114 SELECT PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE. ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.* 2 Tim. iii. 16. * By the Word of God we learn what human nature hath been, and what it is now, and what it is capable of becoming. No book is of equal importance with the Bible; no knowledge comparable to that which we thence derive; and our value for it cannot rise to too high a degree. Many words may please; many others may entertain; many may instruct us in useful interesting science, wherein we may lawfully and laudably take pleasure. But no words are on the level with the words of heavenly wisdomsweeter also are they than honey and the honey-comb; for by them are God's servants taught, and in keeping them there is great reward. SELECT PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE. 115 Whosoever is ashamed* of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark viii. 38. "All things work together for good† to them * To all of every age, who, from a false shame, and fear of the world's censure, dare not publicly profess their belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, dare not act up to what they think right, this short declaration made by our Saviour himself, well deserves their most serious consideration. A sincere Christian will not hesitate to say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST; for it is the power of God unto salvation.” Rom.i. 16. + If we are perfectly convinced of this great truth, that all the events of life are directed by an all-wise and good God, who orders them in the way that is best for us, we shall be ready to follow the example of Christ, and to say, "Not my will, but Thine be done!" In all our troubles and misfortunes, let us call to mind the emphatic language of Scripture-"God hath power to help, and to cast down; for with Him all things are possible." that love God. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.. Rom. viii. 28, 38, 39. The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in times past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law; and they that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. v. 19-24. If ye live after the flesh ye shall die; but if ye, through the Spirit, do mortify the things of the body, ye shall live. For they that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.+ Rom. viii. 13, 5. *This is a beautiful and affecting allusion to our Lord's sufferings on the cross. The restraining of our fleshly lusts may be very painful to us, as the word crucify implies. But by reminding us of Christ's suffering much greater pain for us, it is calculated to touch every generous feeling of the heart, and to excite in us (from gratitude to him), a total disregard of the pain which so necessary a duty may occasion to us. Affections, denote rather the passions, which, as distinguished from the lusts of the flesh, are-malice, anger, envy, revenge, pride. + If ye continue under the guidance of corrupt nature, The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Heb. iv. 12, 13. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown' of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous and mind nothing superior to its interests, ye shall die. But if ye, through the influence of God's Holy Spirit, do mortify and subdue the deeds of the flesh, not only evil actions, but also evil designs, tempers, and thoughts, ye shall live-ye shall finally obtain a state of complete felicity in the paradise of God. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10, 11. |