1 John 3:24

REFLECTIONS

Who can contemplate the love of God, as set forth in this Chapter, in adopting sinners into his family, and calling them sons of God, without being overwhelmed in the view. To behold some of the Lord's family, indigent and poor in all the worldly accommodations of this life; and yet by regeneration, to know them kings and priests to God and the Father? They are indeed unnoticed, unregarded, yea, often despised by the great ones of the earth; and yet, considered in Christ it may be said of them; of whom the world is not worthy! And though overlooked and disowned now, what will be the consternation of the ungodly at that great day, when they shall behold them in the likeness of Him, in whose image they will arise.

My soul, I charge it upon thee, to mark well the characters so accurately drawn in this scripture, between the children of God, and the children of the devil. Oh! how gracious hath God the Holy Ghost shewn himself, in those striking discriminations of character, that God's little children may not be deceived. Blessed and eternal Spirit! grant to me thy gracious teachings. So shall learn the precious tokens of Jesus's love, in laying down his life for his people! Give me grace in the view of it, for his sake to be always alive to testify my love to the brethren. Lord keep my poor soul from the errors of the present day, in high professions mixed with low apprehensions of Jesus. Dearest Lord Jesus! cause me to dwell, by faith, in thee; whilst thou art everlastingly abiding in my heart. And let my daily testimony, that I am thine, be always uppermost in my heart, by the sweet teachings of thy Spirit, which thou hast given me.