Eight key principles for humbling yourself under God’s sovereignty during challenging circumstances. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)… Read More How To Be Humble Amidst Trials
Seven reasons God appoints sorrows in our lives. These include divine trials to reveal one’s true state, prompting duties, convicting sin, correcting or preventing sin, uncovering hidden corruption, and exercising graces in the Christian. Such afflictions are appointed by God and are essential for spiritual growth and reflection.… Read More Not Without Purpose: God’s Hand in Our Trials
Thomas Boston exhorts heads of families to propagate religion to their children and families giving, seven motives and ten practical ways to implement Christianity in the home. Motivations include accountability for their souls, the natural bent to sin, and the need for guidance in a world full of snares. Children are urged to make a choice between Christ and the devil, because eternity is at stake.… Read More Seven Motivations for Family Religion
Let a man but deal plainly with his own heart, and he shall find, that, notwithstanding he hath many things, yet there is ever one thing wanting. For indeed man’s soul cannot be satisfied with any creature, no, not with a world of creatures. And the reason is because the desires of man’s soul are infinite, according to that infinite goodness which it once lost in losing God. Yea, and man’s soul is a spirit, and therefore cannot communicate with any corporal thing. So that all creatures, not being that infinite and spiritual fullness which our hearts have lost, and towards the which they do still re-aspire, they cannot give it full contentment. We shall never find a heart’s happiness, and true soul’s rest, until we find it here in the gospel of Jesus Christ alone.… Read More Christ Is The Only True Rest For The Soul
The minister discusses the soul’s search for rest and happiness, emphasizing that true rest can only be found in God through Christ. It highlights how both sensual and rational pursuits can hinder the soul’s rest in God. The minister urges a deep communion with God, surpassing mere rational knowledge and sensual delights. And warns against complacency in religious duties alone, advocating for a deep inner communion with God, beyond mere outward exercises of religion or theological intellectualism. … Read More No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ
The Minister advises a young Christian on strengthening faith. He recommends exercising existing faith, praying for its increase, diligently hearing and reading the Bible, and receiving the sacrament regularly. He explains that while these means won’t independently generate or enhance faith, the Spirit of God works through them. The young Christian resolves to diligently use these means for greater faith.… Read More How To Strengthen Your Faith
Thomas Boston Works, vol. 1, ch. 3.3. The Scriptures the Book of the Lord, and the Diligent Study and Search Thereof Recommended and Urged Isaiah 34:16—”Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his… Read More The Importance of Studying Scripture
Thomas Boston Works, vol. 1, ch. 3.2. 1 Timothy 1:13—”Hold fast the form of sound words—in faith and love.“ In these words there is, (1) The character of scripture-doctrine; it is sound words; sound and pure in itself, and sound in its effects, being of a soul-healing virtue, Ezekiel 47:9. (2) The sum of it,… Read More The Scope of the Scriptures
Thomas Boston Works, vol. 1, ch. 3.1. Doctrine II. “The scriptures are the rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy God.“ Here I shall only give the properties of this rule. 1. Scripture is Clear. 1. It is a perspicuous or clear rule. For though all things in scripture are not alike… Read More Scripture: The Only Rule of Faith and Life
Thomas Boston Works, vol. 1, ch. 2. 2 Timothy 3:16—All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. The next head which falls to be touched is the holy scripture, the rule which God has given to direct us how we may glorify… Read More The Divine Authority of the Scriptures
Purely Presbyterian 