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69 The Nature And Ground Of Faith
“O Lord, my God, mine Holy One! We shall not die. O Lord, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and O, mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.”—Habakkuk 1:12 This is truly the language of faith. To say, in faith and feeling, “O Lord my God,” is a blessed thing, and also to feel assured that you will not die. Christ says, “Because I live, ye shall live also.” And it was on this ground that Habakkuk's faith was built: “Art thou not from everlasting?” Some speak about faith as though it were a mere trifle, a bauble, or a toy, and that they could use it as their fleshly nature felt disposed; as if they could take it up and lay it down…
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70 A Brand Plucked Out Of The Fire
“Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?”—Zechariah 3:2 1. What is meant by a brand; 2. The fire and being plucked out; 3. For what purpose are they plucked out of the fire? 1. A brand is a dry stick, destitute of sap, so that it may easily be lighted. All sinners are as a brand, dry and sapless, without any spirituality of mind or soul. They are full of sinful self until God takes them in hand and strips them, and bestows upon them his Holy Spirit, and thus plucks them as a brand from the fire. To be preserved in morality, strictly enjoined, is very good; but it must not be considered as a ground-work for salvation. I would warn…
