Stranger and Pilgrim

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell. Continue reading

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If the topic of comfort in God’s sovereignty is breached, the discussion cannot be complete without looking to the Psalmists of old. So many of the psalms (27, 30, 34, 139, 142, and many, many others) focus on the comforts supplied by a reliance upon God’s providence. I think there is special value to singing these truths; hence the reason why the Holy Spirit chose to inspire them frequently throughout book of psalms.

Here is a short poem that I wrote this afternoon (for a close friend of mine). I have not put it to music; but like the psalmists, I find great delight in expressing the glorious comforts afforded by God’s sovereignty, in verse.

Too wise to err, too strong to fail
Too loving to cause a needless tear
His plan assuredly shall prevail
And by His grace you’ll persevere!

Confused at times by things unclear
We learn that we are dust and frail
Yet God by this will draw us near
And lift our eyes, our doubts to quail

When sorrow doth the soul assail
To this assurance we adhere
God’s love with power doth entail
The saving grace that draws us near

Take up courage, do not fear
Every ship through storms must sail
The waves are but a thin veneer
And depths beneath with blessings swell

Sorrows leave the soul distraught
And fears, they never seem to rhyme
But Christ with blood your joy has bought
Lay hold and grasp this paradigm

We will not always understand
Nor can we live without some pain
But God in Christ will hold your hand
And bring from ashes untold gain

So count it all as joy sublime
Expound His grace with every thought
The oceans of God’s love in time
Unfold to show the plan He’s wrought

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I have just been blessed by a most lively and invigorating narration of C.H. Spurgeon’s paper ‘The Christian Marriage.’ This short piece proved both enjoyable and convicting, and so I feel compelled to share these thoughts on my blog!

Spurgeon’s emphasis here is more directed, it seems, on the characters and passions of a Godly wife. As an unmarried man (who longs to enjoy God’s favor in a covenantal marriage!), these admonitions say very little to me concerning marital obligations; but as the bride of Christ, Spurgeon’s paper offers a most helpful guide to honoring Christ as my head, my redeemer, my all in all.

Read these paragraphs two or three times, study their meaning, and measure your own life as the bride of Christ by these tokens of marital felicity. Earthly marriage is only a picture, a blessed picture, of our covenantal fellowship with Christ in God. We must always consider the reality in Christ as our pattern and standard for living the Christian life in marriage.

“Sometimes we have seen a model marriage, founded on pure love, and cemented in mutual esteem. Therein, the husband acts as a tender head; and the wife, as a true spouse, realizes the model marriage-relation, and sets forth what our oneness with the Lord ought to be. She delights in her husband, in his person, his character, his affection; to her he is not only the chief and foremost of mankind, but in her eyes he is all-in-all; her heart’s love belongs to him, and him only. She finds sweetest content and solace in his company, his fellowship, his fondness; he is her little world, her Paradise, her choice treasure. At any time, she would gladly lay aside her own pleasure to find it doubled in gratifying him. She is glad to sink her individuality in his. She seeks no renown for herself; his honor is reflected upon her, and she rejoices in it. She would defend his name with her dying breath; safe enough is he where she can speak for him. The domestic circle is her kingdom; that she may there create happiness and comfort is her lifework; and his smiling gratitude is all the reward she seeks. Even in her dress, she thinks of him; without constraint she consults his taste and considers nothing beautiful which is distasteful to him.

A tear from his eye because of any unkindness on her part, would grievously torment her. She seeks not how her behavior may please a stranger, or how another’s judgment may approve her conduct; let her beloved be content, and she is glad. He has many objects in life, some of which she does not quite understand; but she be believes in them all, and anything she can do to promote them, she delights to perform. He lavishes love on her, and, in return, she lavishes love on him. Their object in life is common. There are points where their affections so intimately united that none could tell which is first and which is second. To watch their children growing up in health and strength, to see them holding posts of usefulness and honor, is their mutual concern; in this and other matters, they are fully one. Their wishes blend, their hearts are indivisible. By degrees, they come to think very much the same thoughts. Intimate association creates conformity; I have known this to become so complete that, at the same moment, the same utterance has leapt to both their lips.

Happy woman and happy man! If Heaven be found on earth, they have it! At last, the two are so blended, so engrafted on one stem, that their old age presents a lovely attachment, a common sympathy, by which its infirmities are greatly alleviated, and its burdens are transformed into fresh bonds of love. So happy a union of will, sentiment, thought, and heart exists between them, that the two streams of their life have washed away the dividing bank, and run on as one broad current of united existence till their common joy falls into the ocean of eternal felicity.”

What an unspeakably glorious thing! To partake in a covenantal union, for the praise and honor of God, a union which is in itself a picture of Christ’s redemption of his church. Joy! Joy! Joy unspeakable, and full of glory! Praise God for the gift of marriage! Continue reading

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by Augustus Toplady (1740-1778)

Not unto us, o LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy Name, give glory for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake (Psalm 115:1).

Some expositors have supposed, that this Psalm was penned by the prophet Daniel; on occasion of the miraculous deliverance of Shadrac, Meshac, and Abednego, when they came out, unhurt, from the burning fiery furnace, into which they had been thrown by the command of king Nebuchadnezzar.

And, indeed, there are not wanting passages, in the Psalm itself, which seem to countenance this conjecture. As where we read, at the fourth verse (speaking of the idols of the heathens, and, perhaps, with particular reference to that golden image which Nebuchadnezzar commanded to be worshipped), their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands: they have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they but they see not.

I dare say, that, in such an auditory as this, a number of Arminians are present. I fear, that all our public assemblies have too many of them. Perhaps, however, even these people, idolaters as they are, may be apt to blame, and, indeed, with justice, the absurdity of those who worship idols of silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. But let me ask: If it be so very absurd, to worship the work of other men’s hands; what must it be, to worship the works of our own hands? Perhaps, you may ask, “God forbid that I should do so.” Nevertheless, let me tell you, that trust, confidence, reliance, and dependence, for salvation, are all acts and very solemn ones too, of divine worship: and upon whatsoever you depend, whether in whole or in part, for your acceptance with God, and for your justification in His sight, whatsoever, you rely upon, and trust in, for the attainment of grace or glory; if it be any thing short of God in Christ, you are an idolater to all intents and purposes. Continue reading

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“The thirst for glory is not ended by satisfying but rather by extinguishing.” Martin Luther

Two theologies exist in this world; amongst a cacophony of voices there are two stories of redemption, two worldviews of life, two overarching paradigms of ontology. These antithetical theologies are locked in mortal combat, they are the Story of Glory and the Story of The Cross.

This blog is dedicated to advancing the theology of the cross; a story that bring humility, a story that brings self-despair, a story that brings hope. The Cross Story is a theology which transforms the beholder and captivates the object of it’s power! It is a story which reaches out and makes you a part of its wonderful work by crucifying you with Christ.

The Glory Story is, for all intents and purposes, the chief arch-nemesis of the Cross. It seeks its own interests, it desires acknowledgment, and boasts of its own ability. Theologians of glory might be heard praising the Cross; but never without crediting themselves for part or all of the difference in their salvation.

By God’s providence, Martin Luther was graced with enabling to articulate these axiomatic antipodes with commanding contrast, brilliant profundity and scriptural humility. In twenty-eight pointed theses, Luther sets forth the fundamental truths most key to striking a death-blow to Romanism and works-righteousness. Instead of defining the theologies themselves, he describes the theologians.

Only eight months after Luther rocked the world with 95 Theses nailed to the Castle Church in Wittenberg, he was back with these 28 more pointed statements, this time they were nailed to the coffin of Catholicism. It is truly amazing how much insight God gave this man in only eight months, how far he was brought in truth, and how God made him free from the entanglements of Rome.

Known collectively as the “Heidelberg Disputation,” and worded in a way that only Luther could word them, these twenty-eight theses are as profound as they are intriguing. If any reader is not thoughtful in reading them, they can hardly be but misunderstood. Over the next few weeks, by the mercies of God, I hope to cover the Heidelberg Disputation in sections, to briefly explain each thesis from scripture, to show the wisdom concealed in these truths, and to exalt the resurrected Christ and the Glory of His cross!

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Cor. 1:23-29

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Charles Spurgeon considered Rutherford’s letters to be “the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.” And indeed, one familiar with Rutherford’s writings can hardly disagree. The beauty of his legacy lies in his dedication to exalting the glory of Christ, and to abasing himself.

Here is a poem, composed by Mrs. Anne Ross Cousin, wife of a minister of the Free Church of Scotland. The poem is as remarkable as it is beautiful in that Mrs. Cousin extracted from the letters of Samuel Rutherford many of his most memorable sayings and wove them into a hymn of 19 stanzas, maintaining throughout high poetic excellence and great faithfulness to the language and spirit of the letters.

Read this poem, and then spend some time prayerfully perusing the letters themselves! They may be freely read and downloaded here. May God grant His people comfort and encouragement through the writings of this humble man of faith!

The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of Heaven breaks,
The summer morn I’ve sighed for,
The fair sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight,
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory-glory dwelleth
In Immanuel’s land.

Oh! well it is for ever,
Oh! well for evermore,
My nest hung in no forest
Of all this death-doom’d shore:
Yea, let the vain world vanish,
As from the ship the strand,
And glory-glory dwelleth
In Immanuel’s land.

Continue reading

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“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:1-6

No doctrine can afford greater comfort to a child of God; than the doctrine of God’s omnipotent sovereignty. No truth brings more joy to the heart of a believer, than to know that his (or her) father reigns in full control.

It is only by Grace that we can see and embrace these truths; and only by mercy that we can find comfort in them. We live in a culture of pride and self-confidence; so from time to time, we must “arise, and go down to the potter’s house.” There we will see God’s greatness and sovereignty as He molds vessels of honor, and vessels of dishonor, all for His own awesome glory!

God is not playing with modeling clay;
He makes no hobby of men;
He doesn’t purpose to use them one day,
Then, think it over again!

Clay, is the Potter’s vocation –
Working the stubborn clod –
Clay, is the Potter’s vocation!
Clay, is the business of God!

Clay, is the Potter’s vocation;
The vessel, the Potter’s will.
There are no risks! The spinning discs
Reveal the Potter’s skill!

He’s making a New Creation!
His Wisdom is on display!
Behold, in the molding, His Image unfolding!
He’s breathing His life in clay!

Clay, is the Potter’s vocation!
No detail, left to chance.
All things combine, toward His design
His masterpiece to enhance.

He’s making a New Creation
And where it appears most weak
The clay will discover, its infinite Lover
Has made it the most unique!

I didn’t write this poem; I found it online without any author or source.

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Proverbs tells us that “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,” and, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes,” and again, “men will proclaim every one his own goodness.”

It is of these men that the scriptures reply, “but the LORD pondereth the hearts,” “but the LORD weigheth the spirits,” and, “the end thereof are the ways of death.”

The point is…what you think about your own own moral ability is distorted by the sinfulness of your own heart. Humility begins by asking what God says of our sinful hearts. Here is a sweeping survey of the biblical texts which unmistakably teach us what we must believe concerning ourselves and the hearts of men in general. Continue reading

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Pride is idolatry of self. Spurgeon called it the “worst malformation of all the monstrous things in creation; it hath nothing lovely in it, nothing in proportion, but everything in disorder. It is altogether the very reverse of the creatures which God hath made, which are pure and holy. Pride, the first-born son of hell, is indeed like its parent, all unclean and vile, and in it there is neither form, fashion, nor comeliness.”

Humility, on the other hand, is of all graces most to be treasured and embraced. It ought to be lived in our communication, our dress, our thoughts, our doctrine, and in our prayer.

A child of God would never assert that he could do ought to merit righteousness, perhaps never think it; but the ongoing inability every Christian has in being continually and entirely heart-broken by God’s glorious grace to him or her is evidence enough of the pride still remaining within the heart.

Pride is a brainlessly ignorant thing, an entirely dishonest thing, a malignantly selfish thing, but above all, it is a most deceitfully adaptive thing.

Pride sometimes takes its shape in doctrine; it teaches the religion of man’s-sufficiency; it tells us what man can do, and will not submit itself to the scriptural teaching that we are by nature utterly lost, fallen, debased, and ruined creatures, as we are.

Other times, pride takes the form of prayer, petition, praise, even repentance, but all tainted with the stigma of self-righteousness. Men will “thank God” that they are not like other men, thinking themselves humble, never knowing that the deceitfulness of pride prompts them to pray. Continue reading

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Over the last week I have been quick slack in blogging. However I have greatly appreciated the refreshment afforded by a God-Glorifying Lord’s-Day Rest. As part of my resting, I’m taking a little time to bring you another blog-post. To the end that Christ may be honored, through us, as we embrace the beauty of  humility by grace.

Earlier this week I found myself at the library, waiting upon the rest of my family to finish some homeschooling projects. While the rest of them occupied a study room, I was entrusted with my youngest sister in the main room and using one of the public computers. She patiently sat in my lap as I skimmed through a few sermons by Jonathan Edwards, when I finished, I decided to spend the rest of my time teaching her a lesson on the Virtue of Humility; a valuable lesson to learn young!

Explaining humility in a way that a young child can understand requires some thought and patience. Out of curiosity, I actually turned to a regular dictionary to see how it might define the term “humble”. Continue reading

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