Grace Gems

[nChrist]

Well-colored dirt

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

Did God make our bodies out of the dust, and that
dust out of nothing? Let this keep down pride! When
God would humble Adam, He uses this expression,
"You were made from dust." Why are you proud,
O dust and ashes?

David says, "I praise You because I am fearfully
and wonderfully made." Your being wonderfully
made--should make you thankful; your being
made from the dust--should keep you humble.

If you have beauty, it is but well-colored dirt!

"For you were made from dust, and to the dust
 you will return." Genesis 3:19

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[nChrist]

See its ugly face!

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

What a heinous and execrable thing is sin! Sin is
the distillation of all evil. The Scripture calls it the
"accursed thing." It is compared to the venom of
serpents, and the stench of sepulchers. The devil
would paint sin with the pleasing colors of pleasure
and profit--that he may make it look fair; but I
shall pull off the paint, that you may see its
ugly face! We are apt to have slight thoughts of
sin, and say to it, as Lot of Zoar, "Is it not a little
one?" But sin is a great evil.

Sin fetches its pedigree from hell; sin is from the
devil. "He who commits sin is of the devil." Satan
was the first actor of sin, and the first tempter to
sin. Sin is the devil's first-born!

Sin is a defiling thing--a polluting thing. It is to the
soul--as rust is to gold, as a stain to beauty. It makes
the soul red with guilt, and black with filth! Sin in
Scripture is compared to a "menstruous cloth," and
to a "plague-sore." Sin has blotted out God's image,
and stained the orient brightness of the soul.

Sin makes God loathe a sinner; and when
a sinner sees his sin--he loathes himself!

Sin stamps the devil's image on a man. Malice is
the devil's eye, hypocrisy his cloven foot. Sin turns
a man into a devil. "One of you is a devil!" John 6:70

Sin is an act of rebellion against God. A sinner tramples
upon God's law, crosses His will, and does all he can to
affront, yes, to spite God!

Sin strikes at the very Deity. Sin is God's would-be
murderer. Sin would not only unthrone God--but
un-God Him. If the sinner could help it, God would
no longer be God.

Sin is an act of ingratitude and unkindness. God feeds
the sinner, keeps off evils from him, be-miracles him
with mercy; but the sinner not only forgets God's
mercies--but abuses them! He is the worse for mercy;
like Absalom, who, as soon as David had kissed him,
and taken him into favor, plotted treason against him!
Like the mule, who kicks the mother after she has given
it milk. God may upbraid the sinner, "I have given you,
your health, strength, and estate; but you requite Me
evil for good; you wound Me with My own mercies! Did
I give you life--to sin against Me? Did I give you wages--
to serve the devil? Is this your kindness to your Friend?"

Sin is a disease. "The whole head is sick!" Some are sick
with pride, others with lust, others with envy. Sin has
distempered the intellectual part--it is a leprosy in the
head; it has poisoned the vitals. It is with a sinner as with
a sick patient--his palate is distempered--the sweetest
things taste bitter to him. The Word, which is 'sweeter
than the honey-comb," tastes bitter to him. Nothing
can cure this disease, but the blood of the Physician!

Sin is an irrational thing. It makes a man act not only
wickedly--but foolishly. It is absurd and irrational to
prefer the less, before the greater. The sinner prefers
the passing pleasures of sin, before eternal rivers of
pleasures. Is it rational to lose heaven--for the
indulging of a lust? Is it rational to gratify an
enemy? When sin burns in the soul, Satan warms
himself at this fire. Men's sins feast the devil.

Sin is a painful thing. It costs men much labor to
pursue their sins. How do they tire themselves in
doing the devil's drudgery! "They weary themselves
to commit iniquity." What pains did Judas take to
bring about his damnation! Many a man goes to
hell, in the sweat of his brow.

Sin is the only thing God has antipathy against.
God does not hate a man because he is poor, or
despised in the world. The only thing which draws
forth the keenness of God's hatred, is sin. "Oh, do
not do this abominable thing, which I hate!" And
surely, if the sinner dies under God's hatred, he
cannot be admitted into the celestial mansions. Will
God let that man live with Him--whom He hates?
God will never lay such a viper in His bosom!

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[nChrist]

Worse than a dog!

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

Sin cleaves to us, as blackness to the skin of the Ethiopian,
so that we cannot get rid of it. Paul shook off the viper on
his hand--but we cannot shake off this inbred corruption!
Sin comes not, as a lodger, for a night--but as an indweller.
"Sin which dwells in me." Romans 7:17. Sin is an evil
spirit, which haunts us wherever we go.

Sin, though latent in the soul, and as a spring which runs
under ground--often breaks forth unexpectedly. Christian,
you cannot believe that evil which is in your heart, and
which will break forth suddenly--if God should leave you!
"Is your servant a dog that he should do this monstrous thing?"
2 Kings 8:13. Hazael could not believe he had such a root of
evil in his heart, that he would rip up pregnant women. "Is
your servant a dog?" Yes, and worse than a dog--when
that corruption within is stirred up!

If one had come to Peter and said, "Peter, within a few hours
you will deny Christ;" he would have said, "Is your servant a
dog?" But alas! Peter did not know his own heart, nor how far
that corruption within would prevail upon him. The sea may be
calm, and look clear; but when the wind blows--how it rages
and foams! So though now your heart seems good--yet, when
temptation blows--how may sin reveal itself, making you foam
with lust and passion!

Who would have thought to have found adultery in David,
and drunkenness in Noah, and cursing in Job? If God leaves
a man to himself--how suddenly and scandalously may sin
break forth in the holiest men on the earth!

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[nChrist]

Why is salvation by faith?

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through
 faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
 of God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
    Ephesians 2:8-9

"Jesus said to the woman--Your faith has saved
 you; go in peace." Luke 7:50

Why is salvation by faith?

To exclude all glorying in the creature. Faith is a
humble grace. If salvation were by repentance or
works, a man would say, "It is my righteousness
which has saved me!" But if it is of faith, where is
boasting? Faith fetches all from Christ--and gives
all the glory to Christ!

God's believing people are a humble people. 
"Be clothed with humility." God's people shrink into
nothing in their own thoughts. David cries out, "I am
a worm, and not a man!" Though a saint, though a
king--yet a worm! When Moses' face shined, he
covered it with a veil. When God's people shine most
in grace--they are covered with the veil of humility.
Abraham the father of the faithful, confesses, "I am
nothing but dust and ashes." "God resists the proud."
Surely, God will not take to be with Himself in glory,
such as whom He resists.

God's believing people are a willing people.
Though they cannot serve God perfectly--they serve
Him willingly. They do not grudge God a little time
spent in His worship. They do not murmur at sufferings.
They will go through a sea and a wilderness--if God calls.
"Your people shall be a willing people." This spontaneity
and willingness is from the attractive power of God's
Spirit. The Spirit does not force--but sweetly draws the
will. This willingness makes all our services acceptable.
God sometimes accepts of willingness without the
work--but never the work without willingness.

God's believing people are a consecrated people.
They have "holiness to the Lord" written upon them.
"You are a holy people to the Lord your God." God's
people are separated from the world--and sanctified
by the Spirit. The priests under the law were not only
to wash in the laver--but were arrayed with glorious
apparel. This was typical, to show that God's people
are not only washed from gross sins--but adorned
with holiness of life. They bear not only God's name
--but His image! Holiness is God's stamp; if He does
not see this stamp upon us, He will not own us for
His believing people.

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[nChrist]

A lamp for my feet

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may
 live according to Your truth!" Psalm 86:11

Let us lead Scripture lives. Oh that the Bible might
be seen printed in our lives! Obedience is an excellent
way of commenting upon the Bible. Let the Word be
the sun-dial by which you set your life. What are we
the better for having the Scripture, if we do not direct
all our speech and actions according to it? What is a
carpenter the better for his rule about him, if he sticks
it at his back, and never makes use of it for measuring
and squaring his work? So, what are we the better for
the rule of the Word, if we do not make use of it, and
regulate our lives by it? How many swerve and deviate
from the rule!

"Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my
path." Psalm 119:105. It is not only a light to our eyes
to mend our sight--but to our feet to mend our walk.
Oh, let us lead Bible lives!

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[nChrist]

Mirror and fountain

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

The Scripture is a mirror to show us our sins;
Christ's blood is a fountain to wash them away.

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[nChrist]

If our hearts are not rocks

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled
 Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
 death of the cross." Philippians 2:8

See here the astonishing humility of Christ. That Christ
should clothe Himself with our flesh--a piece of that earth
which we tread upon--oh infinite humility! For Christ to be
made flesh, was more humility than for the angels to be
made worms! He stripped Himself of the robes of His glory,
and covered Himself with the rags of our humanity!

Christ's humiliation consisted in His being born, and
that in a poor condition; and His undergoing . . .
  the miseries of this life,
  the cursed death of the cross,
  and the wrath of God.

The prime cause of Christ's humiliation was free grace!
Love was the intrinsic motive. Christ came to us, out
of pity and love. Not our deserts--but our misery,
caused Christ to humble Himself. This was a plot of
free grace--a design of pure love! Christ incarnate,
is nothing but 'love' covered with flesh! As Christ's
assuming our human nature was a master-piece of
wisdom, so it also was a monument of free grace!

Behold the infinite love of Christ! Had not He been
made flesh--we would have been made a curse! Had
He not been incarnate, we would have been incarcerate,
and had been forever in the prison of hell.

Consider where Jesus came from. He came from
heaven, and from the richest place in heaven--His
Father's bosom, that hive of sweetness.

Consider for whom Jesus came. Was it to His friends?
No! He came for sinful man--who had defaced His image,
and abused His love, and rebelled against Him! Yet He came
to man, resolving to conquer our obstinacy with His kindness.

If He would come to any, why not to the fallen angels?
The angels are of a more noble origin, are more intelligent
creatures, and more able for service! But behold the love of
Christ--He did not come to the fallen angels--but to sinful
mankind!

Among the several wonders of the magnet is that it will not
draw gold or pearl--but despising these, it draws the iron to
itself--one of the most inferior metals. Just so, Christ leaves
angels, those noble spirits, the gold and the pearl--and
comes to poor sinful man, and draws him into His embraces!

Consider in what manner Jesus came. He came not in
the majesty of a king, attended with His royal retinue
--but He came poor.

Consider the place Jesus was born in--
  a feeding trough was His cradle,
  the cobwebs were His curtains,
  the beasts were His companions!

Christ was so poor, that when He needed money,
He had to work a miracle to obtain it. When He
died, He made no will.

Consider why Jesus came. That He might take
our sins upon Him--and so appease God's wrath
for us, and bring us into His kingdom!
 
He was poor--that we might become rich!

He was born of a virgin--that we might be born of God!

He took our flesh--that we might have His Spirit!

He lay in the feeding trough--that we might lie in paradise!

He came down from heaven--that we might go up to heaven!

And what was all this, but love? If our hearts are not
rocks, this love of Christ should affect us. "May you
experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you
will never fully understand it!" Ephesians 3:19

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[nChrist]

Do not be proud of your fine feathers!

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

Behold here a sacred riddle or paradox--"God was manifest
in the flesh." That man should be made in God's image, was
a wonder--but that God should be made in man's image, is
a greater wonder!

That the Ancient of Days--should be born;
that He who thunders in the heavens--should cry in the cradle;
that He who rules the stars--should suck the breast;
that Christ should be made of a woman--and of that
    woman which He Himself made;
that the mother should be younger than the child she bore;
this is the most astonishing miracle! "God was manifest in
the flesh" is a mystery we shall never fully understand until
we come to heaven, when our light shall be clear, as well as
our love perfect.

"He humbled Himself and became obedient to
 death--even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

"God made Him who had no sin--to be sin for us!"
 2 Corinthians 5:21

This was the lowest degree of Christ's humiliation.
That Christ, who would not endure sin in the angels,
should endure to have sin imputed to Himself--is the
most amazing humility that ever was!

Christian! Learn to be humble! Do you see Christ humbling
Himself--and are you proud? It is the humble saint, who is
Christ's picture! Christians, do not be proud of your fine
feathers! Have you an estate? Do not be proud. The earth
you tread on, is richer than you! It has mines of gold and
silver in its depths. Have you beauty? Do not be proud. It
is but water mingled with dirt! Have you skill and abilities?
Be humble. Lucifer has more knowledge than you! Have you
grace? Be humble. It is not of your own making--it was
given to you by God. You have more sin than grace; more
spots than beauty.

Oh look on Christ--this rare pattern of humility--and be
humbled! It is a sad sight, to see God humbling Himself
--and man exalting himself; to see a humble Savior--and
a proud sinner! God hates the very semblance of pride!
"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13

"If God," says Augustine, "did not spare the angels
when they grew proud; will He spare you--who are
but dust and sin?"

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[nChrist]

Walking pictures of Christ!

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"Leaving you an example--so that you
 should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21

"The one who says he remains in Him should
 walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:6

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

True true religion is to imitate Christ.
There are four things in which we should
labor to be like Christ.

1. Be like Christ in DISPOSITION.
He was of a most sweet disposition.
He has a heart to pity us.
He has breasts to feed us.
He has wings to cover us.

He would not break our heart--but with mercy. Let us
be like Him in sweetness of disposition. Do not be of a
morose spirit. It was said of Nabal, "He's so ill-tempered
that no one can even talk to him!" Some are so sour, and
breathe forth nothing but revenge! Or they are like those
two men in the gospel, "possessed with devils, coming
out of the tombs. They were so violent that no one could
pass that way." Let us be like Christ in mildness and
sweetness. Let us pray for our enemies--and conquer
them by love. David's kindness melted Saul's heart.
A frozen heart will be thawed, with the fire of love.

2 Be like Christ in HUMILITY.
"He humbled himself." He left the bright robes of His
glory--to be clothed with the rags of our humanity--a
wonder of humility! Let us be like Christ in this grace.
Humility is the glory of a Christian. We are never so
lovely in God's eyes--as when we are black in our own
eyes. In this let us be like Christ. Indeed, what cause
have we to be humble--if we look within us, about us,
below us, and above us!

If we look within us--here we see our sins represented
to us in the looking-glass of conscience--lust, envy, passion.
Our sins are like vermin crawling in our souls. "How many
are my iniquities!" Job 13:23. Our sins are as the sands
of the sea for number; as the rocks of the sea for weight!
Augustine cries out, "My heart, which is God's temple--is
polluted with sin!"

If we look about us--there is that which may humble us.
We may see other Christians outshining us in graces, as
the sun outshines the lesser planets. Others are laden with
fruit--and perhaps we have but here and there, a berry!

If we look below us--there is that which may humble us.
We may see the mother earth, out of which we came.
The earth is the most ignoble element. "They were viler
than the earth." Job 30:8.

"Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from
the ground." Genesis 2:7. "You will return to the ground
from which you came. For you were made from dust, and
to the dust you will return." Genesis 3:19. You who are
so proud, behold your pedigree--you are but walking dirt!
And will you be proud? What is man? The son of dust!
And what is dust? The son of nothing!

If we look above us; there is that which may humble us.
If we look up to heaven, there we may see God resisting
the proud. God pursues the proud in vengeance. He threw
proud Lucifer out of heaven! The proud man is the mark
which God shoots at--and He never misses the mark!
Oh then--be like Christ in humility!

3. Be like Christ, in the contempt of the WORLD.
Christ was not ambitious for titles or honor. He declined
worldly dignity and greatness--as much as others seek it.
When they would have made Him a king--He refused it.
He chose rather to ride upon the foal of an donkey, than
be drawn in a chariot. He chose rather to hang upon a
wooden cross--than to wear a golden crown! He scorned
the pomp and glory of the world. He ignored secular
affairs. "Who made Me a judge?" He did not come into
the world to be a judge--but a Redeemer. He minded
nothing but heaven.

Let us be made like Him--in heavenliness and contempt
of the world. Let us not be ambitious for the empty honors
and glories of the world. Let us not purchase the world--
with the loss our soul. What wise man would damn himself
--to grow rich? or throw his soul down to hell--to build up
an earthly estate?

Be like Christ in a holy contempt of the world.

4. Be like Christ in HOLINESS of life.
No temptation could fasten upon Him. Temptation to Christ,
was like a spark of fire upon a marble pillar, which glides off.
"As the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in
all your conduct." 1 Peter 1:15.

A Christian should be both a magnet and a diamond!
A magnet--in drawing others to Christ; a diamond
--in casting a sparkling luster of holiness, in his life.
Oh let us be . . .
  so just in our dealings,
  so true in our promises,
  so devout in our worship,
  so unblamable in our lives;
that we may be the walking pictures of Christ!

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[nChrist]

How shall we know if we have saving faith?

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

How shall we know if we have saving faith?

By the noble fruits and effects of saving faith.

True faith is a Christ-prizing grace--it puts a high
valuation upon Christ. "To you who believe--He is
precious." See how Paul styles all things in comparison
with Christ, "I count all things but rubbish, that I may
win Christ." Do we set a high estimate upon Christ?
Could we be willing to part with the wedge of gold
--for the Pearl of great price?

True faith is a refining grace. Faith is in the soul as
fire among metals--it refines and purifies. Morality
may wash the outside--but faith washes the inside.
"Having purified their hearts by faith." Faith makes
the heart a holy of holies. Faith is a virgin-grace;
though it does not take away the life of sin--yet it
takes away the love of sin. Examine if your hearts
are an unclean fountain, sending out the mud and
mire of pride and envy. If there are legions of lusts
in your soul, there is no faith. Faith is a heavenly
plant, which will not grow in an impure soil.

True faith is an obediential grace. "The obedience
of faith." Faith melts our will into God's. It runs at God's
call. If God commands duty (though cross to flesh and
blood) faith obeys. "By faith Abraham obeyed." Faith is
not an idle grace. As it has an eye to see Christ--so it
has a hand to work for Him. It not only believes God's
promises--but obeys His commands. It is not having
knowledge that will evidence you to be believers; the
devil has knowledge, but lacks obedience--and that
makes him a devil. The true obedience of faith, is a
cheerful obedience. God's commands do not seem
grievous. Have you obedience, and obey cheerfully?
Do you look upon God's command as your burden--
or privilege; as an iron fetter about your leg--or as
a gold chain about your neck?

True faith is an assimilating grace. It changes the
soul into the image of the object; it makes it like Christ.
Never did any look upon Christ with a believing eye--but
he was made like Christ. A deformed person may look on
a beautiful object, and not be made beautiful; but faith
looking on Christ--transforms a man, and turns him into
His similitude.

Looking on a bleeding Christ--causes a soft bleeding heart.

Looking on a holy Christ--causes sanctity of heart.

Looking on a humble Christ--makes the heart humble.

As the chameleon is changed into the color of that
which it looks upon--so faith, looking on Christ,
changes the Christian into the similitude of Christ.

True faith grows. All living things grow. Growth of faith
is seen by doing duties in a more spiritual manner, with
more fervency. When an apple has done growing in
bigness, it grows in sweetness. Just so, duties performed
in love and are sweeter, and come off with a better relish.

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[nChrist]

The Lord has two heavens

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in
 all you do; for it is written--Be holy, because I
 am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

God is not drawn to any person's outward beauty,
great abilities, noble blood or worldly grandeur. But
He is drawn to a heart embellished with holiness.
Christ never admired anything but the beauty of
holiness. He slighted the glorious buildings of the
temple--but admired the woman's faith, and said,
"O woman, great is your faith!" As a king delights
to see his image upon a piece of coin; so where
God sees His likeness--He gives His love! The Lord
has two heavens to dwell in--and the holy heart
is one of them!

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[nChrist]

Spiritual joys

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

What are the differences between worldly joys
and spiritual joys? The gleanings of spiritual joys,
are better than the vintage of the worldly joys.

Spiritual joys help to make us BETTER; worldly
joys often make us worse. "I spoke unto you in
your prosperity; but you said--I will not hear."
Pride and luxury are the two worms which
are bred from worldly pleasures.

But spiritual joy is cordial medicine, which
not only comforts, but purifies--
 it makes a Christian more holy;
 it causes an antipathy against sin;
 it infuses strength to live and suffer for Christ.
Some colors not only delight the eye--but
strengthen the sight. Just so, the joys of God
not only refresh the soul--but strengthen it.
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."

Spiritual joys are INWARD, they are heart joys.
"Your heart shall rejoice." True joy is hidden within;
worldly joy lies on the outside, like the dew which
wets the leaf. "Laughter can conceal a heavy heart;
when the laughter ends, the grief remains." Like a
house which has a gilded frontispiece--but all the
rooms within are in shambles. But spiritual joy lies
most within. "Your heart shall rejoice." Divine joy
is like a spring of water, which runs underground.
Others can see the sufferings of a Christian--but
they cannot see his joy. His joy is hidden manna
--hidden from the eye of the world; he has joyful
music which others cannot hear. The marrow lies
within--the best joy is within the heart.

Spiritual joys are SWEETER than worldly joys.
"Your love is sweeter than wine!" Spiritual joys are
a Christian's festival; they are the golden pot, and
the sweet manna. They are so sweet, that they make
everything else sweet! Spiritual joys sweeten health
and estate, as sweet water poured on flowers makes
them more fragrant and aromatic. Divine joys are so
delicious and ravishing, that they put our mouth out
of taste for earthly delights; just as he who has been
drinking cordials, tastes little sweetness in water.
Paul had so tasted these divine joys, that his mouth
was out of taste for worldly things. The world was
crucified to him--it was like a dead thing, he could
find no sweetness in it.

Spiritual joys are more PURE; they are not tempered
with any bitter ingredients. A sinner's joy is mixed with
dregs--it is embittered with fear and guilt--he drinks
wormwood wine. But spiritual joy is not muddied with
guilt--but like a crystal stream, it runs pure. Spiritual
joy is a rose without prickles; it is honey without wax.

Spiritual joys are SATISFYING joys. "Ask, that your
joy may be full." Worldly joys can no more fill the heart,
than a drop can fill an ocean! They may please the palate
or imagination--but cannot satisfy the soul. "No matter
how much we see--we are never satisfied. No matter
how much we hear--we are not content." Eccles. 1:8.
But the joys of God satisfy. "Your comforts delight my
soul." Psalm 94:19. There is as much difference between
spiritual joys and earthly joys--as between a banquet
which is eaten--and one which is painted on the wall!

Spiritual joys are STRONGER joys than worldly joys.
"Strong consolation." Heb 6:18. They are strong joys
indeed, which can bear up a Christian's heart in trials
and afflictions. "Having received the word in much
affliction--with joy." These joys are roses which grow
in winter! These joys can sweeten the bitter waters of
Marah! He who has these joys--can gather grapes from
thorns, and fetch honey out of the carcass of a lion!
At the end of the rod--a Christian tastes honey! "As
sorrowing--yet always rejoicing."

Spiritual joys are UNWEARIED joys. Other joys, when
in excess, often cause loathing; too much honey nauseates.
One may be tired of pleasure--as well as labor. King Xerxes
offered a reward to him who could find out a new pleasure.
But the joys of God, though they satisfy--yet they never glut.
A drop of joy is sweet--but the more of this wine the better!
Such as drink of the joys of heaven--are never glutted. Their
satiety is without loathing, because they still desire more of
the joy with which they are satiated.

Spiritual joys are ABIDING joys. Worldly joys are soon
gone. Such as bathe in the perfumed waters of pleasure--
may have joys which seem to be sweet--but they are swift.
They are like meteors--which give a bright and sudden flash,
and then disappear. But the joys which believers have are
abiding; they are a blossom of eternity--a pledge of those
rivers of pleasure which run at God's right hand! "In Your
presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal
pleasures!" Psalm 16:11

If God gives His people such joy in this life, oh! then, what
glorious joy will He give them in heaven! "Enter into the joy
of your Lord!" God keeps His best wine until last. What joy
will that be--when the soul shall forever bathe itself in the
pure and pleasant fountain of God's love! What joy will that
be--to see the orient brightness of Christ's face, and have
the kisses of those lips which drop sweet-smelling myrrh!
How may this set us all longing for that place where sorrow
cannot live--and where joy cannot die!

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[nChrist]

You have but a little way to go!

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"Our salvation is nearer now than when we
 first believed." Romans 13:11

You are within a few days march of heaven!
Salvation is near to you. Christians, it is but a
little while, and you will be done weeping and
praying--and be triumphing! You shall put off
your mourning garments--and put on white
robes! You shall put off your battle armor--and
put on a victorious crown! You are almost ready
to commence eternal glory!

When a man is almost at the end of a race--will
he tire, or faint away? You have but a little
way to go--and you will set your foot in heaven!
Though the way is up-hill and full of thorns; yet
you have gone the greatest part of your way,
and shortly shall rest from your labors!

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father
 has been pleased to give you the kingdom!"
     Luke 12:32

     

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[nChrist]

For to me, to live is Christ

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know
nothing but Christ, and Him crucified. "For to me, to
live is Christ and to die is gain!" Philippians 1:21

"For to me, to live is Christ." That is, "Christ is my life!"
Or thus, "My life is made up of Christ." As a wicked man's
life is made up of sin, so Paul's life was made up of Christ
--he was full of Christ. That I may give you the sense of
the text more fully, take it in these three particulars:

[1] "For to me, to live is Christ," that is--Christ is the
PRINCIPLE of my life. I fetch my spiritual life from Christ,
as the branch fetches its sap from the root. "Christ lives in me."
Gal 2:20. Jesus Christ sends forth life into me, to quicken me
to every holy action. Thus, Christ is the principle of my life;
from His fullness I live--as the branch lives from the root.

[2] "For to me, to live is Christ," that is--Christ is the
END of my life. I live not for myself--but for Christ. All
my living, is to do service to Christ. "Whether we live, we
live unto the Lord." Rom 14:8. We lay out ourselves wholly
for Christ. The design of our life is to exalt Christ, and to
make the crown upon His head flourish. In this sense, Christ
is the end of my life--when my whole life is a living for Christ.

[3] "For to me, to live is Christ," that is--Christ is the
JOY of my life. Psalm 43:4, "God my exceeding joy,"
or the cream of my joy. A Christian can rejoice in Christ,
when worldly joys are gone. When the tulip in a garden
withers--a man still rejoices in his jewels which are locked
up in the house. Just so--when worldly joys are gone--a
saint can rejoice in Christ, the pearl of great price. In this
sense, Christ is the joy of my life--if Christ were gone, my
life would be a death to me.

"For to me, to live is Christ!" Christ is the principle of
my life, the end of my life, the joy of my life. If we can
say, "For to me, to live is Christ," we may comfortably
conclude, "and to die is gain!"

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[nChrist]

A divine chemistry

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"For our momentary light affliction is producing
 for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight
 of glory!" 2 Corinthians 4:17

The wisdom of God is seen in making the most
desperate evils, work to the good of His children.
As several poisonous ingredients, wisely tempered
by the skill of the apothecary, make a sovereign
medicine--so God makes the most deadly afflictions
work together for the good of His children. He uses
severe afflictions to purify them, and prepare them
for heaven.

These hard frosts hasten the spring flowers of glory!
The wise God, by a divine chemistry, turns our
afflictions into cordials. He makes His people gainers
by losses; and turns their crosses into blessings!

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