Tried With Fire

(This is the reading for May 18. But it seemed very fitting as two sisters in our church have passed through the  waters of Jordan to take possession of that land of delights without end .) We are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8 When death and hell are viewed in their darkest colours, if we have faith enough to see souls in heaven wearing their white robes, this is comfort enough, to know our souls do not die with the body. The soul's eternity is an indelible principle stamped on the souls of men by the finger of God. It is not surprising that he who has his soul too linked to the body, does not know how to die and hates the thought of the separation of the body and spirit. They hate to part with the body, which is their only blessing. But, regenerate spirits enjoy times of sublime reflections about heaven, and are willing to leave the body. John saw the saints in their safety and rest under Christ's protec...

Oh how I love your law! Psalm 119:97 Faith can do so much for you. It is not enough to be healed of your disease, unless you also take up your bed and walk. O the life of grace which I have seen in some! Their meat and drink is to do the will of God. One might say, 'Though I am not pestered and mastered by any reigning corruption, yet I find myself dull and take no great pleasure in spiritual things. Prayer, meditation, and enjoyment of the Lord's day is as easy as iron swimming.' But nothing is impossible to faith. Faith can transform these things to be natural to you. David came to delight in God's service. He loved the commandments of God more than gold, and they were sweeter to him than the honeycomb. He rose at midnight to meditate in the things of his God. The natural man may carry out many of these duties, but not from a heart of faith. Faith makes them go smoothly and makes our yoke light and easy (Is. 40:31). Faith draws nourishment from the root of C...