Christ: The Way, the Truth, and the LifeBrown, John
Religion
Christ: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Brown, John
Bible. John XIV, 6 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Jesus Christ; Justification (Christian theology); Sanctification
4. He should also look to him as that good shepherd, who will strengthen
that which is sick, Ezek. xxxiv. 16. And take notice also of his other
relations, and of his obligations thereby, and by the covenant of
redemption; and this will strengthen his hope.
5. He should lay hold on Christ as his strength, whereby his feet may be
made like hinds' feet, and he may be made to walk upon his high places,
Hab. iii. 19; and he would grip to that promise, Isa. xli. 10, "I will
strengthen thee;" and lay hold on Christ in it.
6. Having done thus, he should set about every commanded duty, in the
strength of Jesus, looking to him for help and supply, from whom cometh
all his strength, and though he should not find that help and assistance
which he expected, yet he should not be discouraged, but continue, and
when he can do no more, offer himself as ready and willing to go about
the duty, as if he had strength.
7. He should lie open to, and be ready to receive the influences of
strength, which he, who is the head, shall think good to give in his own
time, manner, and measure; and this taketh in these duties:
(1.) That they should carefully guard against the evils formerly
mentioned, which brought on this distemper; such as carelessness,
untenderness, unwatchfulness, laziness, carnal security, formality, and
want of seriousness, &c.
(2.) That they should beware of giving way to dispondency, or concluding
the matter hopeless and irremediable; for that is both discouraging to
the soul, and a tempting provocation of God.
(3.) That they should be exercising the grace of patient waiting.
(4.) That they should be waiting in the use of the appointed means, and
thereby, as it were, rubbing the dead and cold member before the fire,
till it gather warmth.
(5.) That they should be keeping all their sails up, waiting for the
gale of the Spirit, that should make their ship sail.
(6.) That they should be looking to him alone, who hath promised that
quickening Spirit; and patiently waiting his leisure, not limiting him
to any definite time.
(7.) That they should be cherishing and stirring up any small beginnings
that are.
(8.) That they should be welcoming most cheerfully every motion of the
Spirit, and improving every advantage of that kind, and striking the
iron when it is hot, and hold the wheels of the soul a-going, when they
are once put in motion, and so be loath to grieve the good and holy
Spirit of God, Eph. iv. 30, or to quench his motions, 1 Thess. v. 19.
If these duties were honestly minded and gone about, in him, and in his
strength, none can tell how soon there may be a change wrought in the
soul.
But if it be asked, what such can do, to whom the very thoughts of the
duty, and aiming at it, is matter of terror;
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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