A very proper inquiry to bring to the Lord's throne, for all the Lord's people should be employed in the Lord's vineyard, for the Lord's glory. There is something for each of us to do, and something for us to do today. JESUS is our MASTER, He has a right to reign over us, and employ us as He will. He should be obeyed. We especially who are so deeply indebted, should obey Him willingly, cheerfully and habitually. Is our enmity subdued? How can manifest it, but by seeking to be in His employment? Have we faith, hope, love, humility, peace, gratitude? Are we not then desirous of obeying Him, who gave us all these blessing? We ought to be employed, always employed, and so employed as if every day were our last. That is the best employment, which we can look at with satisfaction on a death-bed; and of which we shall not be ashamed at the day of judgment. Are you doing for Jesus? Are you doing in the spirit of Jesus? Beware lest you put your doings in the place of Jesus; do all you can, can then lay all you do at the feet of Jesus, it will need washing.
Never did men by faith divine To selfishness or sloth incline; The Christian works with all his power And grieves that he can work no more; Commits his works to God alone, And seeks His will before his own.
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.
A very proper inquiry to bring to the Lord's throne, for all the Lord's people should be employed in the Lord's vineyard, for the Lord's glory. There is something for each of us to do, and something for us to do today. JESUS is our MASTER, He has a right to reign over us, and employ us as He will. He should be obeyed. We especially who are so deeply indebted, should obey Him willingly, cheerfully and habitually. Is our enmity subdued? How can manifest it, but by seeking to be in His employment? Have we faith, hope, love, humility, peace, gratitude? Are we not then desirous of obeying Him, who gave us all these blessing? We ought to be employed, always employed, and so employed as if every day were our last. That is the best employment, which we can look at with satisfaction on a death-bed; and of which we shall not be ashamed at the day of judgment. Are you doing for Jesus? Are you doing in the spirit of Jesus? Beware lest you put your doings in the place of Jesus; do all you can, can then lay all you do at the feet of Jesus, it will need washing.
Never did men by faith divine To selfishness or sloth incline; The Christian works with all his power And grieves that he can work no more; Commits his works to God alone, And seeks His will before his own.