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

" Beloved, if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God." -I John 3:21 [KJV] A text misapplied, is like a bone out of joint, which puts the body to pain. This text may have such an effect upon the soul. For what poor sinner is there upon earth, but his heart must condemn him for coming short of God’s glory, and perfect obedience of His holy law? Must he therefore give up his confidence towards God? Yes, if we so understand the text. But surely this was not the apostle’s design: for this would effectually destroy love to God, and distress His poor children’s souls, by taking away the comfort of faith, that, “there is no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1.)   What meaneth he then? Plainly to establish our hearts in the faith of God’s love to us in Christ, and from this love experienced in the heart, in love to our brethren in Christ. This is an experienced truth—if faith and love abate, our hearts condemn us, and our confidence...

" Whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die: believest thou this?" -John 11:26 [KJV] Under great declining of strength, dejection of spirits, and in consideration of the near approach of death, these precious words of our dear dying Lord were brought to my mind: they were as a comforting, reviving, draught to my spirits. Lord! I bless Thee for them. O, my soul! dwell on them. Am I a sinner, born to die? Is death the wages of sin? Must these eyes, which now read thy precious sayings, be soon closed by death? Must the hand, which now directs this pen, be shortly still and motionless?  Yet dost Thou, my Lord, say, “Living and believing in thee, I shall never die?” Dost thou ask me, “Believest thou this?” “Lord, Thou knowest all things!” knowest, that, by Thy grace, I can say, “Thou art the Son of God” —Thou hast fulfilled Thine own promise, “O death, I will be thy plague! O grave, I will be thy destruction!” (Hosea 13:14.) “Death is swallowed up in ...

" ...perfecting holiness in the fear of God." -II Corinthians 7:1 [KJV] Who are thus exhorted? saints in Christ. What for? To labour to get perfect holiness, to obtain the favour of God? No: they are already perfectly justified in His sight, and sanctified to His glory. But some reject this: they legalize the gospel (if I may so speak) under a specious shew for holiness, as though that was to procure more for us from God, than the blood and righteousness of His dear Son. This is aiming to perfect holiness, in ignorance and unbelief: this eclipses the glory of Christ’s work for us, inverts the order of gospel economy, and brings perplexity and distress upon God’s children.  For, this is the glory of the gospel,—that moment a sinner is justified by the faith of Christ, he is sanctified by the Spirit of Christ. Our title to heaven, and our meetness for glory, come together by the same rich grace: being brought into the sense of God’s favour, we have also suitable ...

" Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." -II Corinthians 7:7 [KJV] “Cleanse ourselves!” What! was holy Paul the subject of filthiness? Yes: he, as well as the holy saints of Corinth, constantly wanted cleansing, by the blood of Christ. St. Paul, again and again, declares against the proud notion of sinless perfection. He well knew, that regenerating grace and adopting love, do not entirely destroy the infection of our nature; but hereby being brought into a holy state, we are set above the power of sin. We hate the defilement of it; and we ever have the precious blood of the Lamb to have recourse to, for cleansing from it. The Son of God has made us free indeed (see John 8:36.)   Free from the slavery of sin, and the bondage of the law: free, to come to Him, that we may wash our garments, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Do you see and lament that you are the subject ...

" What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee ." -Psalm 56:3 [KJV] A Christian’s fears commence with his joys. Being new-born, he is the subject of new joys and new fears also: and, glory to grace! he has a new object too to trust in—a covenant God in Christ, Who is unchangeable in His love. Confidence in Him is the sovereign antidote against dejecting fears. Fears, that the world know not of, beset holy saints.  (1st.) They find and feel their hearts to be superlatively deceitful, and desperately wicked. They dread their corruptions, more than all the men on earth, or devils in hell: they are afraid lest some vile lust, cursed corruption or devilish temptation should prevail, so as to offend their Lord, wound their conscience, and bring a reproach upon that holy name, whereby they are called. This is a godly fear; it can do the soul no harm: it is for its good: it keeps it humble and self-diffident, and causes it to say, “I will trust in Thee.”  “Do,” saith the ...

"...Be not afraid, only believe." -Mark 5:36 [KJV] A short answer to a case of great distress. A simple recipe from the greatest physician. A grand catholicon, or universal remedy that suits all cases, states, and circumstances, and is seasonable at all times. Look at this history. Look to the author of faith to profit by it. Here is a ruler falls at Christ’s feet, beseeching help for his daughter, who is at the point of death. Jesus went with him. Before he arrives at the house, news is brought that the child is dead. The Lord of life and death forbids the father’s fears. Be not afraid . He encourages his hope: Only believe . Fears are natural to sinners. Faith expels them. Christ restores her to life. Joyful news for us.  (1st.) Here is precious encouragement for our faith, in every application to Christ.  For, (2d.) here is a marvellous display of His great love, ready will, and almighty power, to help and relieve us. He not only restores at the last gasp, ...

The Danger of Resting on Feelings by D.G. Miles McKee   Because repentance and faith go hand in hand, there are those who think themselves unqualified to ask for mercy. They are concerned that they do not feel repentant enough to ask for salvation. They know that they need the Saviour, but think they lack sufficient repentant feelings to qualify for grace. If this is true of you, let´s do a quick Q & A. Q- Does your lack of being miserable about your sin alter the gospel? A- No! Q-Does your lack of feelings it in any way change the good news? A-No! Q-Does your lack of feelings mean that the gospel is no longer for the undeserving and unlovable? A-No! Q-Does your lack of feelings change the graciousness of the Lord Jesus? A-No If you are concerned that you do not feel repentant enough to ask for salvation you are trying to receive grace by works. You think you will deserve grace if you show God how bad you feel about your sin. However, this course of action is impossibl...