Tuesday, December 15, 2015

As when the weary traveler gains
The height of some o'erlooking hill,
His heart revives, if cross the plains
He eyes his home, though distant still.

While he surveys the much-loved spot,
He slights the space that lies between;
His past fatigues are now forgot,
Because his journey's end is seen.

Thus, when the Christian pilgrim views,
By faith, his mansion in the skies,
The sight his fainting strength renews,
And wings his speed to reach the prize.

The thought of home his spirit cheers,
No more he grieves for troubles past;
Nor any future trial fears,
So he may safe arrive at last.

'Tis there, he says, I am to dwell
With Jesus in the realms of day;
Then I shall bid my cares farewell,
And He shall wipe my tears away.

Jesus, on Thee our hope depends,
To lead us on to thine abode:
Assured our home will make amends
For all our toil while on the road.
                             John Newton


But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ       Phil 3:7-8

.....If thou be in Christ thou lookest to pleasant things in the world, as a stranger does to fair meadows, orchards, palaces, coaches, courts, and pleasant countries until he is far afield.  He looks to all these things with a sigh, if he love home well, and says:  "He had rather be at home in his own country nor have them all."  Such is the estimation that those who are in Christ have of the things of the world.  He can let out a hearty laughter at all things that are in it; and count nothing of them all, to be at home, in glory with Christ, and with His Father.
.....whatever comes betwixt a man and Christ to keep him from a right estimation of Christ, albeit all the brave pasments (strips of lace or silk sewed on clothes) and gold fuilzie (gold-leaf) in the world were upon it, it is no other but plain nothing, and we should count so of it.  If anything come between me and Christ, whatever it be, away with it.....So whatever takes away any of Christ from us, who is our stock, that is loss indeed, and may be justly called loss.....Whatever it be, court (influence), honour, or pleasure, or anything else that thou followest, if it come between thee and Christ, thou art a loser in seeking of it.....You think you are well set up now, if you get riches and honours and pleasures; but stay till the Lord come, and say, "Pay me for all the court, honour, pleasure, etc., that ever you gat;" and there will be a great poverty soon then.
.....Look into Christ's offer in the gospel, and that is also wonderful, and His knowledge is superexcellent in that:  To offer a kingdom to all His followers.  How long shall it endure?  For an hundred thousand years?  Aye.  It endures for evermore.  It lasts for all eternity.....Ye shall find also that in this offer there is peace to a troubled conscience, ease to a troubled mind.  To offer a kingdom, thus how great a matter is it?  Who is there can offer an eternal kingdom but only He?  A soul may dream of a kingdom, but none can speak it into the conscience but He who can say, "Come and see."       
                                                                                                                           Samuel Rutherford

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