June 19. My 18th birthday. With my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I am become two bands.
Lovingkindness runs faster than time; it outstrips me, and then waits to be gracious.
(Inscription at the end of Volume II: — )
Better is the end of life than the beginning.
Better the end of labor than the starting.
These sketches are so many proofs of the power of ‘faith… By faith I got them.
They are evidences of God’s love, — for oft have they come just at the moment when, had they tarried, I had been undone.
Blessed be God for making men so much His darlings as to let them speak His Word!
May it be my topmost desire to live as much to God’s glory as possible; and —
“ When I shall die,
‘Receive me,’ I’11 cry,
‘For Jesus has lov’d me,
I cannot tell why.’”
In health, contentment, and peace, June 19/52, only feeling the thorns of sin and sin’s effects.
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OUTLINE CLXXII. — THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH.
“And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” — Acts xi. 26.
Kings are wont to chronicle their wars; mighty men expect to be made to live after death in the historic page; but though these matters have a certain amount of interest, what is it compared with the interest attaching to this inspired Book of the Acts of the Apostles? The History of England is not so important as this one portion of the Bible. It is a “Book of Martyrs,” — Stephen, Paul, and many more. It is a “Book of voyages and travels,” of thrilling and permanent interest. It is Vol. 1. of “The Christian Times.” It is a book of de. bates, speeches, addresses, sermons, etc.
The church at Antioch has a history so interesting that I only pray that I may be helped to make it so, as I give —
I. A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN ANTIOCH.
Certain saints, driven by persecution from Jerusalem, fled to Antioch, and commenced there their labors of love. Their names are unmentioned, but God knoweth them, and they are now receiving their reward. Let my name perish, but let Christ’s name last for ever.
The Lord’s hand helped them, and many believed, and turned unto the Lord. These were so pious that the church in Jerusalem heard of it, and for their further edification sent down Barnabas to labor among them. He was full of faith and the Holy Ghost, and under him the church grew so great that he went after Paul to assist him.
The saints at Antioch were a liberal people; and, by God’s grace, continuing to increase, they soon had five pastors, and the Holy Ghost put it into their minds to send out, as missionaries elsewhere, two who became eminently successful. Thus, Antioch became a Mother-church to many surrounding parts. Paul and Barnabas used to return there, after their laborious missionary tours. They anchored at Antioch, as in a haven of refuge.
I. Let us note that the gospel is not of necessity a slowly-progressing affair. The first preachers were very successful, for it seems that in about two years the church at Antioch was firmly established. That church grew amazingly, then why should not ours, and why should not all others grow in similar fashion? The conversion of the world will not always go on at snail-pace, and we ought to pray that it may not in this O God, grant it!
2. Let us notice the principal elements of success in this case, believing them to be the same in There were things from God, the ministers, and the people. God in Providence shielded this Gentil Jerusalem from persecution, and gave peace to the people. He sent them faithful ministers, and with those ministers He sent His Spirit.
The ministers preached the Lord Jesus. Barnabas was a good, kind, faithful, Spirit-filled man. Paul also was a mighty preacher of the Word.
The people must have had much grace, — a close cleaving to God and to one another, — liberality and readiness to assist any work of faith, — and abundance of that jewel called “all prayer.”
II. A FEW REMARKS UPON THE TITLE FIRST GAINED BY THIS CHURCH AT ANTIOCH, — “CHRISTIANS.”
Perhaps the name was given as a designation by the Gentiles, gladly adopted by the disciples, and sanctioned by Divine authority. They had hitherto styled themselves “disciples,” “the faithful,” “the elect,” “brethren.” The Jews called them Nazarenes, Galileans, etc. The sect was so small that, doubtless, among the masses of the heathen, it was nondescript; but, in Antioch, the talent, the zeal, the number, the influence, and (in some cases) the wealth of the members of the new church made it needful that it should have a name. The name given is a good one, —
CHRISTIANS.
I. This intimates that there was much unity among the disciples, so that one name would apply to Blessed time when this unity shall return, and we shall be all gathered in one!
2. This shows that the conversation, singing, worship, preaching, etc., of these men and women must have been much about Christ; else, how would the common people know their name?
3. This shows that their life and conduct must have been according to the example of Christ; otherwise, the more knowing members of the community would have denied their right to the title.
But I also am called a Christian.
How honorable a name! Manaen, the foster-brother of Herod, was more honored in bearing this name than by his connection with an earthly prince. Paul, at one time a learned doctor in the Pharisaic school, owns this name of Christian as his highest title. Surely, ‘tis a title which an angel might almost covet. But what does this name show?
I. That I am a believer in the Divine mission of Jesus, — a believer in His official name, “” Let me then take care to trust in Him most implicitly, and never by my doubts dishonor Him.
2. That I am a professed imitator of the holy, harmless, undefiled, loving, generous Jesus; let me then really be so in all things.
3. That I am a lover of Jesus; ‘then let my conversation and talk and meditation be concerning Him.
A Christian is one who is anointed to be a priest unto God, to offer continual prayer’ and praise in the name of Jesus. Bearing the one name which the glorious army of martyrs, the great apostles of Christ, and the saints in all ages, have borne, may we honor the name of Jesus, and on our shoulder bear the cross of Jesus!
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(Inscription at the end of Volume III: — )
Praise, praise, unto Him who causeth the river to run on still, — though, as some say, unfed by natural streams.
God doeth good, and all the good herein is every atom His. Bear witness, oh, paper, of my thanks for these instances of grace!
(Inscription on Title-page of Volume IV: — )
In this volume, may I have the pen of a ready writer! (Inscription at the back of Title-page: — )
By faith, I begin this volume.
(note at the end of Outline No. 200: — )
I desire to record thanks for this second 100. May God receive glory from them as well as for them!
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OUTLINE CCXII. — NOWISE CAST OUT.
“All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” — John vi. 37.
Upon reading this verse, one feels inclined to break out with the angelic song, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”
Here are two sets of doctrine, the high and the low conjoined; surely, this passage will suit all, from the “Hyper” down to the Primitive.
I. THE ETERNAL “SHALL” —POSITIVE.
II. THE ETERNAL .”WILL” —NEGATIVE.
III. THE POSITIVE ETERNAL “SHALL.” “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me.”
These words may be regarded as —
A prophecy of our Lord, the Prophet of His
A solemn oath of God the
A triumphant boast of Jesus the
A challenge to death and
In these words, He speaks like one —
Who knows the number of His people: “all.”
Who regards past and present as one: “giveth.”
Who knows His rights are good: “shall.” And —
Who is convinced of His own power to perform what He has promised.
But this is of no comfort to us unless we can see —
That He has given us the Holy Spirit.
That we have given ourselves to Him.
If we have done so, then let us glory in these blessed words, and sing them aloud, —
“ All that the Father giveth Me shall come lo Me. ”
II. THE NEGATIVE ETERNAL “WILL.” “And him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.”
Notice here the Speaker, — our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father has never spoken thus in His absolute character; it were an insult to try to go to Him except through Christ, when He has made His Son the only medium of access to Him.
Notice the character addressed, — not the Jew that cometh, not the king or rich man that cometh, not the good man that cometh, not the young or old, but “ him that cometh ,” whosoever he may be.
Notice the words of Jesus. “I will in no wise cast out.” It is very strong in the original; Christ means, “I will not, not, not,” or, “I will never, never, never cast out any who come to Me.” Christ will not cast them out —
Because of their great sins.
Because of their long delays.
Because of their trying other saviours.
Because of the hardness of their hearts.
Because of their little faith.
Because of their poor and dull prayers.
Because everyone else passes them by.
When they are once in, they are in for ever. Christ will not cast them out—
Because of their sins.
Because of their old corruptions.
Because of their Read, write, print, shout, —
“ Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. ”
What is it to come to Christ? Men do not know what it is; they fancy it is to reform themselves, to be moral, honest, good, upright, etc., etc. But it is, to trust, to believe in Jesus. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Great Savior, I thank Thee for this text; help Thou me so to preach from it that many may come to Thee, and find eternal life!