FAITHFULNESS ENSURES THE LORD'S SUPPORT
FAITHFULNESS ENSURES THE LORD’S SUPPORT
I believe very decided blessing will be the result of our waiting on the Lord. We have learned afresh and in a very touching way “they that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8: 17). I believe that if brethren were faithful the Lord would greatly help them. It is very evident that every one who has been standing in any degree for the truth is greatly invigorated. He, blessed be His name, assures me more and more that if I would depend on Him I should not be disappointed. As the sufferings of Christ abound in us so is our consolation by Christ. I am confounded when I dwell on His sufferings.
... I trust the Lord has been with us, and where He is there must be progress. I long to hear where the ark has found out a place for you. I think the ark is the type of Christ in glory....
[p. 142] The Lord bless your going out and your coming in. The divine path is an impossible one to man. God cannot prosper any other. From Abram down to us it has been increasingly divine.
I have been pondering with great delight on the love of Christ. How it advances from conversion. I have been trying to grasp or rather to apprehend the love as it is known in certain stages of our spiritual history — conversion, liberty, company, union, and communion. Where are you?
I have written a paper on ‘For Christ’. It sounds severe to say so, but what we all lack is ‘virtue’. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31: 10). That is perfect fidelity to Christ. I am often distressed that the word seems to be received, and yet it is not effectual. I am sure we do not contemplate enough. I am writing on the four stages of Christian life. First — Relief through His blood, this is marked by the soul ever dwelling on it. Second — Personal acquaintance with Christ, marked by surrender for Him. Third — Companionship with Him, marked by turning away from everything where He is not. Fourth — Union, marked by being “virtuous” — entirely devoted to His interests. There are many brothers here, but there is no one who has power to give a colour to others. I do not mean merely gift, because I sometimes find a saint with little gift exercising a great deal of moral influence in a place.... May heavenly joys abound to you — I think joy is connected with the Lord personally.