On the Sunday following, I took my text from Isaiah—"Ye also made a ditch between two walls, for the water of the old pool; but ye have not looked unto the Maker thereof, neither had respect unto Him."
From that time God the Holy Ghost has given me better tools for my workmanship. In addressing those whose hearts are unrenewed and unchanged, I make no propositions or calls. I cry aloud, and lift up my voice, and show my people their transgressions and their sins. I then turn from the unconverted, and implore my Master to take the work in hand, to convince of sin, and to lead them to Christ. With uplifted eyes and outstretched arms I cry, "Lay hold of these rebels, O Lord, as the angel did of lingering Lot, and overcome them by Thy omnipotent power, so as to lay down their arms to come in, that Thy house may be filled." John Berridge can do nothing but say, "Awake, O arm of the Lord!" This is my province; a step further I cannot, I dare not, go.
For the last twelve years the Lord has, in a most wonderful manner, displayed the riches of His grace in giving me innumerable seals to my ministry, both in town and country—trophies of mercy, as studs in the Mediatorial crown of my dear Redeemer.
Old Everton.
[Oh, that there were more such preachers in the present day!]
When bold, presumptuous men stand up,
And fain would make believe
That they are teachers sent of God,
And thus poor souls deceive,
They should, by every God-taught soul,
Be faithfully withstood,
If aught they bring to us as truth
But Jesus and His blood.
Such men as these the Word declares
Shall come, and shall deceive;
But sinners, truly born of God,
Will not such men receive.
If possible, we know they would
Deceive Thine own elect;
But, bless Thy precious name, dear Lord,
Thou wilt Thine own protect.
How solemn is the thought to me—
Such men may think they're right,
Yet their profession will, if left,
End in eternal night!
"Depart, ye cursèd!" will be said
By lips that cannot lie;
"Since you have hated Me and Mine,
Your doom is now to die.
"You see, though now it is too late,
The oil-less lamp won't do;
The door against you now is shut;
There is no passing through."
My soul, reflect! How stands the case
With me, a helpless sinner?
I cannot hope to win the race;
But Jesus is my Winner.
I never should have sought to Thee,
Dear Lord, Thou knowest well,
If Thou hadst not first callèd me,
And plucked my feet from hell.
B. W.
BIBLE SUBJECTS FOR EACH SUNDAY IN FEBRUARY.
Feb. 5. Commit to memory Ruth ii. 7.
Feb. 12. Commit to memory Ruth ii. 8.
Feb. 19. Commit to memory Ruth ii. 9.
Feb. 26. Commit to memory Ruth ii. 10.