Flowers from a Puritan's Garden by Charles Spurgeon, 1883
PREFACE
While commenting upon the One Hundred and Nineteenth Psalm, I was brought into most intimate communion with Thomas Manton, who has discoursed upon that marvelous portion of Scripture with great fullness and power. His works occupy twenty-two volumes in the modern reprint—a mighty mountain of sound theology. They mostly consist of sermons—but what sermons! There is not a poor discourse in the whole collection: he is constantly excellent. Ministers who do not know Manton, need not wonder if they are themselves unknown.
Here, then, is a man whose figures will be sure to be usable by the earnest preacher who has forsworn the baubles of rhetoric, and aims at nothing but the benefit of his hearers. I thought it worth while to go through volume after volume, and mark the metaphors; and then I resolved to complete the task by culling all the best figures out of the whole of Manton's works. Thus my clearing his house of all his pictures, and hanging them up in new frames of my own. I do not rob him, but I bless him by giving him another opportunity of speaking.
To make this little book more generally acceptable, I have thrown it into a somewhat devotional form, using Manton's figures as texts for brief meditations: this I humbly hope may be found profitable for reading in the chamber of private worship.
The latter half of the work was composed in the gardens and olive-groves of Mentone, where I found it a pleasure to muse, and compose. How I wish that I could have flooded my sentences with the sunlight of that charming region! As it is, I have done my best to avoid dullness, and to aim at edification. If a single practical truth is the more clearly seen through my endeavors, I shall be grateful; and doubly so if others are helped to make their teaching more striking. Highly shall we be favored if the gracious Master shall accept our service, and grant us the consciousness of that acceptance; happier still if we may hope to hear him say, "Well done good an faithful servant!"
That all my readers may meet with so great a blessing is the earnest prayer of their grateful servant, C.H. Spurgeon, Westwood, January, 1883.
It is time that I am done with all butterfly-hunting! "As children catch at butterflies —the gaudy wings melt away in their fingers, and there remains nothing but an ugly worm!"
Such is the end of all earthly ambitions! They cost us a weary pursuit, and if we gain our desire—it is destroyed in the grasping of it! Alas, poor rich man , who has wealth—but has lost the power to enjoy it! Alas, poor famous man , who in hunting for honor, has learned its emptiness! Alas, poor beautiful woman , who in making a conquest of a false heart, has pierced her own with undying sorrow! A butterfly-hunt takes a child into danger, wearies him, trips him down, and often ends in his missing the pretty insect. If, however, the boy is able to knock down his victim with his hat—he has crushed the beauty for which he undertook the chase, and his victory defeats him! The parallel is clear to every eye. For my part, let me sooner be the schoolboy, dashing after the painted insect—than his father worrying and wearying to snatch at something more deceptive still. It is time that I am done with all butterfly-hunting! My years are warning me that I may hope soon to be with Christ Himself, and see greater beauties than this whole creation can set before me. I am now bent on pursuing nothing but that which is eternal and infinite. Keep me to this resolve, I beseech you Lord.
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They are the willing, abject slaves of what is called amusement! "In gambling there is a secret enchantment. A man will play a little, and only venture a small sum—but soon he is enticed in, and more and more entangled. Just so, men think it is no great matter to sin a little—and yet that little leads on to more!" The illustration is most forcible. Many people have put down a dollar on the gambling-table when passing through the room—and from that moment their ruin has been sealed. They will be seen from day to day staking their hundreds—until the last fatal roll of the dice leaves them penniless! They are the willing, abject slaves of what is called amusement! Thus does sin begin with littles, and glides into more serious faults—until the sinner is spellbound, and finds himself enthralled by folly, which he has no ability to leave. Be it ours to give no place to the devil. Let him not have a spot whereon to set up his enchantment, and work his diabolical arts. If we never venture a farthing upon Satan's table —we shall never be made beggars by his subtle devices! If he is not allowed to spin a spider's web about us—he will never be able to hold us with the cords of iniquity! If we never wade into sin—we shall never drown in it! Lord, keep us from the very appearance of evil!
~ ~ ~ ~ All the devils in Hell, and all tempters on earth! "A garrison is not free from danger, while it has an enemy lodged within!" You may bolt all your doors, and fasten all your windows—but if the thieves have placed even a little child within doors who can draw the bolts for them—the house is still unprotected. All the sea outside a ship cannot do it damage—until the water enters within . Hence, it is clear that our greatest danger is from within. All the devils in Hell, and all tempters on earth could do us no injury—if there were no corruption in our nature. The sparks will fall harmlessly, if there is no tinder. Alas, our heart is our greatest enemy—this is the little home-born thief! Lord, save me from that evil man, myself!
"It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within , out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within ; they are what defile you!" Mark 7:20-23
~ ~ ~ ~ The devil's chessboard! "So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes!" 2 Corinthians 2:11 "Be watchful; the world is the devil's chessboard! You can hardly move backward or forward, but he is ready to attack you with some temptation!" Those who play at the game of chess know that great caution is needed. Your opponent is working toward a design of which you know nothing; and while you imagine that you are doing exceedingly well, he is entrapping you! The game of life , as against Satan, is one in which . . . his maneuvers and artifice, his long practice and stratagems, his superior skill and deceptiveness, and his unscrupulousness— give him an immense advantage over our poor self-conceited folly! Lord, help us! You know our adversary; be pleased to deliver us out of his hand. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!" Ephesians 6:11
~ ~ ~ ~ Don't bite the stick! "As children will thank the tailor , and think they owe their new clothes to him rather than to their parent's bounty—so we often look to the instrument of blessing , and thank that instead of God." Second causes must never be made to stand before the First Cause . Friends and helpers are all very well as servants of our Father—but our Father must have all our praise. There is a similar evil in the matter of trials and afflictions. We are apt to be angry with the instrument of our affliction —instead of seeing the hand of God over all, and meekly bowing before it. It was a great help to David in bearing with the railing Shimei—when he saw that God had appointed this provocation as a chastisement. He would not allow his hasty captains to take the scoffer's head, but meekly said, "Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him." When a dog is struck—he will bite the stick! If he were wise, he would observe that the stick only moves as the hand directs it. Just so, when we discern God in our tribulations, we are helped to be quiet and endure with patience. Let us not act like silly children, but trace matters to their fountain-head, and act accordingly. May the Spirit of wisdom make us understand. "He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes." 1 Samuel 3:18 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away —may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21 "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble ?" Job 2:10 "When times are good , be happy; but when times are bad , consider: God has made the one as well as the other." Ecclesiastes 7:14
~ ~ ~ ~ The bishop and the knight tumble into the box with the pawns—and the king and the queen fare no better! "As chessmen are all thrown into the bag together—so in the grave there is no distinction. Skulls wear no wreaths, and corpses carry no marks of honor." The bishop and the knight tumble into the box with the pawns—and the king and the queen fare no better! Death is a terrible leveler! It is a pity that some men carry their heads so high above their fellows all the day—for they will have to sleep at night in the same bed of clay with those whom they despise! "Poor weeds, rich grain, mirthful flowers together stand. Alas! death mows down all with an impartial hand!" "All go to the same place. All come from dust, and to dust all return!" Ecclesiastes 3:20
~ ~ ~ ~ 'Tom Thumbs' in grace! "Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Hebrews 5:12 "An infant, if he should continue an infant always, would be a monster!" However pleased the parents had been with the little one when it was a babe , they would soon be deeply distressed if year after year it still remained a tiny thing. Indeed, they would consider it a great calamity to be the parents of a dwarf . What, then, shall we say of those professors who never grow? They are no more holy after fifty years! They are infants at sixty years of age! I have in my house a picture which is made up of the portraits of my sons, taken on their birthdays for twenty-one years. They begin in the cradle, and end as full-grown young men. This is interesting and according to nature. But, alas, I have spiritual children whom I wheeled about in the stroller twenty years ago—and they are babies still, needing as much care as ever, and are not able to walk alone. Ah me, that so many who ought to be warriors, are weaklings; that those who should be men of six feet tall, are so stunted as to be mere 'Tom Thumbs' in grace! O for grace to grow in grace, and especially in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God save us from a life which does not grow, and from a growth which is not healthy!
~ ~ ~ ~ Even though he had a shipload of such rubbish! The more abundance of truly valuable things a man has—the more he has of true riches. A child counts himself rich when he has a great many marbles , and toys , and rocks —for these suit his childish age and imagination. Just so, a worldly man counts himself rich when he has a great store of gold and silver, or lands and houses. But a child of God counts himself rich when he has . . . God for his Portion, Christ his his Redeemer, and the Spirit for his Guide, Sanctifier, and Comforter. This is as much above a carnal man's estate in the world, as a carnal man's estate is above a child's toys and trifles—yes, infinitely more! It is above all things desirable, that we adopt a correct scale to estimate things . When we make our personal audit, we shall fall into grievous error if the principles of our reckoning are not thoroughly accurate. If we reckon buttons as silver, and brass as gold—we shall dream that we are rich, when we are in poverty! In taking stock of our own condition, let us be sure only to reckon that for riches, which is really riches to us. Wealth to the worldling is not wealth to the Christian. His currency is different, his valuables are of another sort. Am I today poorer in money than I was ten years ago. And at the same time, am I more humble, more patient, more earnest, more loving? Then set me down as a rich man! Have my worldly goods largely increased during the last few years? And at the same time, am I also more proud, more carnal-minded, more lukewarm, more petulant? Then I must write myself down as a poorer man, whatever others may think of my estate. A Christian's riches are within him! External belongings are by no means a sure gain to a man. A horse is none the better off for all its gilded trappings . Just so, a man is in truth, none the richer for his sumptuous surroundings. Paul was richer than King Croesus , when he was able to say, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want!" Philippians 4:11-12 Such contentment surpasses riches! Solomon, after summing up all his possessions and delights, was compelled to add, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!" If a man should labor to be rich after the fashion of the poor African natives, and should accumulate a large store of shells and beads —yet when he came home to England he would be a beggar, even though he had a shipload of such rubbish! Just so, he who gives his heart and soul to the accumulation of gold coins—is a beggar when he comes into the spiritual realm, where such coins are reckoned as mere forms of earth, non-current in Heaven, and of less value than the least of spiritual blessings! O, my Lord, let me not merely talk thus, and pretend to despise earthly treasure—when all the while I am hunting after it! Grant me grace to live above these perishable things, never setting my heart upon them; nor caring whether I have them, or have them not. But give me grace to exercise all my energy in pleasing You, and in gaining those things which You hold in esteem. Give me, I beseech You, the riches of Your grace —that I may at last attain to the riches of Your glory!
~ ~ ~ ~ Will we be numbered with cat-worshipers and dog-adorers? "Those who have no children, take pleasure in little dogs and cats." People must have an object of affection, and if they have not something noble , they will accept something less. Just so, those who disdain to live for God, will live for their own bellies. If we do not live in all seriousness for a noble object—the probability is that we shall trifle our lives away in doing nothing! Are we prepared for this? Will we be numbered with cat-worshipers and dog-adorers? My God, save me from petty and paltry objects! Deliver me from worthless amusements and hobbies! May the objects of my life's pursuit be worthy of an immortal spirit, worthy of an heir of Heaven! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ—set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
~ ~ ~ ~ A hazardous game! "If we play around the viper's hole—it no wonder that we are bitten!" An old proverb advises us not to play with sharp-edged tools , lest we cut our fingers. It is a sin to trifle with sin! If we must play, we had better find harmless toys! That evil which caused Christ a bloody death, is no fit theme for any man's sport. Playing with wickedness is a hazardous game! Sooner or later, we will pluck the lion of sin by the beard , and we shall be torn in pieces! This is true of indulgence in strong drink: "Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper!" This is equally true of all other forms of evil, especially of the lusts of the flesh . Lewd words , soon lead to foul deeds . Yet such is the folly of men, that they run dreadful risks in sheer wantonness, as though vipers and cobras were fine playmates, and devils were merry-makers! "Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Do not let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin." Psalm 19:13
~ ~ ~ ~ Above all, wait at the cross-foot! "Wisdom's dole is given at wisdom's gates!" Those who wish for it—must go there for it. Resort to the 'Beautiful Gate' of the temple —if you would obtain that healing which is given by the gospel. Search the Scriptures —if you would find eternal life. Hasten humbly to the gate of prayer —if you would obtain God's covenant blessings. Above all, wait at the cross-foot —for the purchased blessings of Jesus' love. The dole is free and large, but God has His place appointed for its distribution—be often there. Lord, I would not be absent when Your alms are being distributed, for I am as poor as poverty itself! See, I am even now waiting at the portal of Your grace . Give me, I beseech you, my daily bread from Heaven, and send me on my way rejoicing.
~ ~ ~ ~ Square me! Prune me! "There is more hewing, and hacking, and squaring used on a stone which is to be set in the wall of a stately palace—than that which is placed in a rock wall. Just so, the vine is carefully pruned—when the bramble is untouched." This should reconcile believers to their chastisements. It is a well-worn figure; but it is well put. Brambles certainly have a fine time of it, and grow after their own pleasure. We have seen their long shoots reaching far and wide, and no knife has threatened them as they luxuriated upon the wastelands. The poor vine is cut down so closely, that little remains of it but bare stems. Yet, when clearing-time comes, and the brambles are heaped together for burning— who would not rather be the vine? Ah, Lord! Let me never sigh for ease , but always seek for usefulness . Square me until I am fit for a place in Your temple! Prune me until I yield my utmost fruit! "Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful!" John 15:2
~ ~ ~ ~ When you wallow in the mud of worldly pleasures! "If you saw a man laboring in filthy ditches, and soiling himself as poor men do—would you believe that he was the heir to a crown, called to inherit a kingdom? Just so, who will believe in your heavenly calling— when you wallow in the mud of worldly pleasures , and are absorbed with carking care for trivial things?" Princes should behave as princes! Their haunts should be in palaces—and not amid dung-heaps! How, then, is it that some who profess and call themselves Christians, are found rummaging in questionable amusements to discover pleasure ; and many others are groping amid sordid avarice to find satisfaction in wealth? What are they doing—to be thus disgracing the blood royal! How dare they drag the name of the "Blessed and only Potentate" through the mire! A prince of royal-blood acting as a beggar, would dishonor not only himself but all the royal house. Nobility has obligations! The eminent nobility of the saints, puts them under heavy bonds to act as the true aristocracy of the universe! Come, my soul, do you behave royally? I am made a king by Jesus Christ—are my bearing and life-style answerable to the dignity laid upon me? Lord, you must teach your poor child. I have so long been a vagabond and an outcast , that unless you teach me the majestic life-style of your holy courts—I will dishonor both myself and You! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God!" Colossians 3:1-3
~ ~ ~ ~ A poor beast that is going homeward, goes cheerfully! See how the horse pricks up his ears and quickens his pace when you turn his head to his stable. Even the dull donkey does the same. Much more then should Christians feel the attractions of their heavenly home! Courage, brothers and sisters; we, too, are homeward bound! Every hour brings us nearer to the many mansions! Our way is toward the Father's house on high, therefore let us rejoice at every step we take! "Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father's house are many mansions. I am going there to prepare a place for you!" John 14:1-2
~ ~ ~ ~ Here little—and hereafter much! "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation , whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want!" Philippians 4:10-12 We look for more in this life than it will ever yield to us. If we would be satisfied with less—we would be less dissatisfied. Probably there is as much happiness in one station of life as in another—if we are content in that situation which the Lord has placed us in. The misery of life is when a man has a great deal less than he aspires to. Contentment is the crown-jewel of a happy life! We shall have enough , for God's promises guarantee us our necessary portion . Why need we fret after more?
" Here little—and hereafter much! " as Bunyan says, is best for us! O Lord, grant me grace to live above the poor trifles of this fleeting world!
~ ~ ~ ~ A sin-expelling power over our lives! "Old leaves, if they remain upon the trees through the autumn and the winter —fall off in the spring ." We have seen a hedge all thick with dry leaves throughout the winter , and neither frost nor wind has removed the withered foliage—but the spring has soon cleared them off. The new life dislodges the old, pushing it away as unsuitable to it. In the same way, our old corruptions are best removed by the growth of new graces.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 It is as the new life buds and opens, that the old worn-out things of our former state are compelled to give up their hold of us. Our wisdom lies in living near to God, that by the power of His Holy Spirit all our graces may be vigorous, and may exercise a sin-expelling power over our lives —the new leaves of grace pushing off our old worldly affections and habits of sin. With new converts, it is often better not to lay down stringent rules as to worldly amusements—but leave the new life and its holier joys, to push off the old pleasures. Thus it will be done more naturally and more effectively. We have all heard of the expulsive power of a new affection . This new affection of love to God coming into the soul, expels love to sin! Lord, let Your life in me, push off the relics of my former sinful self—that I may put on the new man, and manifest Your transforming grace!
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Yes, indeed, this is the wonder of wonders, the miracle of miracles! "Christ died for the ungodly!" Romans 5:6
Yes, indeed, this is the wonder of wonders, the miracle of miracles —at which my mind will forever stand amazed! That the thrice Holy Savior should take the sinner's place, and, coming under the sinner's doom, should be smitten of God—this is a mystery past finding out! Hell is horribly amazing—but the death of Jesus is far more astounding, and especially that in death He should cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!" Only the Son of God could endure this great grief. Yet is it a mystery of mysteries, that so divine a person should be capable of enduring it. The marvel is thought to be, that a man should be able to suffer so much. But the real marvel is that, being God , He should suffer at all. The being forsaken by the Father, was the very essence of His grief! My soul, adore and love—you cannot understand it! Behold the eclipse of your soul's Sun, and know that, had not this been, you would have been in the darkness of Hell forever!
~ ~ ~ ~ We pity the poor wretch who can dance under the gallows! "Do you account him a happy man, who is condemned to die —because he has a plentiful allowance until his execution? Do you account him a happy man, who makes a fair show abroad—while at home he is pinched with poverty and misery? Do you account him a happy man, who revels in all kinds of pleasures today—but is to die this night?" If we view unpardoned sinners aright, we shall heartily pity them! Let their temporal condition be as good as it may at this present time—the wrath of God abides on them, and they are "condemned already!" And as for the future , it is black with certain doom! Alas for the unhappy man against whom God sets His face! What misery can be greater, than to be reserved for damnation in the great day of the wrath of God? We wonder at the mirth of men who are condemned to Hell—their fantasy is terrible to behold! Hence we cannot join with them in their carnal mirth. Sinners may dance—but it will not be to our music. They may revel and riot—but we dare not endorse them in their jollity, for we know that their day is coming! If you are indeed a child of God—let no desire to share their carnal delights lurk in your mind! Do not be envious of the prosperity of the wicked! Who would envy a criminal about to be executed, of his last cup of wine? Do not let their frivolities attract you. We pity the poor wretch who can dance under the gallows which he will shortly hang on! Just so, sinners who are on the road to Hell sporting and jesting, are worse than mad! Their singing will soon turn to sighing! "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold! For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits! This is what the wicked are like—always carefree, they increase in wealth." Psalm 73:2-7, 12 " When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me —until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny!" Psalm 73:16-17
~ ~ ~ ~ What a volume Mr. Recorder Conscience has written already! "If conscience speaks not, it writes. For it is not only a witness, but a register , and a book of record: 'The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and the point of a diamond!' Jeremiah 17:1. We know not what conscience writes, being occupied and taken up with carnal vanities—but we shall know hereafter, when the books are opened, Revelation 20:12. Conscience keeps a diary , and marks down everything! This book, though it is in the sinner's keeping—cannot be erased and blotted out. Well, then, a sleepy conscience will not always sleep; if we do not allow it to awaken here—it will awaken in Hell!" Let those who forget their sins take note of this! There is a recorder within you taking notes, and he will publish all, where all will hear it. Never say, "Nobody will see me!" for you will see yourself, and your conscience will give infallible evidence against you. What a volume Mr. Recorder Conscience has written already! How many 'blotted pages' he has in store, to be produced upon my final trial. O You who alone can erase this dreadful handwriting, look on me in mercy, as I now look on You by faith. "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them." Romans 2:15
~ ~ ~ ~ These short-lived troubles! "All the difficulties of the present life are but like one rainy day—compared to an everlasting sunshine!" How readily, then, should we bear these short-lived troubles! They are but for a moment , just a passing shower —and then the sun will shine out forever! Time is nothing, when compared with eternity . To a believer, this sorrowful life is like one drop of grief, lost in a sea of glory —or one speck of rain, in a year of fair weather. These light and momentary afflictions are not worthy to be compared with the eternal bliss which awaits us! "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction , which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!" 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
~ ~ ~ ~ A child can crush a serpent's egg! "It is easier to crush the egg—than to kill the serpent!" It is prudent to break up all the eggs we can find, before the reptiles are hatched! Just so, far greater wisdom will be shown in early dealing with a temptation , than in allowing it time to make headway. It is best to correct ourselves early and unhesitatingly to stamp out the first sparks of evil desire, before passion rises to a flame! A child can crush a serpent's egg —but who will contend with the venomous creature which may be hatched from it, if it is left unbroken? So is it with that vice which stings like a viper! The first glass can readily be refused; it is quite another matter to stop when the wine has entered the brain. The first lust we may readily avoid; but when unchaste desires are fully aroused, who shall bridle them? O Lord, teach me to crush sin early, lest it should gather strength and crush me!
~ ~ ~ ~ Do we want to be rulers of the universe? "He who will be his own carver , seldom carves out a good portion to himself. Willful spirits who attempt to control their own providence, entrench upon God's prerogative, and take the work out of His hands. Therefore, it is no wonder if He turns their wisdom into folly! It is God's business to regulate providence —and when we attempt it, we cause only confusion and trouble. Not only does the carver for himself get a poor portion—but he frequently cuts his fingers, and spoils his clothes, by spilling the contents of the dish. Israel went into Canaan well enough—when the Lord led the way. But when the people presumed to go up on their own—they brought defeat upon themselves. Just so, it is never well either to run before the cloud, or to stay behind it. In either case we may expect to fall under clouds of another sort, which will darken our way and becloud our peace. Can we not trust the Lord with His own business? Can we supplement His infallible wisdom—or improve upon His infinite goodness? Have we not enough to do, if we earnestly endeavor to obey our Lord? Are we tired of being His disciples and followers? Do we want to be rulers of the universe? Why do we strain after things too high for us, intruding into spheres which belong to God alone? My soul, be still—God is at the helm , and He is well able to pilot the vessel. Keep your hand off the helm! Down with you, unbelief—what have you to do while God Himself provides for His people?
~ ~ ~ ~ " The compass-needle may be shaken and agitated, but it never rests until it turns toward the pole!" Thus our heart's affections, when once magnetized by the love of Christ , find no rest unless we turn to Him. The cares and labors of the day may carry our thoughts to other objects, even as a finger may turn the compass-needle to the east or west. But no sooner is the pressure removed, than our thoughts fly to the Well-beloved, just as the needle moves to its place. We are unable to rest anywhere but in Jesus. The new birth has disqualified us for contentment with the world—and hence we have no choice but to find our all in Christ. Blessed necessity! We are driven to Jesus, by an unrest which finds no remedy elsewhere! We are drawn to Jesus, by an impulse which we have no desire to resist! We mourn that we are subject to many deflections and disturbances; but you know, O Lord, that our inmost soul seeks after Yourself! "As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God. I thirst for God, the living God!" Psalm 42:1-2 "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You. My soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water!" Psalm 63:1
~ ~ ~ ~ The Only Everlasting Flower! The flowers which grow in earth's garden, wither in our hands while we smell them. They are as frail as they are fair. They grow out of the dust—and to the dust must they return. As Herbert says, "Their root is ever in their grave, And they must die!" How speedy is their withering. They are gathered by the hand and laid before us—and they wilt and become sickly, fainting, decaying objects. At the very longest, their lives smile through a day or two, and all is over. Which of earth's joys is better than her flowers? Health flies, wealth takes to itself wings, honor is a puff of air, and pleasure is a bubble! Only from Heaven can we expect "pleasure forever more," and "everlasting joy." The Rose of Sharon blooms through all the ages; and the Lily of the Valley , which is Jesus himself, outlasts all time. Yes, this is the only Everlasting Flower , for He alone has immortality. Why, then, should we seek for the living among the dead—or search for substance in the land of shadows ? Henceforth, my soul . . . gather your Hearts-ease in the garden of the Lord, pluck your Forget-me-nots from beds which Christ has planted, and look for your Crown-Imperial only in the Paradise above. The flowers of the field are children's adornments. See how the little ones garland themselves, and fashion chaplets with the buttercups and daisies. Earth's loveliest joys are good child's play; but, my soul, you have to act a nobler part—seek the bliss which fades not away. Turn to God, your exceeding joy, and then if your years are multiplied upon earth, you shall have a life-long possession. Or if you are caught away suddenly, you shall carry with you in your bosom, the rosebud of a lif e which will open to perfection, in the land where fading and withering are things unknown!
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But for this one day of life, which is already half over! "If a man might own a humble cottage for a hundred years—he would prize it much more than the possession of a palace for a day!" Of course he would! This is what adds so much preciousness to the joys of Heaven—for they are eternal. The fleeting pleasures of this world, however bright they seem—are but for this one day of life, which is already half over! If they were all they profess to be, and a thousand times more—they would not be worthy to be mentioned in comparison with "eternal pleasures" at God's right hand! O You who fill eternity, impress me with the solemn import of Your Word, and let me feel that all time's fleeting cares and caresses are as dreams; while the things of eternity alone have substance in them. Give me Your grace that I may "lay hold on eternal life." "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!" 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
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See how people weep under a moving sermon! "We do not judge of men's complexions by the color they have when they sit before the fire. Just so, we cannot judge of a man by the emotions which he has when he is under the influence of a compelling sermon." If all were truly godly who are occasionally good—then godly men would not be scarce. See how people weep under a moving sermon! Think not, therefore, that their hearts are changed, for even marble drips in certain weathers. A man fresh from a revival-meeting looks like a zealous Christian—but see him when he goes to market. A face rendered red by the fire soon loses all its ruddiness. Just so, do many lose all their godliness when they leave the society of the godly. Lord, give me a complexion which I shall wear all my lifetime, and when time shall be no more!
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Surely there can be no greater farce! "Warm milk is fitter to nourish a babe, than cold milk. Just so, the Word of God delivered by a lively voice and sincere heart, has a greater congruity and suitableness to the work of grace." Moreover, there is no milk fitter for a babe like that which comes warm from the mother's bosom. Hearing a borrowed sermon —is like a child's sucking from a bottle . But as that child grows best, which takes its nutriment fresh from the mother—so hearing of warm-hearted discourses, fresh from the preacher's heart, is the most nourishing to the child of God. There is no warmth like heart-warmth, and no testimony like that of experience. This is the grand distinction between one kind of preaching and another. One sermon is delivered with a cold propriety, as if the preacher had no concern in it, nor his hearers either—and as a rule it fails to satisfy the soul. Another discourse may have less food in it than the first—but as it comes from the preacher's inmost soul, and he speaks it with warmth of zeal and melting affection—it enters into the hearer, is assimilated by him, and makes him grow thereby. Surely there can be no greater farce —than dull, lifeless preaching. By taking the soul out of a man, we cause him to become a loathsome and offensive corpse. Just so, has the doctrine of the gospel, when it has been divorced from the affection of the minister, become a heartless creed, bringing more of bondage to men's intellects than of sustenance to their souls . If the shepherd is not alive, what will the sheep be? If men are compelled to feed upon ice, and to dwell among icebergs—they will be frozen. While those who are warmed by an ardent ministry are likely to become fervent Christians. Lord, let me rather be dumb, than so preach your word as to deprive it of that holy warmth which makes it nourishing food for your children. Let me not set Your sick ones down to cold foods for which they will have no stomach. If I am not eloquent —yet let me be affectionate . If I cannot speak with the wisdom of a father —yet let me speak with the heart of a brother .
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What do they expect from such folly? "A plaster may be of sovereign efficacy—but when you keep pulling it off and on, it does you no good." Faith applies Christ to the soul; but what if unbelief tears Him away? A promise is a great heal-all; but what if we believe and disbelieve, trust and distrust? How can the surest promise comfort us? Men turn to God in their fashion, and before any benefit can come from it, they turn away from Him. What do they expect from such folly? Instability in eternal concerns is . . . a deadly evil, a mockery of God, and a robbery of ourselves! Lord, Your Son's atonement be the blessed plaste r which has healed my soul's sore. You have applied it, and I will keep it on my heart forever—whatever may happen, and whoever may ridicule. This hope I have by your grace, and none shall take it from me!
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The preacher's best commendation! "The hearer's changed life, is the preacher's best commendation . Those who praise the man but do not practice the matter , are like those who taste wines and commend them—but they don't buy them!" What a hindrance such vain folk are to dealers who are in earnest to do business! Their time is wasted, their labor is lost, and their hopes are disappointed. Oh that these loafers and idlers would leave our market! We set forth the precious produce of Heaven's own vintage, and hope that they will buy from us. But no, they lift the glass, and talk like fine connoisseurs—and then go off without coming to a bargain! Sermons which we have studied with care, delivered with travail, prayed over, and wept over—are praised for such minor matters as taste, accuracy, and diction—but the truth they contain is not received. We cannot bring our hearers to a decided bargain, though our wares are the best that Heaven can supply. Reader, is it so with you?
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The grandest benefactors of the church! "By running and exercising every day, you are the fitter to run in a race. Just so, the oftener you come into God's presence the greater confidence , and freedom , and enlargement it will bring to your soul." No doubt by praying we learn to pray , and the more we pray the oftener we can pray, and the better we can pray. He who prays by fits and starts is never likely to attain to that effectual, fervent prayer which avails much. Prayer is good, the habit of prayer is better, but the spirit of prayer is the best of all. It is in the spirit of prayer, that we pray without ceasing—and this can never be acquired by the man who seldom prays. It is astonishing what distances men can run, who have long practiced—and it is equally marvelous for what a length of time they can maintain a high speed after they have once acquired stamina, and skill in using their muscles. Just so, great power in prayer is within our reach, but we must go to work to obtain it. Let us never imagine that Abraham could have interceded so successfully for Sodom, if he had not been all his lifetime in the practice of communion with God. Jacob's all-night at Peniel was not the first occasion upon which he had met his God. We may even look upon our Lord's most choice and wonderful prayer with His disciples before His Passion, as the flower and fruit of His many nights of devotion , and of His often rising up a great while before day to pray. A man who becomes a great runner has to put himself in training, and to keep himself in it; and that training consists very much of the exercise of running. Those who have distinguished themselves for speed have not suddenly leaped into eminence, but have long been runners. Just so, if a man dreams that he can become mighty in prayer just when he pleases, he labors under a great mistake. The prayer of Elijah, which shut up Heaven and afterward opened its floodgates—was one of a long series of mighty prevailings with God. Oh that Christian men would remember this! Perseverance in prayer is necessary to prevalence in prayer! Those great intercessors , who are not so often mentioned as they ought to be in connection with confessors and martyrs, were nevertheless the grandest benefactors of the church . But it was only by abiding at the mercy-seat, that they attained to be such channels of mercy to men. We must pray to pray, and continue in prayer—that our prayers may continue. O Jesus, by whom we come to God, seeing You have Yourself trodden the way of prayer, and never turned from it—teach me to remain a suppliant as long as I remain a sinner, and to wrestle in prayer so long as I have to wrestle with the powers of evil. Whatever else I may outgrow, may I never dream that I may relax my supplications. " Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
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It is amazing what pains men will bear to hunt a fox or shoot a partridge! "In hunting and fishing, though there is as much labor as in our ordinary employments—yet we count the toil nothing, because of the delight we have in them." It is amazing what pains men will bear to hunt a fox or shoot a partridge —and yet they make nothing of it, but call it sport . In like manner, many a zealous worker for the Lord Jesus will preach, and teach, and labor—and call it his recreation, with which he fills up his leisure hours. We know many such, and we hope we shall yet know more. Love makes labor light! Men will do voluntarily, that which they would never undertake for pay; and they will keep up freely under an amount of pressure which would crush the hireling. There lies the grand secret. Make God's holy service a delight—and you can do any amount of it. Lord, Your service is my pleasure. Could I but serve You perfectly, without hindrance and without mistake—it would be pure delightfulness— it would be Heaven to me! It would be far more wearisome not to serve you, O my God, than it ever can be to perform the most arduous labor for Your love's sake!
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Come, friend, you too are getting old! "We see that others are mortal—but we do not number our own days!" This is an ordinary observation concerning that which is really an extraordinary piece of folly! What can it matter to us, how other are aging? Our main concern is our own conduct, and the spending of our own days. Come, friend, you too are getting old! Snowflakes here and there upon those once raven locks, are prophetic of coming winter. Those spectacles , too! Why, you will never see fifty again! Half a century have you lived, and more—surely it is time to be wise! We see that Mr. Brown is getting to be quite the old man. No doubt—but you are moving onward, too. Mr. Brown does not get a year older in less time than you do. We are all sailing at the same rate! Is it not time that we took observations, and found out our longitude and latitude? At any rate, it were well to know what port we are bound for! "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle!" Job 7:6 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
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If we spend our time on the newspaper, or sit hour after hour reading trashy novels! "Take a mirror and turn it toward Heaven —and there you shall see the reflection of Heaven, the clouds and things above. Turn it downward toward the earth , you shall see the reflection of the earth, trees, meadows, men. Just so does the soul receive a reflection from the things to which it is set. If the heart is set toward Heaven—that puts you into a heavenly frame. If you set your heart on earthly objects—you are a man of the earth!" Are our thoughts and our affections full of worldliness? Let us make good use of the above figure, and turn the mirror the other way. Our mind will readily enough reflect divine things, if we turn it in that direction. Let us see if it is not so. Prayerfully read your Bible, or look at the biography of a holy man, or some lively book of devotion—and see if the heart is not immediately filled with holy and heavenly reflections. At any rate, if we spend our time on the newspaper, or sit hour after hour reading trashy novels — we have no reason to wonder that thought and heart go after vanity! The turning of the mind upward is half the battle. We cannot expect it to reflect that toward which it does not turn. Those who mind earthly things—are earthly; those who set their affections upon things above—are heavenly. Paul shows how practically useful it is to turn the mind Godward, when he says that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, " looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." We may well cry concerning this matter, "Turn us, O Lord, and we shall be turned!" If we cannot see divine truth to our enjoyment—let us nevertheless look that way; for that eye is blessed which looks in the direction of the light. He who would behold the sun at its rising—must not look to the west! Just so, he who would see God as his delight—must look Godward. If the mirror of the soul is resolutely set toward the Lord, we shall with open face behold, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, and be changed into the same image from glory to glory! O, my blessed Master, help me I beseech you, to keep the mirror of my mind in the right position—that evermore I may see You! True, it will be but as in a dark mirror, but even that will be a marvelous preparation for beholding Your face to face in glory! "Those who live according to the sinful nature—have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit—have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above , where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above , not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:1-2
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Let my life be filled, packed and crammed! "When men have much to say in a letter, and perceive that they have little paper left, they write closely ." Looking at the shortness of life, and the much that has to be written upon life's tablets—it befits us also to do much in a short space, and so to write closely . "No day without a line," is a good motto for a Christian. A thoroughly useful life is very short, for it is but a span—but how much may be crowded into it for God, our souls, the Church, our families, and our fellows! We cannot afford wide blanks of idleness. We should not only live by the day, but by the 20 minutes , as Wesley did. He divided each hour into three parts. So scanty is our life's space, that we must condense, and leave out superfluous matter; giving room only to that which is weighty, and of the first importance. Lord, whether I live long or not, I leave to your discretion. But help me to live while I live, that I may live much. You can give life more abundantly. Let me receive it, and let my life be filled, packed and crammed , with holy thoughts and words and deeds to Your glory! "But this I say, brethren, the time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29
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Who would not drag him out? "Sin is a malicious guest, for it always sets its lodging on fire!" Entertained within the human heart, and cherished and fondled—sin always makes its host an evil payment. It places the burning coals of evil desire within the soul, with evident intent to fire the whole man with fierce passions. Let these passions be allowed to rage, and the flame will burn even to the lowest Hell! Who would not shut his door on such a guest? Or if he is known to be lurking within— who would not drag him out? How foolish are those who find delight in such an enemy—and treat him with more care than their best friend!
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Providence is no other than God providing! "To be served at table by a great prince, would be counted as great a favor as the meal itself. Just so, to take outward blessings out of God's hand—to see that He remembers us, and sends our provision at every turn—this endears His mercy, and increases our delight in Him." What, indeed, would most men give if they could say, "The Queen herself has served me, and was most anxious that I should be well supplied!" But each believer has the Lord Himself for his Provider. He loads our table, and fills ours cup. Providence is no other than God providing! He . . . measures out our joys, weighs our sorrows, appoints our labors, and selects our trials! There is no morsel on the saint's plate, which is not of the Lord's serving—unless he has been so foolish as to put forth his hand unto iniquity. It is delightful to know that our Father's hand provided for us the bread which we have eaten this day; that the Savior's own fingers mingled our cup; and that every blessing has come directly from God's own table! Surely we are as dear to God as the little ewe lamb in Nathan's parable was to the poor man. For we are told that "the poor man had raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him!" Does not this make our food, and drink, and lodging more than royal? Are we not more than content with such fare? Yes, Lord, my portion tastes of Your divine love, for Your hand has sweetened it. A sacred perfume is on my clothing and in my chamber—for You have prepared both for me. And this would be true if I wore rags, and lay in a dungeon, in sore sickness! What a heritage is mine! O Lord, You are my all, and my all in all . My all is more than all—because it comes of You, and is dealt out to me by Your own precious self!
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I would rather have less earth and more Heaven! The greatest worldly advantages cannot compensate for the loss of spiritual privileges, and yet we know many who scarcely take this matter into consideration in the choice of their pursuits and positions in life. A tradesman is earning a competence, and is able to attend the house of God, and to give part of his time and talents to the service of the church. Yet he thinks it to be advisable to encumber himself with an extra job—and thereby renders himself unable either to profit the church, or to be profited himself by the services of the Lord's house. Is this the way of wisdom? Can this man say that God's words are more desired by him than gold, yes, than much fine gold? A young man is in a fair position, where he has godly surroundings, and every opportunity for spiritual progress. Yet, for the sake of a few dollars more, he re-locates, and loses every opportunity of uniting with his brethren in holy work and worship. Is this as it should be? If I were to choose a house to reside in—I would wish to be known as Justus was, for he was "a man who worshiped God, whose house was next to the synagogue." Of course one's calling, health, or circumstances might compel another choice; but I would ever give preference to a habitation near to a gospel ministry. If I were to choose a trade, I would select one which gave me time for the service of the Lord Jesus. If I had the option of my condition in life, I would rather have less earth and more Heaven —than more earth and less Heaven. It argues a poor state of spiritual health when the mass of Christian professors estimate their position solely and entirely by the money which it yields t
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He was converted to Christ at the age of 16 and immediately began preaching. He preached in the streets and in the fields before he was 21. In his first church, he began with 100 members. It grew until he was preaching to 10,000 people in the Surrey Music Hall. His church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle, seated 6,000 people. He withdrew from every movement among English Baptists which tended to criticize the Authorized Version 1611 in any way.
Before his death, he published more than 2,000 sermons and 49 volumes of commentaries, sayings, anecdotes, illustrations, and devotions.