The ‘gleanings’ which follow were selected by the Rev Donald Beaton when he was Editor of the Free Presbyterian Magazine and they are taken from Owen’s discourse on “The Glory of Christ”.
Let us consider well what is our present state with respect to God and eternity. This, Moses wished for the Israelites, Deut, 22: 29. It is the greatest folly in the world to leave the issues of these things to an uncertain hazard. The man who cannot prevail with himself to examine strictly his state and condition with respect to eternity never does any good.
Consider what it is to live and to die without an interest in Christ, without a participation of Him. Unless we are thoroughly convinced that without Him we are in a state of apostasy from God, under the curse, obnoxious to eternal wrath, as some of the worst of God’s enemies — we shall never flee unto Him for refuge in a due manner. The whole have no need of a Physician, but the sick have. Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. While we are uninterested in Christ — not ingrafted into Him by faith — we run in vain, all our labour in religion is lost, our duties are all rejected, we are under the displeasure and curse of God, and our end is eternal destruction. Yet how many of us let these things pass by without consideration?
Unless there be a full conviction of the woeful, deplorable condition of every soul, of whatever quality, profession, religion, or outward state — who is not yet made partaker of Christ — all will be of no signification. Remember, then, that the consideration of your state is your chief concern in this world and be not afraid to take in a full and deep sense of it. The work of this conviction is the first effect of true religion.
Consider the infinite condescension and love of Christ — in His invitations to come unto Him for life, deliverance, mercy, grace, peace and eternal salvation. Multitudes of these invitations and calls are recorded in the Scripture. They are all filled up with those blessed encouragements, which divine wisdom knows to be suited to lost, convinced sinners in their knowledge, above what the nature of man is capable of in this world. Men, therefore, must sin in some instance above the devil, or God would not give them their eternal portion with the devil and his angels — this is unbelief.
What, then, shall we do? What shall we apply ourselves unto? What is it that is required of us?
Take the advice of the Apostle (Heb. 3: 7,8,13). This day, even this is unto you in the tender of grace the acceptable time, this is the day of salvation. Others have had this day as well as you, and have missed their opportunity — take heed lest it should be so with you also. Now, if any one would write down or commit to memory — “This day there was an offer of Christ and salvation made unto my soul.” From this time I shall resolve to give myself up to Him” — And when you form this resolution, charge your conscience with it, and make yourself to know that the breaking of this vow will be a token of your going to ruin.
Some will say that they can make nothing of this work they have tried to believe, but still fail in what they design, and make no progress. Therefore, they think it better to let things go, in general, without further trouble. This is the language of the heart, but not of the mouth. Remember how the disciples, when fishing, had toiled all night, but caught nothing. When Christ came, He told them to cast out their nets once more. Peter made some excuse, that they had toiled all night in vain; however, he would venture once more at the command of Christ, and was rewarded with an astonishing draught of fishes. Have you been wearied with disappointments in your attempts and resolutions? Cast in your net this once more, upon the command of Christ, venture once again to come unto Him upon His call and invitation, you know not what success He may give you.
It is not the failing in your attempt at coming to Christ, but the giving up of your endeavours that will be your ruin. The woman of Canaan, in her outcry to Christ for mercy, had many repulses. At first He answered her not a word. His disciples desired Him to send her away. Then He gave her a reason why He should pass her by and not regard her — she was not an Israelite to whom He was sent. Yet she does not give over, but presses into His presence crying for mercy. Then He draws out her faith to the utmost, which was His design from the beginning. He reckoned her among the dogs, unworthy of the children’s bread. Had she given over at last, upon this severe rebuke, she would not have obtained mercy; but persisting in her request, she prevailed at last. Perhaps you have prayed and cried, and resolved and vowed, all without success, as you suppose. However, if you do not give up, you also shall prevail at last. You do not know when God will come with His grace, and Christ will manifest His love, to you, as He did to the poor woman, who suffered so many rebukes. It may be He will do it this day, and if not, He may do it another day; do not despond. Take that word of Christ Himself for your encouragement, Prov. 8: 34, “Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors.” If you hear Him, and wait, though you have not yet admission, but are kept at the gates and posts of the doors, yet in the issue you shall be blessed.