Our hearts by nature are like the dry, dead, and barren earth; there would be neither life, beauty, nor fruit, but for the grace of God. And even after regeneration, we are as much dependant upon God, as the earth in the east is dependant upon the dew.
If there be no dew, there will be no fruit, and if there be no grace, there will be no real religion. But our God has said, "I will be as the dew unto Israel." What the dew is to the earth, God will be unto His people. Does the dew cool and refresh the earth? So will the Lord cool and refresh our souls with the sense of His love, and the token of His favour.
Does the dew soften the clods of the valley? So will our God soften and dissolve our hard and impenitent hearts. Does the dew prepare the ground for the seed, and cause the same to vegetate and grow? So will our God prepare our hearts to receive the word, and cause it to grow and bring forth fruit. Does the dew fall insensibly, and in the evening, when most needed? So will our God come unto us, when we most need His quickening and fructifying operations.
Come, Holy Ghost, as heavenly dew, My parched soul revive: The former mercies now renew, Quicken and bid me live: Thy fertilizing power impart, And sanctify my barrren 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.
Our hearts by nature are like the dry, dead, and barren earth; there would be neither life, beauty, nor fruit, but for the grace of God. And even after regeneration, we are as much dependant upon God, as the earth in the east is dependant upon the dew.
If there be no dew, there will be no fruit, and if there be no grace, there will be no real religion. But our God has said, "I will be as the dew unto Israel." What the dew is to the earth, God will be unto His people. Does the dew cool and refresh the earth? So will the Lord cool and refresh our souls with the sense of His love, and the token of His favour.
Does the dew soften the clods of the valley? So will our God soften and dissolve our hard and impenitent hearts. Does the dew prepare the ground for the seed, and cause the same to vegetate and grow? So will our God prepare our hearts to receive the word, and cause it to grow and bring forth fruit. Does the dew fall insensibly, and in the evening, when most needed? So will our God come unto us, when we most need His quickening and fructifying operations.
Come, Holy Ghost, as heavenly dew, My parched soul revive: The former mercies now renew, Quicken and bid me live: Thy fertilizing power impart, And sanctify my barrren heart.