Great Encouragment in Christ for wounded saints
" A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory." —Matthew 12:20 [KJV] Through a sight of their sinful state, a sense of strong corruptions, weakness of faith, and small degree of the knowledge of Jesus, young converts, like David just come to the throne, are apt to say, "I am this day weak, though anointed king;" and to fear with him, "the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me," — II Samuel 3:39 . The accuser of the brethren is ever an adversary to Jesus and the truth; he is always busy with souls, to stamp upon their minds the blackest impressions. He paints the Saviour, not as loving, gentle, and merciful to relieve distressed and comfort wounded, afflicted consciences; but as a rigid, austere, and cruel exactor. When carnal reason joins in with false accusations, it is sore distress and conflict to the mind. But to the law and to the testimony. How readest thou, O soul? ...