The Puritans on Adoption by Joel Beeke
We can do no better than to begin this recommendation of Heirs with Christ with Mr. Beeke`s quotation from Thomas Watson, the Puritan, in his Body of Divinity, “We have enough in us to move God to correct us, but nothing to move Him to adopt us, therefore exalt free grace, begin the work of angels here; bless Him with your praises who hath blessed you His sons and daughters”. A glance at the comprehensive bibliography at the end of the book reveals the extent of interest that there has been, and still is, in this doctrine of Adoption.This is what Samuel Willard (1684) says on this subject, “God did not adopt us because we were lovely, but that we might be so. God saw as much beauty in others as in us, and that was none at all! And hence, that He should adopt us at all is a demonstration of His inconceivable grace!”
Dr. Beeke, after distinguishing between human and divine adoption, ably summarises the privileges and benefits of Adoption into God's family: as a Father, 1. God cuts us off from the family to which we naturally belong in Adam as children of wrath and of the devil, and He engrafts us into His own family to make us members of the covenant family of God. 2. He gives us freedom to call on Him by name and gives us a new name, 2 Chron. 7:14. 3. He gifts us with the Spirit of Adoption. 4. He grants us likeness to Himself and to His Son. 5. He strengthens our faith through His gifts of promises and prayer. 6. He corrects and chastens us for our sanctification, Hebrews 12:6. 7. He comforts us with His love and pity. 8. He counsels and directs us. 9. He offers us spiritual, Christian liberty as His sons and daughters, John 8:36. 10. He preserves us and keeps us from falling, 1 Peter 1:5. 11. He provides everything that we need as His children, both physically and spiritually, Psalm 34:10. 12. He gives His angels, as ministering spirits, to serve us for good, Psalm 34:7. 13. He makes death a narrow gate to lead us into everlasting life in heaven.
The Church today would richly benefit from this exposure of Puritan teaching on the biblical doctrine of Adoption. Therefore, we highly commend Dr. Beeke's book to old and young alike.
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books (2008)
ISBN-10: 1601780400
ISBN-13: 978-1601780409
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Providence Handled Practically
Introduced and edited by Joel R. Beeke and Matthew Winzer.
Obadiah Sedgwick in this brief but valuable book opens up the subject of Divine Providence, showing to us the right and godly response to it. The first two chapters deal with the subject of God's general providence over all creation, His church and His people.
He then from chapter three makes some useful applications. 1) Learn to depend on Providence of God , 2) learn not to vex your mind, 3) Wait upon Providence, and finally 4) Be content. In conclusion he write concerning comfort and duty for the people of God. With regards to the former he begins, “Since there is a special Providence actively and effectually laying out itself in a special way for the good of the church, then this may be as a rock for the church, on which it may rest itself in all the varieties and difficulties of its militant estate and condition” And then in “Regarding duty,” he writes, “there are several things which concern the church, especially when the enemies attack, and she seems to be desolate, oppresses, and it seems that God does not go forth with her armies. He then gives three pressing duties 1. The church must reform, 2)The church must also put itself upon this singular Providence by fervent and humble prayer, 3) Engage this singular Providence for you by your trust in God.
This excellent and timely reprint, for which we are grateful, is more than worth its money and will be enjoyed by those who love sound doctrine and believe in experimental Christianity.
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books (2007)
ISBN-10: 1601780257
ISBN-13: 978-1601780256
Obadiah Sedgwick in this brief but valuable book opens up the subject of Divine Providence, showing to us the right and godly response to it. The first two chapters deal with the subject of God's general providence over all creation, His church and His people.
He then from chapter three makes some useful applications. 1) Learn to depend on Providence of God , 2) learn not to vex your mind, 3) Wait upon Providence, and finally 4) Be content. In conclusion he write concerning comfort and duty for the people of God. With regards to the former he begins, “Since there is a special Providence actively and effectually laying out itself in a special way for the good of the church, then this may be as a rock for the church, on which it may rest itself in all the varieties and difficulties of its militant estate and condition” And then in “Regarding duty,” he writes, “there are several things which concern the church, especially when the enemies attack, and she seems to be desolate, oppresses, and it seems that God does not go forth with her armies. He then gives three pressing duties 1. The church must reform, 2)The church must also put itself upon this singular Providence by fervent and humble prayer, 3) Engage this singular Providence for you by your trust in God.
This excellent and timely reprint, for which we are grateful, is more than worth its money and will be enjoyed by those who love sound doctrine and believe in experimental Christianity.
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books (2007)
ISBN-10: 1601780257
ISBN-13: 978-1601780256
A Christian on the Mount
A Treatise Concerning Meditation By Thomas Watson.
"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2
Having led you through the Chamber of Delight in my previous discourse, I will now bring you into the Withdrawing Room of Meditation. "In his law does he meditate day and night”
I. The opening of the Words, and the Proposition asserted.
Grace breeds delight in God, and delight breeds meditation. Meditation is a duty wherein consists the essentials of religion, and which nourishes the very life-blood of it. That the Psalmist may show how much the godly man is habituated to this blessed work of meditation, he subjoins, "In his law does he meditate day and night;" not but that there may be sometimes intermission: God allows time for our calling, he grants some relaxation; but when it is said, the godly man meditates day and night, the meaning is, frequently - he is much conversant in the duty.
It is a command of God to pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. 5:17. The meaning is - not that we should be always praying - but that we should every day set some time apart for prayer. We read in the Old law it was called the continual sacrifice, Numb. 28:24, not that the people of Israel did nothing else but sacrifice - but because they had their stated hours, every morning and evening they offered, therefore it was called the continual sacrifice. Thus the godly man is said to meditate day and night, that is, he is often at this work, he is no stranger to meditation.
Doctrine. The proposition that results out of the text is this - that a godly Christian is a meditating Christian, Psalm 119:15. "I will meditate in your precepts." 1 Tim. 4:15, "Meditate upon these things." Meditation is the chewing upon the truths we have heard. The beasts in the old law which did not chew the cud, were unclean; the professor who does not by meditation chew the cud, is to be accounted unclean. Meditation is like the watering of the seed, it makes the fruits of grace to flourish.
II. Showing the NATURE of Meditation.
If it be inquired what meditation is, I answer - Meditation is the soul's retiring of itself, that by a serious and solemn thinking upon God, the heart may be raised up to heavenly affections. This description has three branches.
1. Meditation is the soul's retiring of itself. A Christian, when he goes to meditate, must lock up himself from the world. The world spoils meditation; Christ went by himself into the mountainside to pray, Matt. 14:23, so, go into a solitary place when you are to meditate. "Isaac went out to meditate in the field," Gen. 24:63; he sequestered and retired himself that he might take a walk with God by meditation. Zaccheus had a mind to see Christ, and he got out of the crowd, "He ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him," Luke 19:3, 4. So, when we would see God, we must get out of the crowd of worldly business; we must climb up into the tree by retiredness of meditation, and there we shall have the best prospect of heaven.
The world's music will either play us asleep, or distract us in our meditations. When a mote has gotten into the eye - it hinders the sight. Just so, when worldly thoughts, as motes, are gotten into the mind, which is the eye of the soul - it cannot look up so steadfastly to heaven by contemplation. Therefore, as when Abraham went to sacrifice, "he left his servant and the donkey at the bottom of the hill," Gen. 22:5, so, when a Christian is going up the hill of meditation, he should leave all secular cares at the bottom of the hill, that he may be alone, and take a turn in heaven. If the wings of the bird are full of slime, she cannot fly. Meditation is the wing of the soul; when a Christian is beslimed with earth, he cannot fly to God upon this wing. Bernard when he came to the church-door, used to say, "Stay here all my worldly thoughts, that I may converse with God in the temple." So say to yourself, "I am going now to meditate, O all you vain thoughts stay behind, come not near!" When you are going up the mount of meditation, take heed that the world does not follow you, and throw you down from the top of this pinnacle. This is the first thing, the soul's retiring of itself - lock and bolt the door against the world.
2. The second thing in meditation, is, a serious and solemn thinking upon God. The Hebrew word to meditate, signifies with intenseness to recollect and gather together the thoughts. Meditation is not a cursory work, to have a few transient thoughts of religion; like the dogs of Nilus that lap and then run away; but there must be in meditation a fixing the heart upon the object, a steeping the thoughts. Carnal professors have their thoughts roving up and down, and will not fix on God; like the bird that hops from one branch to another, and stays in no one place. David was a man fit to meditate, "O God, my heart is fixed," Psalm 108:1. In meditation there must be a staying of the thoughts upon the object; a man who rides quickly through a town or village - he minds nothing. But an artist who is looking on a curious piece, views the whole portraiture of it, he observes the symmetry and proportion, he minds every shadow and color. A carnal, flitting professor, is like the traveler, his thoughts ride hastily - he minds nothing of God. A wise Christian is like the artist, he views with seriousness, and ponders the things of religion, Luke 2:19. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
3. The third thing in meditation, is, the raising of the heart to holy affections. A Christian enters into meditation, as a man enters into the hospital - that he may be healed. Meditation heals the soul of its deadness and earthliness: but more of this afterwards.
III. Proving Meditation to be a DUTY.
Meditation is a duty lying upon every Christian, and there is no disputing our duty. Meditation is a duty, 1. Imposed. 2. Opposed.
1. Meditation is a duty imposed - it is not arbitrary. The same God who has bid us believe, has bid us meditate, Josh. 1:8. "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth - but you shall meditate therein day and night." These words, though spoken to the person of Joshua, yet they concern everyone; as the promise made to Joshua concerned all believers, Josh. 1:5 compared with Heb. 13:5. So this precept made to the person of Joshua, you shall meditate in this book of the law, takes in all Christians. As God's Word does direct, so his will must enforce obedience.
2. Meditation is a duty opposed. We may conclude it is a good duty, because it is against the stream of corrupt nature. As one said, "you may know that religion is right - which Nero persecutes;" so you may know that is a good duty - which the heart opposes. We shall find naturally a strange averseness from meditation. We are swift to hear - but slow to meditate. To think of the world, if it were all day long, is delightful. But as for holy meditation, how does the heart wrangle and quarrel with this duty; it is like doing of penance. Now truly, there needs no other reason to prove a duty to be good, than the reluctancy of a carnal heart. To instance in the duty of "Let a man deny himself," Matthew. 16:24, self-denial is as necessary as heaven - but what disputes are raised in the heart against it? What! to deny my reason, and become a fool that I may be wise; nay, not only to deny my reason - but my righteousness? What, to cast it overboard, and swim to heaven upon the plank of Christ's merits? This is such a duty that the heart does naturally oppose, and enter its dissent against. This is an argument to prove the duty of self-denial good; just so it is with this duty of meditation; the secret antipathy the heart has against it, shows it to be good; and this is reason enough to enforce meditation.
"His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalm 1:2
Having led you through the Chamber of Delight in my previous discourse, I will now bring you into the Withdrawing Room of Meditation. "In his law does he meditate day and night”
I. The opening of the Words, and the Proposition asserted.
Grace breeds delight in God, and delight breeds meditation. Meditation is a duty wherein consists the essentials of religion, and which nourishes the very life-blood of it. That the Psalmist may show how much the godly man is habituated to this blessed work of meditation, he subjoins, "In his law does he meditate day and night;" not but that there may be sometimes intermission: God allows time for our calling, he grants some relaxation; but when it is said, the godly man meditates day and night, the meaning is, frequently - he is much conversant in the duty.
It is a command of God to pray without ceasing, 1 Thess. 5:17. The meaning is - not that we should be always praying - but that we should every day set some time apart for prayer. We read in the Old law it was called the continual sacrifice, Numb. 28:24, not that the people of Israel did nothing else but sacrifice - but because they had their stated hours, every morning and evening they offered, therefore it was called the continual sacrifice. Thus the godly man is said to meditate day and night, that is, he is often at this work, he is no stranger to meditation.
Doctrine. The proposition that results out of the text is this - that a godly Christian is a meditating Christian, Psalm 119:15. "I will meditate in your precepts." 1 Tim. 4:15, "Meditate upon these things." Meditation is the chewing upon the truths we have heard. The beasts in the old law which did not chew the cud, were unclean; the professor who does not by meditation chew the cud, is to be accounted unclean. Meditation is like the watering of the seed, it makes the fruits of grace to flourish.
II. Showing the NATURE of Meditation.
If it be inquired what meditation is, I answer - Meditation is the soul's retiring of itself, that by a serious and solemn thinking upon God, the heart may be raised up to heavenly affections. This description has three branches.
1. Meditation is the soul's retiring of itself. A Christian, when he goes to meditate, must lock up himself from the world. The world spoils meditation; Christ went by himself into the mountainside to pray, Matt. 14:23, so, go into a solitary place when you are to meditate. "Isaac went out to meditate in the field," Gen. 24:63; he sequestered and retired himself that he might take a walk with God by meditation. Zaccheus had a mind to see Christ, and he got out of the crowd, "He ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him," Luke 19:3, 4. So, when we would see God, we must get out of the crowd of worldly business; we must climb up into the tree by retiredness of meditation, and there we shall have the best prospect of heaven.
The world's music will either play us asleep, or distract us in our meditations. When a mote has gotten into the eye - it hinders the sight. Just so, when worldly thoughts, as motes, are gotten into the mind, which is the eye of the soul - it cannot look up so steadfastly to heaven by contemplation. Therefore, as when Abraham went to sacrifice, "he left his servant and the donkey at the bottom of the hill," Gen. 22:5, so, when a Christian is going up the hill of meditation, he should leave all secular cares at the bottom of the hill, that he may be alone, and take a turn in heaven. If the wings of the bird are full of slime, she cannot fly. Meditation is the wing of the soul; when a Christian is beslimed with earth, he cannot fly to God upon this wing. Bernard when he came to the church-door, used to say, "Stay here all my worldly thoughts, that I may converse with God in the temple." So say to yourself, "I am going now to meditate, O all you vain thoughts stay behind, come not near!" When you are going up the mount of meditation, take heed that the world does not follow you, and throw you down from the top of this pinnacle. This is the first thing, the soul's retiring of itself - lock and bolt the door against the world.
2. The second thing in meditation, is, a serious and solemn thinking upon God. The Hebrew word to meditate, signifies with intenseness to recollect and gather together the thoughts. Meditation is not a cursory work, to have a few transient thoughts of religion; like the dogs of Nilus that lap and then run away; but there must be in meditation a fixing the heart upon the object, a steeping the thoughts. Carnal professors have their thoughts roving up and down, and will not fix on God; like the bird that hops from one branch to another, and stays in no one place. David was a man fit to meditate, "O God, my heart is fixed," Psalm 108:1. In meditation there must be a staying of the thoughts upon the object; a man who rides quickly through a town or village - he minds nothing. But an artist who is looking on a curious piece, views the whole portraiture of it, he observes the symmetry and proportion, he minds every shadow and color. A carnal, flitting professor, is like the traveler, his thoughts ride hastily - he minds nothing of God. A wise Christian is like the artist, he views with seriousness, and ponders the things of religion, Luke 2:19. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
3. The third thing in meditation, is, the raising of the heart to holy affections. A Christian enters into meditation, as a man enters into the hospital - that he may be healed. Meditation heals the soul of its deadness and earthliness: but more of this afterwards.
III. Proving Meditation to be a DUTY.
Meditation is a duty lying upon every Christian, and there is no disputing our duty. Meditation is a duty, 1. Imposed. 2. Opposed.
1. Meditation is a duty imposed - it is not arbitrary. The same God who has bid us believe, has bid us meditate, Josh. 1:8. "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth - but you shall meditate therein day and night." These words, though spoken to the person of Joshua, yet they concern everyone; as the promise made to Joshua concerned all believers, Josh. 1:5 compared with Heb. 13:5. So this precept made to the person of Joshua, you shall meditate in this book of the law, takes in all Christians. As God's Word does direct, so his will must enforce obedience.
2. Meditation is a duty opposed. We may conclude it is a good duty, because it is against the stream of corrupt nature. As one said, "you may know that religion is right - which Nero persecutes;" so you may know that is a good duty - which the heart opposes. We shall find naturally a strange averseness from meditation. We are swift to hear - but slow to meditate. To think of the world, if it were all day long, is delightful. But as for holy meditation, how does the heart wrangle and quarrel with this duty; it is like doing of penance. Now truly, there needs no other reason to prove a duty to be good, than the reluctancy of a carnal heart. To instance in the duty of "Let a man deny himself," Matthew. 16:24, self-denial is as necessary as heaven - but what disputes are raised in the heart against it? What! to deny my reason, and become a fool that I may be wise; nay, not only to deny my reason - but my righteousness? What, to cast it overboard, and swim to heaven upon the plank of Christ's merits? This is such a duty that the heart does naturally oppose, and enter its dissent against. This is an argument to prove the duty of self-denial good; just so it is with this duty of meditation; the secret antipathy the heart has against it, shows it to be good; and this is reason enough to enforce meditation.
Psalm 37, Rest in the Lord
Sermon preached on the 27th December 2009. Aaron J Lewis
Psalm 37 : 1 -7
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
In the 26th chapter of Isaiah we have words of great encouragement. In verses 3 & 4 we read, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” Going down to verse 12, we then read “LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us:” We dear brethren are to exercise faith in the Lord our God, 'Trust ye in the LORD'. In verse 20 the Lord through His servant gives us a gracious and loving invitation, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Having these encouragements before us and this gracious and loving invitation, let us trust the Lord, and stay near to Him in the day of adversity.
The Psalmist here in the 37th Psalm exhorts us not to fret because of ungodly men, but to place our confidence, our trust, in the Lord and rejoice in Him. My dear brethren as we come to the end of this year and are now at the threshold of another, may we, through the assistance of the Holy Spirit, take on board these short, but full and helpful exhortations which we have here in the first seven verses of this Psalm.
1stly Fret not. In verses 1 and 2 we read, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
The word fret means to glow, to glow warm, to blaze up , burn, or be angry. Having a wood burner, I often have to give the fire a poke. After a few moments, sometimes a little longer, it suddenly blazes up, and burns fiercely. Here we are exhorted, not to blaze up or be angry in a sinful way against our enemies, or blaze up, or be angry at all, in any way, against the Lord our God.
1stly, let us not fret against our enemies in a sinful way. We are taught by the Lord to; “love thy neighbour as thyself.” We are to have a true and sincere love in our hearts for our fellowman, and even for our enemies. Our Lord said in Matthew 5, verses 44 & 45, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” God has a love, and so must we. We are to love them, bless them, do good to them and pray for them. Oh how they need our prayers! With these things in mind, let us fret not or be angry against them in a sinful way. The psalmist wrote, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” He goes on to write, “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. “ Matthew Henry wrote, “Their triumphing is short.” Consider for a moment what will soon happen to them, if they do not turn to the Lord in a way of belief and repentance. My dear friends, fret not, but earnestly pray for them.
2ndly, let us not fret at all against the Lord. Remember how Jonah was angry with the Lord after he had shown mercy towards Nineveh. In Jonah 4 verses 1 & 2 we read, “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the
evil.”
We as the Lord's people who believe in, and take comfort in the Providence of God should never be angry with God for one moment, God forbid! In verse 8 we read “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. “ Let us flee this sin. Fret not!
2ndly Trust and Rest
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
Those who trust in the Lord, and do good, (their good works giving evidence of their faith in the Lord), are provided for by the Lord in a gracious and wonderful way in His providence here below, and will one day know the blessing of being with the Lord in heaven.
Now, here we are exhorted to trust in the Lord, rather than fret against Him, or our enemies. There is much to alarm us today, for many who are against us, however brethren, do not fret, but with a child-like faith, trust in the Lord. In Proverbs 3 : 5, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Do not lean upon your own understanding, for it soon gives way, look up to your God, your heavenly Father for He knows best.
Charles Hodge “It is a child-like, unwavering confidence in our Father's well proven wisdom, faithfulness, and love.” Oh for strong faith, for at times we are fearful and our faith seems weak.
The word 'trust', here in this place means, 'to place hope and confidence in one.' Now, as we have seen before, to trust is to have faith in the Lord. For example in Ephesians 1 : verses 12 & 13 we read, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” My dear brethren, It is, come and welcome to Jesus Christ, and those who do, through the grace of God, are found trusting in the Lord. Oh dear brethren, trust in Him, humbly, in a child like manner, look to the Lord by faith to your promise-keeping, gracious, merciful and eternal God. In Isaiah 26 : 3 & 4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”
Now, as we have seen before, there are various denominations of faith which help us to understand what faith is, 'trusting' being one of them. With the help of the Rev John Willison, (1680 -1750), who ministered in Dundee from 1718, consider a few more;
1. Believing, Galatians 2 : 16
2. Coming unto Christ, John 6 : 35
3. Flying to Christ for refuge, Hebrews 6 : 18
4. Casting our burdens on Him, Psalm 55: 23
5. Leaning on Him, Song of Sol. 8 : 5
6. Looking unto Christ, Isaiah 45 : 22
7. Receiving Christ, John 1 : 12
8. Cleaving to Him, Acts 11 :23
9. Putting on Christ, Romans 13 : 14
10. Hungering and thirsting after Him, Matthew 5:6
11. Eating and drinking, John 6 :35
12. Entering, John 10 :9
13. Resting, Psalm 37 : 7
How precious is that description of faith in the Song of Solomon. “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” Leaning on the Beloved is the joyful and wonderful testimony of the people of God. We are also known as resting in Him.
Now, let me underline, these are not different acts of faith, but different denominations of faith, Ebenezer Erskine wrote “There are a great many denomination of faith, of the same Divine authority with these two mentioned in the answer of the Catechism, such as eating, drinking, fleeing, entering, coming, trusting, &c. But these are not different acts, but only different expressions of the saving act of faith.”
In verse 7 we read “Rest in the LORD”
The Hebrew word, translated here as rest, means 'to be dumb', 'silent', 'quiet', or to 'be still'.
Naomi told Ruth, in Ruth 3 : 18, “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” Ruth was concerned about what was going to happen, would Boaz be able to marry her?
Anxiety and panic can often set in, and as a result one is found vexed, wondering what is going to happen. At such a time we need to rest, that is, found exercising the grace of faith. If we are honest, is not easy for us to sit still at certain times in our lives. For some children it is very hard to do, especially when they are excited. Sometimes at the Youth meeting on Friday evening it is, “sit still, be quiet, sit still be quiet, I'm not going to start until every one is quiet, sit still”. My dear friends, the Lord says to us, “sit still”, “Rest”.In Proverbs 3 : 5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Lean on the Lord, and rest in His infinite wisdom and wonderful Providence, not on your limited understanding.
The Psalmist in a time of great difficulty rested upon the Lord, and through the assistance of the Holy Spirit was found uttering those words found in Psalm 57,verses 1 & 2, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” In family difficulties, and those in the work place, in the community, and in the nation, how important it is to be found resting in the Lord. John Flavel wrote, “It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straits, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for the them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.” It is our duty, it is our pressing need, to be found, resting in the Lord.
In the coming year there may be many things on the horizon which may bring you much difficulty and cause you much inward pain, therefore my dear brethren, trust in Him. Rest in the Lord. In times of sorrow and in times of joy, let us all be found exercising faith in the Lord.
To be continued.
Psalm 37 : 1 -7
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
In the 26th chapter of Isaiah we have words of great encouragement. In verses 3 & 4 we read, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” Going down to verse 12, we then read “LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us:” We dear brethren are to exercise faith in the Lord our God, 'Trust ye in the LORD'. In verse 20 the Lord through His servant gives us a gracious and loving invitation, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” Having these encouragements before us and this gracious and loving invitation, let us trust the Lord, and stay near to Him in the day of adversity.
The Psalmist here in the 37th Psalm exhorts us not to fret because of ungodly men, but to place our confidence, our trust, in the Lord and rejoice in Him. My dear brethren as we come to the end of this year and are now at the threshold of another, may we, through the assistance of the Holy Spirit, take on board these short, but full and helpful exhortations which we have here in the first seven verses of this Psalm.
1stly Fret not. In verses 1 and 2 we read, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
The word fret means to glow, to glow warm, to blaze up , burn, or be angry. Having a wood burner, I often have to give the fire a poke. After a few moments, sometimes a little longer, it suddenly blazes up, and burns fiercely. Here we are exhorted, not to blaze up or be angry in a sinful way against our enemies, or blaze up, or be angry at all, in any way, against the Lord our God.
1stly, let us not fret against our enemies in a sinful way. We are taught by the Lord to; “love thy neighbour as thyself.” We are to have a true and sincere love in our hearts for our fellowman, and even for our enemies. Our Lord said in Matthew 5, verses 44 & 45, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” God has a love, and so must we. We are to love them, bless them, do good to them and pray for them. Oh how they need our prayers! With these things in mind, let us fret not or be angry against them in a sinful way. The psalmist wrote, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.” He goes on to write, “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. “ Matthew Henry wrote, “Their triumphing is short.” Consider for a moment what will soon happen to them, if they do not turn to the Lord in a way of belief and repentance. My dear friends, fret not, but earnestly pray for them.
2ndly, let us not fret at all against the Lord. Remember how Jonah was angry with the Lord after he had shown mercy towards Nineveh. In Jonah 4 verses 1 & 2 we read, “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the
evil.”
We as the Lord's people who believe in, and take comfort in the Providence of God should never be angry with God for one moment, God forbid! In verse 8 we read “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. “ Let us flee this sin. Fret not!
2ndly Trust and Rest
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
Those who trust in the Lord, and do good, (their good works giving evidence of their faith in the Lord), are provided for by the Lord in a gracious and wonderful way in His providence here below, and will one day know the blessing of being with the Lord in heaven.
Now, here we are exhorted to trust in the Lord, rather than fret against Him, or our enemies. There is much to alarm us today, for many who are against us, however brethren, do not fret, but with a child-like faith, trust in the Lord. In Proverbs 3 : 5, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Do not lean upon your own understanding, for it soon gives way, look up to your God, your heavenly Father for He knows best.
Charles Hodge “It is a child-like, unwavering confidence in our Father's well proven wisdom, faithfulness, and love.” Oh for strong faith, for at times we are fearful and our faith seems weak.
The word 'trust', here in this place means, 'to place hope and confidence in one.' Now, as we have seen before, to trust is to have faith in the Lord. For example in Ephesians 1 : verses 12 & 13 we read, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” My dear brethren, It is, come and welcome to Jesus Christ, and those who do, through the grace of God, are found trusting in the Lord. Oh dear brethren, trust in Him, humbly, in a child like manner, look to the Lord by faith to your promise-keeping, gracious, merciful and eternal God. In Isaiah 26 : 3 & 4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”
Now, as we have seen before, there are various denominations of faith which help us to understand what faith is, 'trusting' being one of them. With the help of the Rev John Willison, (1680 -1750), who ministered in Dundee from 1718, consider a few more;
1. Believing, Galatians 2 : 16
2. Coming unto Christ, John 6 : 35
3. Flying to Christ for refuge, Hebrews 6 : 18
4. Casting our burdens on Him, Psalm 55: 23
5. Leaning on Him, Song of Sol. 8 : 5
6. Looking unto Christ, Isaiah 45 : 22
7. Receiving Christ, John 1 : 12
8. Cleaving to Him, Acts 11 :23
9. Putting on Christ, Romans 13 : 14
10. Hungering and thirsting after Him, Matthew 5:6
11. Eating and drinking, John 6 :35
12. Entering, John 10 :9
13. Resting, Psalm 37 : 7
How precious is that description of faith in the Song of Solomon. “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” Leaning on the Beloved is the joyful and wonderful testimony of the people of God. We are also known as resting in Him.
Now, let me underline, these are not different acts of faith, but different denominations of faith, Ebenezer Erskine wrote “There are a great many denomination of faith, of the same Divine authority with these two mentioned in the answer of the Catechism, such as eating, drinking, fleeing, entering, coming, trusting, &c. But these are not different acts, but only different expressions of the saving act of faith.”
In verse 7 we read “Rest in the LORD”
The Hebrew word, translated here as rest, means 'to be dumb', 'silent', 'quiet', or to 'be still'.
Naomi told Ruth, in Ruth 3 : 18, “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” Ruth was concerned about what was going to happen, would Boaz be able to marry her?
Anxiety and panic can often set in, and as a result one is found vexed, wondering what is going to happen. At such a time we need to rest, that is, found exercising the grace of faith. If we are honest, is not easy for us to sit still at certain times in our lives. For some children it is very hard to do, especially when they are excited. Sometimes at the Youth meeting on Friday evening it is, “sit still, be quiet, sit still be quiet, I'm not going to start until every one is quiet, sit still”. My dear friends, the Lord says to us, “sit still”, “Rest”.In Proverbs 3 : 5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Lean on the Lord, and rest in His infinite wisdom and wonderful Providence, not on your limited understanding.
The Psalmist in a time of great difficulty rested upon the Lord, and through the assistance of the Holy Spirit was found uttering those words found in Psalm 57,verses 1 & 2, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” In family difficulties, and those in the work place, in the community, and in the nation, how important it is to be found resting in the Lord. John Flavel wrote, “It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straits, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for the them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.” It is our duty, it is our pressing need, to be found, resting in the Lord.
In the coming year there may be many things on the horizon which may bring you much difficulty and cause you much inward pain, therefore my dear brethren, trust in Him. Rest in the Lord. In times of sorrow and in times of joy, let us all be found exercising faith in the Lord.
To be continued.
News of the fellowship
On October 18th. a Thanksgiving service was held for Nathanael James Lewis. Our Pastor, spoke from Mark 10:13-16, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God”. We pray along with our Pastor and Sharon, that God in mercy will smile graciously upon Nathanael and save him at an early age.
Our Autumn Meeting was well attended, and we were much blessed under the ministry of the Rev. Dewi Higham from Cardiff Tabernacle. On the Saturday he preached from Psalm 103, and on the Lord`s Day, from Acts 1:14 in the morning and Ephesians 2:10 in the evening. Sermons are available on the Church's Website.
It was a great joy to witness along with many of his family and friends the baptism of Mr. Matthew Main on November 22nd. The following Sabbath evening it was also a joy to welcome Matthew into membership here at Crosslanes Chapel.
In 2009 we were able to give away 17 Bibles to those who had requested them in the Local area. It has been a great encouragement to us to give away these Bibles, and that in the second week of this year 3 more had been requested. One, a South African who lives in Fordingbridge, received at the end of 2009 a TBS Calendar, two weeks later he requested a visit from our Pastor and was pleased to recieve a Bible.
Church leaflets are currently being distributed in Ashley Heath and St. Ives, and T.B.S. calendars have recently been given out in our village.
Our Autumn Meeting was well attended, and we were much blessed under the ministry of the Rev. Dewi Higham from Cardiff Tabernacle. On the Saturday he preached from Psalm 103, and on the Lord`s Day, from Acts 1:14 in the morning and Ephesians 2:10 in the evening. Sermons are available on the Church's Website.
It was a great joy to witness along with many of his family and friends the baptism of Mr. Matthew Main on November 22nd. The following Sabbath evening it was also a joy to welcome Matthew into membership here at Crosslanes Chapel.
In 2009 we were able to give away 17 Bibles to those who had requested them in the Local area. It has been a great encouragement to us to give away these Bibles, and that in the second week of this year 3 more had been requested. One, a South African who lives in Fordingbridge, received at the end of 2009 a TBS Calendar, two weeks later he requested a visit from our Pastor and was pleased to recieve a Bible.
Church leaflets are currently being distributed in Ashley Heath and St. Ives, and T.B.S. calendars have recently been given out in our village.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Remarks for the New Year by C. H. Spurgeon
“I commend the text to all Believers to be practised through the coming year.” C. H. Spurgeon “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3.
CONCLUDING REMARKS FROM SERMON DELIVERED ON LORD'S DAY MORNING, JANUARY 1, 1865,
Then let us cultivate everything that would tend to unity. Are any sick? Let us care for them. Are any suffering? Let us weep with them. Do we know one who has less love than others? Then let us have more, so as to make up the deficiency. Do we perceive faults in a Brother? Let us admonish him in love and affection. I pray you be peacemakers, every one of you! Let this Church go on as it has done for the last eleven years in holy concord and blessed unity. Let us remember that we cannot keep the unity of the Spirit unless we all believe the Truth of God. Let us search our Bibles, therefore, and conform our views and sentiments to the teaching of God’s Word. I have already told you that unity in error is unity in ruin. We want unity in the Truth of God through the Spirit of God. This let us seek after it! Let us live near to Christ, for this is the best way of promoting unity. Divisions in churches never begin with those full of love to the Saviour. Cold hearts, unholy lives, inconsistent actions, neglected closets—these are the seeds which sow schisms in the body! But he who lives near to Jesus—wears His likeness and copies His example will be, wherever he goes, a sacred bond, a holy link to bind the Church together more closely than ever. May God give us this and from now on let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I commend the text to all Believers to be practiced through the coming year. And to those who are not Believers, what can I say but that I trust their unity and their peace may be broken forever and that they may be led to Christ Jesus to find peace in His death! May faith be given and then love and every Divine Grace will follow, so that they may be one with us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Latest online sermons by Rev. Aaron Lewis:
Life after death, preached on the Sabbath evening 29th November 2009 from the text Acts 2 v 28
Joy and peace in believing, preached on the Sabbath evening 6th December 2009 from the text Romans 15 v 13
Rest in the Lord, preached on the Sabbath evening 27th December 2009 from the text Psalm 37 v 7
I was glad when they said unto me, preached on the Sabbath morning 10th January 2010 from the text Psalm 122.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Autumn Preaching 2009 Online
Sermons preached by Rev. Dewi Higham at the second Crosslanes Chapel Autumn Preaching meeting are now available for listening online:
The gospel statements of Psalm 103
The marks of God's workmanship (Ephesians 2 v 10)
A selection of psalms that were sung at the meetings is also available: Psalm 19 v 7-11 (Andrew), Psalm 67 (Franconia), Psalm 86 v 9-13 (Wallace) and Psalm 89 v 5-8 (Winchester).
The latest online sermon by the Rev. Aaron Lewis is Suffer the little children to come unto me (Mark 10 v 14).
The gospel statements of Psalm 103
The marks of God's workmanship (Ephesians 2 v 10)
A selection of psalms that were sung at the meetings is also available: Psalm 19 v 7-11 (Andrew), Psalm 67 (Franconia), Psalm 86 v 9-13 (Wallace) and Psalm 89 v 5-8 (Winchester).
The latest online sermon by the Rev. Aaron Lewis is Suffer the little children to come unto me (Mark 10 v 14).
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Autumn Preaching 2009
God willing, the second Autumn Preaching meeting at Crosslanes Chapel will be held at 6pm on Saturday 31st October, at the church.
The preacher will be the Rev. Dewi Higham, minister of Tabernacle Cardiff.
Refreshments will follow the service.
Rev. Higham will also preach on the Sabbath (1st November) at 11am and 6pm.
Advance notification: God willing, the Church Anniversary services in 2010 will be held on the 22nd and 23rd May. Rev. Harry Woods of Beauly Free Church will be the preacher.
Latest online sermon: On the way to heaven (Psalm 23 v 6) preached on the evening of Wednesday 20th August 2009.
Friday, June 12, 2009
New link to the Bible League Trust
Under Links we have added the Bible League Trust.
The Bible League Trust aims to:
* Encourage belief in the inspiration and sufficiency of the Word of God
* Resist the varied attacks made upon Scripture
* Promote the reverent study of the Bible
The Bible League Trust is highly recommended by Rev. Aaron Lewis.
Latest online sermons:
The great sinner meeting with the Great Saviour, preached on Sabbath evening 14th June 2009
Faith and Peace, preached on Sabbath morning 5th July 2009
Walking in the Valley, preached on Wednesday evening 8th July 2009
The Bible League Trust aims to:
* Encourage belief in the inspiration and sufficiency of the Word of God
* Resist the varied attacks made upon Scripture
* Promote the reverent study of the Bible
The Bible League Trust is highly recommended by Rev. Aaron Lewis.
Latest online sermons:
The great sinner meeting with the Great Saviour, preached on Sabbath evening 14th June 2009
Faith and Peace, preached on Sabbath morning 5th July 2009
Walking in the Valley, preached on Wednesday evening 8th July 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Church Anniversary 2009 Online
The sermons preached by Rev. John J. Murray at the 158th Anniversary of Crosslanes Chapel are now available for listening online:
The Lord and his dwelling place (Isaiah 57 v 15)
Christ the vine (John 15 v 5)
Christ suffering the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3 v 18)
The latest online sermon by the Rev. Aaron Lewis is The forgiveness of sins (Luke 7 v 47), a gospel sermon preached on the Sabbath evening, 17th May 2009.
The Lord and his dwelling place (Isaiah 57 v 15)
Christ the vine (John 15 v 5)
Christ suffering the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3 v 18)
The latest online sermon by the Rev. Aaron Lewis is The forgiveness of sins (Luke 7 v 47), a gospel sermon preached on the Sabbath evening, 17th May 2009.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Church Anniversary 2009
God willing, the 158th Anniversary of Crosslanes Chapel will be marked by a Service at 6pm on Saturday 2nd May, at the church.
The preacher will be the Rev. John J. Murray, minister of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).
Refreshments will follow the service.
Rev. Murray will also preach on the Sabbath (3rd May) at 11am and 6pm.
Latest online sermons:
Christ the Mediator: Humiliation and Exaltation preached on the evening of Wednesday 18th March 2009.
Christ the Mediator: Exaltation preached on the evening of Wednesday 25th March 2009.
Rejoicing over the King preached on the Sabbath evening 22nd March 2009.
Knowing and following Christ and making Him known preached on the Sabbath evening 5th April 2009.
The preacher will be the Rev. John J. Murray, minister of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing).
Refreshments will follow the service.
Rev. Murray will also preach on the Sabbath (3rd May) at 11am and 6pm.
Latest online sermons:
Christ the Mediator: Humiliation and Exaltation preached on the evening of Wednesday 18th March 2009.
Christ the Mediator: Exaltation preached on the evening of Wednesday 25th March 2009.
Rejoicing over the King preached on the Sabbath evening 22nd March 2009.
Knowing and following Christ and making Him known preached on the Sabbath evening 5th April 2009.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Proclaimer, Spring 2009
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching"
Standing for prayer (part 2)
Special Meetings
Quotes from Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity (2)
News of the fellowship
Book reviews
The Free Offer of the Gospel by Ebenezer Erskine
This is my friend
Metrical Psalm 5
Spurgeon on Tribulation
Latest online sermon: Christ the Mediator: King preached on the evening of Wednesday 4th March 2009.
Spurgeon on Tribulation
"In the world ye shall have tribulation." --John 16:33
Art thou asking the reason of this, believer? Look upward to thy heavenly Father, and behold Him pure and holy. Dost thou know that thou art one day to be like Him? Wilt thou easily be conformed to His image? Wilt thou not require much refining in the furnace of affliction to purify thee? Will it be an easy thing to get rid of thy corruptions, and make thee perfect even as thy Father which is in heaven is perfect? Next, Christian, turn thine eye downward. Dost thou know what foes thou hast beneath thy feet? Thou wast once a servant of Satan, and no king will willingly lose his subjects. Dost thou think that Satan will let thee alone? No, he will be always at thee, for he "goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Expect trouble, therefore, Christian, when thou lookest beneath thee. Then look around thee. Where art thou? Thou art in an enemy's country, a stranger and a sojourner. The world is not thy friend. If it be, then thou art not God's friend, for he who is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. Be assured that thou shalt find foe-men everywhere. When thou sleepest, think that thou art resting on the battlefield; when thou walkest, suspect an ambush in every hedge. As mosquitoes are said to bite strangers more than natives, so will the trials of earth be sharpest to you. Lastly, look within thee, into thine own heart and observe what is there. Sin and self are still within. Ah! if thou hadst no devil to tempt thee, no enemies to fight thee, and no world to ensnare thee, thou wouldst still find in thyself evil enough to be a sore trouble to thee, for "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Expect trouble then, but despond not on account of it, for God is with thee to help and to strengthen thee. He hath said, "I will be with thee in trouble; I will deliver thee and honour thee."
Art thou asking the reason of this, believer? Look upward to thy heavenly Father, and behold Him pure and holy. Dost thou know that thou art one day to be like Him? Wilt thou easily be conformed to His image? Wilt thou not require much refining in the furnace of affliction to purify thee? Will it be an easy thing to get rid of thy corruptions, and make thee perfect even as thy Father which is in heaven is perfect? Next, Christian, turn thine eye downward. Dost thou know what foes thou hast beneath thy feet? Thou wast once a servant of Satan, and no king will willingly lose his subjects. Dost thou think that Satan will let thee alone? No, he will be always at thee, for he "goeth about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Expect trouble, therefore, Christian, when thou lookest beneath thee. Then look around thee. Where art thou? Thou art in an enemy's country, a stranger and a sojourner. The world is not thy friend. If it be, then thou art not God's friend, for he who is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. Be assured that thou shalt find foe-men everywhere. When thou sleepest, think that thou art resting on the battlefield; when thou walkest, suspect an ambush in every hedge. As mosquitoes are said to bite strangers more than natives, so will the trials of earth be sharpest to you. Lastly, look within thee, into thine own heart and observe what is there. Sin and self are still within. Ah! if thou hadst no devil to tempt thee, no enemies to fight thee, and no world to ensnare thee, thou wouldst still find in thyself evil enough to be a sore trouble to thee, for "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Expect trouble then, but despond not on account of it, for God is with thee to help and to strengthen thee. He hath said, "I will be with thee in trouble; I will deliver thee and honour thee."
Metrical Psalm 5
Notes by John Brown of Haddington.
To the chief Musician, upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.
Here, (1.) The man according to God's heart, in the assured faith of God's hearing his prayers, and hating his sins, fixeth a daily, an early, an earnest, a steady, a grace- founded correspondence with God, in his ordinances of meditation, prayer, praise, etc., ver. 1-7. (2.) Behold him humbly requesting God's special direction in duties which his enemies had rendered difficult to perform; supplicating and predicting the ruin of his implacable foes; and, in the assured faith of obtaining it, imploring comfort and prosperity to his fellow saints, ver. 8-12.
While I sing, let my heart and flesh cry out, and my soul pant and wait for the Lord. In the firm faith of infinite mercy to forgive all my crimes, and wash out all my sinful stains, let me blush at, and detest my own abominations. Let me cultivate the closest familiarity with the Lord my God. Let my prayers correspond with his promises, and with the particular condition of myself or others.
To the chief Musician, upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.
Here, (1.) The man according to God's heart, in the assured faith of God's hearing his prayers, and hating his sins, fixeth a daily, an early, an earnest, a steady, a grace- founded correspondence with God, in his ordinances of meditation, prayer, praise, etc., ver. 1-7. (2.) Behold him humbly requesting God's special direction in duties which his enemies had rendered difficult to perform; supplicating and predicting the ruin of his implacable foes; and, in the assured faith of obtaining it, imploring comfort and prosperity to his fellow saints, ver. 8-12.
While I sing, let my heart and flesh cry out, and my soul pant and wait for the Lord. In the firm faith of infinite mercy to forgive all my crimes, and wash out all my sinful stains, let me blush at, and detest my own abominations. Let me cultivate the closest familiarity with the Lord my God. Let my prayers correspond with his promises, and with the particular condition of myself or others.
1 Give ear unto my words, O Lord,
my meditation weigh.
2 Hear my loud cry, my King, my God;
for I to thee will pray.
3 Lord, thou shalt early hear my voice:
I early will direct
My pray'r to thee; and, looking up,
an answer will expect.
4 For thou art not a God that doth
in wickedness delight;
Neither shall evil dwell with thee,
5 Nor fools stand in thy sight.
All that ill-doers are thou hat'st;
6 Cutt'st off that liars be:
The bloody and deceitful man
abhorred is by thee.
7 But I into thy house will come
in thine abundant grace;
And I will worship in thy fear
toward thy holy place.
8 Because of those mine enemies,
Lord, in thy righteousness
Do thou me lead; do thou thy way
make straight before my face.
9 For in their mouth there is no truth,
their inward part is ill;
Their throat's an open sepulchre,
their tongue doth flatter still.
10 O God, destroy them; let them be
by their own counsel quell'd:
Them for their many sins cast out,
for they 'gainst thee rebell'd.
11 But let all joy that trust in thee,
and still make shouting noise;
For them thou sav'st; let all that love
thy name in thee rejoice.
12 For, Lord, unto the righteous man
thou wilt thy blessing yield:
With favour thou wilt compass him
about, as with a shield.
Brown's Dictionary of Bible Characters ed Stonier
John Brown was born in 1722, and, by the will of God became an eminent Bible theologian. His Dictionary is Christ centred, and covers practically everything, making it useful for gospel preachers.
From this Dictionary, Geoffrey Stonier, (International Director of Preacher's Help), has extracted the most significant Bible names, to produce this helpful volume. After a comprehensive memoir, (43 pages long, by John Brown's grandson), Mr. Stonier begins with Aaron and ends with Zuph.
Hundreds of Bible names are helpfully arranged in alphabetical order, and once we start to dig into these pages, they will light up with spark and fire. Names perhaps previously skimmed over begin to develop special spiritual relevance.
John Brown's Dictionary demonstrates to us that we can so easily miss priceless information which could make our knowledge of God's grace in redemption so much the more vibrant.
The volume ends with a helpful index of some sixty three authors quoted in Brown's Dictionary.
Publisher: Christian Focus Publications (March 2009)
ISBN-10: 1845502663
ISBN-13: 978-1845502663
From this Dictionary, Geoffrey Stonier, (International Director of Preacher's Help), has extracted the most significant Bible names, to produce this helpful volume. After a comprehensive memoir, (43 pages long, by John Brown's grandson), Mr. Stonier begins with Aaron and ends with Zuph.
Hundreds of Bible names are helpfully arranged in alphabetical order, and once we start to dig into these pages, they will light up with spark and fire. Names perhaps previously skimmed over begin to develop special spiritual relevance.
John Brown's Dictionary demonstrates to us that we can so easily miss priceless information which could make our knowledge of God's grace in redemption so much the more vibrant.
The volume ends with a helpful index of some sixty three authors quoted in Brown's Dictionary.
Publisher: Christian Focus Publications (March 2009)
ISBN-10: 1845502663
ISBN-13: 978-1845502663
A View of the Covenant of Grace by Thomas Boston
Thomas Boston, a truly prolific Puritan writer, lived only to the age of 56 years. He was licensed to preach in 1697, and was ordained to the gospel ministry at Simprin in 1699. “With joy”, he says, “I saw myself in Simprin as in a nest, under the shadow of Christ's wings”.
His volume, “A View of the Covenant of Grace”, is thoroughly Scriptural, (as are all his works), and to read it is a spiritually enriching experience. It is undoubtedly one of the best books on the Covenant of Grace, and it ought to be read more widely than it is. Boston emphasises the importance of the Covenant of Grace, as it underlies the theme of the whole of Scripture. The doctrine is strongly Trinitarian, emphasising the sovereignty of God, preserving the truth of human responsibility, affording the possibility of true experimental religion, guaranteeing the believer's perseverance in grace, and his eternal security.
It is the Covenant of Grace that establishes the unity and the continuity of the true Church. Hebrews 9:15, “And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance”.
This book is in print as part of Volume 8 (which also includes "Human Nature in its Fourfold State") of the Works of Thomas Boston.
Publisher: Sovereign Grace Publishers (September 2001)
ISBN-10: 1589602064
ISBN-13: 978-1589602064
It is also available online at Google Books.
His volume, “A View of the Covenant of Grace”, is thoroughly Scriptural, (as are all his works), and to read it is a spiritually enriching experience. It is undoubtedly one of the best books on the Covenant of Grace, and it ought to be read more widely than it is. Boston emphasises the importance of the Covenant of Grace, as it underlies the theme of the whole of Scripture. The doctrine is strongly Trinitarian, emphasising the sovereignty of God, preserving the truth of human responsibility, affording the possibility of true experimental religion, guaranteeing the believer's perseverance in grace, and his eternal security.
It is the Covenant of Grace that establishes the unity and the continuity of the true Church. Hebrews 9:15, “And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance”.
This book is in print as part of Volume 8 (which also includes "Human Nature in its Fourfold State") of the Works of Thomas Boston.
Publisher: Sovereign Grace Publishers (September 2001)
ISBN-10: 1589602064
ISBN-13: 978-1589602064
It is also available online at Google Books.
News of the fellowship
It was a great encouragement to have Rev William Macleod from Glasgow come to preach for us last Autumn. Although the heavy rain had caused flooding in the area, we were pleased to see a good number come, and felt the Lord's presence with us.
We were all very pleased to hear of the safe arrival of Isabel Lani Adamson born on November 17th, we rejoice with Emma & John and pray that they will continue to know God's grace & blessing upon their family.
On December 1st Nathanael James Lewis was born to our Pastor & wife Sharon, what a joy it is to see babies & children being brought to God's House.
Our Annual Luncheon was a very enjoyable time, with friends gathering from the village and other churches around. Our Pastor spoke on the words; “Christ liveth in me”.
In January we were very pleased to welcome Mr Chris Main into membership and pray he and his family will know God's richest
blessing. They have already been a great encouragement and help to us.
We were all very pleased to hear of the safe arrival of Isabel Lani Adamson born on November 17th, we rejoice with Emma & John and pray that they will continue to know God's grace & blessing upon their family.
On December 1st Nathanael James Lewis was born to our Pastor & wife Sharon, what a joy it is to see babies & children being brought to God's House.
Our Annual Luncheon was a very enjoyable time, with friends gathering from the village and other churches around. Our Pastor spoke on the words; “Christ liveth in me”.
In January we were very pleased to welcome Mr Chris Main into membership and pray he and his family will know God's richest
blessing. They have already been a great encouragement and help to us.
Quotes from Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity (2)
God's mercy is free. To set up merit is to destroy mercy. Nothing can deserve mercy, because we are polluted in our blood; nor force it. We may force God to punish us, but not to love us. 'I will love them freely'.
What cause have we to be thankful, that we have the knowledge of the only true God! How many are brought up in blindness! God is to be trusted when His providences seem to run contrary to His promise.
Admire the love of Christ our Mediator; that He should humble Himself, and take our flesh, that He might redeem us.
See your need of Christ's teaching. Go to Christ to teach you. Jesus Christ is very willing to teach us.
Let those admire God's free grace who were once under the power and tyranny of Satan.
Christ took our flesh upon Him, that He might take our sins upon Him
Let the wind and storms be up, and the church almost covered with waves, yet Christ is in the ship of the church, and there is no danger of shipwreck.
What cause have we to be thankful, that we have the knowledge of the only true God! How many are brought up in blindness! God is to be trusted when His providences seem to run contrary to His promise.
Admire the love of Christ our Mediator; that He should humble Himself, and take our flesh, that He might redeem us.
See your need of Christ's teaching. Go to Christ to teach you. Jesus Christ is very willing to teach us.
Let those admire God's free grace who were once under the power and tyranny of Satan.
Christ took our flesh upon Him, that He might take our sins upon Him
Let the wind and storms be up, and the church almost covered with waves, yet Christ is in the ship of the church, and there is no danger of shipwreck.
Standing for Prayer (continued)
The teaching of the Word of God, beyond all dispute, appoints standing as the most appropriate posture for public prayer.
Objections
It is written in 2 Samuel 7: 18 that King David went in, and “sat before the LORD” (cf. 1 Chronicles 17:16). This may mean no more than that he sat back while on his knees; but the Hebrew word here translated “sat” conveys the basic idea of “remaining” or “continuing” (as in Genesis 24:55 and 29:19), without any allusion to a particular posture. David spent time before God. That is not in dispute. But that he actually “sat” when in the exercise of prayer cannot be proved from this verse.
In the New Testament, Acts 2:1–2 records that “when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” On the basis of this scripture, some have argued for sitting, rather than standing, in public prayer. But what is said here is only that when the Holy Spirit came, in that extraordinary and miraculous way, the disciples were sitting. It is important to notice that it is not said that they were praying. It may well have been that they were singing psalms or, more likely, that they were listening to Peter.
If we would have warrant for any given practice, we must make very sure that it is clear and certain warrant – and not just mere surmise or conjecture.
Testimony
In the history of the Christian Church, many believers have faithfully held to the biblical teaching on posture and therefore have maintained the practice of standing in public prayer.
Justin Martyr (AD 155) observed that, after the minister had concluded his sermon, ‘they (the Christians of his day) rose up and offered their prayers to God’.
Origen, born around eighty-five years after the time of the Apostles, said at the close of one of his sermons, “Wherefore, standing up, let us beg help from God that we may be blessed of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen”. At the close of another, he said, “Wherefore, rising up, let us pray to God that we may be made worthy of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.”
Cyprian (died AD 258) exhorts that “when we stand to pray, we should watch and join in the prayers with our whole heart.”
Chrysostom (AD 347-407) refers to the form of the expression used when calling to prayer: “Let us stand in a becoming manner.”
Augustine (AD 354-430) wrote, “We pray standing, which is a sign of the resurrection”.
John Climacus (AD 570-640) writes, “Stand trembling during this prayer...”
In AD 325, The Council of Nice ordered that the churches everywhere should conform to the custom of standing in prayer: “That all things may be uniformly performed in every parish...it seems good to the holy synod that prayers be made to God standing.”
Joseph Hall, the godly Anglican (1574-1656), said, “God is Lord of my body also: and therefore challengeth as well reverent gestures inward devotion. I will ever, in my prayers, either stand, as a servant, before my Master; or kneel, as a subject, to my Prince.”
John Willison, the Scottish Minister, wrote in 1712 or 1713: “If weakness of nature require(s) a person to sit in time of public prayer, I do not quarrel it, but, when no just cause can be pleaded for it, I cannot say that it is a suitable posture at public worship. A lazy, sluggish posture in prayer tends to bring on sleep and drowsiness, and makes us forget what we are about; whereas, when we stand up, and universally change our position when public prayer begins, it helps to awaken people to think upon the solemn addresses they are making to the great God.”
Isaac Watts, the eighteenth century Independent Minister, taught in his book, “A Guide to Prayer”, that “standing is a posture not unfit for worship”, and he added that “standing seems to have been the common gesture of worship in a large and public assembly, 2 Chronicles 20:4,5, 13”. “I cannot think” says the Doctor, “that sitting, or other postures of rest and laziness, ought to be indulged in solemn seasons of prayer.”
Samuel Miller, an American Presbyterian and a Professor at Princeton Seminary, wrote in one of his books about “standing” in Prayer, and he said: ‘this it is well known, was the posture in the Church of Scotland; by our fathers, the Puritans, in England; and by the descendants of both on this side of the Atlantic. There is much to recommend this posture. We spontaneously rise in the presence of a superior. It is expressive of respect and reverence.”
Francis Wayland, a nineteenth century Baptist, makes mention of both kneeling and standing in prayer; but then he adds, “To stand is expressive of reverence, when we approach into the presence of God. To sit listlessly gazing around, when we profess to be offering up our supplications to God, can surely be justified neither by religion nor good taste.”
The practice has been retained in many congregations in Scotland and Ireland, but, sadly, in England, along with other departures, standing for prayer has for some time been discontinued. However, and thankfully, there are signs in some quarters of a growing concern for the purity of worship and, in consequence, there has been a return to the biblically recognized posture for public prayer. It is our prayer that other churches will follow the lead given and that soon we shall see a general reformation in this area.
Conclusion
Thomas Watson wrote, “posture in worship is too often imposture.” This, of course, is true, and great care should therefore be taken to ensure that when praying together we really do seek His face. It would be a very serious fault indeed if we glorified God with our bodies only, and not with our spirits (as required of us in 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Let us resolve to worship in a way that is pleasing to Him, being mindful of the counsel He has given in His Word. If He has taught us to stand, then we should stand in prayer. Of course we are mindful of the aged and the infirm who, although they might wish to stand with the congregation, cannot do so by reason of their physical weakness. They may sit, assured that the Lord accepts the “will” for the “deed”, “for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted...” (2 Corinthians 8:12). To such the Lord says, as He once said to David, “thou didst well that it was in thine heart” (1 Kings 8:18).
As Samuel Miller once observed, “It is, undoubtedly, desirable that there be uniformity in our habits of worship. This uniformity is not likely to be attained or established without the employment of means for the purpose. Every Pastor is responsible for much in this respect, and has much in his power. Let him drop a hint in the pulpit, and let him impart a suggestion, now and then, to the young and old in his parochial visits, and he may generally arrest undesirable practices in the bud, and keep most external habits in the a state of decorum and order”.
Reformation is urgently needed, and some measure of uniformity is most desirable: therefore let us all consider the Scriptures, and then be found to be as the “doers of the word”. Whatever is done in the worship of Almighty God must never be done on account of preference, but always on account of obedience to His revealed Will. Although sitting for prayer is contemporary practice, standing is evidently required by the clear teaching of God’s written Word.
[ This article is a continuation of Standing for Prayer; both articles have been published in a single booklet. ]
Objections
It is written in 2 Samuel 7: 18 that King David went in, and “sat before the LORD” (cf. 1 Chronicles 17:16). This may mean no more than that he sat back while on his knees; but the Hebrew word here translated “sat” conveys the basic idea of “remaining” or “continuing” (as in Genesis 24:55 and 29:19), without any allusion to a particular posture. David spent time before God. That is not in dispute. But that he actually “sat” when in the exercise of prayer cannot be proved from this verse.
In the New Testament, Acts 2:1–2 records that “when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” On the basis of this scripture, some have argued for sitting, rather than standing, in public prayer. But what is said here is only that when the Holy Spirit came, in that extraordinary and miraculous way, the disciples were sitting. It is important to notice that it is not said that they were praying. It may well have been that they were singing psalms or, more likely, that they were listening to Peter.
If we would have warrant for any given practice, we must make very sure that it is clear and certain warrant – and not just mere surmise or conjecture.
Testimony
In the history of the Christian Church, many believers have faithfully held to the biblical teaching on posture and therefore have maintained the practice of standing in public prayer.
Justin Martyr (AD 155) observed that, after the minister had concluded his sermon, ‘they (the Christians of his day) rose up and offered their prayers to God’.
Origen, born around eighty-five years after the time of the Apostles, said at the close of one of his sermons, “Wherefore, standing up, let us beg help from God that we may be blessed of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen”. At the close of another, he said, “Wherefore, rising up, let us pray to God that we may be made worthy of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.”
Cyprian (died AD 258) exhorts that “when we stand to pray, we should watch and join in the prayers with our whole heart.”
Chrysostom (AD 347-407) refers to the form of the expression used when calling to prayer: “Let us stand in a becoming manner.”
Augustine (AD 354-430) wrote, “We pray standing, which is a sign of the resurrection”.
John Climacus (AD 570-640) writes, “Stand trembling during this prayer...”
In AD 325, The Council of Nice ordered that the churches everywhere should conform to the custom of standing in prayer: “That all things may be uniformly performed in every parish...it seems good to the holy synod that prayers be made to God standing.”
Joseph Hall, the godly Anglican (1574-1656), said, “God is Lord of my body also: and therefore challengeth as well reverent gestures inward devotion. I will ever, in my prayers, either stand, as a servant, before my Master; or kneel, as a subject, to my Prince.”
John Willison, the Scottish Minister, wrote in 1712 or 1713: “If weakness of nature require(s) a person to sit in time of public prayer, I do not quarrel it, but, when no just cause can be pleaded for it, I cannot say that it is a suitable posture at public worship. A lazy, sluggish posture in prayer tends to bring on sleep and drowsiness, and makes us forget what we are about; whereas, when we stand up, and universally change our position when public prayer begins, it helps to awaken people to think upon the solemn addresses they are making to the great God.”
Isaac Watts, the eighteenth century Independent Minister, taught in his book, “A Guide to Prayer”, that “standing is a posture not unfit for worship”, and he added that “standing seems to have been the common gesture of worship in a large and public assembly, 2 Chronicles 20:4,5, 13”. “I cannot think” says the Doctor, “that sitting, or other postures of rest and laziness, ought to be indulged in solemn seasons of prayer.”
Samuel Miller, an American Presbyterian and a Professor at Princeton Seminary, wrote in one of his books about “standing” in Prayer, and he said: ‘this it is well known, was the posture in the Church of Scotland; by our fathers, the Puritans, in England; and by the descendants of both on this side of the Atlantic. There is much to recommend this posture. We spontaneously rise in the presence of a superior. It is expressive of respect and reverence.”
Francis Wayland, a nineteenth century Baptist, makes mention of both kneeling and standing in prayer; but then he adds, “To stand is expressive of reverence, when we approach into the presence of God. To sit listlessly gazing around, when we profess to be offering up our supplications to God, can surely be justified neither by religion nor good taste.”
The practice has been retained in many congregations in Scotland and Ireland, but, sadly, in England, along with other departures, standing for prayer has for some time been discontinued. However, and thankfully, there are signs in some quarters of a growing concern for the purity of worship and, in consequence, there has been a return to the biblically recognized posture for public prayer. It is our prayer that other churches will follow the lead given and that soon we shall see a general reformation in this area.
Conclusion
Thomas Watson wrote, “posture in worship is too often imposture.” This, of course, is true, and great care should therefore be taken to ensure that when praying together we really do seek His face. It would be a very serious fault indeed if we glorified God with our bodies only, and not with our spirits (as required of us in 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Let us resolve to worship in a way that is pleasing to Him, being mindful of the counsel He has given in His Word. If He has taught us to stand, then we should stand in prayer. Of course we are mindful of the aged and the infirm who, although they might wish to stand with the congregation, cannot do so by reason of their physical weakness. They may sit, assured that the Lord accepts the “will” for the “deed”, “for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted...” (2 Corinthians 8:12). To such the Lord says, as He once said to David, “thou didst well that it was in thine heart” (1 Kings 8:18).
As Samuel Miller once observed, “It is, undoubtedly, desirable that there be uniformity in our habits of worship. This uniformity is not likely to be attained or established without the employment of means for the purpose. Every Pastor is responsible for much in this respect, and has much in his power. Let him drop a hint in the pulpit, and let him impart a suggestion, now and then, to the young and old in his parochial visits, and he may generally arrest undesirable practices in the bud, and keep most external habits in the a state of decorum and order”.
Reformation is urgently needed, and some measure of uniformity is most desirable: therefore let us all consider the Scriptures, and then be found to be as the “doers of the word”. Whatever is done in the worship of Almighty God must never be done on account of preference, but always on account of obedience to His revealed Will. Although sitting for prayer is contemporary practice, standing is evidently required by the clear teaching of God’s written Word.
[ This article is a continuation of Standing for Prayer; both articles have been published in a single booklet. ]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)