| |
| 1. | Authority and Power |
| If ever there was a moment, in the history of the professing church, in which it behooved people to have divine authority for their path, and divine power to pursue it, this is the moment. There are so many conflicting opinions, so many jarring voices, so many opposing schools, so |
| 2. | Blinding Power of a False System on a True Christian, The |
| In the life of Margaret, the Saxon queen of Malcolm III., of Scotland, we have a curious but interesting example of the evil effects of a false ecclesiastical system on a truly pious mind. She was fortunate in having obtained a good education, and had a good. knowledge of the |
| 3. | Brazen Serpent, The |
| There can be no question as to the application of the familiar type of the brazen serpent. The Lord Himself has explained its import in His memorable words to Nicodemus, and thus precluded all mere effort of imagination. " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so |
| 4. | But I Know Something Better Than That |
| The simplest incident will sometimes awaken the deepest reflection and lead the thoughts into the most blessed paths of profitable meditation; especially if a name which has a ready answer in the heart is mentioned. |
| 5. | But Jesus Could Hear Me in the Dark |
| In one of the humble dwellings of the poor, not very far from London, there lived and died, some years ago, a dear, dear little boy, only eight years old. But young though he was, he had learned at the Sunday school to know and love Jesus. At so tender |
| 6. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the |
| Alone, in the secret of the divine presence, separated for a little while from the outer world, and even from the activities of the Lord's work, let thy thoughts be engaged, 0 my soul, with that which will lead thee into the closest and sweetest communion with divine and heavenly |
| 7. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the |
| The promises first made to Abraham in chapter 12. are now confirmed to Isaac—the dead and risen boil.—and others are added. There must always be an increase of blessing to the soul in every fresh sacrifice that we make for God. Abraham now knows God as Jehovah-jireh—the Lord will provide—which |
| 8. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the |
| Abraham, now old and well-stricken in age, is here seen in the full intelligence and power of his position and character as a man of God—as God's man in that place. All he says and does proves this. He had the mind of God. But how beautiful to see an |
| 9. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the |
| The character of the agreement between Abraham and his servant, clearly reveal to us the position of Isaac at that time. He was with his father in the land of Canaan, and there he was to remain until a bride was found for him. Come what may, one thing was |
| 10. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the |
| Abraham's servant, the steward of his house, having sworn to his master concerning the matter, departed for Mesopotamia, the city of Nahor. (Vers. 9, 10.) Isaac is maintained in the place of separation. and the servant goes forth from the father to seek a bride for the risen heir. He |
| 11. | Call of the Bride, Meditations on the: The Call and Journey of Rebekah |
| (Gen. 22; 23; 24) |
| 12. | Christian Priesthood, The |
| We want the reader to open his bible and read 1 Pet. 2:1-9 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:1-9). In this lovely scripture he will find three words on which we shall ask him to dwell with us for a little. They are words of weight and power—words which indicate three great branches of practical |
| 13. | Conflicting Opinions |
| In visiting, a short time since, in a town in the north of England, I had occasion to call to see a person in a back street in a district with which I was not familiar. Not being sure of my way, I addressed a boy whom I saw standing |
| 14. | Correspondence |
| 1. " N. N." Your case commands our deepest sympathy; but we could not attempt to reply to either of your questions in the pages of a Magazine. This your own moral sense will approve. We were unable to send you a personal reply within the time you named. All |
| 15. | Correspondence |
| 8. " J. F.," Boness. Heb. 12:7 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (Hebrews 12:7) teaches us, most surely, to leave ourselves wholly in God's hands, whatever be the character or measure of the chastening. It helps most blessedly to this end to bear in mind that God is dealing with us as sons. There is nothing |
| 16. | Correspondence |
| 14. "Daisy," Torquay. The publisher is the one to whom you should apply. |
| 17. | Correspondence |
| 26. "A. T.," London. The special point in Matthew 6:16-18 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:16-18), seems to be that we ought not to seek the notice of others in the matter of fasting. "That thou appear not unto men to fast." There is nothing said about trying to hide it from men. In |
| 18. | Correspondence |
| 34. " Mary." Your communication was entirely too late for our April issue. Our reply is summed up in that pointed inquiry of the prophet, " Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" Let nothing induce you to link yourself with one who is not one with you in |
| 19. | Correspondence |
| 40. " L. E. D.," Gravesend. Accept our warmest thanks for your most delightful letter. It has greatly refreshed and encouraged us. May the dear Lord abundantly bless you! |
| 20. | Correspondence |
| 52. " A.," Bristol. We do not wonder at your being " much perplexed" if you could imagine for a moment that " a sweetly taught child of God" could give utterance to such a sentiment as that she " lives a sinless life." Do you not remember what the |
| 21. | Correspondence |
| 58. " Letitia," London. Judging from the earnest tone of your letter we cannot doubt the reality of the Spirit's work in your precious soul. What you want, now, is settled rest of conscience in the finished work of Christ, and rest of heart in Himself as an object to |
| 22. | Correspondence |
| 64. " S. J. L.," Islington. We do not know of any meeting there. |
| 23. | Correspondence |
| 78. " K. P.," Tunbridge Wells. Scripture nowhere teaches that Christ bore the sins of the world. Had He done so, then no one could ever be lost. It is utterly impossible that Christ could have borne the sins of anyone, and that one not be saved. In {vi |
| 24. | Correspondence |
| 80. " J. L.," Forest Hill. We could not recommend the printing of your lines; though we have no objection to offer to the use you make of the incident. |
| 25. | Course of This World, The |
| 26. | Death |
| There are two ways of looking at death—two standpoints from which to view it; and no human language can set forth all that is involved in the solemn and weighty question—" How do I look at this profound mystery of death?" |
| 27. | Divine Anathema, The |
| It is difficult to speak or write without deep feeling when dwelling on that awful word, and with so many on every side who are utterly careless as to its dread reality. " If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha"—-accursed of the Lord |
| 28. | Divine Intimacy |
| The intimacy between the Lord and His elect is beyond, we may say, what is known elsewhere. Angels do His pleasure, wait in His presence, have kept their first estate, and excel in that strength that serves Him. But they are not where elect sinners are. They learn, through the |
| 29. | Gleanings |
| When Bulstrode Whitelocke was dispatched as Cromwell's envoy to Sweden, in 1653, he was much disturbed in mind, as he rested at Harwich the preceding night—which was very stormy—as lie thought upon the distracted state of the nation. It happened that a confidential servant slept in an adjacent bed, who, |
| 30. | Gleanings |
| Who Ought To Be Helped. Tile Egyptian hieroglyphic of charity is very striking and suggestive,—a naked child, with a heart in his hand, giving honey to a bee without wings. 1. A child, humble and meek. (Matt. 18:3 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3).) 2. With a heart in his hand, because the |
| 31. | Gleanings |
| "Faith," says Archdeacon Law, " is the brightest star in the firmament of grace. High is its origin—for it is born in heaven. Lowly is its abode—for it dwells on earth in the hearts of the redeemed. Mighty are its deeds—for it prevails with God, and over sin and Satan. |
| 32. | Gleanings |
| God's sovereign will to do anything is enough for the creature to bow to. That sovereign will, will always be consistent with His own nature. Confidence in God's character quiets my soul. Reasoning gives me no comfort about anything—Believing does. |
| 33. | Gleanings |
| Those who know heaven to be their home can look upon all things now as a stepping-stone helping them on up there. |
| 34. | Gleanings |
| It was the beautiful reply of a child when asked " What is faith?" and she answered, " Doing God's will, and asking no questions." |
| 35. | Gleanings |
| " Faith is the soul's outward not inward look. The object on which faith fixes its eye is not the heart's ever-varying frames, but the never-varying Christ." |
| 36. | Gleanings |
| Our hope is not hung upon such an untwisted thread as " I imagine so," or " It is likely"—but the cable, the strong rope, of our fastened anchor, is the oath and promise of Him who is eternal verity; our salvation is fastened with God's own hand, and Christ's |
| 37. | Gleanings |
| There lived in a certain village an aged disciple, in what men would call very poor circumstances. She had, as we say, no visible source of supply; but she depended upon the living God to meet her daily need; and no one who does so can ever be said to |
| 38. | Gleanings |
| Two servants of the Lord went, on one occasion, to preach the gospel at a village, about five miles from the town where they resided. The enemy sought to hinder, as he ever does, and stirred up certain of that class so aptly designated, in the Acts of the Apostles, |
| 39. | Gleanings |
| Did we but enter, with a more artless faith, into the truth that there is a real Man—the Man Christ Jesus, One whose sympathy is perfect, whose love is fathomless, whose power is omnipotent, whose wisdom is infinite, whose resources are exhaustless, whose riches are unsearchable, whose ear is open |
| 40. | God for Us: Part 1 |
| How much is wrapped up in these few words,—"God for us!" They form one of those marvelous chains of three links so frequently found in scripture. We have "God" linked on to "us" by that precious little word "for." This secures everything, for time and eternity. There is not a |
| 41. | God for Us: Part 2 |
| In pursuing what we may truly call the golden chain of evidence in proof that God is for us, we have dwelt upon the two precious facts of the gift and the death of His Son. We have traveled from the bosom to the cross, along that mysterious and marvelous |
| 42. | Good, Great and Chief Shepherd, The |
| As the good Shepherd, the blessed Lord died for His sheep. " I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.... As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.... I give |
| 43. | Helps |
| The little word which we have just penned occurs in the first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 7:28, where the inspired writer enumerates the various gifts and orders of ministry in the assembly. " God hath set sonic in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that, miracles; |
| 44. | I Am the Shepherd True |
| 45. | I Press Toward the Mark |
| "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14). |
| 46. | Jehovah's Demand and Satan's Objections: Part 1 |
| "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness." Exod. 5:1 1 And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. (Exodus 5:1). |
| 47. | Jehovah's Demand and Satan's Objections: Part 2 |
| It is marvelous, and yet not marvelous, to note the way in which Satan disputes every inch of the ground, in the grand question of Israel's deliverance from the land of Egypt. He would allow them to worship in the land, or near the land; but their absolute |
| 48. | John 4:6-26 |
| 49. | Just as I Am |
| The moment a sinner takes his true place, as one thoroughly lost, guilty and undone—as one who is so bad, that he cannot, possibly, be worse, there is an immediate, a divine settlement of the entire question of sin. The grace of God deals with sinners; and when I know |
| 50. | Little and Often |
| "Do you ever feel heavy and dull in private prayer, and not at all up to the mark?" said a dear experienced pastor to a young disciple. "Indeed. I do," said she. " And what do you do?" said he. " Well, I would rather that you should tell me |
| 51. | Man of God, The: Part 1 |
| The sentence which we have just penned occurs in Paul's second Epistle to his beloved son Timothy—an epistle marked, as we know, by intense individuality. All thoughtful students of scripture have noticed the striking contrast between the two Epistles of Paul to Timothy. In the first, the church is presented |
| 52. | Man of God, The: Part 2 |
| To all whose eyes have been opened to see their true condition, by nature—who have been brought under the convicting power of the Holy Ghost—who know aught of the real meaning of a broken heart and a contrite spirit—to all such it must be of the deepest possible interest to |
| 53. | Man of God, The: Part 3 |
| Having considered, in our last two numbers, the deeply interesting question of " A man in nature " and " A man in Christ," it remains for us, now, to dwell for a little, in the third and last place, on the thoroughly practical subject suggested by the title of |
| 54. | My Father's House |
| 55. | Not Dying - I'm Going to Live |
| The mere dry doctrines of what theologians and reasoners call " the full assurance of faith, and the final perseverance of the saints," are widely different things to the calm repose of a soul which has found its home and rest in the presence of God. Here the heart is |
| 56. | Peace and Progress |
| There are two great practical questions which imperatively demand, as they, most assuredly, deserve, the attention of every serious, thoughtful person. The first question is, What is the basis of peace? The second, What is the secret of progress? We do not mean to enlarge, but merely offer a hint |
| 57. | Praise Ye the Father |
| 58. | Pure Religion |
| 59. | Risen Saviour's Challenge, A: Part 1 |
| The period during which our blessed Lord lay in the tomb must needs have proved a dark and bewildering Moment to many of those who looked for redemption Israel. It would demand a calm, clear and vigorous faith to raise the heart above the heavy clouds which gathered, just then, |
| 60. | Risen Saviour's Challenge, A: Part 2 |
| It is impossible to read this charming section of inspiration and not be struck with what we may venture to call the rallying power of a risen Savior's voice and presence. We see the dear disciples scattered hither and thither, in doubt and perplexity, fear and despondency—some running to the |
| 61. | Safe Guidance |
| 62. | Salvation: Part 1 |
| What depth, power, and fullness in the brief passage which we have just culled from the book of Jonah! What a truth it presents to the heart! " Salvation is of the Lord." It is not of man, nor by man. It is divine. There is not one atom of |
| 63. | Salvation: Part 2 |
| "Salvation is of the Lord." Precious words! Most precious to all those to whom the Holy Ghost has interpreted the meaning and force of that one little word " lost." Only such can really understand them. When Jonah uttered these words, he was, in good truth, as low as |
| 64. | Sunlight in the Heart |
| 65. | Teach Me to Live |
| 66. | Tell Me of One to Love That Will Never Die |
| So said a little girl to her mother one clay, when feeling lonely and sorrowful after the death of a little brother. They had been loving companions, constantly together, and she, being the elder, no doubt exercised a watchful care over him, and felt a personal interest in him. It |
| 67. | Thirsty Travelers, The |
| 68. | This Is Thy Love, My God |
| 69. | Three Crosses, The: Part 1 |
| We want the reader to turn aside with us for a few moments, and meditate upon those three crosses. If we mistake not, he will find a very wide field of truth opened before him in the brief but comprehensive record given at the head of this article. |
| 70. | Three Crosses, The: Part 2 |
| Having dwelt, for a little, on that marvelous center cross to which the Lord of Glory was nailed, for our redemption, we shall now turn to the other two, and seek to learn some solemn and weighty lessons front the inspired record concerning the men who hung thereon. We shall |
| 71. | Three Crosses, The: Part 3 |
| The case of the penitent thief furnishes a very fine illustration of Peter's weighty sentence, " Repent and be converted." It teaches us in a clear and forcible manner, the true meaning of repentance and conversion- two subjects so little understood—so sadly clouded by false teaching. |
| 72. | Today |
| A christian gentleman, in the south of England, once posted up the following notice outside his gate, " Whosoever will call up at my house, to-day, shall receive a ten pound note." |
| 73. | Touching Incident, A |
| How often we may learn a most valuable lesson from some trifling incident of daily life! We remember, once, a dear, loving, charming little boy who was in the constant habit of coming to his father's study whenever he wanted anything. If lie wanted his ball settled, or his pencil |
| 74. | Two Mites, The |
| "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." |
| 75. | Two Solemn Facts |
| " For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt." Mark 9:49 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. (Mark 9:49). |
| 76. | Waiting for Thee, Lord |
| 77. | With Thee Is the Fountain of Life |
| 78. | Work of the Gospel, Reflections on the |
| It is safer far to speak of the results of a brief gospel mission a year after than just at the time. So much interest is awakened, it may be in a quiet country town, by such occasional visits that nearly the whole place is aroused. Like the bursting forth |