IT is the office and work of the Holy Spirit to bear testimony of Jesus; He hath done so in the word, there Christ is set forth in His glory and grace. He testifies of Jesus by the preaching of the gospel; for we preach Christ crucified, and are determined (when under Divine teaching) to know nothing else among men. He testifies of Jesus to the heart; and then we see His loveliness, behold His glory, pant for an interest in His salvation, sigh for union to His person; or, trust in His promises, accept His invitations, rejoice in His name, and melt in love and gratitude before Him. We have then no doubt about His divinity, suitability, or love; all we want is to enjoy, possess, and glorify Him. Every idol falls before Him, every grace springs up and is in exercise upon Him; we love Him,believe Him, hope in Him, mourn for Him, are humbled before Him, and are zealous for Him; our language is, "NONE BUT JESUS, NONE BUT CHRIST FOR ME." Oh, for the Spirit, to testify of Jesus to our hearts and consciences, this and every day, especially our last day; and to bear witness with our hearts that we are sons of God!
Saviour, I Thy word believe, My unbelief remove; Thy testifying Spirit give, The unction from above; Shew me, O Lord, how good Thou art, And fix Thy witness in my heart.
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.
IT is the office and work of the Holy Spirit to bear testimony of Jesus; He hath done so in the word, there Christ is set forth in His glory and grace. He testifies of Jesus by the preaching of the gospel; for we preach Christ crucified, and are determined (when under Divine teaching) to know nothing else among men. He testifies of Jesus to the heart; and then we see His loveliness, behold His glory, pant for an interest in His salvation, sigh for union to His person; or, trust in His promises, accept His invitations, rejoice in His name, and melt in love and gratitude before Him. We have then no doubt about His divinity, suitability, or love; all we want is to enjoy, possess, and glorify Him. Every idol falls before Him, every grace springs up and is in exercise upon Him; we love Him,believe Him, hope in Him, mourn for Him, are humbled before Him, and are zealous for Him; our language is, "NONE BUT JESUS, NONE BUT CHRIST FOR ME." Oh, for the Spirit, to testify of Jesus to our hearts and consciences, this and every day, especially our last day; and to bear witness with our hearts that we are sons of God!
Saviour, I Thy word believe, My unbelief remove; Thy testifying Spirit give, The unction from above; Shew me, O Lord, how good Thou art, And fix Thy witness in my heart.