The phrase ‘carnal saints,’ the self-righteous look on as a very opprobrious term, as though contradictory to the character of a real Christian: but such persons differ in judgment from an inspired apostle. Paul calls these Corinthian converts, ‘babes in Christ;’ while he says to them, ‘Ye are yet carnal.’ Yea, he appeals to their judgments: ‘Are ye not so?’ Doth not your walk, your words, your strife, your views give sad evidence of the truth of this my assertion? Do you not act and behave too much like men who are strangers to Jesus, and the life and power of vital godliness?

It is the wisdom and joy of disciples to see somewhat of Jesus in every page of the lively oracles. Then the word is searched with pleasure, studied with delight, and is made exceeding profitable to the soul. To this end the sins and backslidings, the humiliations and repentings, the joys and experience of saints of old are recorded. We see their deserts to be the lowest hell; but grace reigns. Though sin abounded in them, yet grace superabounded over them. All is through Jesus: no mercy for sinful man, but through that dear Man and blessed Mediator.

The hearts of disciples enjoy sweet fellowship in the truth, and hence they mutually help and encourage each other’s faith. The Saviour loves to have it so: he blesses them, and manifests himself to them in this way. So it was with the disciples after his crucifixion and death. They resorted together, and communed with each other; and Jesus, though unknown to them at first, joined company with them, expounded the scriptures to them, opened their understandings; and they said one to another, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked with us by the way.’ Luke 24:32