A Discourse for a Saturday Evening

The Apostle Paul, in the seventh of the Romans, gives an account of his own spiritual experience or what he was in himself and what he was by grace.

In and of himself he acknowledged that he was carnal, sold under sin—a transgressor by nature and practice, no more able to deliver and save himself than a person who is sold as a slave and bound with insoluble chains is able to rise into a state of liberty and independence. Nay, the apostle carries the subject farther still, for though he has lost his freedom, a slave may yet possess many valuable qualities of mind, but the apostle would not allow the thought that he was naturally possessed of any one good quality whatsoever. I know, says he, that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing—nothing spiritually good, nothing that could recommend him to the favor of God or even fit or qualify him for grace or glory. He is, indeed, far in denying what God had done for him or from affirming that no good thing had actually been bestowed on him; on the contrary, he thankfully acknowledges the divine goodness and power which had been manifested in his conversion and mentions many good things which the Holy Spirit had wrought in his soul. He expressly declares that he allowed not, or approved not, nay, that he hated the evil he at any time committed.

The prince of the apostles, with every true believer, feels and complains of the depravity of sin in the heart. The child of God would be overwhelmed by the deluge of his corrupt affections every moment if the Lord did not take him into His ark and shut him up until the waters subsided. Austin used to say that he did not fear the world and the devil together half so much as he feared himself, and it may be said of every true Christian that in proportion as he advances in the love of God, he will advance in the hatred of himself. If God were to make anyone his own keeper, he would the next moment make shipwreck of faith, love, and obedience altogether, but blessed be His name; we are put into better hands. Everyone that believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ, everyone that stands by faith, everyone that simply and humbly looks to Him for righteousness and strength, has in Him a tower of defense. A believer stands in Christ like a man in the hollow of a rock; he hears the waves dashing on every side, and he hears the angry winds raging with horrid noise, but he remains unhurt and safe in the midst of all. Just so, the Christian, in every danger and adversity is sheltered by the Lamb and upheld from falling finally. The everlasting arms of Jehovah are spread beneath, around, and above him; the same power that saves him on earth shall enable him to persevere to the end and at last bring him to heaven.

Praise the Lord, my joyful heart,

With the elders bear thy part;

Stand with them around the throne,

Singing praises to the Son.

Strive with them in rapture lost,

Who shall laud the Saviour most;

Join with angels to proclaim

All the mercies of the Lamb.

Saviour! I the theme renew

Endless praises are Thy due;

Anthems equal to Thy grace,

Saints and angels cannot raise.

I my worthless mite cast in,

Hear the song of heav’n begin:

I the eternal chorus join.

Echoing the love divine.

Ever may I worship Thee,

Praise, my lov’d employment be;

Sing the virtues of Thy blood,

Every moment thank my God.

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