The soul that aims high, in point of obedience to God, will account
that a transgression, which may not seem to be a fault to the
eyes of others.
So soon as we behave and quiet ourselves, and become as a weaned
child, our troubles vanish: take away self-will, and the sorrows
that remain in our cup are made sweet.
Be much with God in secret, so will you bring profit into the
saints' assemblies, and bring profit away from them.
God makes more of the dedication of the heart, than of any outward
service we can render.
Would you grow up into Christ, make a conscience of obedience
to Him in the smallest matters.
Believers should so live and commune in secret with Christ, that
all around may see Christ in them.
If we would deal wisely with our daily matters, we must bring
God's eternal counsels into them, and consider their eternal
issues; holding ourselves God's servants, doing each his part
in preparing the way for the Lord's appearing in glory.
The path for a believer to walk in without stumbling is that
of God's precepts; in treading which he keeps his conscience
purged by the blood of Christ, takes up his cross daily, and
denies himself. This path, alas, is not much trodden by the saints
-- to the unregenerate utterly unknown.
Do you dread to grieve the heart of Christ, as you once dreaded
wrath and condemnation?