by: James Smith, 1871
Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation!" Matthew 26:41
We are always exposed to temptation from Satan, the world, and our own lusts; consequently, we should always watch and pray.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way in which you shall go!" Psalm 32:8
Sinful human nature is prone to choose and prefer the wrong way; divine teaching is necessary to lead and keep us right.
"What is your life? It is even a vapor!" James 4:14
We are not sufficiently affected with the brevity of life! If we were, our thoughts, desires, and hopes would be more taken up with eternal things.
My days are shorter than a span:
A little point, my life appears;
How frail, at best, is dying man!
How vain are all His hopes and fears!
"He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all those who believe!" 2 Thessalonians 1:10
When Jesus comes, His people will be collected, perfected, and glorified! Each will resemble Him, and reflect His glory forever!
O glorious hour! O blessed abode!
I shall be near and like my God!
And flesh and sin no more control,
The sacred pleasures of the soul!
"When he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him!" James 1:12
The present is the time of toil and trial — the time of rest and triumph is before us; let us look forward whenever downcast.
Then why, my soul, complain or fear?
The crown of glory see!
The more I toil and suffer here —
The sweeter rest will be!
"Who is like You among the gods, O Lord — glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders!" Exodus 15:11
Our God is incomparable! The more we contemplate His glories — the more humble, resigned, and devoted we shall be!
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
In our present sinful state, we must daily bear and forbear with each other — and forgive as we hope to be forgiven.
I hope for pardon, through Your Son,
For all the crimes which I have done;
Oh, may the grace that pardons me,
Constrain me to forgive like Thee!
"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." Galatians 5:17
Every Christian has two distinct and opposite principles within Him — and these are always in a state of conflict!
"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart!" Hebrews 12:3
Our thoughts should be daily directed to Jesus — and we should dwell upon all that He said, and did, and suffered for us.
My soul rejoices to pursue,
The steps of Him I love;
Until glory breaks upon my view.
In brighter worlds above!
"Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path!" Psalm 119:105
The Word of God is for daily use. But in seasons of darkness and sorrow — we learn its value, and prize its contents!
Oh, may these heavenly pages be,
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light!
"Father, forgive them — for they know not what they do!" Luke 23:34
If Jesus prayed for His enemies when they were putting Him to death — much more will He plead for His redeemed children who are seeking to promote His glory!
Hark, how He prays! The charming sound
Dwells on His dying lips, "Forgive!"And every groan and gaping wound
Cries, "Father, let the rebels live!"
"I have called you friends!" John 15:15
To be the friend of Jesus is the highest honor we can enjoy! And yet, as poor and depraved as we are — this honor is ours!
He calls a worm, His friend!
He calls Himself, my God!
And He shall save me to the end,
Through His own precious blood!
"The Word of our God shall stand forever!" Isaiah 40:8
The Word of God is like His nature — unchangeable. We cannot believe it too confidently, nor trust it too firmly.
May this blessed volume ever lie,
Close to my heart — and near my eye,
Until life's last hour my soul engage,
And be my chosen heritage!
"Hold me up — and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117
The Christian is always dependent on His God. And the more He is sanctified — the more He feels His dependence, and prays for divine keeping.
Grace will complete what grace begins,
To save from sorrows and from sins;
The work that wisdom undertakes
Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes!
"He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness!" Isaiah 61:10
Sin has stripped us naked, and exposed us to shame!
Grace clothes us, and introduces us to glory!
This spotless robe the same appears
When ruined nature sinks in years:
No age can change its glorious hue;
The robe of Christ is ever new!
"Any of you who does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple!" Luke 14:33
Every Christian must have the spirit of a martyr — and be ready to give up everything, if Jesus calls for it.
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." Psalm 27:14
In waiting on the Lord we . . .
gain strength,
obtain grace, and
secure deliverance from all our foes and fears!
"He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11
Jesus takes particular care of all His weak and feeble people.
Jesus, Shepherd of Your sheep,
Gather me within Your arms;
Safely in Your bosom keep,
Free from dangers and alarms!
"Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:39
The love of God was fixed upon His people in Jesus before the world was — and none of the circumstances of time can remove it!
Things future, nor things that are now,
Not all things below or above;
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love!
"My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19
The Lord's favor to His people is free, infinite, and fruitful! From it flows every temporal and spiritual good.
Their daily needs His hands supply,
Their steps He guards with watchful eye;
Leads them from earth to Heaven above,
And crowns them with eternal love!
"Strengthen me according unto Your Word!" Psalm 119:28
The Lord has promised us strength,
our duties and trials teach us our need of it,
and in answer to prayer we receive it!
Pity my frailty, dearest Lord;
Grace in the needful hour afford:
O steel this timorous heart of mine
With fortitude and love divine!
A little point, my life appears;
How frail, at best, is dying man!
How vain are all His hopes and fears!
I shall be near and like my God!
And flesh and sin no more control,
The sacred pleasures of the soul!
The crown of glory see!
The more I toil and suffer here —
The sweeter rest will be!
For all the crimes which I have done;
Oh, may the grace that pardons me,
Constrain me to forgive like Thee!
The steps of Him I love;
Until glory breaks upon my view.
In brighter worlds above!
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light!
Dwells on His dying lips, "Forgive!"And every groan and gaping wound
Cries, "Father, let the rebels live!"
He calls Himself, my God!
And He shall save me to the end,
Through His own precious blood!
Close to my heart — and near my eye,
Until life's last hour my soul engage,
And be my chosen heritage!
To save from sorrows and from sins;
The work that wisdom undertakes
Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes!
When ruined nature sinks in years:
No age can change its glorious hue;
The robe of Christ is ever new!
gain strength,
obtain grace, and
secure deliverance from all our foes and fears!
Gather me within Your arms;
Safely in Your bosom keep,
Free from dangers and alarms!
Not all things below or above;
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love!
Their steps He guards with watchful eye;
Leads them from earth to Heaven above,
And crowns them with eternal love!
our duties and trials teach us our need of it,
and in answer to prayer we receive it!
Grace in the needful hour afford:
O steel this timorous heart of mine
With fortitude and love divine!
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