Grace Gems

July 9.

"The LORD upholds all those who fall—and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalm 145:14

God never gets tired helping us learn our lessons. No matter how often we fail, he is ready to give us another chance. When we fail to have our lesson learned, he does not give us up, putting us out of his school—but tells us to take the lesson over again and try to get it better. Only think how often we have to try—before we do things as he wants us to do them, how often we fall in trying to walk, before we learn to walk. If our great Teacher were not patient with us—we would never become like Christ; but he never wearies of our slowness. He is pleased with our efforts, however faulty they are, and has for us always an encouraging word.

July 10.

"By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another." John 13:35

There is one unfailing mark of Christian character, wherever it is found: Love is always in it. Whatever else may be or may not be in the new life of the Christian—the scarlet thread of love is always woven into the character. God is love, and the believer in Christ, is in a measure, like God. To be a Christian is to have Christ in the heart; and Christ is love. Not to have love—is not to be a Christian.

The first effect of faith in Christ—is the springing up of love in the heart of him who believes. This love does not lie hidden—but is revealed in the life. It shows itself in love for God; but there is no love for God—which does not also make the heart warm toward man. He who loves not his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

Christian love is not a mere beautiful sentiment, glowing like a radiant vision in the soul—but fading the moment we meet our brothers in actual life; it is a love that becomes the very mainspring of all action, the burning heart of all ambition. It is a love that makes us pitiful toward all human sorrow, gentle toward human infirmity, helpful toward human need, patient under human unkindness and injury, and ready at every call to do and suffer and sacrifice.

A rare creature!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service." 1 Timothy 1:12

A faithful preacher is a rare creature; and, like a diamond, as precious as he is rare!

If you always enjoy his sermons, that minister is not a faithful steward. He who gives out nothing but sweets is not acting wisely.

It is the duty of the Christian pastor, if he would make full proof of his ministry—to warn men of the results of sin—to tell them that there is a judgment—that for every idle word they speak they will have to account.

Some preachers do not preach of eternal wrath and its terrors. This is cruel, for they ruin souls by hiding from them their ruin!

The object of all true preaching is the heart. Godly ministers aim at divorcing the heart from sin, and wedding it to Christ.

"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." 1 Timothy 4:6

It is a broken-backed snake!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags!" Isaiah 64:6

The believer is a new creature;
he belongs to a holy generation and a peculiar people;
the Spirit of God is in him; and
in all respects he is far removed from the natural man.

But for all that, the Christian is a sinner still.
He is so from the imperfection of his nature.
He will continue so to the end of his earthly life.
The black fingers of sin leave smuts upon our fairest robes!
Sin mars our repentance upon the wheel, before the great Potter has finished it.

Apart from the merit of Jesus, the best thing we ever did--only swelled the number of our sins! For when we have been most pure in our own sight--yet, like the Heavens, we are not pure in God's sight! And as He charged His angels with folly, much more must He charge us with it--even in our most angelic frames of heart!

Our song which thrills to Heaven, and seeks to emulate seraphic strains--has human discords in it.
Our prayer which moves the arm of God--is still a bruised and battered prayer, and only moves that arm because the sinless One, the great Mediator, has stepped in to take away the sin of our supplication.

The most golden faith, or the purest degree of sanctification to which a Christian ever attained on earth, has still so much alloy in it--as to be only worthy of the eternal flames, in itself considered.

Every night we look into the mirror--and we see a sinner; and have need confess, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags!"

Oh, how precious is the blood of Christ to such hearts as ours!
Oh, how priceless is the gift of His perfect righteousness!
Oh, how bright is the hope of perfect holiness hereafter!

Even now, though sin dwells in us, its power is broken. It has no dominion. It is a broken-backed snake! We are in bitter conflict with it, but it is with a vanquished foe that we have to deal. In but a little while we shall enter victoriously into the city where, "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

Pithy gems from the puritan William Secker

(William Secker)

Pride is the sinner's torment; humility is the saint's ornament.

~ ~ ~ ~

Many have passed the rocks of gross sins--who have suffered shipwreck upon the sands of self-righteousness.

~ ~ ~ ~

Many blush to confess their faults, who never blush to commit them.

~ ~ ~ ~

Until we taste the bitterness of our own misery, we will never relish the sweetness of God's mercy.

Until we see how foul our sins have made us, we will never pay our tribute of praise to Christ for redeeming us.

~ ~ ~ ~

If you would know the heart of your sin, then you must know the sins of your heart!

~ ~ ~ ~

Sin's first-born is death--and its last-born is Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~

"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13

God abhors those people worst, who adore themselves most.

Pride is not a Bethel--that is, a house where God dwells;
but a Babel--that is, a stinking dungeon in which Satan abides.

Pride is not only a most hateful evil--but the most radical evil.

As all other lusts are found lodging in it--so they are found springing from it.

Pride is a foul leprosy, in the face of morality.

Pride is a hurtful worm, gnawing at the root of humility.

Pride is a cancer within, and a spreading plague without!

~ ~ ~ ~

By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul.
By praying, the soul learns to command the body.

~ ~ ~ ~

A true Christian no more trusts in the best of his services, as in the worst of his sins!

The lost soul's first day in eternity!

(J.M. Humphrey, 1912)

"The rich man also died and was buried. In Hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him: Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire." Luke 16:22-24

At last I am in Hell. In spite of all my resolutions not to come, I am here to suffer the just demands of a broken law. O God, can it be that I, who has taught the way of truth, virtue and Heaven--should choose sin, Hell and eternal damnation?

Death and judgment are passed. The time of repentance has slipped away. Mercy's door is forever shut. I would not heed the warning voice of God, though it thundered in my ears night and day from my cradle to my grave. I hardened my heart and said, "I will not yield!"

At last death came; I tried to repent, but my heart refused to shed a tear. I passed into eternity, a damned soul.

The worm that never dies has coiled its slimy folds around my naked heart and in it fastened its venomous fangs.

Merciful God, pity me. But the white-winged angel of mercy has flown away forever.

The fiends with their bony hands are grasping for my defenseless soul. Away, you devils, you shall not touch me, you shall not have my soul.

Ah, they have me at last! It is useless for me to resist. Is there none to deliver--none, great God, none! I turned my back on You, now You refuse to hear my cry of anguish. The flames of damnation are wrapping my soul in shrouds of eternal misery!

O that I had a drop of water to quench this raging thirst that consumes me, but there is no water here.

Devils laugh at my agony and exultantly shout: Enjoy the wages of sin, FOREVER!

O God, I have been here but one short hour and have suffered more than a thousand tongues can tell; and must I forever suffer thus? Through the ceaseless ages yet to come, must I still suffer on?

Yes, it is forever! FOREVER!

The darkness is intense, broken only by the lurid flashes of divine wrath that are thrown like thunderbolts from the hand of a just God! I grope in the darkness to find Him, but plunge over the precipice of despair onto the rocks below.

Bruised and mangled I rise and stagger on in search of friends, but none are found. All are my enemies. I scream for help and the only answer is the echo of my own sad cry and the yells of delight from the throats of demons.

Alone! Yet multitudes are here; they gnash on me with their teeth; they trample me under their feet. I struggle to rise, and they dash me into the lake of everlasting fire.

Alone! Yes, alone! Without God, without hope, without Heaven. O that I had a moment in which to repent, but it will never be given. I have sealed my own doom. God's mercy was extended; I refused until too late. Now Eternal Justice is being satisfied. 'Tis just. God is love and just and holy. He is righteous, but I am guilty damned, and that righteously.

This God is mine, in all His glorious perfection!

(Archibald Brown, "This God Is Our God!" 1896)

"The LORD's portion is His people!" Deuteronomy 32:9

"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Lamentations 3:24

The above two passages of Scripture ought never to be separated.

God and my soul possess each other.
God finds his portion in His people--and His people find their portion in God!

This God is mine, in all His glorious perfection!
His heart is mine, for He loves me.
His ear is mine, for I may pour into it all my tales of sorrow, and all my songs of joy.
His eyes are mine, for they watch me from morning until night.
His hand is mine, for it is stretched out to uphold me.

Oh, He is a God of infinite glory! Abased in the very dust, and half bewildered by the thought, I yet dare to look up and say, "This God is my God forever and ever! He will be my guide even unto death!"

I would rather have a crooked creed and a straight Bible

(Charles Spurgeon)

My love of consistency with my own doctrinal views, is not great enough to allow me to knowingly alter a single text of Scripture. I have great respect for orthodoxy, but my reverence for inspiration is far greater. I would sooner a hundred times over, appear to be inconsistent with myself, than be inconsistent with the Word of God.

If your creed and Scripture do not agree, then cut your creed to pieces and make it agree with this Book. The Word of God is the infallible chart of faith. Follow it closely, for this Book cannot lead you astray.

Some want to shape the Scriptures to fit their creed, and they get a very nice square creed too, and trim the Bible most dexterously. It is astonishing how they do it, but I would rather have a crooked creed and a straight Bible, than I would try to twist the Bible to suit what I believe.

Those who will only believe what they can reconcile in their own minds, will necessarily disbelieve much of divine revelation.

Those who receive by faith everything which they find in Scripture, will receive many things which they can never harmonize into a definitive creed.

A worldly Christianity

(Octavius Winslow)

"Do not be conformed to this world." Romans 12:2

Professor of the gospel! Guard against the world; it is your undoing! Watch against conformity to it . . .
in your dress,
in your mode of living,
in the education of your children,
in the principles, motives, and policy that govern you.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit by . . .
any known inconsistency of conduct,
any sinful conformity to the world,
any inordinate pursuit of . . .
its wealth,
its honors,
its pleasures,
its friendships,
its great things.

Pray against the sin of covetousness, that canker-worm that feeds at the root of so many souls!

Pray against the love of dress, that sin that diverts the mind of so many professors from the simplicity of Christ, and takes the eye off from the true adornment!

Pray against a thirst for light and trifling reading, that strange and sinful inconsistency of so many, the certain tendency of which is to starve the life of God in the soul, to engender a distaste for spiritual nourishment for the Word of God, for holy meditation, and for Divine communion and fellowship.

Yes, pray against the spirit of worldly, sinful conformity in everything!

Reader! are you a professing Christian? Then guard against a worldly Christianity--a Christianity that wears a fair exterior, so far as it is composed of church attendance; but which excludes from it the cross of the meek and lowly Lamb of God--a Christianity which loves the world and the things of the world, "makes a fair show in the flesh," speaks well of Christ--and yet betrays Him with a kiss.

Oh, awful state! Oh, fearful deception! Oh, fatal delusion!

The world is the sworn enemy of your Savior; let it not be your friend. No, come out of it and be separate!

Pastoral Counsels

(James Meikle, 1730-1799)


"Watch your life and doctrine closely!" 1 Timothy 4:16


Do not meddle much with the affairs of this life--or else celestial truths, as uttered by you, will be despised.


Do not pretend a 'show of sanctimony' before men.


Whatever else you read, read a double portion in God's Word.


Do not be much concerned about your own reputation.


Learn daily more of Christ and more of yourself--or else your other studies will profit little.


Seek not great things for yourself. Seek not great fame, great applause, great comforts, or a great income.


Be scant in exhibiting 'specimens of your learning', or comments on the Scriptures in their original languages.


Consider the preciousness of souls, the value of salvation, the terrors of the Almighty, the solemn day of judgment, and your own utter inability. Then you shall have no vain confidence, but depend on God alone.


Please all men so long as you are consistent with the truth--but do not wound the truth to please any.


Set your affections on things above--so shall spiritual things be your delight, and not your burden.


In company, always study to say something for edification.
In this way, you preach every day--as well as on Sundays.


Be much with God in secret--so shall God be with you in public.


Have sympathetic feelings with the sufferings of all your flock, and especially embrace those golden opportunities--sickness and affliction.


Let your life be consistent with your message.
What you preach on Sunday--practice through the week.


Lend your ear to reproaches--rather than applauses.
Reproaches may let us see some of our foibles or failings.
Commendation is very apt to kindle self-conceit, of which everyone has enough.
Give a pleasant ear when others are commended, but always frown away the one that would commend you to your face.


In preaching, aim at God's glory and the good of souls.
And then, without deviating from that rule--please all men as much as possible.


Let your sermons be always the fruit of much study and application.
Never dare to serve God or His people with that which cost you nothing.


"Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Eight Myths about Hell

(Sam Storms, March 2, 2018)

The reality of Hell and eternal punishment is not a popular topic, even among Christians. Part of the problem is that the nature of Hell has been horribly distorted in our culture and portrayed as an experience that is far from what we read in the New Testament. When I'm asked why I believe in Hell, my response is three-fold.

First, I have such unshakable and robust confidence in the inerrant truth of every word in the Bible that the matter is already settled before I even read the text. I believe, as the Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16, that "all Scripture [even texts such as Revelation 14:9-11] is breathed out by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Second, by God's grace I have come to understand, at least to some degree, the immeasurable magnitude and majesty of God's holiness and beauty and authority and the honor that is due to Him from all of His creatures, including you and me.

Third, again by God's grace I have come to understand the immeasurable horror and ugliness and self-centeredness of humanity's sin and depravity and wickedness.

So I can honestly say that to the degree that you and I struggle with the concept of Hell and eternal punishment is the degree to which we don't understand God's holiness and honor, on the one hand, or the horror and depravity of mankind's sin, on the other. In other words, if Hell strikes you as unreasonable or unfair or disproportionate, it can only be due to the fact that either you don't believe the Bible is inspired and true, or you don't believe that God is infinitely holy and just, or you don't believe that mankind is morally depraved and has committed cosmic treason and is thus deserving of eternal condemnation.

As noted, contributing to the problem of Hell are the numerous myths or false beliefs that surround it. Here are eight of them:

Myth #1. There is widespread belief among non-Christians that Hell is a place where they will be united with their unbelieving friends and drink beer all the time in an endless party.
The fact is that Hell is a place of utter isolation, loneliness, and deprivation.

Myth #2. Another false belief is that Hell is the place where Satan and his demons exercise their authority to rule and reign.
The fact is that Hell is the place where Satan and his demons suffer eternal punishment. Satan and his demons are inhabitants in Hell, not its warden or guards. See Matthew 25:41 for one clear statement to that effect.

Myth #3. Directly related to the previous myth, there is the notion among many that in Hell Satan and his demons torment human beings who also are there.
No. There is not one text in the Bible that suggests Satan and his demons afflict or torment human beings. They themselves, instead, are the object of God's punishment. There have been numerous books written by people who claim to have visited Hell in which they describe a scene where demons are tormenting humans who have been consigned there. This should be the first indication to all careful, Bible-believing readers that such an experience is fabricated.

Myth #4. Yet another misconception is that there are people in Hell crying out for mercy who want to reconcile with God.
Nothing in Scripture indicates this is so. Instead, those in Hell are eternally defiant of God and hate Him all the more with each passing moment.

Myth #5. One of the more blasphemous notions about Hell is that there are people in Hell who don't deserve to be there.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. God's justice is impeccable and He never consigns anyone to punishment in Hell who does not fully deserve to suffer there.

Myth #6. A related myth is the notion that there are people in Hell who wanted to go to Heaven while they were still alive, but God wouldn't let them.
That is utterly false. Jesus Himself made this clear when He said, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. . . . whoever comes to Me I will never cast out . . . . For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day" (John 6:35, 37b, 40).

Myth #7. A seventh myth is that there are people in Hell who will eventually be released and granted entrance into Heaven.
As much as we might wish this were true, it isn't. The Bible does not teach the doctrine of universalism, that is, the idea that everyone will eventually be saved and given eternal life in the new Heaven and new earth.

Myth #8. Finally, there is the myth that in Hell people will be rid of God and have no experience of Him.
That is not true. It is true they will have no experience of God's loving and gracious presence, but they will most assuredly experience His presence in justice and wrath. In fact, we read in Revelation 14:10 that they will be tormented "in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb," that is, in the presence of Jesus Christ.

I'll conclude with two brief observations:

First, I can't read biblical portrayals of Hell and eternal punishment or think about it without feeling a deep and unrelenting agony in my heart. We should never talk about Hell without weeping, for it is real and people are going there. This is not a subject for joking or lighthearted banter. It is an issue that should provoke within us both anguish and an urgent commitment to share the gospel with those who remain in unbelief.

My second reaction is one of unfathomable gratitude. When I read about Hell in a passage like Revelation 14:9-11 I'm reading about what I deserve. God would have been perfectly just and righteous had He chosen to consign me to eternal torment. But in mercy He has drawn me to faith in His Son. In mercy He has poured out His wrath on Jesus in my place, a wrath and judgment that Jesus lovingly and willingly embraced and endured. Every single one of us deserves damnation. God owes us nothing but justice. The fact that He has given us mercy instead, and forgiveness instead of condemnation, ought to awaken in us the most heartfelt and passionate gratitude and praise.

Puckered sewing

(J.R. Miller)

There is a rich home which I visit, in which the most sacred and precious household treasure is a piece of puckered sewing.

A little child one day picked up the simple handkerchief which her mother was in the midst of sewing. After half an hour's quiet work, the child brought it to her, saying, "Mother, I's been helping you, 'cause I love you so."

The stitches were long and the sewing was puckered--but the mother saw only beauty in it all, for it told of her child's love and eagerness to please her. That night the little one sickened, and in a few hours was dead. No wonder the mother keeps that piece of puckered sewing among her rarest treasures. Nothing that the most skillful hands have wrought among all her household possessions, means to her half so much as that handkerchief with the child's unskilled work on it.

In the same way, the things we do out of love to God, though they may be marred and imperfect, are precious to Him!

"And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward!" Matthew 10:42

The diamonds of Heaven!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.
You have recorded each one in Your book." Psalm 56:8

"Behold, he is praying!" Acts 9:11

Prayers are instantly noticed in heaven. The moment Saul began to pray, the Lord heard him. Here is comfort for the distressed but praying soul. Oftentimes a poor broken-hearted one bends his knee, but can only utter his wailing in the language of sighs and tears; yet that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God and treasured in the lachrymatory of Heaven. "You have collected all my tears in Your bottle." This implies that they are caught as they flow!

The suppliant, who groans out his words, will be well understood by the Most High God. He may only look up with misty eye; but prayer is the falling of a tear! Tears are the diamonds of Heaven! Sighs are a part of the music of Jehovah's court, and are numbered with the most sublime strains which reach the majesty on high!

Do not think that your prayers, however weak or trembling, will be unregarded. Our God not only hears prayers, but also loves to hear them. "He does not forget the cry of the humble."

True, He does not regard proud looks and lofty words.
He no concern for the pomp and pageantry of kings.
He does not listen not to the swell of martial music.
He does not regard the triumph and pride of man.

But wherever there is a contrite heart full with sorrow, or a lip quivering with agony, or a deep groan, or a penitential sigh—the heart of Jehovah is open! He marks that prayer down in the registry of His memory! He puts our prayers, like rose leaves—between the pages of His book of remembrance, and when the volume is opened at last there shall be a precious fragrance springing up therefrom!

Only two families inhabit earth!

(Henry Law, 1858)

Only two families inhabit earth!

In principle,
in taste,
in habit,
in desire,
in eternal destination--
they are as separate as . . .
light from darkness,
heat from cold,
life from death,
Heaven from Hell.

There is the serpent's seed.
There is the heaven-born race.

There is the wide wicked world.
There is the little flock of grace.

There is the broad road that leads to eternal destruction.
There is the narrow way that leads to eternal life.

There are the cursed goats.
There are the blessed sheep.

Hence the importance of the question:
"Have you escaped from nature's thraldom?
Do your feet tread the upward path of holiness?
Do you belong to Satan--or to Christ?"

What a believer would do, if he could!

(Thomas Moor, "Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers" 1881)

"The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, so that you cannot do the things that you want to do." Galatians 5:17

"You cannot do the things that you want to do" is indeed often a true testimony as regards the experience of the believer.

He would follow Christ in heart and life--but, alas, he sees how little there is of Christ in either heart or life.

He would be spiritually-minded in all things--but often finds that he has been guided by worldly policy and worldly influences, rather than by spiritual principle.

He would be meek and lowly in heart--but he has cause for sorrow that pride of heart is so often and so quickly manifested.

He would sincerely pray--but often finds that he knows not what to ask, and cannot pray as he ought.

He knows that the reading of God's Word should always be a pleasure to him--but he often finds that Scripture reading is rather a task than otherwise.

He would be gentle and easily entreated--yet sometimes he stands upon his rights with a sternness and stubbornness which is not of the Spirit.

He would always please Christ--but, alas, he sees how often his motive has rather been self-pleasing, or the pleasing of his fellows.

He would have more firmness in holy desires--but he sees how faint, even at the best, are those desires.

He would have his mind often engaged with spiritual things--but finds how much more readily it runs after things that are trifling and profitless.

He would have a more determined will against the seducing influences around him--yet too often his will plays the coward when most needed to be firm and decided.

He would be thankful to God for the many and great things He has done for him and given him--but sometimes he forgets all, in regret for the loss or refusal of some one thing which his Heavenly Father has in love denied him.

This is a very sad and very humbling exhibition of a believer. It is, however, too often a true one, as many a child of God will sorrowfully testify, who truly knows the evil of his own heart.

"You cannot do the things that you want to do." This, however, is not written to make us satisfied with such a state of things, but rather to show us that the life of the believer is one of much conflict amidst many opposing influences, and that we have no sufficient strength of our own to overcome them. Also, to teach us to walk with more watchfulness, humility, and self-distrust, and to go more constantly and earnestly to our Heavenly Father, seeking for the increased assistance of the Holy Spirit, that we may thereby live a life of faith in the Lord Jesus, who alone can enable us to war a good warfare, and continually overcome every evil.

It is by thus showing us what we are, in our sinfulness and our need--that the Holy Spirit brings us more lowly and willingly to the Lord Jesus to find our all in Him.

All things, the bitter and the sweet

(Thomas Moor, "Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers" 1881)

"We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Infinite wisdom, as well as infinite love, guides the Lord Jesus in all His doings. Thus it is He sees it best for His own glory and our good, that His doings should at times be contrary to our own desires for ourselves. All things, the bitter and the sweet, are from the hands of Him who makes all work together for our good.

All the trials and afflictions the believer meets with in this life, are for the promotion of . . .
our growth in grace,
the true knowledge of self,
love to Christ, and
faith in our covenant God and Father.

Christ's rough-hewn diamonds are precious to Him, but it is His polished ones that shine the brightest, and most reflect His holy image, and have the most conspicuous place among His jewels. Though the process of polishing is often painful to the flesh and trying to the spirit--yet the result is worth it all, for that result is "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!"

The consciousness of all our infirmities, our inward lusts, and our utter helplessness

(Thomas Moor, "Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers" 1881)

The Christian life is one of continual conflict from its commencement to its close. There is no hope whatever that it can be otherwise. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and never can be anything else but flesh. It continually wars against the spirit--so that oftentimes, as the Apostle says, "When I would do good, evil is present with me."

This was Paul's own experience to the end of life, for never did he find any good thing in himself, that is, in his flesh. The flesh never changes for the better. Our only expectation and our encouragement is that through the grace of our Lord Jesus, with watchfulness and prayerfulness, it will be kept under control, and that the spiritual nature will increase in vigor daily.

The consciousness of all our infirmities, our inward lusts, and our utter helplessness--but makes the Lord Jesus more precious! The very lusts we abhor, do serve our best interests when they cause us to look more to Him. Thus they are among the all things that work for our good, by keeping us in our proper place and exalting the Lord.

Regeneration, repentance, faith, conversion

(Thomas Moor, "Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers" 1882)

The Holy Spirit quickens the sinner with new spiritual life. He is thus born again. It is a work complete at once, and one in which the sinner is completely passive.
This is regeneration.

The sinner knows not that he is born again, but by the results which are manifested in the mind, heart and life.

His MIND is enlightened. He becomes deeply conscious of his personal relationship to God's holiness, to eternity, and to the judgment to come. These are to him realities such as they had never been before. He sees himself to be guilty before God, and deserving of eternal condemnation.
This is repentance.

His HEART becomes restless in consequence of his change of mind. He is weary and burdened under a consciousness of guilt. He looks to Jesus dying on the cross as the sinner's substitute. He trusts in Him as his only hope of salvation, and thus with the heart he believes and is saved.
This is faith.

His LIFE is now changed. The mind and heart being thus affected, the whole current of his outer life is altered. The man turns from the ways of sin and turns to God. He becomes a true disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus.
This is conversion.

In other words:

I. REGENERATION is the impartation of a new nature, and is in Scripture termed "being born again." It is an instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit, complete at once, though capable of increase in vigor and manifestation.

II. REPENTANCE is a change of mind about our relationship to God, whereby we become conscious that however moral or religious we may have been--we are really without God, and without hope in the world. We deeply sense that we are guilty before God and deserving eternal condemnation.

III. FAITH is the trust of the heart in Christ crucified, as the way of deliverance from guilt and deserved condemnation.

IV. CONVERSION is the change of the outward life. Having received Christ as his Savior, the believer now serves and follows Him as his Lord and Master.

The deeper the work of grace

(Thomas Moor, "Counsels and Thoughts for the Spiritual Life of Believers" 1882)

It is the characteristic of a growing state of grace not to see its growth, but to see more clearly its shortcomings.

The nearer the light, the more visible are the imperfections.

In the same way, the deeper the work of grace, the more opposition will it usually encounter in the heart; and the inward evil will generally become more vividly realized by the believer.

The more we have of each grace, the more clearly shall we discern its opposite within:

The more we have of humility, the more shall we know and mourn over our pride.

The more we have of patience, the more shall we know and mourn over our impatience.

The more we have of faith, the more shall we know and mourn over our unbelief.

The more we have of conformity to the image of Christ, the more shall we know and mourn over our lack of conformity to Him.

The more we have of self-denial, the more shall we know and mourn over our selfishness.

The more we have of love to Christ, the more shall we know and mourn over our lack of love to Him.

Thus each grace becomes a light to show us how much of the contrary we have by nature.

Indeed, by this means we grow in grace, because thus we more fully know our great need of the Lord Jesus, and are led to look more humbly, confidently, and helplessly to Him, to whom we can never look in vain. Nothing draws so abundantly from His fullness, as a helpless trusting heart.

Three rules for a happy marriage

(J.C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Mark" 1857)

Of all relationships of life, none ought to be regarded with such reverence and none taken in hand so cautiously, as the relationship of husband and wife.

In no relationship is so much earthly happiness to be found, if it is entered upon discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God. In none is so much misery seen to follow, if it is taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, wantonly, and without thought.

From no step in life does so much benefit come to the soul, if people marry "in the Lord." From none does the soul take so much harm, if imagination, passion, or any mere worldly motive is the only cause which produce the union.

There is, unhappily, only too much necessity for impressing these truths upon people. It is a mournful fact, that few steps in life are generally taken with so much levity, self-will, and forgetfulness of God, as marriage. Few are the young couples who think of inviting Christ to their wedding!

It is a mournful fact that unhappy marriages are one great cause of the misery and sorrow of which there is so much in the world. People find out too late that they have made a mistake, and go in bitterness all their days.

Happy are they, who in the matter of marriage observe three rules:

The first is to marry only in the Lord, and after prayer for God's approval and blessing.

The second is not to expect too much from their partners, and to remember that marriage is, after all, the union of two sinners, and not of two angels.

The third rule is to strive first and foremost for one another's sanctification. The more holy married people are, the happier they are.