PRECIOUS FELLOWSHIP IN THE KING OF KINGS

"They who feared the LORD, spake often one to another; the LORD hearkened and heard it." —Malachi 3:16 [KJV]

The tongue, though but a little member, yet is capable of being employed to the best services, or to the worst purposes. We are assured he is a perfect man who offends not in word. He is a man after God's own heart who prays daily, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my Redeemer." —Psalm 19:14. "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."—James 3:13. 

Thus perfection, real godliness, and true wisdom are ascribed to our words and conversation. "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."—Matthew 12:37. Most weighty considerations! Let us take heed that we offend not with our tongue. But most encouraging assurance, our God hearkens to His dear children when we converse together about His kingdom and glory, and our peace, edification, and holiness. Yea more: O, condescending love! "A book of remembrance was written before Him of them who feared the LORD, and THOUGHT upon His name." 

Is such kind notice taken of our converse? Then what emulation ought to fire us, that our tongues may edify and provoke each other to love and good works! What shame to Christians, that they too often meet and talk, and their poor hearts are neither edified, warmed, or comforted! Why is this? Truly the end of their conversation, "Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever," was not considered. He is always most worthy to be uppermost in our hearts and tongues. This, like a live coal from the altar, is the only fire to make cold hearts glow with love, and warm hearts burn with affection. The best news of the day, the fittest subject for conversation, is the rich, free, sovereign grace of our God, the love of Christ, the glad tidings of the gospel, the joyful news of SALVATION FINISHED by Jesus. 

This we are going fully to enjoy. What then should we talk of by the way but this? O disciple, dost thou find a dull frame and a sad heart? therefore, sayest, I am unfit to converse of these things? This is really like staying from the fire, because cold, or abstaining from food, because hungry. Consider the conduct of the disciples. "Jesus drew near to them, and asks, what manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are SAD?"—Luke 24:17. Though they had lost sight of Jesus, though their hearts were sad about it, yet they refrained not talking and communing about HIM. And He soon made their hearts burn within them. "Let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ."—Philippians 1:27.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)