FEW save those accustomed to move in and out among the circles of Christians know the various states of soul in which they are. From all, profitable lessons can be learned, the different needs, the many wants, the many spiritual requirements in the way of peace, rest, joy, &c.
In perhaps nine cases out of ten, one meets with the same difficulty on their part, viz, non-assurance of salvation, unconscious of a present forgiveness, and as a result, there is no real rest of conscience and soul. Moreover the despair, the anguish of spirit depicted on the countenance, the restlessness within, is such as the mind can but ill conceive, unless it has been plunged into similar experiences. Further, what is perhaps galling to the consciously delivered child of God is, that by many so-called ministers of the gospel such a state of feverish anxiety, distrust of God and His precious word is recommended as the only right one; this, eagerly swallowed by their flock only adds fuel to the fire, another drop of sorrow to that already well filled cup of despair. In such a case we need to urge a repair to the light and testimony of Scripture; if it speak after such a sort as to warrant this kind of Christian experience, then let anguish fill the soul and never let her be free from being tossed about on the stormy ocean of doubts and fears, keep the haven as far off as possible; but, on the other hand, if it condemn this, if the gospel provide an everlasting consolation, if it promise a present eternal life, and offer a consciously known forgiveness of sins, then rest upon this blessed rock, it is the word of our God, it is the Christian’s sure resource, and, made a living reality by the Holy Ghost, it fills the heart with peace and joy. But enough, I must begin with that which is more immediately the subject of these remarks.
Laboring in a little village of our Isle, my custom is to visit a few of its inhabitants. The occupant of a poorly furnished room drew more especially my attention, for she had been reported to me as one that cared for the durable things of God. Gaining an entrance, I sat by her side. There on her table lay the ponderous volume, which for not a few years had been her solace. She had reached long since the summit of life’s hill, and was fast descending. Friend after friend had dropped off, earthly comforts had failed, and reduced to very indigence, and crippled in both her legs, she presented outwardly but a poor spectacle. But she was in very truth a chosen vessel, one prepared beforehand for glory, a beggar raised from the dunghill to be seated soon amongst princes, an heir of God and joint heir of Christ, yet was she ignorant of these divine facts, these potent truths; Such realities so unique in their character, were to her as yet unmeaning words.
“And so you love the word of God,” said I, “and doubtless Him of whom it speaks?”
“Indeed I do and have for many years.”
About His love we spoke at some length, and then alluded to what that affection provides.
“And so you have trusted Him with the joy of one who knows that eternal life is hers.”
“Ah,” said she “that is another thing, to pray for it is right, and to venture to suppose we shall have it by a continued perseverance is not wrong, but there can be no certainty in this vale of tears.” And with a face a too faithful expression of inward sorrow, she struggled from day to day, from hour to hour, wrestling and agonizing for that priceless gift, which a faithful Lord and Saviour had not only offered her, but better still, had even said she possessed. How strange to pray for what we are actually in possession of, to hope for what we have, to desire what we have already got.
Turn with me to John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36), and read, and, in passing, allow me to caution you my reader, as it was thought needful to advise her: study contemplate, read and re-read those precious words, every one perfectly simple yet having a depth which the soul finds is—shall I say more than—equal to the greatness of the want. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” Where is feeling in the verse? It is excluded. By what law? That of faith which counts and builds upon the unchanging promises of the yea and amen, which arrogates no superiority but His, which desires nothing more on the point of salvation than what He has deigned to see fit to reveal. Immediately the light entered in, dispelled the darkness, and gave rest where all before was anxiety. Those peace-giving words, “hath everlasting life” were God’s seal to her belief. No longer waiting to feel, and pray, and hope, possession was hers, its enjoyment soon followed. It was the blessing of the Lord which was making rich, and if no sorrow accompanied it, certainly no grief was its result.
How wrong then dear reader, is it to dispute your title to this eternal inheritance, to call in question your salvation. Has God declared that faith in his Son is all that He demands, and that as a consequence such an act is followed by eternal life as ours, and glory secured in the self-same way? Search for yourself.
He has neither by His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. spoken in vain, nor yet has the subsequent testimony of the Holy Ghost proved other than a confirming of the words of our Lord when in writing to the Ephesians He declared that “by grace are ye saved.”
Lean with your whole weight on so precious and stable a foundation. Others are like shifting sands, or a house built without a solid basis. May God in His infinite grace open the now half closed eyes, so that not with dimness of vision you shall see men as trees walking, but with calm and holy gaze look into heaven itself, where the anchor of your soul is “sure and steadfast.” Let me beseech you not to rob your heart of that privilege so excellent, that peace so unchanging, that comfort so unfailing, which a godly determination to repose on the words of our Lord so faithfully gives. And may I close with this, that not only will you be the gainer, but better still, He and His work will be honored as nothing else can glorify it.
E. J. G.