“And I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:17 In ancient times they used to decide cases by white and black stones. The judges (for they were rather judges than jury) did not give their verdict upon … Read more
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” Revelation 2:17 How often God’s word is to you a sealed book; how often you hear from the pulpit the most encouraging preaching, yet get no encouragement from it; how often you hear Christ held forth in his Person, blood and righteousness, … Read more
“And when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.” Mark 4:34 What is the exact meaning of the word disciple? It means properly a learner, one who is under a teacher, whose submissive and devoted pupil he has become, and from whom he receives continual instruction. And thus a disciple of Christ … Read more
“Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 To possess this holiness is a necessary and indispensable meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light; but this meetness must be wrought in us by the power of God’s grace, for I am sure that in ourselves of it we have none. But … Read more
“I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10 According to God’s own testimony, it is “through much tribulation” that we are to enter into the kingdom; and therefore there is no entering into the kingdom of grace here or the kingdom of glory hereafter without it. But let this be ever borne … Read more
“That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:10 If divine light has enlightened your mind, divine life quickened your heart, and you love the Lord and his people, you must approve of the things that are excellent. For they are … Read more
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 Our blessed Lord offered himself for sin; that is, that he might put away sin by the sacrifice of himself—”Who his own self bare our sins in … Read more
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:8 The bearing of much fruit not only brings glory to God, but proves such rich fruit-bearers to be genuine disciples of the Lord Jesus. Now, though there is no merit in their bearing fruit, they sometimes get … Read more
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” Isaiah 35:5 That these miracles are effected by the power of the gospel is plain from the words that immediately precede, “Behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and … Read more
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.” 1 Peter 1:5 Those who are kept by the power of God through faith, are often in their minds troubled and anxious, fearing whether this salvation will ever reach their souls,—whether they may not prove castaways,—whether the work upon their heart is genuine,—whether … Read more
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 What thick clouds of darkness spread themselves at times over our souls; all things out of sight; our signs and tokens … Read more
“The Lord loveth the gates of Zion.” Psalm 87:2 What are gates for? Two purposes, entrance and exit. And Zion, too, has her gates of exit and entrance; she has her gates of access to God, entrance into the presence of the Most High; “the door of hope,” opened in “the valley of Achor.” And … Read more