THE believer's happiness and Jehovah's pleasure are united; we are only happy as we are near to Him, and He is only pleased as we cleave unto Him. He has taken us into a near relationship as His children, people, and beloved bride; He has represented our union by the most striking figures the branch in the vine, the member with the head, and the building with the foundation. He has made His name our strong tower, His Son our fountain of supply, and His secret place our home. In living near to Him, we enjoy the sweetest comforts, possess unutterable peace, realise the fullest liberty, and find safety and rest. Our assurances, light, holiness, and strength come from His presence; our misery, wretchedness, and woe, from living at a distance from Him. He invites us this morning, as Jacob did his beloved son, "Come near unto me." He intends to bless us, as that patriarch did his child; to discover himself unto us; to show us His covenant and secret; to make us understand His will and word; to preserve us from all evil, fill us with grace, and conform us to His image.
When trials vex my doubting mind, Jesus, to Thy dear wounds I'll flee; No shelter can I elsewhere find, No peace or comfort but in Thee: To Thee my cause I recommend, On Thee for future grace depend.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
THE believer's happiness and Jehovah's pleasure are united; we are only happy as we are near to Him, and He is only pleased as we cleave unto Him. He has taken us into a near relationship as His children, people, and beloved bride; He has represented our union by the most striking figures the branch in the vine, the member with the head, and the building with the foundation. He has made His name our strong tower, His Son our fountain of supply, and His secret place our home. In living near to Him, we enjoy the sweetest comforts, possess unutterable peace, realise the fullest liberty, and find safety and rest. Our assurances, light, holiness, and strength come from His presence; our misery, wretchedness, and woe, from living at a distance from Him. He invites us this morning, as Jacob did his beloved son, "Come near unto me." He intends to bless us, as that patriarch did his child; to discover himself unto us; to show us His covenant and secret; to make us understand His will and word; to preserve us from all evil, fill us with grace, and conform us to His image.
When trials vex my doubting mind, Jesus, to Thy dear wounds I'll flee; No shelter can I elsewhere find, No peace or comfort but in Thee: To Thee my cause I recommend, On Thee for future grace depend.