“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14 The faith that rests short of … Read more
“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3 We gather from these words that there is such a thing in soul experience as “a following on to know the Lord;” and indeed there is no obtaining the blessings which are laid up for the righteous, unless there is this … Read more
“And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” Isaiah 4:2 By “the fruit of the earth” we may understand that gracious and holy fruit which grew upon the Branch: and it seems to be called “the fruit of the earth,” because it appeared on earth … Read more
“In that day shall the Branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious.” Isaiah 4:2 Where in heaven or on earth can there be found such a lovely Object as the Son of God? “What is thy beloved more than another beloved?” ask the companions of the Bride. But she answers, “My beloved is white … Read more
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Matthew 26:41 The entering into temptation is a different thing from temptation itself. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” A temptation presents itself, draws near to us, or we draw near to it. If conscience sound an alarm, and we keep, so to … Read more
“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:17 God gave the persons of the elect into the hands of his dear Son, as … Read more
“For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” Romans 7:9 The Apostle describes in his own case how men are affected toward the law before it enters as a condemning sentence into their heart. “I was alive without the law once.” The law was hanging … Read more
“The God of all grace.” 1 Peter 5:10 All we have and are, everything we know and feel, comes from “the God of all grace.” We have nothing spiritually good in ourselves; all therefore that we have is the free gift of his hand, and comes from the ever-flowing Fountain of mercy and truth. It … Read more
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” Hebrews 6:18 No: it is utterly impossible for God to lie. The earth may be dissolved, and all creation reduced to … Read more
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7 All God’s people are led into a knowledge of the Trinity; not indeed by metaphysical reasoning or subtle arguments addressed to the understanding. The Spirit teaches them, not by reasoning … Read more
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 There is a distinction to be made between faith and the spirit of faith. The spirit of faith is faith in exercise. Faith sometimes is like a … Read more
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5 God has described his Zion as “full of wounds, and bruises, and … Read more