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

" Behold, if the L ORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" -II Kings 7:2 [KJV] This is a daring reply to, “Thus saith the Lord!” The word of the Lord promises, by a great plenty, instantly to relieve his people from a great famine. Doubtless, with a witty sneer, this great peer of the earth uttered this reply to Elisha, as though he had said, “Behold, ye people, do not mind what this mad fellow says; use your reason; judge of the nature of things by your senses: do you think God will make windows in heaven, to pour down corn for you? there is no other possible way for such a supply as Elisha talks of.” Thus, with an imperious air he insults the prophet, and exalts his carnal reason and unbelief against the Lord’s word of promise. Today, he prides himself in his wisdom; to-morrow, he perishes, and is trod under foot, as an unbelieving fool. Here, see the cursed nature of carnal reason; here, behold the dreadful evil of rejecting the word of the ...

" Love not the world." -I John 2:15 [KJV] There is one word too much in this text, to make it agreeable to the spirit and conduct of many professors. As Pharaoh said by the locusts, “take away from me this death only” (Exodus 10:17.) so many may say, take away this 'Not' only, for it is death to us; then we shall like the text, and most passionately obey its command, Love the world. Does it not seem by the conduct of too many, as though they thus read the text? Now, do not look at Mr. Such-an-one. Look at home. See if you are not the very person, in whom the love of the world reigns. You own it. But instead of falling under conviction of the evil of it, you have an excuse for it.  You say, “I have a large family—I ought to obtain a fortune for them—though I have some riches, I must get more—I must love, court, and follow the ways of the world—there is nothing to be done without industry—we must rise early, late take rest, eat the bread of carefulness,...