incredible and sad to see how Scripture speaks on this matter, and
good is done in this way, because our eyes do not see it - we must walk by faith, and not by sight. Let us not be weary in well doing, because we appear to labor in vain; we may rest assured we are in the hands of a good Master - in due time we shall reap if we faint not.
Activity in doing good is one receipt for being cheerful Christians - it is like exercise to the body, it keeps the soul in health. It is one great proof of love towards the Lord Jesus, and a proof that can only be given while we are alive. Now is the time for doing good to others, and not hereafter. In heaven there will be no missionary societies, no Bible societies, no visiting societies, no careless to warn, no ignorant to instruct, no sick to minister to, no mourners to comfort, no fainting saints to cheer. In heaven there will be love, joy, peace, thankfulness - but in heaven there will be no place for faith, zeal, courage, labor, patience - their occupation will be over - if ever we mean to show these graces it must be now. Oh! let us make haste, for the time is short. Let us be like Christian, in Pilgrim's Progress, when his burden fell off at the sepulcher, his first act was to try to awaken sleeping souls.
7. Lastly, let us believers take more pains to edify others! It is incredible and sad to see how Scripture speaks on this matter, and then to observe the conduct of many of Christ's people. Paul tells the Corinthians, that the members of Christ "should have the same care one for another." He says to the Thessalonians, "Edify one another, even as also you do." He says to the Hebrews, "Exhort one another daily, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin;" and again, "Consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching." Brethren, I fear we fall very short of the New Testament Christians in this respect. We are sadly apt to lose sight of this edifying one another when we are in the company of believing friends. Prayer, and the Word, and godly conversation are not put in the foremost place, and so we separate, being nothing the better, but rather worse. Far too often there is so much coldness, and restraint, and reserve, and backwardness, that a man might imagine we were
ashamed of Christ, and that we thought it proper to hold our tongues, and not make mention of the name of the Lord.
These things ought not so to be. We profess that we are all fighting the same fight - contending with the same enemies - plagued with the same evil hearts - trusting in the same Lord - led by the same Spirit - eating the same bread - journeying towards the same home. Then why should we not show it? Why should we not be always ready to commune with each other? Why should we not try to help each other forward - to profit by each others experience - to bear each others burdens - to strengthen each others hands - to quicken each others hearts - to speak with each other, like Moses and Jethro, of the things pertaining to our King. There is a fault among us here, and one that ought to be amended.
Let us bring out the Bible more when we get together. We none of us know it all yet; our brother may have found some pearl in it which has escaped our eyes, and we perhaps may show him something in return. It is the common map by which we all journey; let us not behave as if we had each a private map to be studied in a corner, and kept to ourselves. Oh! that the Word were like a burning fire shut up in our bones, so that we could not forbear speaking of it.
Let us speak oftener about the eternal home towards which we travel. Children, before their holidays, love to talk of home - their hearts are full, they cannot help it - why should not we? Surely it ill becomes the citizens of heaven to say nothing of heaven to those with whom they expect to dwell forever. Let us aim at closer communion with all true believers. This will go far to procure Christ's presence with us on our journey. The two disciples who went to Emmaus were talking of holy things when they were joined by the Lord. Let us speak often one to another, and the Lord will hearken, and remember it. This too will mightily promote the growth and comfort of our souls. The fire within us needs constant stirring, as well as feeding, to keep it bright. Many can testify that they find Christian fellowship a special means of grace. As iron sharpens iron, so does the countenance of a man his
friend - and the weakest too may sharpen the strongest, even as the whetstone does the scythe. He that tries to promote holiness in others shall reap a blessed reward in his own soul - he waters others, and he shall be watered himself.
Brethren, I have thought it good to name these things in writing to you about sanctification. I desire to do it in all humility. I need reminding of them as much as any. Let us all resolve to set them before ourselves, and I am sure we shall not repent of it. And now, beloved Brethren, I am done; I have told you one and all the longings and desires of my heart. Conversion for the unconverted, decision for the wavering, growth in grace for the believer - this seals up the sum of my wishes for you. I can wish you nothing better, for this is the way to true happiness. I will wish you nothing less, for without these things I am sure there is no peace.
Consider well what I have said. Death may be busy among us very soon - let us all be found in Christ and prepared. Satan will be busy among us no doubt - let us all watch and pray. Let us beware of a spirit of slumber and formality, and especially in private reading and praying. Let our path to the fountain be worn with daily journeys, let our key to the treasury of grace be bright with constant use.
Let us pray more, and let us pray more earnestly. Let those who never prayed begin to pray. Let those who have prayed pray better. Pray for yourselves - that you may know the Lord Jesus, and cleave to Him - that you may be kept from falling - that you may serve your generation - that you may be sober in prosperity, patient in trial, and humble at all times. Pray for the congregation to which you belong - that the word of the Lord may have free course in it, and be glorified - that the household of faith may become stronger and stronger, and the household of unbelief weaker and weaker. Pray for your country - that her ministers may preach the Gospel, and be sound in the faith - that her rulers may value the Bible, and govern according to it - and that so her candlestick may not be taken away. And pray not least for your minister - that he may be strong to work, and willing to labor
for your good, that all his sicknesses may be sanctified, and all his health given to the Lord - that he may be ever taught of the Spirit, and thus be able to teach others - that he may be kept faithful unto death, and so be ready to depart when he is called. Let us all pray, one for the other - I for you, and you for me - and we shall be blessed in our deed!
"Thus says the Lord Almighty: Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:7
"God is my record how greatly I long after you all." Philippians 1:8