By Rev. Christopher Munro
(Continued from Page 43)
27th April.—Felt more tranquil today than I have done for some time back, and was able to read and to think with some measure of delight in the truth. What would I not have given during the last two or three months to be able to do this! I read a portion of Turretine on the Trinity, but could scarcely follow all his distinctions. I cannot help thinking that some of his statements are rather too unguarded. It is a dreadful, and holy, and unspeakable mystery, which can never be comprehended by a finite creature. The only refuge I find, the only ground to believe, is the declaration of Scripture as to the fact, and every attempt, by reason, to make this mystery more patent to the understanding seems to be absurd. What is acknowledged by all to be completely beyond reason cannot be explained, neither can more light be shed on it than what the Word says regarding it. It is enough that there is but one God, and that the Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, are this one God; that the Father is distinct from the Son, and the Spirit from both, as persons or substances, but that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Spirit is God, and not three Gods but one; that They are co-equal, co-eternal, and co-essential. Any attempt at explaining how They are Three, and at the same time One, only bewilders the mind, and, instead of giving it anything to grasp, launches it into an unfathomable abyss. Enable me to believe steadfastly the truth of the Word, resting assured, without any doubts regarding it, even though I cannot grasp it; give me to believe the whole truth, and furnish me with grace and gifts for the work in which I am engaged. Thou, who canst work by any means, however weak
and contemptible, canst, if it be Thy will, work by me, weak, dark, and unbelieving as I am. O fill me with Thy Spirit, as Thy servants of old were said to be filled.
28th April.—The calmness of mind felt yesterday continued today throughout. I experienced some freedom and melting of spirit in prayer, and felt some relish for the Word, as well as composure of mind in meditating thereon. Read again in Turretine on the Divinity and Sonship of Christ, and felt satisfied with the clearness of the Scripture evidence adduced for the proof of this. Oh, that I could at all times live under the conviction of the glorious truth, that Christ is the Father’s equal, and His Eternal Son! What meaning this single truth imparts to revelation! It is as the sun in the heavens, without it all is darkness and despair. Oh, that the light of the Sun of Righteousness would break in upon my darkness, as the Father’s Eternal Son, and as the Saviour of men, and my own Saviour!
Called on some families and spoke to them, in a general way, of the truth. I perceive that many of them are very cold to me; would that they were not cold to the Saviour! Give me the Spirit of Christ, who, though hated and despised, showed compassion and love. Oh, that I were endued with this Spirit! The Lord pity those who are apparently on the very threshold of eternity, and insensible to their danger and to their need of Christ.
Felt a little more liberty in the prayer-meeting. I felt as if I were soothed in spirit, and not so bound up as formerly. But oh! what is feeling? It is a very treacherous matter; let my hope be in the Saviour of sinners; let me make Thee the Foundation of all my hopes, and the Source of all my strength; and let me depend on Thy Word alone for giving efficacy to the Word, and for saving sinners, as well as for healing Thy people; let me not faint and be discouraged because I can do nothing. I need to be kept sensible of this at all times, because, when I have freedom and delight I am apt to be satisfied, though, perhaps, these are the occasions on which the truth has least effect. I feel as if something were calling on me to bless the Lord and to exalt His Holy Name; let my soul praise Thee for the foundation laid in Zion. Oh, when shall I be holy, as Thou art holy, and see Thee with unveiled face?
29th April.—Heard with much concern that one of the congregation is in a very desponding state of mind. From observations formerly made, I fear that the worst may happen. The Lord disappoint my fear, and cast His shield around him and take charge of him, and make this to work for his good. Do Thou, O good Shepherd, protect him, and if I am spared to meet him,
give me wisdom and direction as to what I should say. Let not the enemy obtain his will.
30th April.—This day, which I always set apart for preparation, is now gone, and little progress made. Read in the papers accounts of the Revival in America; and though I felt something like a strong desire and earnest longing for such a manifestation of Divine power, yet what sense of shame have I at feeling so little affected by the accounts of this evident manifestation of Divine power, which has already resulted in the conversion of many souls? What an enigma is the human heart and its feelings! How often have I thought that I could leap for joy to hear of sinners turned to the Lord! But everything proves how desperately wicked the heart is, and how deeply the poison has entered into the moral nature of man. How necessary to be born again, and to be constantly under the power of Divine grace. When shall I hear the voice of the Beloved, come leaping over the mountains, and skipping over the hills? When shall the mountains of my provocation be removed, and the opposition of my heart be overcome?
1st May (Saturday).—Realised some assistance in preparing for the Sabbath. Impressed with the necessity of knowing the mind of the Spirit, and of being guided by Him in my thoughts, words, and actions, and, above all, in my poor attempts to preach His love. Lord, take away my rebellious heart, and give me a new heart and a right spirit! I now feel weak and exhausted: strengthen me and enable me to lie down in Thy fear, and surround me with Thy favour as with a shield. If I awake, grant that I may be still with Thee, and keep me from vain thoughts. This morning I awoke with the words, “Fear not, be not discouraged, He will repent and return.” May this promise be fulfilled to me and to His Church, and to this portion of His vineyard. Come and make this place as a well-watered garden, where there shall be a seed to serve Thee.
2nd May (Sabbath).—Prayed alone, as usual, both before and after family worship, but had no liberty, and could not get my mind fixed. Felt unaffected in church, had no lack of expression, but my soul was not in a frame suited to the solemn position. Felt straitened while preaching both in the Gaelic and English languages. The congregation seemed uninterested. Am I the cause of this indifference? Felt depressed after returning home, as if bowed down by an apprehension of God’s displeasure with me and the people. Went to the Sabbath-school, and taught a class, and dismissed them with prayer, wherein I felt drawn out for the manifestation of Divine power, which might lead the young
to Christ. May the Lord hear the prayers of His own people for this end! Spent the evening in reading Turretine on the Sonship of the Second Person, and on the Personality and Divinity of the Holy Spirit. I always feel perplexed and overwhelmed when thinking or reading of this sublime mystery. How high above reason it is! It is, however, the doctrine of the Word, and my duty is to believe it on that testimony. Human reasoning on any conception of it, that I can grasp as a matter of intellectual exercise. Give me faith to believe it, O Lord, and to derive from it the instruction and comfort which it is fitted to convey. I commenced Turretine’s discussion on the Decrees of God, also, but trembled upon entering it, fearing to fall into the state of mind which I have sometimes felt when thinking of this deep mystery. The Lord enable me to derive benefit and instruction from the subject, and subdue my rebellious and sinful spirit. Give me submission of soul to Thy will in all Thou hast done in eternity and in time, and give me a frame of mind that will submit and lie prostrate before Thine inscrutable sovereignty and goodwill, as manifested in these decrees, and in the Covenant of Redemption.
3rd May.—Visited several families, dropping a few words now and then upon serious matters, but felt little heart. How ignorance and carelessness in the people damp me, when they should only stir me up to greater efforts! Lord, give me wisdom and grace to serve Thee aright! Felt some thirsting after God, and was enabled to pray for it with some earnestness. Shall I ever be satisfied, as He has promised to satisfy the hungry and thirsty soul? Show me Thy way, and make known to me the path of duty, and grant me strength to walk therein.
4th May.—Read some practical works, and was able to do so with some attention and delight. Was prevented from some of my usual reading by a friend coming in, who stayed with me all night. Would that I were enabled to conduct my intercourse with every individual in a way conducive to God’s glory and my own good, and the good of my fellow-creatures! Visited some of the people, and dropped a few words on the most important matters. On such occasions, I feel at times as if silenced and was unable to get a word to say. What need of being filled with the Holy Ghost, and of being led and guided by Him in all I do! Lord, deny me not this.
5th May.—Read very little; visited some people and read and prayed with a poor sick woman, on whom I called for the first time. Passed most of the day with the friend who visited me yesterday. I sometimes long for the company of a friend, but I need prudence to guide my intercourse with my fellow-creatures.
Took too little time to prepare for the weekly meeting, and so was not able to express myself with any clearness and precision. Got little to say that would be of any benefit. At family worship felt composed, my soul longing to come near and to take hold of the Lord. On such occasions I feel an indescribable and an unutterable longing, that I cannot express in words. Oh, that I always thirsted, and could not keep silent, and could not rest till a place was found for the God of Jacob! Salvation is from Him, and does not depend on any feelings of the creature. Teach me how to think aright, and let me not think that any frame of mind can be a condition of salvation. I fear the deceitfulness of my heart may lead me in a hidden way to regard my frames, not as the fruit of faith, but as the condition on which I am to look for grace. I would throw away all frames, and run to Christ as an undone sinner. I know this is the way, but how unwilling I am to be led into, and kept in, that state of feeling. Save me from delusions; save me from every error, every by-ends, and make me single-eyed.
A LETTER OF COUNSEL
216 WEST REGENT STREET,
GLASGOW, 26th February, 1920.
MY DEAR MR . . .
I duly received your letter, and am pleased to see that you are conscious of your need of faith in the Lord Jesus.
Your desire to come to Glasgow, so as to be within reach of the means of grace, has my hearty approval. You are certainly at a great disadvantage there, being so far from a place of worship where the Lord promised to meet with such as go there in order to find Him; but, as I said in my last letter, you should make diligent use of the private means, such as searching the Scriptures and secret prayer. The word of God invites sinners as such to seek the Lord while He may be found, and to call on Him while He is near (Is. 55th chap.), and many other parts of Scripture give similar advice.
A beggar must look not to any merit in his asking, but to the mercy of the party implored for relief, so is it with our prayers. Are we to cease asking because our prayers are not of any merit? Surely no. It is our only remedy; a remedy proposed by God Himself. I think often of the prayer of the Publican: “God be merciful to me, the sinner.” It was brief, wanting in eloquence or fine words, but it was the honest expression of a sinner made conscious of his need of mercy, and God not only granted the
petition but placed it on record as an example of a prayer to which He bowed His ear.
Do not think that any outward reformation of life will cause that God will become reconciled to you, but look away from yourself and every other object to Christ crucified as the only ground of reconciliation. Keep constantly before your mind that, until you have exercised faith on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of your soul from the wrath of God due to you for sin, you can not have true peace with God (Rom. 5th chap.). You must come to Him as you are—a lost, ruined, and guilty sinner; for He came to seek and to save that which was lost.
You may rest assured that you, your wife, and your respective families are not forgotten by me; but no weight should be laid by any of you on anything that man can do. I may say that the condition spiritually of those who came at any time under my unworthy ministry, but especially that of the families of St. Jude’s, has been always a burden upon me at a throne of grace. It has been good news to me when I heard of any of them showing signs of repentance, and a cause of grief and pain when I heard the contrary of any of them.
With kindest regards to Mrs Kelly and yourself, and a prayer that the Lord would make you, by His Word and Spirit, new creatures in Christ.
Yours very sincerely,
NEIL CAMERON.
A MEDITATION ON NOAH’S ARK
When the ark, which had floated many a day on a fearful flood, rested on the happy Ararat, and Noah, and the numerous creatures which were to replenish the world again, had the pleasant sight of spacious fields, just delivered from a dreadful deluge, how vast must have been their joy! And with what transport must they have gone forth into unbounded liberty, called the earth their own, and appropriated the whole world, without any to dispute the amazing possession! So, when the ark of the covenant of grace, built by a greater than Noah, and wherein is contained the seed of the new creation, shall rest on the heights of glory, how shall all the happy ones go forth with transport into the liberty of the sons of God, to possess a paradise of pleasure, a Heaven of ecstasy, and a world of bliss! And though they shall never go out of the covenant through eternity, yet, so to speak, they shall spread abroad, to people the heavenly Canaan, and possess the many mansions that are in their Father’s house.
Here, in the covenant, we are borne above the floods; for the curse, like a deluge, overspreads the whole world, so that all are in a perishing condition, but such as are got within the ark! and in a little, when the great deeps of eternity shall be opened, the floods of vengeance swelling high shall sweep the whole unbelieving world into oceans of eternal wrath. It is true, indeed, our safety is the same, being interested in Him whom the Father has given for a covenant to the people, whether the ark be floating on the waters, or set down on the stable mountain’s top; but there is a difference between fluctuating on the waters of adversity, and sitting down on the mountains of bliss, in the presence of Jehovah and the Lamb.
Again, as their safety was secured, and their provision plenteous in the ark of old; so, in the New-Testament Ark, we are secure, being hidden in Him who sits on the floods, and governs in the storms, and who will never let the deluge overthrow His own, but cause them swim safely amongst the rending billows, and walk securely, as Israel of old, amidst devouring deeps. And our provision is not only plenteous and profuse, but spiritual and divine.
Besides, in this Ark, by the eye of faith, even while the deluge is not wholly gone, we get, which Noah could not boast of, reviving views of the tops of the eternal mountains, and gladdening glances of the heights of glory.
Again, when the flood of wrath shall be at the highest with all the wicked world, our Ark shall sit down on the celestial Ararat. Then, as Noah sacrificed to God when he was gone forth of the ark, which he could not do while in it; so, in that triumphant state of glory, we shall worship Him in a manner to which we never could attain in a militant state; and, to our eternal joy, shall look up and see the “rainbow about the throne,” in its most beauteous colours, showing, as it shines, that the flood of divine wrath, which once pursued the human race to swallow up all who had not fled to the sacred Ark for safety, shall never return again to swallow up the ransomed nations. Then, dwelling in that land where “there is no more sea,” we shall walk at liberty, enjoying beatitudes unlimited as our thought, and extensive as conception itself; and, through the unnumbered years of His right hand, we shall proclaim the compassion, and dwell upon the love of Him, who was Himself our Divine, our glorious Ark, that bare us above the waves of vengeance (though, to perform that kind office, He Himself for a while was carried “into deep waters, where the floods overflowed Him”), and brought us into His presence, where rivers of pleasures flow for evermore.
Solitude Sweetened.
A MEDITATION ON GRACE
Heavenly grace implanted in the soul, is the divine philosopher’s stone, that turns everything in our possession into more excellent nature, and greater value. It is storied of the one, that it turns iron into silver, and silver into gold. But it is true of the other, that for “brass it brings gold; and for iron, silver; and for wood, brass; and for stones, iron.” Shedding divine contentment through the soul, it turns our water into wine, our pennies into pounds, our poor cottages into splendid palaces, bare supply into abundant plenty, and everything into sufficiency, because our satisfaction is the same in this, as if possessed of that. It diminished distress, magnifies mercies, lessens grief, enlarges love, contemns vanities, breathes after future bliss, rectifies our desires, subdues our corruptions, regulates our inclinations, restrains our ambition, raises and refines our affections, removes the present world, and presents the world to come. By it we are refined in affliction, triumph in our troubles, in all our conflicts we are more than conquerors, and turn the battle to the gate. By it we listen to rebuke, are instructed by the rod, submissive under crosses, silent under losses, patient in tribulation, meek under reproaches, humble, though exalted, forgetful of injuries, mindful of benefits, faithful to our trust, merciful to our enemies, and friends with the whole world.
By it we tremble at judgments, rejoice in mercies, observe providences, wrestle against our unbelief, are grieved at our ingratitude, and struggle against our daily failings.
By it our souls taste divine joys, and loathe the light food of worldly vanities. It sweetens our sorrows, mitigates our misfortunes, pierces the shadows, and seeks after unseen realities. Where it is implanted in the breast, everything turns out to the advantage of the soul. The way of life, to others thorny, is flowery, and our path to our latter end is peace.
What to the carnal world is a curse, is to the possessor of this precious gem a blessing. By it our pains are banished, our pleasures are purified, expectation honied, burdens lightened, weakness strengthened, storms scattered, and harmony diffused within. What a noble thing is grace, or Christ by His Spirit dwelling in the soul! No wonder, then, that such a glorious change is made, and all to the better, so that we can look towards eternity undismayed, expect the awful Judgment with unshaken faith, meet the king of terrors with undaunted courage, and have hope in the expiring pang.
Let gold be a portion to the misers, honour to the ambitious, pleasures to the voluptuous, but let grace be mine; for thus my afflictions are sweeter than the prosperity of the wicked, my
reproaches preferable to the applauses of a giddy world, and my very death more desirable than the life of the most splendid, if impious, monarch.
Solitude Sweetened.
A MEDITATION ON CORRUPTION
Happy they who have put off, not only mortality, but sin, and have put on, not only immortality, but perfection, and, in triumph, trample on the neck of all their enemies, having neither foe without, nor foe within. But my daily complaint may be, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Satan watches and waylays me; temptation attacks without, and corruption rises up within, and, alas! too often I offend Him who is all love, mercy, and goodness. O for the happy day, when I shall cease to sin, and to offend the best of friends, the Saviour of my soul! when my whole soul shall be pure and holy, and not one seed of sin be left within; when Satan shall tempt no more, and I yield no more to the temptation; when my bitter complaint against corruption and sin, shall be converted into sweet encomiums on redeeming grace: “To Him that loved me, and washed me from my sins in His own blood, be glory and honour, might and dominion, for ever and ever.”
In view of that blessed day will I rejoice; and, confiding in all-sufficient grace, I will travel to the Mount of God with courage; and, leaning on my Beloved, I will journey up through the wilderness undismayed. For it is when I go in mine own strength, or walk alone, that I stumble into sin, to rectify my mistaken notions, spoil my vain confidence, and make me depend on God alone.
Solitude Sweetened.