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

" That also He should gather together in one, the children of God that were scattered abroad." -John 11:52 [KJV] These words are like Sampson’s riddle, which, some read thus: Food came from the devourer, and sweetness from that which is violent, or fierce (see Judges 14:14.) Caiaphas the high-priest, though a devourer of Jesus, yet holds forth precious food; though violent and fierce against Christ, yet he delivers sweet truth. Truth is truth, though from the tongue of an enemy: yea, it is a double confirmation of truth. If Christ be preached, let us rejoice, though even by bad men, and from bad principles.  Judas preached; the Holy Ghost causes this wicked high-priest, to prophecy of Jesus. By these words, the Holy Ghost plainly instructs us in these precious truths.— O that we may receive them in love!  (1st.) That though the whole world is become guilty before God, yet He has a peculiar, chosen number, who are here called, “the children of God.” They were n...

"... Out of season." -II Timothy 4:2 [KJV] I have often thought, as passing by the great number of churches in London, what manner of stones and what buildings are here! What noble cages are these! But what pitiful birds occupy them! They scarcely ever sing in them above once a week; and then, it is a strange wild note, not the joyous song of salvation, by the blood and righteousness of the Son of God. They do not follow St. Paul’s solemn advice, “I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing, and His kingdom: preach the word, be instant in season, out of season.”   If Christ’s ministers are thus charged to preach out of season, this charge is equally binding upon all His disciples, to hear out of season also. Consider some reasons for this. (1st.) By the preaching of the word, faith grows and is strengthened. This truth ever remains, and will be made good in experience, “Faith cometh by hearing ” (...