Grace Gems

[nChrist]

Darkness, fire, and chains! - Page 2 of 3

In hell, there are CHAINS. 2 Peter 2:4. Sinners who now will not be bound by any law of God — shall then have chains of darkness to bind them! These chains suggest unto us, that the wicked in hell shall not have power to walk up and down, which perhaps might be a little easier for them, though very little. But they shall be firmly chained down — so as not to be able to stir! Oh, this will be terrible indeed!

Suppose a man should lie always firmly chained on a down bed — and might not stir out of his place — it would be very painful unto him. But the damned will lie eternally chained upon the rack, always under the torturing scorching of God's wrath!

How dreadful are the thoughts of the condition of the wicked! They are under darkness, fire, and chains!

To add to the torment of hell, there are two more things which show that it shall be woe to the wicked — the worm and the serpent.

First, there is the WORM to torture the damned spirits — the worm of a tormenting conscience! "Where the worm never dies!" Mark 9:44. Oh, how dreadful it will be, to have this tormenting worm! The tormenting conscience a hellish fury! Conscience will be just as if a worm full of poison were feeding on the heart of a man! Those sinners who would never hear the voice of conscience — shall feel the worm of conscience!

Second, as there is the worm to torment, so there is the DEVIL, who is called "the old serpent." In hell, as there is the biting of this worm — so there is the stinging of this old serpent! The damned shall be forced to behold the devil. Anselm said, "I would rather endure all the torments of this life, than to see the devil with bodily eyes." But the wicked shall see the devil — whether they want to or not; and not only see — but feel the stinging of this old serpent, the devil. Satan is full of rage against mankind, and will show no mercy. As he puts forth all his subtlety in tempting man — so he puts out all his cruelty in tormenting man.

This is not all! There are two more things in the torments of hell.

These agonies and hell-convulsions shall be forever. "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever and they have not relief day nor night!" Revelation 14:11. Thus it is in hell. They desire to die — but they cannot. The wicked shall be always dying — but never dead. The smoke of the furnace ascends forever and ever. Oh, who can endure thus to be forever upon this rack! This word "forever" breaks the heart! Wicked men now think a sermon and a prayer long — but oh, how long will it be, to lie in hell forever and ever! After millions of years, their torments are as far from ending — as at the first hour they began!

Another aggravation of hell torment, is that the damned in hell have none to pity them. It is some comfort, some ease — to now have our friends to pity us in our sickness and need — but those in hell have no friends. God's mercy will not pity them. His mercy is turned into fury! The holy angels will not pity them — but will rejoice when they see God's vengeance. They exult and glory when they see the justice of God executed upon His enemies! "And again they shouted — Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever!" Revelation 19:3. Oh, how sad is this — to lie in the scalding furnace of God's wrath — and none to pity them! When they cry out — God will laugh at them!

What a frightening word is this — to all wicked men who go on desperately in sin. There has never been such an inundation of wickedness, as now. Men sin as if they would spite God, and dare Him to damn them! Men sin so greedily — as if they were afraid that hell's gates would be shut up before they got there! Oh, how brazenly do many sin! They go to hell shamelessly in their wickedness!
___________________________________

[nChrist]

Darkness, fire, and chains! - Page 3 of 3

"There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth!" One says, "That is sad fare — where weeping is the first course — and gnashing of teeth is the second course!" This gnashing of teeth arises from the extremity of the torment which the wicked suffer. They are not able to bear it — and know not how to avoid it! Also, the wicked in hell gnash their teeth at the godly — to see them in heaven, those whom they persecuted, scoffed, and jeered at — and themselves in hell forever! How may this astonish a wicked man! If all the curses in the Bible will make a man miserable — he shall be made so!

Take heed that none of you are found among the number of the wicked. Take heed of being of this black regiment, which wears the devil's colors and fights under his banner! The sinner and the fiery furnace — shall never be parted! Take heed of those sins which will bring you to hell-fire! When you are tempted to any wickedness, think to yourself, "How can I bear the fierceness of God's wrath forever! How can I lie in the winepress of God's wrath forever!" Take heed of those sins which will bring you into this place of torment!

I have read a story of a young woman who, being tempted by a young man to commit sin, said unto him, "Grant me but one request — and I will do what you ask."

"What is that?" he said.

"Only hold your finger for one hour, in the flame of this burning candle."

"No, I will not do that!"

She replied, "Will you not for my sake, hold your finger for one hour in the flame — and will you have my soul lie burning in hell forever!" Thus, she rebuked the temptation.

Does Satan tempt you to wickedness? Say this, "Oh, Satan, if I embrace your temptations, I must lie under your tormenting cruelty for all eternity!" This will be a shield, to quench the fiery darts of the devil.

Wicked men live cursed — and die damned! They are the very mark which God will shoot at — and He never misses His mark!

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Keep this medicine next to your heart

(Thomas Watson, "The Lord's Supper")

"The people of Israel called the bread manna.
 It was white like coriander seed and tasted
 like wafers made with honey." Exodus 16:31

The manna was a lively type and emblem of Christ,
for manna was sweet. It was a delicious food—and
was called angel's food for its excellency. Psalm
78:25. So Christ, the sacramental manna, is sweet
to a believer's soul. "His fruit was sweet to my taste,"
Song of Solomon 2:3. Everything of Christ is sweet.
His name is sweet. His virtue is sweet. This manna
sweetens the bitter waters of Marah.

Nay, Christ's flesh excels manna. Manna was food—but
not medicine. If an Israelite had been sick, manna could
not have cured him. But this blessed manna is not only
for food—but for medicine! Christ has healing under His
wings, Malachi 4:2. He heals the blind eye, and the hard
heart. Keep this medicine next to your heart—and it
will heal you of all your spiritual distempers!

Also, manna was corruptible. It ceased when Israel came
to Canaan. But this blessed manna will never cease! The
saints will feed with infinite delight and soul satisfaction,
upon Christ—to all eternity! The joys of heaven would
cease—if this manna would cease.

Every crumb of this Bread of life is precious!

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Doctrine is useless!

(J. C. Ryle)

"If you know these things, you are blessed if
 you do them." John 13:17

Doctrine is useless—if it is not accompanied
by a holy life. It is worse than useless; it does
positive harm. Something of the 'image of Christ'
must be seen and observed in our private life,
and habits, and character, and doings.

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

A place where sorrow cannot live—and joy cannot die!

(Thomas Watson, "Time's Shortness")


    "But this I say, brethren, the time is short." 1 Corinthians 7:29

    Here his honey for the godly. The time being short, their sinning time cannot be long. Sin is a troublesome inmate. Paul, that bird of paradise, sighed and groaned under corruption. (Romans 7:24) A child of God mingles sin with his duties. He cannot write a copy of holiness, without blotting. There's a part of a regenerate heart, which sides with Satan. But be of good comfort—the time is short! It is but for a short while, Christians, that you shall be combating a proud, unbelieving heart. Death does to the godly, as the angel did to Peter—it smites them, and makes their chains of sin fall off!

    The time being short, their working time cannot be long. But here is the saint's comfort—their working time is short. Revelation 14:13: "They will rest from their labors." When their bodies return to dust—their souls return to rest.

    The time being short, their suffering time cannot be long. Life is laden with trouble, "How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble!" Job 14:1. You may as well separate weight from lead—as trouble from a man's life. We come into the world with a cry—and go out with a groan! Everyone has his yoke, and it is well if there is not a nail in it. Though the cross is heavy—we have but a little way to carry it. Death will give the godly a writ of ease.

    The time being short, their waiting time cannot be long. The godly shall not be long out of heaven. While the blessed angels see the orient beauties which shine in God's face, believers live far from court, being imprisoned in the body. Here they rather desire God—than enjoy Him. But the time is short, perhaps a few days or hours—and the saints shall be solacing themselves in the light of God's countenance! They shall leave their pillow of thorns—and lay their head on Christ's bosom! Faith gives a propriety in God; death gives a possession. The wagons and chariots came rattling to old Jacob—but they were to carry him to his son, Joseph. Death's chariot wheels may come rattling to a believer—but it is to carry him home to his Father's house!

    In that paradise of God, a Christian shall have more than he can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He can imagine, "What if—every mountain were a pearl, every flower a ruby, every sand in the sea a diamond, the whole globe a shining gem?" But all his thoughts are too low and dwarf-like, to reach the glory of the celestial pyramids. The heavenly reward (as Augustine said) exceeds faith—and, as the time is short, a Christian shall be in heaven before he is aware. Then he shall bathe his soul in those perfumed pleasures of paradise, which run at God's right hand forevermore!

    God sets three crowns upon the elect: grace, joy, and glory. What should we thirst after, but this incomprehensible bliss! If our thoughts dwelt above—we would live sweeter lives!

    Heaven is a place where sorrow cannot live—and joy cannot die!

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Not charity, but cruelty!

(Thomas Watson, "A Plea for Alms" 1658 )

"He who turns a sinner from the error of his way, will
 save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
    James 5:20

Charity to the souls of others, is the highest kind
of charity. The soul is the most precious thing. It is
a rich diamond, set in a ring of clay.

This is charity to souls—when we see others in the
bondage of sin—and we labor by counsel, admonition
or reproof to pull them out of their dreadful estate, as
the angels did to Lot in Sodom. "Hurry! Get out of here
right now, or you will be caught in the destruction of
the city! When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his
hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and
rushed them to safety outside the city!" Genesis 19.

God made a law (Exodus 23:5) "If you see the donkey
of someone who hates you fallen down under its load,
do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it."
On these words Chrysostom said, "We will help a beast
which is fallen under its load—and shall we not extend
relief to those who are fallen under a worse load of sin!"

To let others go on in sin securely—is not charity, but
cruelty!

If a man's house were on fire, and another should see
it and not tell him of it for fear of waking him—would
not this be cruelty! And when we see the souls of others
sleeping the sleep of death, and the fire of God's wrath
ready to burn about their ears—and we are silent—is not
this to be accessory to their death!

If men wish to go to hell—and we do not attempt to
stop them—is this love to their souls?

"He who turns a sinner from the error of his way, will
 save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
    James 5:20

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[Soldier4Christ]

Not charity, but cruelty!

(Thomas Watson, "A Plea for Alms" 1658 )

"He who turns a sinner from the error of his way, will
 save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
    James 5:20

Charity to the souls of others, is the highest kind
of charity. The soul is the most precious thing. It is
a rich diamond, set in a ring of clay.

This is charity to souls—when we see others in the
bondage of sin—and we labor by counsel, admonition
or reproof to pull them out of their dreadful estate, as
the angels did to Lot in Sodom. "Hurry! Get out of here
right now, or you will be caught in the destruction of
the city! When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his
hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and
rushed them to safety outside the city!" Genesis 19.

God made a law (Exodus 23:5) "If you see the donkey
of someone who hates you fallen down under its load,
do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it."
On these words Chrysostom said, "We will help a beast
which is fallen under its load—and shall we not extend
relief to those who are fallen under a worse load of sin!"

To let others go on in sin securely—is not charity, but
cruelty!

If a man's house were on fire, and another should see
it and not tell him of it for fear of waking him—would
not this be cruelty! And when we see the souls of others
sleeping the sleep of death, and the fire of God's wrath
ready to burn about their ears—and we are silent—is not
this to be accessory to their death!

If men wish to go to hell—and we do not attempt to
stop them—is this love to their souls?

"He who turns a sinner from the error of his way, will
 save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
    James 5:20

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

AMEN!

We see sin running rampant all around us today and due to the political correctness movement and all other such cultish actions too many so called Christians are sitting back doing absolutely nothing about it. If we indeed have the love of Christ in our hearts we will also have the desire to see all men saved from the horrible death and torment of sin. Lord, let us all do more to lead others to your wonderful saving grace.

[nChrist]

Life is hard for most people

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,
 bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

We should train ourselves to such regard, to such
respect for others, that we shall never hurt the heart
of one of God's creatures, even by a disdainful look!
Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor may
have his faults—but we are taught to bear with one
another's infirmities. If we knew the story of men's
lives, the hidden loads and burdens which they are
often carrying, the unhealed sore in their heart—we
would have most gentle patience with them. Life is
hard for most people; certainly hard enough without
our adding to its burdens by our censoriousness, our
unkindness, our jeering and contempt.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly
 loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
 humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Lilies and roses—among the briars

(Thomas Watson, "Religion Our True Interest")

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of
 this world!" Romans 12:2

We should be holiest in evil times. The profaneness
of the times should not slacken our zeal—but heighten
it. The looser others are—the stricter we should be.

The way to hell is a well-trodden road. "You shall not
follow a multitude to do evil." Exodus 23:2. Dead fish
swim down the stream—living fish swim against it. Mere
professors cut the garment of their religion according to
the mode and fashion of the times.

Let us keep up the vigor of our zeal, in degenerate times.
We should by a holy contrariness—burn hotter in a frozen
age. We live in the dregs of time; sin is grown common and
impudent. It is excellent to walk contrary to the world. Let
us be as lilies and roses—among the briars. Sin is
never the better—because it is in fashion! The impiety of
the times, is a foil to set off grace all the more, and give
it a greater luster.

This plea will not help at the last day—"that we did as
most others did." God will say, "Seeing you sinned with
the multitude—you shall go to hell with the multitude!"
Oh, let us keep pure among the dregs! Let us be like
fish, which retain their freshness, in salt waters.

It is better to go to heaven with a few—than to hell in the
crowd! "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

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Its pretty things

(Arthur W. Pink)

The more fully we are conformed unto the image
of Christ—the less power will the world have to
attract us. When I say that, I refer to something
more than its amusements and grosser sins; I
mean also its pretty things.

One of the marks of a child is to value a thing
not according to its worth and usefulness—but
according to its attractiveness to the eye.

The more we are really growing in grace—the less
shall we be attracted by such baubles, and the more
attention shall we give to the adorning of our souls.

One half of practical godliness, is a dying unto the world;
the other half is a living unto God: the mortification of
self-love; and the strengthening of love to God. "But God
forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and
I unto the world." (Galat. 6:14) That is the language and
the experience of a mature saint—dead to the world. It
no longer has any attraction for him, nor power over him.

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

The acorns with which God feeds swine!

(Thomas Watson, "The Art of Divine Contentment")

"I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity
 of the wicked!"  Psalm 73:3

It is often that the evil enjoy all the good—and the
good endure all the evil. Be contented; for remember:

Worldly goods are not the only things, nor the best
things. They are mere temporal blessings. These are
but the acorns with which God feeds swine!
You who are believers have more choice fruit—the
olive, the pomegranate, the fruit which grows on
the true vine Jesus Christ! Others have the fat of
the earth—you have the dew of heaven! They have
muddied puddles—but you have those springs of
living water which are purified with Christ's blood,
and filled with His love!

To see the wicked flourish is rather a matter of pity,
than of envy! This is all the heaven they will
have! "Woe to you who are rich, for you have your
only happiness now!" (Luke 6:24)  Hence it was,
that David made it his solemn prayer, "Deliver me
from the wicked, from men of the world, who have
their portion in this life!" Psalm 17:15

When the wicked have eaten of their dainty dishes
—there comes in a sad reckoning, which will spoil all.

We should not envy a man who will fry and blaze
in hell—let him have enough of the fat of the earth.
O remember—for every sand of mercy which runs
out of the wicked, God puts a drop of wrath into
His vial! "You are storing up wrath for yourself in
the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment
is revealed." Romans 2:5

Do you envy the wicked? Alas! their prosperity is
like Haman's banquet—before his execution! If a
man were to be hanged—would you envy to see
him walk to the gallows through pleasant fields, or
to see him go up the ladder in expensive clothing?

"I will curse your blessings!" (Malachi 2:2) Whatever
a sinner enjoys—he has a curse with it! And shall we
envy him? Would we envy a dog—if poisoned food
was given to it!

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

A remedy against all our trouble

(Thomas Watson, "The Art of Divine Contentment")

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances
 I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how
 to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned
 the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry,
 whether in abundance or in need." Philippians 4:11-12

Contentment sweetens every condition.

Christ turned the water into wine. Just so, contentment
turns the bitter waters of Marah, into spiritual wine.

Contentment is a flower which does not grow in every
garden. You would think it were excellent, if I could
prescribe a remedy or antidote against poverty. Behold,
here is that which is more excellent—for a man to be
poor—and yet have enough! Contentment teaches a
man how to abound—in the midst of poverty!

"Have I but little? Yet it is more than I deserve. Do
I meet with some crosses? My comfort is, if they are
heavy—I have not far to go! I shall but carry my cross
to Golgotha and there I shall leave it. My cross is light
—in comparison with the weight of glory. Has God
taken away my comforts from me? It is well—the
Comforter still abides with me." Thus contentment,
as a honeycomb, drops sweetness into every condition.

Discontent is a leaven which sours every comfort; it
puts vinegar into every mercy; it doubles every cross.
But the contented spirit sucks sweetness from every
flower of providence. Contentment is full of consolation.

Contentment is . . .
  a remedy against all our trouble,
  an alleviation to all our burdens,
  the cure of to every worry.

As medicine works disease out of the body—so
does contentment work trouble out of the heart.
Holy contentment keeps the heart from fainting.
Contentment is the golden shield, which beats
back all discouragements.

Contentment, though it is  not properly a grace (it
is rather, a disposition of mind,) yet in it there is a
happy mixture of all the graces. Contentment is a
most precious compound! The ingredients put into
it are faith, patience, meekness, humility, etc.

Wicked men are often disquieted in the enjoyment of all
things. But the contented Christian is joyful in the lack of
all things! He may have little in the world—yet be perfectly
content. O the rare art, or rather—miracle of contentment!

A Christian finds contentment distilled out of the breasts
of the promises. He is poor in purse—but rich in promise.
There is one promise which brings much sweet contentment
into the soul: "Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any
good thing." (Psalm 34:10) If the thing we desire is good
for us—we shall have it. If it is not good—then the not
having is good for us. The resting satisfied with the
promise, gives contentment.

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

Their motto

(Horatius Bonar, "Christ and the World")

"Let us eat and drink—for tomorrow we die!"
    1 Corinthians 15:32

Worldly people seem to be well aware, that it is only
in this life that they will be able to give vent to their
worldliness. They know that death will put an end to it
all; and this is one of the main reasons for their dread
of death, and their dislike even of the thoughts of it.

They know that there will be no "worldliness" in "the
world to come;" that there will be no money-making,
nor pleasure-finding, nor feasting, nor reveling; no
dances, nor races, nor theaters—in heaven or in hell.
Hence their eagerness to taste "life's glad moments,"
to take their fill of mirth, to make the best of this life
while it lasts. Hence the origin of their motto, "Let
us eat and drink—for tomorrow we die!" Such are . . .
  the out-and-out "lovers of pleasure,"
  the worshipers of the god of this world,
  the admirers of vanity,
  the indulgers of the flesh.
They do not profess to be "pious;" but rather take
pains to show that they are not so, and boast that
they are not hypocrites.

But pleasure won't last always;
and this world will not last forever;
and vanity will soon pass away;
and the flesh will cease to satisfy.

And when all these things come to an end, what
will be the condition of those whose gods they were?
Cheated, befooled, despairing, they shall lie down in
sorrow. Their idols are broken in pieces, and they find
at last that they have trusted in a lie. They are left
without a god, without light, without help, without
even so much as the hope of a hope, or the faintest
glimmer of a dawn—in that long night which, after
their merry day of pleasure, has fallen so thickly
over them.

They will find too late that, in gaining the world—they
have lost their souls; that, in filling up time with vanity
—they have filled eternity with misery; that, in snatching
at the pleasures of earth—they have lost the joys of
heaven, and the glories of the everlasting inheritance.

O man, dying man, dweller on a dying earth, living amid
sickbeds and deathbeds, and funerals and graves—the
sport of broken hopes, and fruitless joys, and empty
dreams, and fervent longings, and never-healing, never
-ending heartaches—O man, dying man, will you . . .
  still follow vanity and lies;
  still chase pleasure and gaiety;
  still sow the wind—and reap the whirlwind?

After all that has been told you of earth's weariness,
and pleasure's emptiness; after all that you yourself
have experienced of the vanity of all things here
below; after having been so often disappointed,
mocked, and made miserable by that world which
you worship—will you still pursue the lusts of the
flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life?

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

This incomparable book!

(Thomas Brooks, "Apples of Gold" 1660)

The whole of Scripture is but one entire love
letter, dispatched from the Lord Christ, to
His beloved spouse!

Oh! the mysteries, the excellencies, the glories
which are in this incomparable book! There
are none so useful, none so needful, none so
delightful, none so necessary to make you
happy and to keep you happy--as this!

Ah! the Word of the Lord is . . .
  a light to guide you,
  a counselor to counsel you,
  a comforter to comfort you,
  a staff to support you,
  a sword to defend you,
  a physician to cure you!

The Word is . . .
  a mine to enrich you,
  a robe to clothe you,
  a crown to crown you.
  bread to strengthen you,
  wine to cheer you,
  a honeycomb to feast you,
  music to delight you,
  a paradise to entertain you!

Oh! therefore, before all and above all:
  search the Scripture,
  study the Scripture,
  meditate on the Scripture,
  delight in the Scripture,
  treasure up the Scripture!

There is . . .
  no wisdom like Scripture wisdom,
  no knowledge like Scripture knowledge,
  no experience like Scripture experience,
  no comforts like Scripture comforts,
  no delights like Scripture delights,
  no convictions like Scripture convictions,
  no conversion like Scripture conversion!

I exhort you to a speedy, serious, diligent,
and constant study of the Scripture.
Ah! you do not know how soon . . .
  your blind minds may be enlightened,
  your hard hearts may be softened,
  your proud spirits may be humbled,
  your sinful natures may be changed,
  your defiled consciences may be purged,
  your distempered affections may be regulated,
  and your poor souls may be saved . . .
    by searching into the Scriptures,
    by reading the Scripture, and
    by pondering upon the Scripture.

Ah! if you do not in good earnest,
give yourself up . . .
  to the reading,
  to the studying,
  to the pondering,
  to the believing,
  to the practicing,
  to the applying, and
  to the living up to the Scripture--
Satan will be too hard for you,
the world will be too hard for you,
your lusts will be too hard for you,
temptations will be too hard for you,
deceivers will be too hard for you,
and in the end you will be miserable!

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________

[nChrist]

An easy hell

(Thomas Watson, "The Art of Divine Contentment")

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances
 I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how
 to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned
 the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry,
 whether in abundance or in need." Philippians 4:11-12

Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with—
it is all the hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may
be upon his name or estate—it is but a little cloud which
will soon be blown over—and then his hell is past!

Death begins a wicked man's hell.
Death ends a godly man's hell.

Think with yourself, "What is my affliction? It is but a
temporary hell. Indeed, if all my hell is here on earth
—it is but an easy hell. What is the cup of affliction
—compared to the cup of damnation!"

Lazarus could not get a crumb; he was so diseased that
the dogs took pity on him; and as if they had been his
physicians, licked his sores. But this was an easy hell
—the angels quickly fetched him out of it!

If all our hell is in this life—and in the midst of this
hell, we have the love of God—then it is no more hell,
but paradise! If all our hell is here on earth, we may
see to the end of it; it is but skin-deep, it cannot
touch the soul. It is a short-lived hell. After a dreary
night of affliction, comes the bright morning of glory!

Since our lives are short—our trials cannot be long!

As our riches take wings and fly away—so do our sufferings!

Let us learn then, to be content, whatever our circumstances.

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
____________________