by: James Smith, 1871
"The Lord preserves all those who love Him." Psalm 145:20
No one needs keeping more than a Christian. It is His mercy to be kept with the greatest care — the Lord keeps Him as the apple of His eye.
Saints are always in His keeping.
And He always keeps them well;
Rising, resting, waking, sleeping.
He preserves from death and Hell.
"You in faithfulness have afflicted me!" Psalm 119:75
God has promised to be a Father to us, and to visit our transgressions with a rod. Our afflictions, therefore, are proofs of His faithfulness, love, and care.
Tis sweet, though trials may not cease,
Though pains afflict, though fears appall,
To feel my comforts still increase,
And say, "My Father sends them all."
"To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Every believer is required to keep this law — and be just to all, merciful to sufferers, and humble before God.
"Brethren, the time is short!" 1 Corinthians 7:29
Our time below is brief — and therefore very precious. Let us employ it, so as to improve it. Let us live for God and eternity!
The time is short — oh, who can tell
How short his time below may be;
Today on earth, his soul may dwell.
Tomorrow in eternity!
"My beloved is mine, and I am His!" Song of Solomon 2:16
If Christ is the object of our desire and affection — then He is ours. And if He is ours — then we are His. This union is the source of all that is good and great.
If Christ is mine — then all is mine,
And more than angels know;
Both present things, and things to come,
And grace and glory too!
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son; how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" Romans 5:10
Jesus died for us when enemies — to make us His friends. And having reconciled us to Himself, we now live to Him, and for Him.
"I will give them an heart to know me!" Jeremiah 24:7
We never know God — until He gives us the heart to know Him. And after we do know Him — we can be satisfied with nothing short of Himself.
"And when the people complained — it displeased the Lord." Numbers 11:1
Who ever had less reason to complain — and yet who so ready to do it? Just so it is now; those who have the least reason, complain the most.
"I am God, even Your God!" Psalm 1:7
If Jehovah is our God, we should worship, believe, obey, and submit to Him; and then we would rise superior to all outward circumstances.
I am your God — well think of this,
When all things seem to go amiss;
This turns the darkest night to day.
And saves the heart from sad dismay!
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." Job 28, 28
The fear of the Lord includes faith, love, worship, and obedience. Such as thus fear God, are truly wise.
"To wait for His Son from Heaven." 1 Thessalonians 1:10
As the loving bride never feels satisfied while her bridegroom is away — but waits and longs for His return — just so should we for Christ's coming.
"The friend of publicans and sinners!" Matthew 11:19
It was the enemies of Jesus who gave Him this title. But it was so honorable to Him, and so encouraging to us — that He has condescended to wear it ever since!
"Christ died for the ungodly!" Romans 5:6
Jesus died for ungodly sinners — and He died for them to redeem them from iniquity, and restore them to God.
And could you, my Savior, die,
To rescue me from endless woe?
Enough! there's none more blessed than I,
Since you could love a sinner so.
"The God of all grace has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus!" 1 Peter 5:10
God is infinitely gracious, and He has displayed it by calling insignificant worms to inherit His glorious kingdom!
"His mercy is on those who fear Him." Luke 1:50
The mercy of God is like the sun — ever communicating, but never decreasing. It is fixed on all who fear God.
"He is the Head of the body, the Church." Colossians 1:18
Jesus rules His Church as its Head. But be also thinks for it, feels for it, provides for it, protects it, and supplies it.
"Who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame." Hebrews 12:2
Jesus kept His eye on the crown — while enduring the cross. So should we. The cross is the way to the crown.
"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it." Luke 12:29
The concerns of time should always be secondary. A diligent use of means, should ever be accompanied with trust in God.
"Where I am — there shall my servant be also." John 12:26
We are now where Jesus was — and as Jesus was.
We shall soon be where He is — and as He is!
"Little children, your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake." 1 John 2:12
Every child of God is pardoned. His pardon flows to Him through the cross of Jesus, and is bestowed upon Him the moment He believes.
My soul, forget not what is due,
To Him whose suffering pardon brings;
Nor cease to keep the cross in view,
The cross will teach you wondrous things!
"The desire of the righteous shall be granted." Proverbs 10:24
Desire is the proof of life, and test or nature. If our natures are holy — so will our desires be; and then God will grant them.
To you, O Lord, I look alone;
To you, to whom all hearts are known:
To walk with you, my soul aspires;
Oh, satisfy my soul's desires.
"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh." Romans 13:14
If we would be just before God — we must put on the work of Christ.
If we would be consistent before men — we must put on the temper of Christ.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecclesiastes 9:10
Every Christian should be a diligent man — but especially in Christian duties. We have no time to loiter or delay.
Whatever our hands shall find to do,
Today may we with zeal pursue;
Seize fleeting moments as they fly,
And live as we would wish to die!
"Blessed are those who mourn — for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:5
If we are mourning over sin, and after the Savior — we are under the blessing, and comfort is sure.
"You hid Your face, and I was troubled." Psalms 30:7
When the Lord smiles — the believer rejoices. When He frowns — his soul is sorrowful; but then is the time to trust His changeless word.
"I have longed for Your salvation, O Lord." Psalm 119:174
The believer daily longs for complete deliverance from sin, and the possession of perfect holiness: this to Him is salvation.
View, dearest Lord, my longing heart,
Which pants and sighs for Thee!
And oh, Yourself and Heaven impart,
For there I long to be!
"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Isaiah 9:6
Never was there such a birth before! A holy child — from a polluted mother; an infant of days — yet the everlasting Father!
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you." 2 Corinthians 9:8
Whatever we need — is comprised in the word grace.
And whatever grace we need — is provided in Jesus.
And what He has — He will bestow.
"Him who overcomes — I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it." Revelation 3:12
The conflict will only cease with life! We must die with our armor on — and only put it off to receive the crown!
A few successful struggles yet,
Then not a conflict more!
Satan and sin shall ne'er assault,
On the celestial shore!
