Grace Gems

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Such likeness between men and swine!

(Sword and Trowel)

Rowland Hill illustrated the folly of sinners, by the story of a butcher who was followed by the swine right into the slaughterhouse. As pigs are not usually in the mind to go where they are wanted, it seemed a mystery how these animals were so eager to follow their executioner; but when it was seen that he wisely carried a bag of beans with which he enticed the creatures onward--the riddle was solved at once. Unsuspicious of impending death--the hogs cared only for the passing gratification of their appetites, and hastened to the slaughter!

Just in the same manner, ungodly men follow the great enemy of souls down into the jaws of Hell--merely because their depraved passions are pleased with the lusts of the flesh and the pleasures of sin which the devil gives them by handfuls along the way. Alas, that there should be such likeness between men and swine!

The joys of sin are so short and so unsatisfactory, that they can never be thought of for a moment--as a fitting inducement for a rational being to lose his immortal soul. Will a few hours' foolery, gambling, drinking, or immorality--compensate for eternal fire? Is the momentary indulgence of a base passion, worth . . .
enduring of flames which never can be quenched,
eternally moaning in vain for a drop of water,
being tormented by the never-dying worm,
being shut out from Heaven forever,
being eternally cursed by God!

Is any sin worth all this? Can any gain make up for this?

O you who delight in the poisonous sweets of sin--remember that though pleasant in the mouth for the moment--sin will be as wormwood and gall in your belly forever!

Why will you swallow the bait--when you know that the hook is there?

Why will you be lured by the Satanic fowler? Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird. But you are more foolish than the birds--and fly into the snare when you know it to be there! O that you were wise, and would consider your latter end. Let that one word "Eternity!" ring in your ears--and drive out the giddy laughter of worldlings, who prefer fleeting sensual joys--to the eternal pleasures at God's right hand.​

 

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This is the knife that cut the throat of your child!

(J.C. Pittman, "Bible Truths Illustrated" 1917)

Through one sin, angels left their proper habitation. Jude 6

Through one sin, man was banished from paradise--and the eternal curse and its punishment rested upon him and his descendants.

Sin is a clenched fist--and a blow in the face of God! Sin is the only thing which God abhors! All sins, great or small, are objects of intense aversion to God.

Nothing speaks louder concerning God's hatred of sin--than Calvary! Surely, he who asserts that sin is a trivial thing, a mere "ripple on the ocean of God's love"--has never looked upon the cross! In view of what it cost Jesus to atone for it--sin is heinous, hellish, and damnable! It required nothing less than the suffering and death of of the Son of God on the cross!

Suppose a man should come to the dinner table and it should be told to him: "This is the knife that cut the throat of your child!" If he could now use that knife as any other knife, would not we say, "Surely there was but little love to the child!"

Oh, with what detestation would a man fling away such a knife!

In the same way, when there is a temptation to any sin--this is the knife . . .
which was the cause of Christ's sufferings,
which cut the throat of Christ,
which pierced His side,
which made Christ to be a curse!

Now, will you not look on that as a cursed thing--which made Christ to be a curse? With what detestation should a Christian renounce sin--for that, and that alone, was the cause of the death of Christ!​

 

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Reading the Bible is like eating fish!

(Charles Spurgeon)

An old man once said, "For a long period I puzzled myself about the difficulties of Scripture, until at last I came to the resolution that reading the Bible is like eating fish. When I find a difficulty--I lay it aside, and call it a bone. Why should I choke on the bone--when there is so much nutritious meat for me? Some day, perhaps, I may find that even the bone may afford me nourishment!"​

 

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Let us use worldly things

(George Downame, 1560-1634)

Let us use worldly things--as wise pilgrims do their staves and other necessities for their journey. So long as they help us forward in our way--let us make use of them, and accordingly esteem them. But if they become troublesome hindrances and cumbersome burdens--let us leave them behind us, or cast them away!

The temptations of prosperity, like unseen bullets--wound and kill us before they are discerned.

Riches are . . .
long in getting--with much pains,
hard in keeping--with much care,
quick in losing--with more sorrow.
(Thomas Fuller, 1608-1661)​

 

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The best course to prevent falling into the pit!

(Thomas Brooks)

"Avoid every kind of evil!" 1 Thessalonians 5:22

It is our wisest and our safest course to stand at the farthest distance from sin; not to go near the house of the harlot, but to fly from all appearance of evil. "Keep to a path far from her--do not go near the door of her house!" Proverbs 5:8

The best course to prevent falling into the pit--is to keep at the greatest distance from the pit. He who will be so bold as to attempt to dance upon the brink of the pit--may find by woeful experience, that it is a righteous thing with God that he should fall into the pit!

Sin is a plague, yes, the greatest and most infectious plague in the world; and yet, ah! how few are there that tremble at it, that keep at a distance from it!

~ ~ ~ ~

If any occupation or amusement or association is found to hinder our communion with God or our enjoyment of spiritual things--then it must be abandoned. Whatever I cannot do for God's glory--must be avoided! (Arthur Pink)​

 

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Short pithy gems from John Flavel

~ ~ ~ ~

The soul is of more value than ten thousand worlds!

~ ~ ~ ~

Whatever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon--God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it. So that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts--is to set our hearts inordinately upon them!

~ ~ ~ ~

Brethren, it is easier to declaim against a thousand sins of others--than to mortify one sin in ourselves!

~ ~ ~ ~

Those who know God, will be humble.
Those who know themselves, cannot be proud.

~ ~ ~ ~

Affliction is a bitter pill, which, being enrapt up in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed. But discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul.

~ ~ ~ ~

When God gives you comforts--it is your great evil not to observe His hand in them.

~ ~ ~ ~

Jesus Christ is in every way sufficient to the vast desires of the soul.
​

 

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Gems from Octavius Winslow

~ ~ ~ ~

So completely was Jesus bent upon saving sinners by the sacrifice of Himself, that He created the tree upon which He was to die--and nurtured from infancy, the men who were to nail Him to the accursed wood!

~ ~ ~ ~

Christ took your cup of grief, your cup of the curse, pressed it to his lips, drank it to its dregs--then filled it with His sweet, pardoning, sympathizing love, and gave it back for you to drink, and to drink forever!

~ ~ ~ ~

It is because we have such shallow views of God's love--that we have such defective views of God's dealings. We blindly interpret the symbols of His providence--because we so imperfectly read the engravings of His heart!
​

 

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Short pithy gems from Martin Luther!

~ ~ ~ ~

Prayer is climbing up into the heart of God!

~ ~ ~ ~

God does not need your good works--but your neighbor does!

~ ~ ~ ~

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all;
but whatever I have placed in God's hands--that I still possess.

~ ~ ~ ~

Many have passed for saints on earth--whose souls are now in Hell.

~ ~ ~ ~

The most damnable and pernicious heresy that has ever plagued the mind of man, was the idea that somehow he could make himself good enough to deserve to live with an all-holy God!

~ ~ ~ ~

When Satan tells me I am a sinner--he comforts me immeasurably, since Christ died for sinners.​

 

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Mr. Hill, I am pleased to see you--I am one of your converts!

(Charles Spurgeon)

A man picked himself up from the gutter and brushed up against Rowland Hill one night as he went home, and he said, "Mr. Hill, I am pleased to see you--I am one of your converts!"

Rowland said, "I thought it was very likely that you were. You are certainly not one of God's converts, or else you would not be drunk."

There is a great lesson in that answer. Rowland Hill's converts could get drunk, but not the converts of the Spirit of God--those are really renewed in the spirit of their mind, by a supernatural operation!

Our converts are no good.

If our preaching does not turn men . . .
from drunkenness--to sobriety,
from thieving--to honesty,
from unchastity--to purity,
then our Gospel is not worth a button!

But if it does all this, then this is the evidence that it comes from God--seeing that in the world so sorely diseased by sin, it works the wondrous miracle of curing men of these deadly evils!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation! Old things have passed away--behold, all things have become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 ​

 

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No matter what corner I go around on the winding road of life

(W.B. Hinson)

"I will lead them in paths that they have not known" Isaiah 42:16

I do not know what is around that next turn in this winding trail of life. But I know this--whatever there is around that corner, I shall have my hand in Another's hand when I go and face it. And if I feel a little bit disturbed, I shall move my finger around in the palm of that hand till I find the scar, and then I shall know that Jesus Christ, who on the cross was wounded for my sins--is not going to leave me no matter what corner I go around on the winding road of life.

"Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip!" Psalm 17:5 ​

 

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I would not make my ear into a common sewer, for all the wealth in the world!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Do you ask, "To whom shall I confess my sins?" Do not come to me with your confession. Oh no, no, no! I could not stand that!

I can never understand how a "Catholic priest" can ask people to confess their sins to him. I would not make my ear into a common sewer, for all the wealth in the world! What foulness must there be on the soul of him who has heard the sins that others have committed, and who knows what sin he has himself committed!

Sin, when we see what it really is, whether in ourselves or in others, horrifies us!

There is an old proverb about a thing being "as filthy as a priest's ear!" I cannot imagine anything dirtier than that, and I have no wish to be a partaker in the filthiness.

Go to God and confess your sin to Him - pour out your heart's sad story in the ear of Him against whom you have offended! Say with David, "Against You, You only, have I sinned - and done this evil in Your sight!"​

 

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It will not do to be a saint abroad - and a devil at home!

(Charles Spurgeon)

There is a great importance in the way in which a man lives in his house. It will not do to be a saint abroad - and a devil at home! There are some of that kind. They are wonderfully sweet at a prayer meeting - but they are dreadfully sour to their wives and children. This will never do!

Every genuine believer should say, and mean it, "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." It is in the home, that we get the truest proof of godliness.

"What sort of a man is he?" said one to George Whitefield - and Whitefield answered, "I cannot say, for I never lived with him."

That is the way to test a man - to live with him.​

 

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Mohammed may conquer by the sword!

(Charles Spurgeon)

Mohammed may conquer by the sword - but Christ conquers by the sword which comes out of His mouth, that is, the Word of the Lord! His empire is one of love - not of force and oppression. He subdues men, but He does it by His own gentleness and kindness, never by breaking them in pieces and destroying them upon a gory battlefield.

The religion of Jesus is the most peaceful, mild and benevolent religion which was ever promulgated. When we compare it with any set of dogmas invented by men, there is not one of them that can stand the least comparison with it for gentleness, mildness and love.

As for the religion of Mohamed, it is the religion of the vulture - but the religion of Jesus is that of the dove - all is mercy, all is mild. It is, like its Founder - an embodiment of pure benevolence, grace and truth.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me - for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29​

 

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We would soon hear all the dogs of Hell baying with all their might against us!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19

There would be much more persecution than there is--if there were more real Christians. But we have become so like the world, that the world does not hate us as it once did. If we would be more holy, more true, more Christ-like, more godly--we would soon hear all the dogs of Hell baying with all their might against us!

Remember, my brethren, whoever you may be, that if there is no distinction between you and the world around you--then you may be certain that you are of the world. For, there must always be some marks in the children of God to distinguish them from the ungodly. There is a something in them which is not to be found in the best worldling--something which is not to be discovered in the most admirable carnal man. A something in their character which can be readily perceived and which marks them as belonging to another and higher race, the twice-born, the elect of God, eternally chosen by Him--and, therefore, made to be choice ones through the effectual working of His grace.

"I have given them Your word and the world has hated them--for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." John 17:14​

 

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Short pithy gems from Charles Hodge

~ ~ ~ ~

To be in Christ--is the source of the Christian's life.
To be like Christ--is the sum of the Christian's excellence.
To be with Christ--is the fullness of the Christian's joy.

~ ~ ~ ~

The grace of God exalts a man without inflating him--and humbles a man without debasing him.

~ ~ ~ ~

The gospel is so simple, that small children can understand it--and it is so profound, that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches!

~ ~ ~ ~

Christian humility does not consist in denying what there is of good in us--but in an abiding sense of ill-desert, and in the consciousness that what we have of good is due to the grace of God.

~ ~ ~ ~

This is true religion:
to approve what God approves,
to hate what God hates, and
to delight in what God delights.​

 

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We dwell within the palm of God's hand!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"My times are in Your hand!" Psalm 31:15

Not only are we, ourselves, in the hand of the Lord--but all that surrounds us is in His hand! Our times make up a kind of atmosphere of existence--and all of this is under His divine arrangement.

We dwell within the palm of God's hand! We are absolutely at His disposal--and all our circumstances are arranged by Him in all their details. We are comforted to have it so!

When one knows that his times are in God's hands--he would not change places with a king! No, nor even with an angel!​

 

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Had he known me better!

(Frederick Marsh)

Humility is the queen of the Christian graces. The excellence of humility is illustrated in the following Scriptures.

1. Humility is the Flower of Grace--Ephesians 4:2. Humility walks consistently, loves generously, serves willingly, acts meekly, forgives heartily, forbears thoughtfully, and responds obediently.

2. Humility is the Soul of Contentment--Philippians 4:12. It feels that it does not deserve anything, therefore takes whatever comes with gratitude. It ever sings, "O to grace how great a debtor!"

3. Humility is the Secret of Service--Acts 20:19. To serve the Lord with all humility of mind, is to have the bloom of consecration, the aroma of grace, the unction of love, the warmth of zeal, the ardor of faith, the walk of obedience, and the beauty of holiness.

4. Humility is the Badge of Obedience. The Lord's command is, "Humble yourselves" (1 Peter 5:6), and it is not without meaning that it is to be "under the mighty hand of God." We only know the mightiness of God's hand--when we lie low beneath it.

5. Humility is the Lesson of Grace. When we are yoked with Christ in God's will, we are in the position to learn of Christ, who is "meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). To talk about humility, is to show we do not possess it; but to keep step with Christ, is to have it without knowing it.

6. The Mind of Humility. "In humility of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). To see the best in others--is to find the worst in ourselves. Self-contemplation leads to self-congratulation, and that always fosters pride.

7. The Example of Christ. The mind of Christ is illustrated in that He "humbled Himself" (Philippians 2:8.). He went down, before He was raised up. We need to pray: "Help us, O Lord, to deeper sink, that we may the higher rise." The downward path is the upward one.

8. Humility is the Attire of Heaven. "Be clothed with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). This is a suit that is always in fashion--it never wears out, and it is always befitting. Humility is recognized by men, admired by angels, and loved by God.

9. Humility is the Securer of Blessing. "He gives more grace to the humble" (James 4:6), or as the margin, "A greater grace." Whether an excelling grace, or "more" of the grace that excels--humility is its own reward, and is rewarded by the Lord's commendation.

10. Humility is the Harbinger of Reward. "He who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). The heavier the cargo--the more the vessel is sunk into the water, and the greater its worth. When the fruit of humility causes the branch of the soul to bend in lowliness--the Heavenly Gardener plucks the fruit for the garner of His love!

~ ~ ~ ~

"There is nothing more characteristic of a true Christian, than humility. It is the first lesson that he learns in the school of Christ, and is the source of contentment and solid peace of mind.

If he hears that anyone has reviled him--he is ready to say, "Had he known me better, he would have said worse things of me than that!"

The fiercest storms of adversity blow over him. Humility gives a pliancy to his mind, which saves it by yielding to the force it cannot resist; like the weak and bending reed that weathers out the tempest which fells the tall and sturdy oak."​

 

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To attempt to murder this infant, is Deicide!

(James Smith, "The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior's Grace Displayed!")

"Herod is going to search for the child to kill Him!" Matthew 2:13

Christ, our Wondrous Lover met with sorry reception in our guilty, ungrateful world!

At first He was denied a dwelling--but soon it was determined to deprive Him of existence! O height of folly! O depth of wickedness! To attempt to murder this infant, is Deicide!

Foolish Herod! Shall divine predictions be falsified by you--and shall your lust frustrate God's eternal purpose to save His people?

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins!" Matthew 1:21​

 

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Holy ground!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Secret Place" 1907)

"Do not come any closer! Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground!" Exodus 3:5

I have no need to go to the loneliness of Sinai to meet with God. I find holy ground much nearer home. But I wonder whether I take my sandals off of my feet.

God reveals Himself to me in His written Word. It is His sanctuary. By its agency, my deepest life is created, quickened, sustained. Listening to it, the saints have heard the very voice of their Lord. But do I reverence God by my frivolous use of the words of Scripture? And, whenever I open the Book, do I remember that God has breathed the Spirit of Life into its chapters and verses? Mine is culpable levity.

He reveals Himself in my history, as truly as ever He did in the history of Israel. In it, the devout heart will trace . . .
His perfect providence,
His power,
His wisdom,
His stern hatred of sin,
His overflowing goodness.

Best of all, He reveals Himself in Christ. But if Christ brings Him close to me, He teaches me fresh reasons for standing in awe of Him.

His life shows me what God is--spotless, righteous, faithful, unflinchingly holy.

And His Cross has a more impressive message still. Here are God's infinite gentleness and shoreless mercy. Side by side with these are God's abhorrence of my iniquity, and His unconquerable justice. He is holy, holy, holy--even in the brightest and sweetest manifestation of His grace. Yet I do not always worship Him "with trembling hope and penitential tears."

Not a day passes, that I am not standing in the courts of His house. Not a place can I visit, where the Spirit of glory and of God may not overshadow me. I pray for tenfold more thoughtfulness and adoration and humility.​

 

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The Star!

(Henry Law, "Numbers" 1858.)

"A star will come out of Jacob." Numbers 24:17

A star, what is it, but a glittering orb set in the canopy of night? It sparkles, as a gem amid surrounding gloom. It darts a cheering ray on the black pall around. It smiles with lovely radiance on a dark ground.

Such is Christ Jesus. Where He beams not--it is unmitigated night. It is the skies without a star. What is such blackness, but a chilly type of ignorance, and wretchedness, and sin? Take the poor soul, in which Christ never shone. All these vile troops there brood. Is God there known? Far otherwise. There may be vague idea of some supreme director. But the realities of God's grace, and love, and truth, and justice--are utterly unseen. There is no basking in a Father's smile. Each step is through the maze and thickness of impenetrable doubts. There is no joy of a felt pardon. There is no knowledge of sins blotted out. Such is each Christless soul.

But let the Star appear--and what loveliness pervades the scene! So when Christ rises in the heart, that brightness comes, before which sin and misery flee.​