EPC Australia

The experience of the Christian while in this world is of a mixed nature. It resembles the day spoken of by Zechariah, which was neither dark nor clear. Whatever advantages he attains at present, there is always enough to tell him that this is not his rest. Yet, under all his complaints, he has reason to take courage, and be thankful. So it was with Paul. For these words are to be taken in connexion with his language in the preceding verse; where he groans, being burdened with the remains of indwelling sin: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Yes; even in the midst of such an experience as this, there is a fourfold ground of thankfulness. The Christian may say First, I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that my corruption is my complaint. Once it was not so with me; neither is it so with many now. They drink in iniquity as the ox drinketh in water. It is their element, but it is not mine. They roll it as a sweet morsel under their tongue; but I have been made to know that it is an evil thing and bitter. I loathe it, and abhor myself for it, repenting in dust and ashes. The heart of stone has been taken away, and I have a heart of flesh; a heart affected not only with the guilt, but the pollution and the vileness of sin. I have nothing to boast of; every view I take of myself is humbling; but my desire is before him, and my groaning is not hid from him. And the weary and heavy-laden are invited to come to the Saviour for rest.

Secondly, I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that though I am in the conflict, I am not conquered. Though yet alive, the enemy is dethroned. Though it rages, it does not reign. It threatens to resume its ascendency, and has sometimes alarmed my fears. I have said, I shall one day perish; but having obtained help of God, I continue to this day; faint, yet pursuing, and feeling no disposition to turn back.

Thirdly, I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that deliverance is sure.

"What though my inbred lusts rebel,
'Tis but a struggling gasp for life:
The weapons of victorious grace
Shall slay my sins, and end the strife."

The victory in this case may be inferred from the reality of the conflict. It is as certain as the word of God can render it. The result is left to no precariousness, but secured in the everlasting Covenant. He who made his soul a sacrifice for sin, shall see his seed, and be glorified in them. Their help is laid on One that is mighty. His blood cleanseth from all sin. His righteousness justifies the ungodly. His grace is sufficient for the most weak and exposed. They shall never perish neither shall any pluck them out of his hand. And they may anticipate the consequence; and rejoicing in a hope that maketh not ashamed, say, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day. Yea,

Finally, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord, that the deliverance is near. Were it remote, I ought to wait for it with patience. Others wait. "The husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience until he receive the early and the latter rain." But it will not tarry. If life be short, the conflict cannot be long. Soon the warfare must be accomplished. Soon the enemies I have seen to-day, I shall see no more for ever. My salvation is nearer than when I believed. The night is far spent. The day is at hand.

"Though painful at present,
'Twill cease before long;
And then, O how pleasant
The Conqueror's song!"

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