Meditations In Times Of Sickness

Thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. These are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, seeing it is for thy eternal good?… Read More Meditations In Times Of Sickness

Seven Reasons God Sends Affliction

Every affliction upon the servants of God has some special goodness in it. This is a ground of comfort for the Christian. “We know that all things work together for good unto them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). And in regard hereof, the crosses which are endured by God’s children, are so far from being prejudicial to their salvation, that they are rather helps and a furtherance of the same. Now this goodness is perceived two ways: first, by the fruits and effect of it; and, second, by the quality and condition thereof. In both respects, afflictions are good.… Read More Seven Reasons God Sends Affliction

The Abuse of Casting Lots

The abuse of casting of the lot is a sin of the third commandment. The casting of the lot is an extraordinary or unusual request made to God that He would reveal His will in an important controversy which cannot be resolved by either wisdom, skill, or strength. It pertains to an issue that must be resolved, as there would otherwise be danger or great disadvantage to the country, church, or individual. The lot is abused in petty decision-making, games of chance, and gambling.… Read More The Abuse of Casting Lots

The Justice of God’s Judgment

When the officers in church and state are corrupt, it is generally accompanied, if not preceded, by a thorough corruption of the people. “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” (Jer. 5:30-31). When unsound doctrine and a low standard of morals are set forth by the leaders of the people, it is generally because the people “love to have it so” (Jer. 5:31). Let us seek to hear not so much what is palatable to our corrupt hearts, as what is profitable for the salvation of our souls!… Read More The Justice of God’s Judgment

New Covenant Tribulations

First, God’s Word threatens plagues and punishments to the disobedient and the transgressors of His commandments. Secondly, because these are the last times, and Satan sees that he has but a short time to continue, therefore he bestirs himself. Thirdly, the church of God has always been subject to the cross, and none must marvel if it be. How can the world love them that hate it and have little acquaintance with it and are on the earth as pilgrims, waiting every day for happy passage through the troublesome sea of this life to their own home, even to the heavenly city of Jerusalem?… Read More New Covenant Tribulations

Suffering With The People of God

The ordinary state and condition of God’s church and people in this world is to be in affliction. Hence Paul says that “we must come to heaven through manifold afflictions” (Acts 14:22). The Lord knows what is best for His servants and children. And therefore He has set down this for a ground that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).… Read More Suffering With The People of God

Divine Forbearance in Punishing the Wicked

Jehovah-Jireh A Treatise on Providence by William S. Plumer Some explanation of the delays of providence in punishing the wicked. How divine forbearance should be regarded, and how it may be abused. The Almighty does not settle his accounts with creatures every thirty days. He is long-suffering. He is patient under affronts. He forbears to… Read More Divine Forbearance in Punishing the Wicked