Head and Heart, and Hands and Feet.
My dear brother, I am not aware if I told you the following note of Mr. Bower’s sermon at the induction of Mr. Foote to the East Church, Aberdeen (1824): “Dear brother, let me say to you what another minister said on one occasion. Some preach all doctrine; that makes people all head, which is a monster. Some preach all experience; that makes the people all heart, and that is a monster too. And others preach all practice; and that makes the people all hands and feet; which is likewise a monster. But preach you doctrine and experience and practice; and so, by the blessing of God, you will have head and heart, and hands and feet—a perfect man in Christ Jesus.”—Dr. John Duncan.
The believer’s hope and duty.
No tongue can tell how great that glory will be, which the Saviour will give thee, O believer! Surely, then, while thou art waiting for this glory which shall be revealed, thou wilt be going on from faith to faith, that thy beloved Saviour may become more dear to thee; and that thou mayest have more close and intimate communion with Him. Every day’s experience should bring thee to love his appearing more. Having tasted how gracious He is, thou shouldst be longing for the marriage supper of the Lamb with fervent desire; and being now a father in Christ, and strong in faith, thou wilt be often looking up to Him, saying, make haste, my beloved, and take me to thyself. Let me see Thee face to face, and enjoy Thee, thou Saviour whom my soul longeth after. It is good to live upon Thee by faith, but to live upon Thee is best of all.—Rev. W. Romaine.
The peace of the righteous.
If what happens to us be not good, yet it worketh for our good; it contributeth to our good, because it is in his skilful hand who can bring good out of evil, peace out of trouble. Oh, that men were persuaded to be Christians indeed—to love the law of God—to trust in Him! Great peace have all such. This will prove to you their peace in the world. Your peace should be as a river, for abundance and perpetuity; no draught could draw it up. It should run in time as a large river; and when time is done, it would embosom itself in eternity—in that ocean of eternal peace and joy, in which the saints above for ever delight. Other men’s peace is like a brook which in summer dries up.—Binning.