EPC Australia

While this invitation is founded in benevolence, it also displays humility. Christians are convinced, that they can only give according as they have received; but, from God's communications to them, they know that they can be useful, and that they ought to be useful to others. They never receive grace for themselves only. If the glory of the Lord has risen upon them, they are to arise and shine. If they are converted, they are to strengthen their brethren. If they are comforted, they are to comfort those who are in any trouble. If they are rich in this world, they are to do good, and be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Hence, says Moses to Hobab, "If thou go with us, what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee."

And he repeats the assurance, "It shall be — yea, it shall be." And was it not so? Did he repent of his adhering to Israel? See what is said in Judges, and in Samuel, of his descendants. And was Obed-Edom a loser by the ark? Did not the sacred guest more than pay for its entertainment? "It was told king David, saying. The Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God." Who is likely to be injured by casting in his lot with the followers of the Lamb? Will his family suffer? Many a wretch has reduced his wife and children to penury and ruin by his vices, but every principle of a good man will lead him to provide for his own, and the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Will his substance? The play-house, the alehouse, the gaming-house, the house of her who lives in the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death, will injure a man much more than the House of God. Will his health? Is this likely to be injured, or benefited by temperance, and calm temper, and cheerful confidence, and benevolent feelings? Religion must befriend reputation, as it produces and guards all the elements from which it is derived; but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Therefore, come with us, and we will do you good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. We cannot promise you great things in the world, but the Lord will bless your bread and your water; and a little that a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked. We cannot promise you exemptions from affliction, but nothing shall befall you but what is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, and will with the temptation, also make a way for your escape. We cannot secure you from privations and sacrifices, but we can promise, that you shall be more than indemnified for every thing you do, or lose, or suffer, for the cause of God. He will not be unrighteous, to forget your work of faith and labour of love. A cup of cold water, given to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose its reward. "There is no man," saith the Saviour, "that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." We can assure you, that if you travel with us, you shall feed on the manna, and drink of the rock, and be guided by the cloud, and behold the glory of the Lord in the Wilderness; and then you shall share with us, beyond Jordan, in the land flowing with milk and honey. How blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven; who have peace with God; who are delivered from the sting of a guilty conscience, and the torment of fear; who walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost; who rejoice in hope; who know that death is their friend, and heaven their home; who have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life! "Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good."

Lord, I have often heard this invitation; I now accept it. I am a companion of them that fear Thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. "Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay