THE CHRISTIAN'S PATHWAY Or, Upward and Onward! (John MacDuff, 1858) Part 2

11. The Great Concern

2 Corinthians 5:9

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” 

Before we shall ardently desire, and strenuously seek any object, we must be brought to see its worth, and feel its importance; and what object can be compared with that after which the apostle aspires in these words? To be "accepted of Him," was the one thing about which he was concerned, being fully convinced that without it — all else would be in vain.

Reader, it will matter but little what you may possess — if you live and die destitute of this great blessing! Were you to attain everything that mankind regard as enviable; were all the treasures of the globe to be heaped upon you; were you endowed with all knowledge, so that the wisest sages should think it an honor to sit at your feet; were the most magnificent titles to be conferred upon you, and your fame to ring to earth's remotest bounds; were you raised to the heights of universal empire, having all the nations of the world as your willing subjects; in a word, had you all that the most unbounded ambition in her loftiest heights and most extravagant wishes ever panted after — what would the whole be if, instead of being accepted of God, you were disowned and rejected by Him, and exposed to His everlasting wrath!

But, enjoying His favor, which is life; and His loving-kindness, which is better than life — it matters but little whether we are rich or poor; whether the sun of prosperity shines — or the clouds of adversity lower; whether we are reveling in health — or stretched upon beds of languishing; whether we are toiling as slaves — or wearing crowns and diadems. After a few more rising and setting suns — it will not matter a single straw — what our earthly lot may have been! The only matter of importance then — will be whether we have been accepted of God.

This high privilege is now attainable! To be accepted of Him is not an impossibility. Every barrier which stood in the way has been removed. The ever-blessed Son of God assumed our nature, and was made under the law — to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. He is the only medium of access to the Father, and all who are reconciled to Him are accepted in the Beloved, to the praise of the glory of His grace.

For the rebel angels no such way has been provided. No messenger of mercy has been commissioned to wing his way with an offered reconciliation to them. No multitude of the heavenly host ever burst in the brightness of their glory upon their dark and desolate abodes, chanting the glad anthem of peace and goodwill. That song was sung for us! The peace was to be on earth, and the good-will unto sinful men. It was for us that Jesus suffered; for us He languished, groaned, and died! "He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was laid upon him; and with his stripes we are healed!"

Reader, we would have you to be intensely solicitous about securing the precious treasure of which we have been speaking. Let its importance on the one hand, and its attainableness on the other hand — stimulate and encourage you in its pursuit. It is placed within your reach; it lies at your very door. O neglect, despise, refuse it not, lest you should be guilty of the dream of those who judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life; a dream which will require eternity to comprehend, and eternity to deplore!

12. Communion with God

1 John 1:3

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 

It is said of Moses that "the Lord spoke to him face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Now there is an important sense in which the words may be applied to every true believer. He is favored with intimate and endearing fellowship with his Heavenly Father. View him on his bended knees, in the secrecy of his closet, having shut out the world for a while, with its manifold anxieties. How sweet the privilege he enjoys — that of making all his requests known by prayer and supplication unto God! Is he conscious of his own weakness, of the temptations which surround him, and the many foes which beset him? His earnest cry is, "Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Well, God is there, being ever near to those who call upon Him in truth, and says to him in return, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine! When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!" Isaiah 43:1-3

Does he feel sorely perplexed as to the course he should pursue, when conflicting claims are pressing upon him? He looks upward, and says in the language of the Psalmist, "Teach me your way, O Lord; and lead me in a plain path because of my enemies." And what answer does God unto unto him? "I will instruct you, and teach you in the way which you shall go; I will guide you with my eye." "I will lead you in paths that you have not known; I will make darkness light before you, and crooked things straight; these things will I do unto you, and not forsake you."

Is he oppressed under a deep sense of his exceeding sinfulness, his iniquities being set in fearful array against him, staring him in the face, and covering him with shame and confusion? He knows, however, what it is to look to Him whom he has so often found to be gracious; he therefore prays, "Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities!" And God remembers him with the favor which he bears to His people, and in the plenitude of His compassion He proclaims, "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember your sins!" "I will be merciful to your unrighteousness, and your sins and your iniquities, will I remember no more."

Sometimes the child of God is in great trouble concerning his temporal needs, his earthly prospects being dark and gloomy. But knowing that He who is the God of grace, is also the God of providence, he draws near to the divine footstool for himself and family, and he there cries, "Remember us, O God, for good; oh! leave us not destitute." And He who hears the young ravens, hears him, and says to him, "Fear not, my poor child; no evil shall befall you, and no plague shall come near your dwelling. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing."

Sometimes, looking forward to the future, he says, "Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone." And the voice from heaven proclaims, "I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you!"

And so with all his needs, and all his wishes — he draws near to God, and God draws near to him, and thus sweet fellowship is enjoyed between them.

There are some who are disposed to sneer at the idea of spiritual communion with God. But let them sneer as they may; let them regard it, if they are so disposed, as a dream of enthusiasm. The believer, however, is not to be laughed out of his enjoyments. Fellowship with God is a privilege with which he would not part for ten thousand worlds! Of all precious things, it is to him the most precious. He regards it as the dawn of eternal day, and feels it to be glory begun below! Fellowship with God is to him, like the grapes of Eshcol which were brought down to the wilderness; it is a draught from those crystal streams which make glad the city of the Most High; it is a flower plucked from the amaranthine bowers of the Paradise above. In a word, fellowship with God is the prelude and pledge of the fullness of joy which is at God's right hand, and in which consists the very essence of that transporting bliss which will be realized by saints and angels forever and ever! And while he gazes upon the toilsome pursuits of men for the things which perish in their using, his language is —

"Let others stretch their arms like seas,

And grasp in all the shore;

Grant me the visits of your grace,

And I desire no more!"

Christian, is there any ambition in your breast? Here is a noble field for its display! O how unspeakable the honor of holding familiar fellowship with the King of kings! And this honor has, not only the more favored servants of God — but all the saints! This is the hidden manna they have to eat — of which the world knows nothing. This is the joy they possess, which a stranger cannot understand. This is the honor they realize, which comes from God alone. They may be poor and afflicted; they may be frowned upon by an ungrateful and ungodly world; but this makes amends for all — "they have fellowship with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ."

13. The Contented Spirit

1 Timothy 6:6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 

Reference is made in one of the epistles, to "Whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." And among the several virtues which deserve to be thus characterized, that of Christian contentment can be particularly specified. The believer is frequently exhorted to cultivate such a feeling, and there are many considerations by which the duty may be enforced.

One thing is very evident — that there is no condition in the present world, which is free from trouble! Let us pitch our tent wherever we may — we shall be sure to find something to annoy us! And if there is no situation without some inconvenience, had we not better make up our minds to be satisfied with that condition in which we are now placed?

We are too much in the habit of judging by outward appearances. Things are often very different in reality — to what they appear to be. The sun appears to rise and set — but we know that it does neither the one nor the other. The earth appears as if it were a vast extended plain; and when we used to hear in our childhood that there were people who lived on the under-side of it — we were greatly puzzled. But since then we have learned that above and below are only relative terms, and the mystery concerning the people on the other side of the earth, walking, as we imagined, with their feet upwards — does not puzzle us any longer. In winter, again, all the plants and flowers appear to be dead; experience, however, has taught us to think otherwise. Notwithstanding the deadness which appears on every hand during the winter — we look forward with confidence to the coming spring, and we expect to see animation where all before was torpor, and life where everything had borne the aspect of death. So wide is the difference between objects in their outward appearance, and what they are in reality.

As it is with things — so it is also with people. If we judge according to appearance, we shall be led to regard the most prosperous — as the happiest individuals. But we are assured by universal experience that to be great is one thing, and that to be truly happy is altogether another thing! Under the glittering robes of the proudest nobilities — there are hearts pierced with anguish, and wrung with grief! In splendid palaces there are not a few broken hearts to be found. To sit upon thrones may seem to be something very fascinating; but, as the poet remarks, "Uneasy lies the head — which wears a crown!" This is a truth which receives from every passing year, fresh confirmation. Let us not then regard those who occupy the high places of the earth, with feelings of envy. Instead of envying them — it befits us rather to pity them and pray for them!

Reader, learn to distinguish between things that differ; and be well assured that things as they appear outwardly, and as they are really — do often differ, and that very substantially! Such knowledge will tend, under the divine blessing, to make you more contented with your present lot, notwithstanding its trials and privations. It is not unusual — to be exposed to things which are grievous and hard to be borne. This is not some strange thing that is happening to us alone — but what is constantly happening to our brethren. Let us lay aside, therefore, all murmurings and complainings, and ever remember that God's arrangements are the wisest and the best!

14. The Savior's Commendation

Mark 14:8-9 

8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Pious women are set forth in the word of God, in a very pleasing light. Among those who were devoted to the Savior during His sojourn upon earth, a prominent place is assigned to certain pious women. Who was it that ministered to Him of their substance? Who was it that sat at His feet, and received with eagerness, the gracious words which fell from His lips? Who was it that washed His blessed feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of their head? Who was it that followed Him wherever he went, through evil and good report? Who was it that attended Him in His dying moments, when His disciples had forsaken Him and fled? Who was it that showed such anxious concern about His precious bodily remains, after He had bowed His head and given up the Spirit? These questions, to which only one reply can be given, reflect no little credit upon the softer gender, and the respect they paid to the Savior should lead us to give due honor to them. Of woman it is said —

"She ne'er with traitorous kiss her Savior stung,

Nor thrice denied him with a lying tongue:

She, when apostles shrank, could danger brave,

Last at his cross — and earliest at His grave!"

Of the many striking testimonies contained in the gospel narratives concerning women, that which is given of Mary in the words before us, is not the least interesting or instructive. It was not much that she could do — but she did what she could! She could not stem the prejudices of the people; she could not silence the clamors of the priests; she could not prevent the base treachery of Judas; she could not rescue her Lord from the custody of the guards; she could not protect Him from the cruelty of Herod; she could not save Him from the ignominy of the cross; she could not pull out one thorn from the crown which pierced His sacred brow; she could not remove nor lighten the load which sunk Him down to death. But what she could do — she did; she anointed His head with her costly ointment, and thus paid Him the highest tribute of her reverence and love.

We are to remember, that it is not the total amount of what we do — which God looks at — but rather its proportionate or relative amount. Solomon, for example, built a house for Him, which was the wonder of the world. Such was his offering to that great and glorious Being, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain; an offering which casts that of Mary, when viewed in its intrinsic value, completely into the shade. She, again, with her precious ointment, very costly as it is called, far outdid the poor widow, with her two mites, which made a penny. But in God's great register — the three are set down at the same valuation! Solomon did what he could; Mary did what she could; the widow did what she could. To Him they were alike fragrant, and were equally accepted by Him. O let us aspire after the honor of doing in connection with the Savior's cause — what we can! The poorest among us — can do that! The highest archangel that stands before the everlasting throne — can do no more!

"If the willingness is there," says the apostle, "the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." "O Lord, grant me that willing heart — a heart prepared to serve You to the utmost extent of my ability, limited though it be. You do not despise the day of small things — but have often employed the feeblest means and the most insignificant instruments, for the accomplishment of Your vast designs — that no flesh should glory in Your presence. Keep me from being an unprofitable servant; and, remembering that You are not a hard master, may I be stimulated and encouraged by the hope of hearing from Your lips those gracious words — You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things; enter into the joy of Your Lord!"

15. The Faithful Promiser

Hebrews 10:23

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” 

The faithfulness of God is a favorite theme with the inspired writers. No attribute of the divine character, is more prominently set forth or more devoutly celebrated. Of this the glowing strains of the Royal Psalmist may be adduced as a specimen. "I will sing," he says, "of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations." "All heaven will praise your miracles, Lord; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness." "O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character?" It was thus he ascribed faithfulness unto God; and by harping again and again upon the same string — he shows what sacred joy he realized in its contemplation.

Not merely are we furnished with general representations of this interesting subject — but we have innumerable instances set before us, which clearly confirm the above statements. In the history of the church from the earliest ages, what striking monuments of the divine faithfulness appear.

There was Abraham, to whom God promised a child in his old age. His faith was severely tested by the mighty obstacles which stood in the way, and his patience also by the lengthened period which intervened between the prediction and its fulfillment; but at length the child of promise appeared.

Think of the Israelites in Egypt. They were long there in a state of cruel bondage — but their deliverance at the appointed time took place. And just so — with their possession of the promised land, of which God had said that He would give it to them. That there was a performance of all He had declared, the dying appeal of Joshua to the assembled tribes most convincingly shows: "I am now going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and all your soul that none of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed."

Above all, there was the great crowning promise — that of the coming of Christ. Prediction had been given after prediction, and prophets, and kings, and righteous men looked and longed from age to age for His appearing. But, although the promise tarried — yet it did not fail. In the fullness of time — God sent forth His Son for the rescue of our lost and ruined race!

The works of God speak the same language in reference to this particular, as His revealed word. Day and night in their orderly succession; the revolutions of all the stars and planets moving with undeviating uniformity in their appointed courses through the skies; the seasons as they come and go, following each other as they have done, even from the beginning of the creation — all bear testimony to God's faithfulness! Spring with its life and loveliness, the buds appearing on the leafless branches, the peeping plants and the blooming flowers; and summer and autumn with their teeming abundance, the valleys covered with grain, the pastures with flocks, and the little hills rejoicing on every side — in most impressive language do they proclaim this blessed truth!

Rejoice, then, in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks at the remembrance of His faithfulness. Abundant grounds have you for placing unbounded confidence in Him. What He has promised He is able to perform, and He will do for you exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think. He may lay affliction upon you; as a wise as well as a gracious Father, He may have to chastise you for your evil doings, visiting your transgressions with the rod, and your iniquities with stripes. But this is the sweet assurance he gives — "Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from them, nor allow my faithfulness to fail."

16. Harmony Restored

Amos 3:3

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” 

There are three expressions employed by the inspired writers concerning the Christian's walk, in reference to God.

Sometimes we read of walking after God, as in the prophecies of Hosea. "They shall walk," it is said, "after the Lord." This supposes God to be the leader of His people, and they follow Him, even as the sheep follow their shepherd. It also implies that He is their pattern, and that it is their duty to be imitators of Him, according to the injunction of the apostle — "Be, therefore, followers of God, as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us."

Again, we read of walking before God. He is behind us to observe all our movements and watch all our ways. The command given to Abraham was — "I am the Almighty God, walk before me, and be perfect." And the Psalmist, after acknowledging the obligations he was under to his great Benefactor for having delivered his soul from death, his eyes from tears, and his feet from falling, made this resolution — "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

But we also read of walking with God; it being said of one of the most eminent of the antediluvian saints — "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." And Micah says — "He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you — but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

It is evident that walking together presupposes a state of friendship. Where enmity exists between individuals, there is an invincible barrier to everything like true fellowship. If people under the influence of hostile feelings are compelled to meet, it will be with reluctance; the hour that brings them into contact will be dreaded when distant, and hated when it comes, and the moment that terminates their meeting, will be hailed as the harbinger of delight. In such a case there cannot of necessity be that warm and welcome fellowship which attends the meeting of those whose minds are cemented by affection and esteem; there will be the entire absence of that cordiality and confidence which a habit of free and friendly communion implies.

Now this state of feeling between man and man, is a true parallel to that which exists between man and God. All men in their unregenerate condition are enemies to Him. There is in the human heart a natural repugnance to God — a repugnance which justifies to the very letter the strong language of the apostle — "For the carnal mind is enmity against God; it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Now to have communion with God while such enmity lasts, is altogether impossible. It must be not merely lessened — but abolished and destroyed. Not partially subdued — but uprooted and slain — before spiritual fellowship can be realized.

It is a blessed truth, that we, however sad our state is by nature, can be brought to enjoy the divine friendship and favor. The adorable Redeemer has been set forth as a propitiation, and through faith in His blood — God and man can once more become friends! There is no other way of reconciliation, nor has there been any other since the period when the fruit of the forbidden tree was plucked, which brought death and innumerable woes into our world. It is by the exercise of simple faith in the one Savior, and the one sacrifice which He offered — that our guilty persons can be accepted, and our wicked hearts be renewed. Justified through His atoning merits and washed in His precious blood, we shall have peace with God, and be enabled to look up to Him as our Father and Friend.

O my soul, has your enmity been slain? Can you be addressed as one with those to whom the apostle said — "And you who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works — yet now has he reconciled." O Lord, give me to feel that the quarrel has been made up; that the old dispute has been forever settled; and may I walk henceforth in the light of Your countenance, and rejoice in Your name all my days.

17. The Cheering Assurance

Hebrews 13:5

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” 

All the promises of God are faithful and true, and have never been forfeited yet. They are called precious promises, and while there are many particulars which render them such, their absolute certainty is one of the chief.

"God has said" — He is not a man that He would lie, or change His mind. He with whom saying and doing, promising and performing — as far as sureness is concerned — are one and the same. Man, weak, fickle, faithless man, may deceive us; but if we make the Great Unchangeable our trust, disappointment is a thing altogether impossible.

But what has He said? "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The believer is thus assured that God will be with him at all times, and under all circumstances, and that He will especially be with him in every time of need. His presence shall go with him when he is called to the performance of any arduous duties; it shall go with him when he has to pass through the furnace of affliction; and, above all, it shall go with him when he has to enter the dark valley, and bid a final adieu to all things here below. "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

We might confidently conclude that God will be then with the Christian, even had no express intimation been given us on the subject. It is not likely that He who was with him during the whole of his voyage, to preserve him from the winds and waves, the rocks and quicksands — will forsake him when the vessel is entering the port. It is not likely that He who shielded him during the heat of the battle — will desert him when the victory is about to be won. It is not likely that He who was with him through his wanderings in the desert, supplying all his needs, delivering him from all his enemies, and directing him during the entire course of his pilgrimage — will abandon him when he treads the verge of Jordan, and beholds beyond its foaming billows the brightness and the beauty of the promised land. The thing is not for a single moment, to be supposed! God's love and compassion, as well as His faithfulness and truth, forbid the entertainment of such a thought.

Reader, will you accompany us to the chamber where the Christian awaits his death? It is a favored spot, being privileged beyond the common walks of life. Draw aside that curtain, and you see a countenance which, notwithstanding its paleness, is lighted up with joy and peace in believing. His friends are weeping around him — but he is calm and composed. And from whence does this arise? Is it from the softness of the couch on which he languishes? Is it from the attentions and sympathies of surrounding friends? Is it from a retrospective survey of his past life? Is it from indulging a fond hope that health and strength may yet return? Not so! It arises from the Divine presence! This is the secret of his happy frame of mind — "For You are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

"Grant, O, Lord, Your gracious presence to me. May I feel that You are near, in health and in sickness, in affluence and in poverty, in life and in death. Having You, no one can pass my humble door and say — There dwells a friendless person. Having You, I have all — a sure defense, a constant guide, a never-failing portion. I shall then be able to take down my harp from the willows, and sing in joyful strains —

"In your presence I am happy,

In your presence I'm secure;

In your presence all afflictions

I can easily endure:

In your presence, I can conquer,

I can suffer, I can die;

Far from you, I faint and languish

O my Savior, keep me nigh."

18. The Day of Trouble

Psalms 50:15

“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” 

We are told that the word of the Lord is tried; and what is true of it as a whole, is especially true of this portion of it. It has been tested in thousands of instances, and in all cases the result has been alike satisfactory.

In the 107th Psalm, we are furnished with several representations, which strikingly show how this promise has been fulfilled. We have, first, an account of a company of desolate wilderness wanderers, surrounded by a boundless expanse of burning sand. In the course of their wanderings they lose their way, and they roam to and fro in search of a place where they can encamp in safety. Their situation is most deplorable; they are on the point of perishing, and on the verge of despair. But there is one alternative left them, and of that they wisely availed themselves; it is that of calling upon Him who has promised to be a very present help in time of need; and they did not call in vain. "Some wandered in the desert, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. 'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and He rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live."

The second instance is that of a number of poor captives, who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and are bound with fetters of iron. In a condition so helpless, what can they do? Even they can lift up their cries to Him, who hears the groanings of the prisoners, and who executes judgment for the oppressed. This they did; they cried to God for help, and that help was not withheld. "Lord, help! they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; He snapped their chains."

We have a third instance in the case of certain afflicted ones, who were brought so low that they abhorred all manner of food, and were near to the gates of death. They also do what the others did, and the result is still the same. "Lord, help! they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He spoke, and they were healed — snatched from the door of death!"

And, finally, we have the poor mariners, when overtaken by a terrific storm. "Some went off in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observed the Lord's power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas. He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits' end. 'Lord, help!' they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress! He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor!"

We have thus, successive witnesses adduced for the purpose of showing that the saying before us, is "a faithful saying." "Call upon me in the day of trouble," is the command; "I will deliver you," is the subjoined promise. But has it been according to His word? Yes — is the instant and unfaltering reply of these various classes. "He delivered us, when we called upon Him!" is the language of the wanderers in the wilderness desert. "He delivered us also!" say the poor captives, liberated from their dismal dungeons. And the afflicted ones, raised from the borders of the grave, and the sinking mariners, rescued from the yawning billows, add likewise that He heard their cry, and came to their timely deliverance!

And with Him whom they sought, there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning. He is still the same — with His ear as ready to hear, and His arm as powerful to deliver! Not merely was He formerly — but He is still near to all who call upon Him in truth. Reader, invoke His aid; cry unto Him, even from the lowest depths in which you may be plunged; and be fully assured that God's children never seek Him in vain.

19. Light out of Darkness

Psalms 25:10

“All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” 

Many of the Lord's dispensations are deeply mysterious. His way is often in the sea, and His path in the great waters, and His footsteps are not known. Though "clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne." He does all things well — a consideration which should make us fully satisfied with His arrangements, however mysterious and troubling they may now appear. If we only wait patiently for Him, He will, in His own good time, bring us to see that they all work together for the present and everlasting well-being of His people.

How wonderful were the divine dealings as they are set forth in the history of Joseph. He was hated by his brethren; he was sold to mercenary men; he was taken to a distant and friendless land; he was calumniated by a shameless and chasteless woman; and at length he was incarcerated in a gloomy dungeon. What must his feelings have been, during his long confinement in prison? How often would he be likely to ask, "Why were my brothers permitted to sell me to strangers, and thereby pierce with anguish my father's heart, and expel me from my fondly cherished home? Why was that vile woman permitted to rob me of my character, by her slanderous accusations? Why was the butler, whose dream I so readily solved, unmindful to redeem his promise?"

Many questions of this kind, we can easily suppose, would be likely to start up in his mind. How strange, how dark — would the ways of God appear to be! We have every reason to believe that he submitted without murmuring, to all that he had to endure; but, undoubtedly, he knew not what to make of it; nor would we have known — had we been in his situation. Let, however, a few years revolve, and the clouds are dispersed, and the mystery is made known. Look at him as the governor in the whole land — as the monarch's distinguished favorite — as the appointed almoner of God's bounty to perishing thousands — and, especially, as the preserver and support of his aged and revered parent, who had received him as life from the dead. When Joseph is thus viewed — all the divine purposes are unfolded and made plain!

The language of Jacob was — "You have deprived me of my children! Joseph has disappeared, Simeon is gone, and now you want to take Benjamin, too. All these things are against me!" O mistaken saint! instead of being against you — they are all, from first to last, for you! And, old as you are, you shall live to see that such is the case!

See Jacob settled in the land of Goshen, living in the enjoyment of peace and plenty, his last days being by far the happiest of his whole life. And if there was anything to mar his enjoyment — t would be the recollection, not of the troubles through which he had passed — but the hard thoughts he may have entertained of that gracious Being who had overruled them all, for bringing about so blissful a consummation.

And what effect, O timid and troubled Christian, should the consideration of these things produce upon you? Should not fear be banished from your mind? Should not patience and submission be exercised? Should not a feeling of simple, child-like confidence be nourished? Should not a lively hope be indulged? O never yield to despondency, even under the most gloomy circumstances! Continue to trust in Him — who can bring light out of darkness, and who has declared that what we don't now now — we shall know hereafter.

20. The Heavenly Race

1 Corinthians 9:24

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” 

In running the race which is set before us, it is not sufficient for us to make a good start; unless we hold on, in spite of every hindrance — all will be in vain. Who are they, who will be saved? None but such as endure unto the end. Who are to receive the crown of life? None but those who are faithful unto death. Who will attain the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Only those who are pressing onward toward the mark, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth, with quenchless ardor, unto the things which are ahead!

It is, alas! no uncommon thing for people to run well for a time — and then to turn back to the beggarly elements of this world. Such there were formerly, and such there are still. "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." "All those who are in Asia," says the apostle, "have deserted me." It appears that he had a high opinion of Demas at one period, for in the close of his epistle to the Colossians, he is ranked among the saints; and we find Demas sending his greetings to the distant brethren in the Lord. But before long, Paul had occasion to change his note, and with deep emotion, he says, "Demas has forsaken me — having loved the present world!"

The resolution of Peter, was, in itself, an admirable one — "Though all should forsake you — yet I never will!" Reader, make the same resolve — but not in the same spirit. Let it be your firm determination, in reliance upon Him who gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might increases strength — to cleave to Christ with full purpose of heart. Every encouragement have we to do so. That grace, which is all-sufficient, is promised; and having your heart established therewith, you have nothing to fear. Looking unto Jesus, trusting in Him, and strengthened by Him — you shall reach the goal in safety!

Where are now the mighty cloud of witnesses? Where are the patriarchs, and prophets, and apostles? Where are those heroic spirits, "who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens?" Where are those faithful martyrs, "who had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonments, who were stoned, who were sawn asunder, who wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented"? Where are they now? They are before the Throne, with, crowns upon their heads, and waving palms in their hands, ascribing salvation to God and the Lamb! O think of that blessed band! Let the thought that they were sustained by God in the midst of all their struggles, and that their faith and patience have issued in so large a reward — impart both encouragement and stimulus to you — to hold fast the beginning of your confidence, steadfast unto the end!

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