"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

"I had rather err on their side, who strive to exalt wholly the free grace of God , than on theirs, who seek to darken it and magnify the power of the creature …"   -Benjamin Keach (1640-1704 A.D.) , The Marrow of True Justification , pg. 8

"Art thou made of the king’s council? Forbear: Why shouldest thou be smitten?" -II Chronicles 25:16 [KJV] Horrid ingratitude! No sooner was Amaziah returned from the slaughter of the Edomites, but, instead of erecting an altar to the Lord of Hosts, who had given him success, he falls into idolatry, and burns incense to their gods. He went to war without God. He returns victorious, sets up idols, and forsakes the Lord. Vain confidence is departing from the Lord, and the first step to idolatry.  Never think of a sin being subdued, a grace strengthened, or a comfort enjoyed, without giving all glory to the grace of Christ. Look at thy victories with humility. Know self to be as great an idol, as the gods of the Edomites. Though the Lord’s anger was kindled against Amaziah, yet He is long-suffering to sinners. He sends His prophet to reprove him. He gives him a most severe sarcasm. “Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, who could not deliver their own p...

"And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water."   -Isaiah 35:7 [KJV] Oh how refreshing is this promise to my poor, dry, barren, thirsty soul! Surely every poor sinner, like me, that knows his own leanness and poverty, will feel the blessedness of it; for whether it be in the sapless state of unawakened nature, or whether in a scorched or languishing state from the want of the renewings of grace, nothing can be more refreshing than such a promise. Precious Jesus, do Thou revive the languishing frame of Thy people; do Thou "pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." Oh what a fulness, blessed Lord, there is in Thyself to supply all. Surely Thou art, as the church said, "A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon."  Do Thou then, Oh Lord, send forth this day, this blessed day, such copious streams from Thyself, as may cleanse, revive, comfort, satisfy, a...

"Having a good conscience."   -I Peter 3:16 [KJV] We cannot often see our faith, but we can sometimes see our conscience. We cannot always rejoice in the Lord, but we can see whether we fear His great name. We cannot always triumph over our enemies, but we can sometimes observe whether there is a sentinel upon the look out. Thus, if you want to know whether you have faith, look at faith's companion, see what faith is attended by; and if you find not "a good conscience,"   write death upon your religion.  Throw away your sword; it is useless; it is of human manufacture; it will break in pieces when you have to encounter your enemy, the king of terrors; God's lightning will shiver it then. But if the Lord has given you "a good conscience," a tender conscience, a pure conscience, He will strengthen your arm to fight the good fight of faith. You will often think your sword is so short, and your arm so weak that you cannot fight the Lord...