!" Exodus 20:7

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If she has exceeded some of us in the heinousness of her sin

(Charles Spurgeon)

"As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears.
 Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them!" Luke 7:38

O that our eyes were as ready with tears of repentance as were hers! O that our hearts were as full of love as hers and our hands as ready to serve the forgiving Lord! If she has exceeded some of us in the heinousness of her sin--yet she has exceeded all of us in the fervency of her affection!

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They love their very beasts!

(Thomas Doolittle, "Love to Christ Necessary to Escape the Curse at His Coming!" 1693)

"If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ--that person is cursed!" 1 Corinthians 16:22

Some openly declare by their actions and manner of conduct--that they do not love the Lord Jesus Christ. Some openly pretend love to Christ, but really have no true love unto Him. "My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words--but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion--but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain!" Ezekiel 33:31

Love to Christ is in their mouth--but love to the world is in their heart!

Some say that they love him--but God knows they do not: "But I know you--that you have not the love of God in you!" John 5:42. No!

Do you know how great a sin this is? Why then do you make so light of it?
Why then are you no more ashamed, that you lack this love to the Lord Jesus Christ?

What! Do you love your gold--and not your God? Or do you make your gold your god--and then love your gold, instead of loving the true God? Can you love your silver--and not the precious Savior?

You are bound to love your very enemies--and yet you have no love to Him who would be your surest, greatest, and most faithful Friend!

What shall I say? Lord, I am ashamed, and blush to say that which is true of too many men--that they love their very beasts, their dog, their horse, and their cattle--and yet will not be prevailed upon to love your Son--your only Son, your beloved Son!

Nay, what shall I say? You love your heinous lusts and filthy sins, which will destroy and damn you forever--and yet have no love for the Lord Jesus, who would save you from your sins, and from Hell forever.

What can I say? You do not love Christ--because you love your sin so much!

Oh horrid shame! You love deformity--and not beauty!
Where are your eyes man? Surely your love to sin is blind.

Oh monstrous iniquity! You love that which is worst of all--and not Him who is best of all!

Where is your reason? Has sin bereaved you of your wits? Oh madness and folly! Are you so fond of sin--as to be damned for it? Are you so foolishly fond of this world--that you choose to be hated by God, and banished out of His glorious presence forever? Is your soul so clogged with flesh, and sunk so deep into it--that it can rise no higher than to love sensual, earthly, and fleshly delights and pleasures?

"If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ--that person is cursed!"

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Freedom from the dominion of sin!

(George Everard, "Up High!" 1884)

There is no more galling yoke to be found, than . . .
  the thraldom of evil passions, tyrant lusts and sinful habits,
  uncontrolled tempers which burst forth like a hurricane,
  temptations which hurry a man onward toward the precipice of utter ruin,
  the dark trinity of "the world, the flesh, and the devil"--
all drawing a man along the pathway that leads to eternal damnation! Here is a foe that is terrible indeed!

Yet in Christ, there is freedom from the dominion of sin, and from all the power of the enemy.

Satan is strong, for he is a roaring lion. But Christ is stronger, for He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Yes, He is the almighty Shepherd, who can guard the weakest of His flock from the treachery and deceit of the evil one.

Sin is strong, and it has conquered and destroyed its myriads in every age. But Christ is stronger, for He is our Joshua, and can put every enemy beneath our feet. If united to Christ by true faith, "sin shall not have dominion over you." Being no longer under the law, but under grace--Christ reigns in you by His Holy Spirit, and by the same Spirit can make you more than conqueror over every snare of the tempter.

Christian, always remember the secret of success in the sore conflict you have to wage. Let "the joy of the Lord" be "your strength." Apart from Christ, there is nothing but defeat. You may resolve to do better, you may strive against your besetting sin--but if it is in your own might, you will fail. But draw near to Christ, and keep Him in view continually. Hide deep in your heart His own word of promise, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Fly to Him as your stronghold, whenever danger is at hand. Make Him your shield, when the shafts of the wicked one are aimed for your destruction.

I often think of a lesson I learned one snowy day in Birmingham. A big bully was unmercifully snow-balling a smaller boy. But when the little fellow saw me coming, he ran behind me and kept me between himself and his enemy, until he was able to escape from him.

Ah, here is a lesson for me, thought I. Let me ever make Christ my shield. Let me ever put Him between me and my temptations; between me and my cares, and fears, and perils--and He will answer for them. No evil can overcome His power--and when I thus trust in Him, no sin or evil can overcome me.

Thus will you find strength for victory. You will be delivered from the sin which was once too strong for you. More and more the Spirit of Christ shall fashion you in His image and likeness. More and more shall the evil nature be mortified and kept under control, and Christ Himself make your heart His dwelling-place.

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In wondrous contrast--and yet with consistent harmony!

(Frederick Marsh)

In the floral kingdom, the flowers have many hues. A number of different colored flowers in a bouquet will enhance the beauty of each other by their contrast.

Just so in the cross of Christ, the attributes of God are brought out in wondrous contrast--and yet with consistent harmony. There we see . . .
  His name glorified,
  His love manifested,
  His majesty upheld,
  His justice satisfied,
  His truth vindicated,
  His law magnified, and
  His righteousness displayed in the putting away of our sins!

"Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other!" Psalm 85:10

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We are but learning Job's lesson!

(Francis Bourdillon, "The Self-abhorrence of Job" 1864)

"Behold, I am vile!" Job 40:4

At the close of his long trial Job said, "I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear--but now my eye sees You! Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:6-7

What did he mean? Probably, that while he had long known God, as having heard of Him, and in a measure believed in and served Him--yet . . .
  now he knew Him far more deeply and closely,
  now he had experienced God's personal dealings,
  now he had had great searchings of heart,
  now he had learned far more of God than ever he knew before.

How many can say the same! How many can think of some time of sore affliction--and see that at that season and by that means, they learned to know God in a way they had never known Him before--more closely, more deeply, more lovingly. Yes, more lovingly. For this is what God is leading His children to by all His dealings--to know His love to them more, and to love Him more in return.

How many inward comforts does He send in the time of trial!
What deep searchings of heart go on in the silence of a sick-room!
How many earnest prayers are sent up thence!
What sweet thoughts of Christ are given--what a sense of pardon, what peace, what love, what a manifestation of Christ to the soul!

These are the gifts of God--the work of His Spirit the Comforter--the blessings of sanctified affliction!

Shall we repine when God's chastening hand is laid upon us? Ah, no! Rather let us . . .
  look well into our own hearts,
  and search out the root of self-righteousness,
  and humble ourselves before God,
  and shelter ourselves more closely under the shadow of His wing.
He is teaching us and blessing us now. And if, under His teaching, we find ourselves distressed by a new and deeper feeling of our sinfulness--yet let us then think that we are but learning Job's lesson; and let us be led to cast ourselves more earnestly and entirely upon the merits of Christ our Savior, that in Him we may find rest to our souls.

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When it lays its head on the pillow of God's omnipotence!

(J.C. Ryle)

"With God nothing shall be impossible!" Luke 1:37

Let us mark the mighty principle which the angel Gabriel lays down to silence all objections about the incarnation: "With God nothing shall be impossible."

A hearty reception of this great principle is of immense importance to our own inward peace. Questions and doubts will often arise in men's minds about many subjects in religion. They are the natural result of our fallen estate of soul. Our faith at the best is very feeble. Our knowledge at its highest is clouded with much infirmity. And among many antidotes to a doubting, anxious, questioning state of mind, few will be found more useful than that before us now--a thorough conviction of God's omnipotence. With Him who called the world into being and formed it out of nothing--everything is possible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

There is no sin too black and bad to be pardoned. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin.

There is no heart too hard and wicked to be changed. The heart of stone can be made a heart of flesh.

There is no work too hard for a believer to do. We may do all things through Christ strengthening us.

There is no trial too hard to be borne. The grace of God is sufficient for us.

There is no promise too great to be fulfilled. Christ's words never pass away--and what He has promised, He is able to perform.

There is no difficulty too great for a believer to overcome. When God is for us--then who shall can against us? The mountain shall become a plain!

Let principles like these be continually before our minds. The angel's maxim is an invaluable remedy. Faith never rests so calmly and peacefully--as when it lays its head on the pillow of God's omnipotence!

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The highest grace that can adorn the Christian character!

(J.C. Ryle)

"And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of his servant." Luke 1:46-56

Let us mark Mary's deep humility in this hymn of praise. She who was chosen of God to the high honor of being Messiah's mother--speaks of her own "humble estate," and acknowledges her need of a "Savior." She uses the language of one who has been taught by the grace of God to feel her own sins, and need a Savior for her own soul.

Let us copy this holy humility of our Lord's mother. Like her, let us be lowly in our own eyes, and think little of ourselves. Humility is the highest grace that can adorn the Christian character. It is a true saying of an old divine, "A man has just so much Christianity--as he has humility." This is the grace which is most suitable to sinful human nature.

Above all, humility is the grace which is within the reach of every converted person!
All are not rich.
All are not learned.
All are not highly gifted.
All are not preachers.
But all children of God may be clothed with humility!

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From Grace Gems:
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To Him, they must be playthings and toys!

(Thomas Spurgeon, "Spiritual Worship")

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24

What does this phrase mean?

I have not time to analyze it closely. Suffice it to say, that the sentence stands as the antithesis of all external religious rituals. It stands opposed to Ceremonialism, Symbolism, Ritualism, and Materialism. "God is Spirit!"

Do not dream of offering Him anything that does not accord with His nature and with His essence.

If He were a material deity--then I might bring Him fruits, and flowers, and music, and so forth.

If He were a God of religious ritual--then I might deck myself with crosses, burn candles to Him, and waft incense in His honor.

But our God is a Spirit who rejoices more in the falling tear, the upheaved sigh, the heart prayer, and the heart praise, which "the common people" render unto Him--than in all the decorations and symphonies and temples of a man-made ritual.

What does the Spirit care for . . .
  your stained-glass windows,
  your snow-white altars,
  your glittering gold ornaments,
  and all your religious decorations?

To Him, they must be playthings and toys! If He takes any notice of them at all--it must be to laugh at them, and to hold them in derision!

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Alas, how cold are our hearts, how trifling are our thoughts, how small is our zeal and love!

(Francis Bourdillon, "We Need Stirring Up!" 1864)

"For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you!" 2 Peter 1:12-13

We need stirring up--not so much to be taught something new, as to be stirred up as to what we have learned already.

Most of us have long ago been taught the facts and doctrines of the gospel. Probably we know them well. Perhaps we are even firmly "established in the present truth." We have learned of Heaven and Hell and eternity. We have been taught our lost estate as sinners, and that Jesus died for sinners--that His precious blood has atoned for sin, that He has opened the way for us to the throne of grace and to acceptance with God. We have heard of death and of judgment--and of the uncertainty of life and the shortness of time. We have been told . . .
  of Satan's devices,
  of the value of prayer,
  of the mercy and love of God in Christ,
  and of the work of the Spirit.

What is our spiritual state, after so much teaching? Alas, how cold are our hearts, how trifling are our thoughts, how small is our zeal and love! How little we have of deep sorrow for sin--and how little sincere faith in Jesus! Where are the fruits of the Spirit in us? Where is . . .
  that deep concern,
  that earnest desire,
  that prayerfulness,
  that watchfulness,
  that warmth of feeling,
  that pressing toward the mark--
which might be expected in those who have learned such things?

We need stirring up!

We should stir ourselves up by the Word of God.
Let us apply it to ourselves and take it as if addressed to us.
Let us not listen to it or read it carelessly--but as the message of God to us!
Let us not be hearers only--but doers of the Word . . .
  receiving it as God's message,
  pondering it in our minds,
  applying it to ourselves,
  believing it, and
  striving to live by it!

Let us also pray for the quickening influence of God's Holy Spirit. This alone can really . . .
  stir the depths of our hearts,
  rouse us from spiritual sloth and
  give us new earnestness and zeal!