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

"No flesh, nor sin: No death, nor sting; Hail to KING JESUS, Hail to KING JESUS, Hail to KING JESUS!"

" By the grace of God, I am what I am." —I Corinthians 15:10 [KJV] It would be one great means of preventing complaints and murmurings, if Christians' hearts were more in meditation upon what they once were, still are, and what they deserve. Such was the conduct of the once Jesus-persecuting, but afterwards Jesus-exalting Paul. The same grace that reached his heart, has continued to run through the many revolving periods down to this day, and effects the same blessed work on poor sinners now. Thou therefore, O disciple of Jesus, hast the same cause as Paul had, daily to sing of rich, free, sovereign, distinguishing grace; the eternal love, free favor, and unmerited good-will of God to thy soul in Christ Jesus.  Grace shines with resplendent lustre, in the person of Jesus. Grace operates with sovereign, irresistible power, in the hearts of His members. Hence, it triumphs over all the resisting powers, rebellious motives, carnal workings, and perverse obstina...

" Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." —Luke 12:32 [KJV] When poor sinners are converted to Jesus, they become little in their own eyes, and they see but few comparatively who follow the Lamb. Their former friends turn their enemies. Their former hopes are cut off. They know their own strength to be perfect weakness; and they feel the burden of a body of sin and death. Hence their poor hearts are often exercised with anxious cares and distressing fears. Their Saviour knows this; therefore He speaks to them in love, forbids their fears, and administers the most reviving draught of consolation.  Ye children, consider your dignity as adopted sons of God. Call to mind your honorable state, heirs of a kingdom, heirs of God the King of kings, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ your elder brother. Though at present ye are in a state of exile. The world knows you not. Your kindred after the flesh despise you. Carnal...

" To them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: mercy unto you, and peace, and love be multiplied." —Jude, vss. 1, 2 [KJV] One frequently meets with poor trembling souls, just enlightened by the Spirit to see their misery, feel their wretchedness as sinners, and who flee to Christ for hope; yet their poor hearts are greatly distressed with fear, lest they should not be sanctified, but perish in their sins, and so never obtain the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. But that is impossible. They do not at present see the glorious order of the covenant; nor consider the certain security of all who are effectually called by the word and Spirit to the knowledge of Christ.  For this is a consequence of their being sanctified, separated or set apart by God the Father, as the objects of His everlasting love. As God loves them as His jewels, He is careful to preserve them. He well knew and clearly foresaw the mis...

" If He be the king of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him." —Matthew 27:42 [KJV] Our blessed Lord was not only crucified between two thieves, but was also surrounded on the cross, and mocked and derided by the very worst sort of thieves, the chief priests, scribes, and elders. These professing ministers of Jehovah did their utmost to rob the Prince of Life and Lord of glory of that honor which is ever due unto Him, of being our Saviour; and, like thieves and robbers, they would enter His kingdom some other way.  Verily He is the KING of all His spiritual Israel. Every subject of His love will bow to the sovereignty of His grace, kiss the sceptre of His love, glory only in His despised cross, and rejoice that Jesus rules in and reigns over him. Most true, this way of salvation is contrary to the wisdom of the flesh, the reasonings of corrupt nature, and the pride of boasted (-so called) "FREE-WILL." These, by how much t...

" Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the L ORD upholdeth him with His hand." —Psalm 37:24 [KJV] The absolute declarations and promises of scripture are ever to be considered as having relation to, and dependence upon the covenant of grace. Hence, whatever is asserted concerning the salvation of lost sinners, is an exhibition or display of the grace of the covenant by Jesus Christ. When men see not the nature of the covenant, ordered in all things and sure, they make the promises of the gospel as it were a mere rope of sand.  Not seeing salvation, established upon the sure foundation of God's immutable love and faithfulness, they make it depend on human wisdom, power, and goodness. Poor comfort for sensible souls. Though pride for a time may keep up the vain hopes of the self-righteous and self-deluded—How long? Till they are tried by fire. The just man's standing is of God's power. His falls are from his own frailty. That he is ra...

"Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net." —Luke 5:5 [KJV] Whatever one engages in, success gives pleasure, but disappointment causes dejection. The passing over of a black cloud is often followed by the brighter shining of the sun. Naturalists observe, it is always darkest just before the break of day. So here these poor fishermen had toiled through a tedious night of disappointment; not one fish came to net: yet, at Christ's word they let down the net. Behold the event!   The greatest success they ever met with succeeded their fruitless toil: their nets were too weak to hold the miraculous draught of fishes they had taken. O, how adorable is Jesus' power and godhead! The occupation of a fisherman is not unlike that of the Christian's vocation. It is his employ to fish in the wide and deep ocean of God's eternal love and grace revealed in His word of truth. What he taketh h...