MARCH 11TH, 1909
MARCH 11TH, 1909
[p. 53] MY DEAR —, — ... The weak ones are of small account in this world, but they are of much account in the estimation of the Lord, and for that kingdom whose power is not of nature but of the Holy Spirit. How true is it that “God has chosen the weak things of the world, that he may put to shame the strong things”! May we not judge that it is part of the way of infinite mercy with us that we are encompassed in a special way with infirmities?
Who can tell how much of God’s blessed work in us is wrought through the exercises produced by bodily weakness and suffering! These things remove us from participation in many things here which might become a snare to us, and they shut us up more entirely, in a very practical sense, to Christ for support and satisfaction. I remember Mr. Darby pointing the contrast between poor saints and rich ones thus “The poor want as much of Christ as they can get to comfort them in their sorrow; the rich want as much of the world as they can enjoy with a good conscience”. If this be so, and who can doubt the general truth of it, it is surely better to be poor or weak so as to desire more of Christ, than to be rich or strong and thus fall into temptation.
I do trust and pray that you may prove that grace, and power of faith, which out of weakness can make strong. That is, we apprehend all the strength that is in another Person for us. This is what the blessed God has called us to, that we may find all strength, blessing, and joy in the spiritual apprehension of Christ. Whatever exercise we pass through there is a large and divine answer to it in Him. The more we reach this as to our personal exercises the more are we qualified to learn all that Christ is in relation to the whole circle of truth.
The fulness and glory of Christ are developed in all the will and ways of God. If we have a defective apprehension of any part of God’s will it is because we fail to apprehend the special part of Christ’s greatness and glory which is developed in connection with that particular part of God’s will. It is because every part of the truth is an essential part of Christ’s glory that it is of the highest importance for us to be instructed in it, and to be energised by the Holy Spirit in the affections of the inward man that we may rightly apprehend it.
The great and blessed world of Christ’s glory lies before us and welcomes us — a large and wealthy place indeed, and all [p. 54] ours through infinite grace. Then let us encourage ourselves and one another in the Lord, and press on to possess the good land!
Yours very affectionately in the Lord,
March 11th, 1909.