BY FAITH WE STAND - BY PATIENCE WE ENDURE

"Ye have need of patience; that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." —Hebrews 10:36 [KJV] 

Are the Christian's exercises great, and his patience small? Yet can he ever be at a loss to know by Whom this grace is increased? Verily the Lord he serveth is "the God of patience."—Romans 15:5. Hath he need of patience? Hear the Comforter's declaration, by St. Paul: "My God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory." Mind, disciple, this is covenant mercy; therefore, with every other grace it comes through a Mediator: hence it is added, "by Jesus Christ."—Philippians 4:19. "We do the will of God when we believe on the name of His Son Jesus, and love one another."—I John 3:23. "And all the promises are in Christ Jesus, yea and amen," sure and certain to every believing soul. "By faith we have the earnest of eternal life." "Having received the first fruits, the harvest shall follow in due season." But there are many conflicts to be engaged in, a great sight of afflictions to be endured on earth, before we shall be crowned in glory; therefore, patience is necessary. Patience must have its perfect work. By faith we stand—by patience we endure. Believing, we look forward in hope; this brings patience in sufferings.  

But Satan has a very poignant dart, which he dared to cast at Jesus; no marvel that he shoots it against us also—"If Thou be the Son of God," why doth Thy loving Father suffer such distress and affliction to fall on Thee? Faith can answer, All is my Father's will: All is from His love—all shall be to His glory; and all shall be for the good and profit of my soul. I cannot doubt His love—I dare not murmur against His dispensations— I desire patience under all—I will not cast away my confidence—time is short—sufferings are but for a moment— eternity is near—afflictions are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. "Through Jesus, we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."—"We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience."—Romans 6:2, 3. "Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith."—Hebrews 10:37, 38. Christ accomplisheth the most glorious things in us by degrees. Patience must endure the whole military exercise. It is as necessary as faith to the enjoyment of the promised inheritance. "Through faith and patience we shall inherit the promises."—Hebrews 6:12.  

'Tis God that lifts our comforts high, Or sinks them to the grave; He gives, and (blessed be His name) He takes but what He gave.  

If smiling mercy crown our lives, Its praises shall be spread; And we'll adore the justice too That strikes our comforts dead. 

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.) 


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