As faith gives a holy boldness at the throne of grace, so the regenerate soul is open and ingenuous in confession of sin. When sin is dethroned in the heart, its errors are its concerns; the most secret faults bow it in humility before the Lamb. To his precious blood the believer has recourse for cleansing; he has daily need of it. He cannot understand all his errors. Many secret faults cleave unto him. He is sensible that even these must be washed away, lest they defile his conscience, and spread a cloud over his mind. It is the peculiar wisdom of disciples, not only to observe the bud, blossom, and fruit of sin, but also to consider the evil root, the polluted nature from…

The soul of every disciple of Jesus is most dearly beloved by the holy Trinity. It is a precious jewel in the eyes of the loving Father, the redeeming Son, and the sanctifying Spirit; who all unite to make it happy. But it hath a world of enemies. Yea, it is at present in the closest and nearest relation to one of its greatest foes, the flesh; the lusts and desires of which are at continual war against the peace, comfort, and welfare of the soul. Therefore, oh Christian, thy best friend sounds an alarm of love, and gives thee a kind warning. ‘Abstain from fleshly lusts.' He knows what great hurt compliance with and indulgence in them will do thee; thou wilt surely smart…

In consequence of a blessed union between Jesus and his believing members, the word discovers the sweet concord and delight that naturally subsists in the heart towards each other. Thus of old it is declared, ‘The Lord’s portion is his people.’ Deut. 27:9. And the church claims Jesus under the same appellation: ‘The Lord is my portion, saith my soul.’ Lam. 3:24. ‘Ye shall be to me a holy nation.’ Ex. 19:6. ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them,’ saith our gracious Immanuel. Therefore, such highly-favoured souls are called to the most special and peculiar service on earth, ere they attain the perfect enjoyment of Jesus in glory. What more exalted pitch of honour, than for creatures of a day to sanctify the…

The tabernacle, with its furniture, the ark of the covenant and the institution of sacrifices, were appointed by Jehovah, to show the nature of his house, to typify his dwelling in the human nature of Jesus, his sacrifice and special presence with the household of faith. David asks, ‘Lord, who shall dwell with thee?’ Ps. 15:1. The answer is, only those whose hearts are furnished with the graces of Jesus, and whose lives evidence it.

Verily here is a glorious assemblage of comforting truths, like a reviving cordial of rich compounds to enliven drooping spirits. Too, too often do God’s children judge of their Father’s love from corrupt ideas. Through the carnality of their natures, the depravity of their judgment, the weakness of their faith, the uncertainty of their frames and feelings, and the artful insinuations of Satan, their loving Father is considered as an implacable being, full of wrath and anger against them. But this is contrary to God’s revelation of himself in Christ Jesus as a God of love. So also is it injurious and hurtful to the souls of the faithful; for it damps their love, distresses their spirits, deadens the exercise of their graces, and hinders…

The profession of Jesus is easy to nature. There is nothing irksome to the flesh in being called a Christian. But to know Jesus in heart, to confess him with the tongue, and to follow him in our life, will ever expose us to reproach and contempt. But if, with Philip, we have really found that blessed person of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, we must, we shall speak of him to others. We shall esteem Jesus our beloved as our richest treasure. Our hearts and affections will be going out after him. Moses's choice will be ours: we shall esteem the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. But fleshly wisdom is contrary to all this. That ever prompts, ‘Save…