By the late Captain K. K. MACLEOD, Achmore, Lewis.
Delivered in Edinburgh on the 3rd March, 1926.
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich.”
(Revel. iii, v. 18.)
IT has been clearly observed that where and when the Church and people of Christ were persecuted for their zeal to their Beloved Master, even to the shedding of their blood, the said persecution and bloodshed served as seed well harrowed in to good soil, and abundant fruit followed.
It was for his zeal and love to his Master’s Cause that the Apostle John was persecuted into the isolation of the Island of Patmos, but instead of John being alone, he had the company of the Angel of the Covenant and the fellowship of the Spirit. This precious Book of Revelation was written by him being the penman of Christ Himself, and the Church of the Living God will be for ever praising Him for making known His mind in such a way to this faithful and true witness, John.
Amongst other letters dictated to this Servant of Christ for the consideration and use of the Church to the end of time was this letter sent in the first place to the Church of Laodicea, and now it has come to us here to-night; and how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which is the sum and substance of this counsel set before us here.
We may at present briefly consider three main points: First—The condition of the people to whom this letter is sent from Christ. Second—A few observations about the Person giving counsel. Thirdly—The counsel given and applying the whole as we proceed.
First—As to this people’s opinion of themselves, they were rich and increased in goods and they had need of nothing.
Very probably they had a large number of communicants and adherents and plenty false charity. There are large congregations made up of adherents but mainly communicants in Scotland to-day, but how many of these are just like this Church of old, rich and increased in goods and having need of nothing. Much profession of love and charity but where is the open rebuke for public sins from Pastor, Elder or Member! No: they are too charitable; they are so rich that they do not require days of humiliation and prayer for congregational or national needs; not even a prayer meeting once a week. There is no need of family worship; they know enough about the Bible already; they are so increased in their faith that they do not require God’s protection as families nor His blessing upon food. The Shorter Catechism is no longer required, and they are so well stocked with goods that the works of Burns will do for the Sabbath in the pulpit! Yes, their goods partly consist in organs and uninspired hymns, sales of work, social gatherings where even comic songs are applauded! So rich that Rev. Miss So and So, M.A., B.D., is more considered as having a right to be an ordained preacher, than the Apostle Paul, writing on the subject of ordination as moved by the Spirit of Inspiration, allows her to be. They have need of nothing. There is no need of reverence for God’s Word as to rest on the Lord’s Day from labour, sport or card playing. They are so rich that they can engage in idle walking and recreation and still lose nothing of the claim to be true Sabbath loving Christians. But let us observe what the Searcher of hearts says about this people. “Thou knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor.” Nothing but Satan, the world and the flesh, and “they that are in the flesh cannot please God.” Those who possess great knowledge of the Scriptures and Godly authors’ works without the grace of God in their hearts will have to account for more than the heathen who never heard about Christ. Behold what the Saviour said to the young ruler who would inherit eternal life:—”Go, sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come, follow Me.” Alas, he knew not his poverty and what would make him really rich!
Second—Who is He Who gives this counsel?
He is the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Firstborn of the Creation of God, knowing infinitely and perfectly the utter misery and need of the persons He thus addresses. Weighed in His scales, they are found utterly wanting, for He is their Creator, Lawgiver and Judge. He knows their poverty and the consequent calamity which will overtake them if they go graceless to eternity. He is also the Wise Counsellor and He is near you and I to-night in this place. He gives us this same counsel:—”I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire.” He is rich in mercy. The Father has commissioned Him for the work. “The Father loveth the Son and has given all things into His hand.” “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” Oh! How unsearchable are the riches of Christ! If you ask the Church above what they know of the gold, that choir of Heaven would answer:—”And out of His fulness have we all received and grace for grace.”
But what is this “gold tried in the fire?”
It is saving grace with all the accompanying graces. It is Christ in you, the Hope of Glory. And how was it tried in the fire? Christ as the sacrifice was typified under the Law by the sin-offering which was burned without the camp. It is written:—”The zeal of Thine house has eaten me up.” He was tempted by Satan; by the Jewish Church, He was rejected and given over to Pontius Pilate to be crucified and slain. His Father, as the Righteous Judge, gave command to the Sword:—”Awake O Sword against My Shepherd and the Man that is My Fellow.” Thus, He was tried in the fire, and came out purer than the purest gold. He Who was rich became poor that we through His poverty might become rich. Oh, the gold of grace, as this was revealed in Emmanuel, and have we not the greatest need of faith, hope and love, for without that grace of faith it is impossible to please God; it is from Christ that we can get this gold. The foolish virgins would borrow of the wise virgins oil for their lamps, but the wise virgins were still wise and would not give, for fear they would not have enough for themselves. Those who truly get the gold are convinced that they have none to spare. When they feel their need they go to Him Who giveth liberally; they will not go to Saint Mary, like the Roman Catholics, or to other saints. O! What a gross insult to the finished work of Christ! That precious blood which cleanseth from all sin! Come, buy this gold without money and without price. Come with all your riches and increased goods and cast them all with yourself at the feet of Christ, saying: “Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously.” He wants your souls to take them away, to give you true repentance and loathing for yourself, to forsake your idols and confess as a poor penitent at the foot of the Cross of Calvary.