The True Church! - Bishop J. C. Ryle Sermon

The True Church
  (1816-1900)
  J. C. Ryle

     The following Sermon was preached in England, in August, 1858.


                  "On this rock I will build my church, 
                      overcome it" (Matthew 16:18)  
                     and the gates of hell will not 


empires, cities, institutions, families, all are liable to change and 
We live in a world in which all things are passing away.  Kingdoms, 
There is something sad and depressing in this.  What profit has a man in 
corruption.  One universal law seems to prevail everywhere.  In all 
created things there is a tendency to decay.

nothing that shall last?  Is there nothing that shall endure?  Is there 
the labor of his hands?  Is there nothing that shall stand?  Is there 
nothing of which we can say--This shall continue forever?  You have the 
There is one created thing which is an exception to the universal rule to 
answer to these questions in the words of our text.  Our Lord Jesus 
Christ speaks of something which shall continue, and not pass away.  
which I have referred.  There is one thing which shall never perish and 
will not overcome it."  
pass away.  That thing is the building founded upon the rock--the Church 
of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He declares, in the words you have heard 
There are five things in these words which demand your attention:
tonight: "On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell 


May God bless the words that shall be spoken.  May we all search our own 
1. A Building: "My Church"
2. A Builder: Christ says, "I will build My Church"
3. A Foundation: "On this rock I will build My Church"
4. Perils Implied: "The gates of hell"
5. Security Asserted: "The gates of hell will not overcome it"

than this.  For want of due attention to this subject, the errors that 
hearts tonight, and know whether or not we belong to this one Church.  
May we all go home to reflect and to pray!

Christ speaks of "My Church."
1. First, you have a "Building" mentioned in the text.  The Lord Jesus 

the Eastern Church or the Western Church.  It is not the Church of 
Now what is this Church?  Few inquiries can be made of more importance 
have crept into the Church, and into the world, are neither few nor 
The Church of our text is no material building.  It is no temple made 
small.

men and women.  It is no particular visible Church on earth.  It is not 
with hands, of wood, or brick, or stone, or marble.  It is a company of 
by faith, and been made new creatures in Him.  It comprises all God's 
England, or the Church of Scotland--much less is it the Church of Rome.  
The Church of our text is one that makes far less show in the eyes of 
The Church of our text is made up of all true believers in the Lord Jesus 
man, but is of far more importance in the eyes of God.

bride.  This is the Lamb's wife.  This is the Church on the rock.
Christ.  It comprehends all who have repented of sin, and fled to Christ 
elect, all who have received God's grace, all who have been washed in 
Christ's blood, all who have been clothed in Christ's righteousness, all 
who have been born again and sanctified by Christ's Spirit.  All such, of 
This is that Church, to which all visible Churches on earth are servants.  
every nation, and people, and tongue, compose the Church of our text.  
This is the body of Christ.  This is the flock of Christ.  This is the 
The members of this Church do not all worship God in the same way, or use 

the same form of government.  Our own 34th Article declares, "It is not 
they all worship with one heart.  They are all led by one Spirit.  They 
necessary that ceremonies should be in all places one and alike."  But 
say, "We are the only true Church.  We are the men, and wisdom shall die 
are all really and truly holy.  They can all say "Alleluia," and they can 
all reply "Amen."

Whether they are Episcopalian, Independent, or Presbyterian, they all 
serve the interests of the one true Church.  They are the scaffolding, 
behind which the great building is carried on.  They are the husk, under 
which the living kernel grows.  They have their various degrees of 
members for Christ's true Church.  But no visible Church has any right to 
usefulness.  The best and worthiest of them is that which trains up most 
subject is this Church, which we properly term the mystical body of 
with us."  No visible Church should ever dare to say, "We shall stand for 
ever.  The gates of hell will not overcome us."  

preservation, continuance, protection, and final glory.  "Whatsoever," 
This is that Church to which belong the Lord's precious promises of 
saving mercy which God shows towards His Churches, the only proper 
says Hooker, "we read in Scripture, concerning the endless love and 
which comprises all who repent and believe the Gospel, is the Church to 
Christ."  Small and despised as the true Church may be in this world, it 
is precious and honorable in the sight of God.  The temple of Solomon in 
upon a rock.
all its glory was nothing, in comparison with that Church which is built 

Church."  A mistake here may lead to dangerous and soul-ruining errors.  
Men and brethren, see that you hold sound doctrine on the subject of "the 
The Church which is made up of true believers, is the Church for which 
God the Father chooses, and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies, every member 
we, who are ministers, are specially ordained to preach.  The Church 
which we desire you to belong.  Our work is not done, and our hearts are 
not satisfied, until you are made new creatures, and are members of the 
one true Church.  Outside of this Church there can be no salvation.

attention.  Our text contains not merely a building, but a Builder.  The 
2. I pass on to the second point, to which I proposed to call your 
Lord Jesus Christ declares, "I will build My Church."

of the blessed Trinity.  In the economy of redemption, beyond all doubt, 
The true Church of Christ is tenderly cared for by all the three persons 
of Christ's mystical body.  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy 
It is Christ who gives them life.  "The Son gives life to whom he is 
Spirit, three Persons and one God, cooperate for the salvation of every 
saved soul.  This is truth, which ought never to be forgotten.  
is laid on the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is peculiarly and preeminently the 
Nevertheless, there is a peculiar sense in which the help of the Church 

Redeemer and the Savior.  Therefore it is, that we find Him saying in our 
text, "I will build: the work of building is my special work."
pleased to give it" (John 5:21).  
It is Christ who calls the members of the Church in due time.  They are 
"the called of Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:6).  


become children of God" (John 1:12).  
It is Christ who washes away their sins.  He "who loves us and has freed 
us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5).  

give you" (John 14:27).  
It is Christ who gives them peace.  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I 

It is Christ who grants them repentance.  "God exalted him to his own 
It is Christ who gives them eternal life.  "I give them eternal life, and 
they shall never perish" (John 10:28).  

received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to 
right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance" 
(Acts 5:31). 

It is Christ who enables them to become God's children.  "To all who 

The mighty agent by whom the Lord Jesus Christ carries out this work in 
It is Christ who carries on the work within them when it is begun.  
"Because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19).

[Christ]" (Colossians 1:19).  He is the author and finisher of faith.  
In short, "God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 
supplied.  Through Him they are strengthened for duty.  By Him they are 
From Him every joint and member of the mystical body of Christians is 
faultless before the Father's throne with exceeding great joy.  He is all 
kept from falling.  He shall preserve them to the end, and present them 
things, and all in all to believers.

drawing influence of afflictions--all, all are means and methods by which 
the number of His Churches, is, without doubt, the Holy Spirit.  He it is 
who applies Christ and His benefits to the soul.  He it is who is ever 
taking out of the world, stone after stone, and adding it to the mystical 
renewing, awakening, convincing, leading to the cross, transforming, 
building.

redemption and bring it to completion, is the Son of God: the Word who 
But the great Chief Builder, who has undertaken to execute the work of 
was made flesh.  It is Jesus Christ who "builds."

the Scriptures, the friendly rebuke, the word spoken in season, the 
In building the true Church, the Lord Jesus condescends to use many 
subordinate instruments.  The ministry of the Gospel, the circulation of 
nothing is happening.  But man's time is not God's time.  A thousand 
His work is carried on.  But Christ is the great superintending 
architect, ordering, guiding, directing all that is done.  What the sun 
true Church.  "Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but God gives the 
is to the whole solar system, that Christ is to all the members of the 
increase."  Ministers may preach, and writers may write, but the Lord 
Great is the wisdom with which the Lord Jesus Christ builds His Church.  
Jesus Christ alone can build.  And except He builds, the work stands 
still.

All is done at the right time, and in the right way.  Each stone in its 
sometimes it moves slowly.  Man is frequently impatient, and thinks that 
turn is put in the right place.  Sometimes He chooses great stones, and 
sometimes He chooses small stones.  Sometimes the work moves fast, and 
transforms them into polished corners of His spiritual temple.
years in His sight are but as a single day.  The great Builder makes no 
mistakes.  He knows what He is doing.  He sees the end from the 
mightiest conceptions of architects, like Michael Angelo are mere 
beginning.  He works by a perfect, unalterable and certain plan.  The 
Great is the condescension and mercy, which Christ exhibits in building 
insignificant child's play, in comparison with Christ's wise counsels 
respecting His Church.

fits them into a most excellent work.  He despises no one, and rejects 
His Church.  He often chooses the most unlikely and roughest stones, and 
none, on account of former sins and past transgressions.  He delights to 
suspended.  For the good of that Church, all the providential dealings of 
show mercy.  He often takes the most thoughtless and ungodly, and 

Great is the power which Christ displays in building His Church.  He 
carries on his work in spite of opposition from the world, the flesh, and 
the devil.  In storm, in chaos, through troublesome times, silently, 
progresses, like Solomon's temple.  "I will work," He declares, "and none 
quietly, without noise, without stir, without excitement, the building 
shall stop it."

building of this Church, They care little for the conversion of souls.  
Brethren, the children of this world take little or no interest in the 
What are broken spirits and penitent hearts to them?  It is all 
preserving of that Church, the laws of nature have oftentimes been 
foolishness in their eyes.  But while the children of this world care 
nothing, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God.  For the 
one true Church is laid on the shoulders of One that is mighty.  Let us 
God in this world are ordered and arranged.  For the elect's sake, wars 
are brought to an end, and peace is given to a nation.  Statesmen, 
rulers, emperors, kings, presidents, heads of governments, have their 
schemes and plans, and think them of vast importance.  But there is 
another work going on of infinitely greater significance, for which they 
are all but as the axes and saws in God's hands.  That work is the 
gathering in of living stones into the one true Church.  How little are 
dismissed in a few words.  The history of Abraham, the father of the 
we told in God's Word about unconverted men compared with what we are 
told about believers!  The history of Nimrod, the mighty hunter, is 
bless God that it does not rest upon man.  Let us bless God that it does 
faithful, occupies several chapters.  Nothing in Scripture is so 
important as the concerns of the true Church.  The world makes up little 
For ever let us thank God, my beloved brethren, that the building of the 
of God's Word.  The Church and its story make up much.

the good confession which the Apostle had just made.  It was not Peter, 
not depend on missionaries, ministers, or committees.  Christ is the 
almighty Builder.  He will carry on His work, though nations and visible 
Churches do not know their duty.  Christ will never fail.  That which He 
3. I pass on to the third point, which I proposed to consider--The 
has undertaken He will certainly accomplish.

What did the Lord Jesus Christ mean, when He spoke of this foundation? 
Foundation upon which this Church is built.  The Lord Jesus Christ tells 
us, "On this rock I will build my church."

assuredly not.  I can see no reason, if he meant Peter, why did He not 
Did He mean the Apostle Peter, to whom He was speaking?  I think 
say, "On you" will I build My church.  If He had meant Peter, He would 
the erring, unstable man; but the mighty truth which the Father had 
have said, I will build My Church on you, as plainly as He said, "I will 
give you the keys."  No! it was not the person of the Apostle Peter, but 
foundation could have met the necessities of a world of sinners.
revealed to Peter.  It was the truth concerning Jesus Christ himself 
which was the Rock.  It was Christ's Mediatorship, and Christ's 
Savior, the true Guarantee, the real Intercessor between God and man.  
Messiahship.  It was the blessed truth, that Jesus was the promised 
My brethren, this foundation was laid at a mighty cost.  It was necessary 
This was the rock, and this was the foundation on which the Church of 
Christ was to be built.

live, suffer, and die, not for His own sins, but for ours.  It was 
that the Son of God should take our nature upon Him, and in that nature 
necessary that in that nature Christ should go to the grave, and rise 
redemption for all His people.  No other foundation but this could have 
again.  It was necessary that in that nature Christ should go up to 
heaven, to sit at the right hand of God, having obtained eternal 

borne the weight of that Church of which our text speaks.  No other 
Here is the point which demands our personal attention.  Are we on the 
That foundation once obtained, is very strong.  It can bear the weight of 
the sin of all the world.  It has borne the weight of all the sins of all 
imagination, sins of the heart, sins of the head, sins which every one 
the believers who have built on it.  Sins of thought, sins of the 
has seen, and sins which no man knows, sins against God, and sins against 
weight of all these sins and not give way.  The mediatorial office of 
man, sins of all kinds and descriptions--that mighty rock can bear the 
Christ is a sufficient remedy for all the sins of all the world.

To this one foundation every member of Christ's true Church is joined.  
expectation of good things to come.  You would find that it all flows 
In many things believers are disunited and disagreed.  In the matter of 
their soul's foundation they are all of one mind.  They are all built on 
the rock.  Ask where they get their peace, and hope, and joyful 
personal salvation.  See that your own soul is on the rock.  Without 
from that one mighty truth--Christ the Mediator between God and man, and 
the office that Christ holds, as the Highpriest and Promise of sinners.

old godly man, Leighton say?  "God has laid this precious stone for this 
rock?  Are we really joined to the one foundation?  What does that good 
very purpose, that weary sinners may rest upon it.  The multitude of 
that, any more than stones that lie loose in heaps, near a foundation, 
imaginary believers lie all around it, but they are not any better for 
Look to your foundation, my beloved brethren, if you would know whether 
but not joined to it.  There is no benefit to us by Christ, without union 
with Him."

known to yourselves.  Your public worship we can see, but we cannot see 
or not you are members of the one true Church.  It is a point that may be 
whether you are personally built upon the rock.  Your attendance at the 
light one day.  The secrets of all hearts shall be exposed.  Perhaps you 
Lord's table we can see, but we cannot see whether you are joined to 
Christ, and one with Christ, and Christ in you.  But all shall come to 
go to church regularly and you pray faithfully.  All this is right and 
the Diocletians, the bloody Marys--were Satan's tools, when they 
good, so far as it goes.  But see that you make no mistake about your own 
this, all else is nothing.  Without this, you will never stand in the day 
of judgment.  Better a thousand times in that day to be found in a 
cottage on the rock, than in a palace on the sand!

4. I proceed, in the fourth place, to speak of the Implied Trials of the 
Church, to which our text refers.  There is mention made of "the gates of 
The history of Christ's true Church has always been one of conflict and 
hell."  By that expression we are to understand the power of the devil!

war.  It has been constantly assailed by a deadly enemy, Satan, the 
members.  He is ever urging the children of this world to do his will, 
prince of this world.  The devil hates the true Church of Christ with an 
undying hatred.  He is ever stirring up opposition against all its 
ungodly have been the devil's agents, and done the devil's work, though 
and injure and harass the people of God.  If he cannot bruise the head, 
he will bruise the heel.  If he cannot rob believers of heaven, he will 
For six thousand years this hostility has gone on.  Millions of the 
aggravate them as they travel the road to heaven.

to Christ, exceeding great and precious promises.  We can offer boldly to 
they did not know it.  The Pharaohs, the Herods, the Neros, the Julians, 
persecuted the disciples of Jesus Christ.
Warfare with the powers of hell has been the experience of the whole body 

of Christ.  It has always been a bush burning, though not consumed--a 
Churches have their times of prosperity and seasons of peace, but never 
woman fleeing into the wilderness, but not swallowed up.  The visible 
has there been a time of peace for the true Church.  Its conflict is 
member of the true Church.  Each has to fight.  What are the lives of all 
perpetual.  Its battle never ends.

Warfare with the powers of hell is the experience of every individual 
and Luther, and Calvin, and Latimer, and Baxter, but soldiers engaged in 
the saints, but records of battles?  What were such men as Paul, and 
James, and Peter, and John, and Polycarp, and Ignatius, and Augustine, 
and sometimes by open persecution.  But in one way or another the devil 
a constant warfare?  Sometimes their persons have been assailed, and 
sometimes their property.  Sometimes they have been harassed by slander, 
true Christians, as long as the earth stands.  As the great reformer, 
has been continually warring against the Church.  The "gates of hell" 
have been continually assaulting the people of Christ.

Men and brethren, we who preach the Gospel can hold out to all who come 
you in our Master's name, the peace of God which passes all 
understanding.  Mercy, free grace, and full salvation, are offered to 
every one who will come to Christ, and believe on Him.  But we promise 
you no peace with the world, or with the devil.  We warn you, on the 
contrary, that there must be warfare, so long as you are in the body.  We 
would not keep you back, or deter you from Christ's service.  But we 
would have you count the cost, and fully understand what Christ's service 
other side of a troubled sea.  Thousands, tens of thousands have crossed 
entails.  Hell is behind you.  Heaven is before you.  Home lies on the 
these stormy waters, and in spite of all opposition, have reached the 
world, the world would love as its own."  So long as the world is the 
haven where they would be.  Hell has assailed them, but has not 
prevailed.  Go forward, beloved brethren, and fear not the adversary.  
Marvel not at the hatred of the gates of hell.  "If you were of the 
Only abide in Christ, and the victory is sure.

true Church of Christ.  There is a glorious promise given by the mighty 
world, and the devil the devil, there must be warfare, and believers in 
Christ must be soldiers.  The world hated Christ, and the world will hate 
Luther, said, "Cain will go on murdering Abel so long as the Church is on 
Be prepared for the hostility of the gates of hell.  Put on the whole 
earth."

armor of God.  The tower of David contains a thousand shields, all ready 
by millions of poor sinners like ourselves, and have never been found
for the use of God's people.  The weapons of our warfare have been tried 
to fail.

makes you humble.  It drives you nearer to the Lord Jesus Christ.  It 
Be patient under the bitterness of the gates of hell.  It is all working 
together for your good.  It tends to sanctify.  It keeps you awake.  It 
Lord Jesus."
weans you from the world.  It helps to make you pray more.  Above all, it 
makes you long for heaven, and say with heart as well as lips, "Come, 

and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."  
Do not be cast down by the hatred of hell.  The warfare of the true child 
of God is as much a mark of grace as the inward peace which he enjoys.  
you," said our Lord Jesus Christ, "when people insult you, persecute you 
No cross, no crown!  No conflict, no saving Christianity!  "Blessed are 

5. There remains one thing more to be considered: the Security of the 
Church of Alexandria and the Church of Constantinople?  Where are the 
Builder, "The gates of Hades will not overcome it."  He who cannot lie 
has pledged His royal word, that all the powers of hell shall never 
assault.  It shall never be overcome.  All other created things perish 
overthrow His Church.  It shall continue, and stand, in spite of every 
and pass away, but not the Church of Christ.  The hand of outward 
Empires have risen and fallen in rapid succession.  Egypt, Assyria, 
violence, or the moth of inward decay, prevail over everything else, but 
not over the church that Christ builds.

Babylon are sunk to the ground.  The palaces of Nineveh are mounds of 
Babylon, Persia, Tyre, Carthage, Rome, Greece, Venice--where are all 
these now?  They were all the creations of man's hand, and have passed 
The mightiest cities have become heaps of ruins.  The broad walls of 
away.  But the Church of Christ lives on.

The earliest visible Churches have in many cases decayed and perished.  
dust.  The hundred gates of Thebes are only matters of history.  Tyre is 
a place where fishermen hang their nets.  Carthage is a desolation.  Yet 
against it.
all this time the true Church stands.  The gates of hell do not prevail 

Christ will never be without a witness in the world.  He has had a people 
Where is the Church of Ephesus and the Church of Antioch?  Where is the 
Corinthian, and Philippian, and Thessalonian Churches?  Where, indeed, 
their bishops, and synods, and ceremonies, and learning, and antiquity.  
are they all?  They departed from the Word of God.  They were proud of 
the Gospel.  They did not give Jesus His rightful office, or faith its 
They did not glory in the true cross of Christ.  They did not hold fast 
rightful place.  They are now among the things that have been.  Their 
Has the true Church been oppressed in one country?  It has fled to 
candlestick has been taken away.  But all this time the true Church has 
lived on.

has lived, and grown and multiplied.  Weak as this true Church may appear 
another.  Has it been trampled on and oppressed in one soil?  It has 
taken root and flourished in some other climate.  Fire, sword, prisons, 
persecutors have died and gone to their own place, but the Word of God 
fines, penalties, have never been able to destroy its vitality.  Its 
The promise of our text is true of the whole body of the true Church.  
to the eye of man, it is an anvil which has broken many a hammer in times 
past, and perhaps will break many more before the end.  He that lays 
in the worst of times.  He had seven thousand in Israel even in the days 
hands on it, is touching the apple of God's eye.

everlasting covenant, shall never be put asunder.  
of Ahab.  There are some now, I believe, in the dark places of the Roman 
Catholic and Greek Churches, who, in spite of much weakness, are serving 
be brought exceedingly low.  But the gates of hell shall never entirely 
Christ.  The devil may rage horribly.  The Church may in some countries 
prevail.

Some of God's people have been brought very low, so that they despaired 
The promise of our text is true of every individual member of the Church.  
of their safety.  Some have fallen sadly, as David and Peter did.  Some 
as well as the oldest, the weakest as well as the strongest.  And so it 
have departed from the faith for a time.  Many have been tried by cruel 
doubts and fears.  But all have gotten safely home at last, the youngest 
will be to the end.  Can you prevent tomorrow's sun from rising?  Can you 
you prevent the salvation of any believer, however feeble--of any living 
prevent the tide in the channel from ebbing and flowing?  Can you prevent 
the planets moving in their respective orbits?  Then, and then alone, can 
insignificant that stone may appear.
stone in that Church which is built on the rock, however small or 

the body, there is nothing more that he can do.  He cannot hurt the soul.  
The true Church is Christ's body.  Not one bone in that mystical body 
shall ever be broken.  

The true Church is Christ's flock.  When the lion came and took a lamb 
The true Church is Christ's bride.  They whom God has joined in 

out of David's flock, David arose and delivered the lamb from his mouth.  
Christ will do the same.  He is David's greater son.  Not a single sick 
last day, "I have not lost one of those you gave me."  
lamb in Christ's flock shall perish.  He will say to His Father in the 

buffeted, tossed to and fro.  But not one gain shall be lost.  The tares 
The true Church is the wheat of the earth.  It may be sifted, winnowed, 
and chaff shall be burned.  The wheat shall be gathered into the barn.  
fail.  His roll call is the same at the end as it was at the beginning.  

The true Church is Christ's army.  The Captain of our salvation loses 
none of his soldiers.  His plans are never defeated.  His supplies never 
Crimean war, how many never came back!  Regiments that went forth, strong 
Of the men that marched gallantly out of England a few years ago in the 
and cheerful, with bands playing and banners flying, laid their bones in 
a foreign land, and never returned to their native country.  But it is 
He may kill, and burn, and torture, and hang.  But after he has killed 
not so with Christ's army.  Not one of His soldiers shall be missing at 
last.  He Himself declares "They shall never perish."

you.  He will never let you be cast away.  Relatives may oppose.  
The devil may cast some of the members of the true Church into prison.  
When the French troops took Rome a few years ago, they found on the walls 
of a prison cell, under the Inquisition, the words of a prisoner.  Who he 
dead, he still speaks.  He had written on the walls, very likely after an 
was, we do not know.  But his words are worthy of remembrance.  Though 
unjust trial, and a still more unjust excommunication, the following 
of Christ's true Church one single believer.
striking words, "Blessed Jesus, they cannot cast me out of Your true 
Church."  That record is true.  Not all the power of Satan can cast out 
          
carpenter's son doing now?"  An aged Christian made answer, "He is making 
The children of this world may wage fierce warfare against the Church, 
but they cannot stop the work of conversion.  What did the sneering 
at the stake?  What was Christ doing then?  He was still carrying on His 
Emperor Julian say, in the early ages of the Church, "What is the 
a coffin for Julian himself."  But a few months passed away, when Julian, 
fires of Smithfield were lighted, and when Latimer and Ridley were burnt 
with all his pomp and power, died in battle.  Where was Christ when the 
the highest, the best sense, a "Churchman" in the sight of God?  You know 
work of building.  That work will ever go on, even in troublesome times.

Fear not, beloved brethren, to begin serving Christ.  He to whom you 
Neighbors may mock.  The world may slander and sneer.  Fear not!  Fear 
commit your souls has all power in heaven and earth, and He will keep 
not!  The powers of hell shall never prevail against your soul.  Greater 
is He that is for you, than all they that are against you.

saints are taken away.  Christ can ever maintain His own cause, He will 
Fear not for the Church of Christ, my brethren, when ministers die, and 
Leave off all anxious thought about the future.  Cease to be cast down by 
raise up better and brighter stars.  The stars are all in His right hand.  
the measures of statesmen, or the plots of wolves in sheep's clothing.  
though our eyes may not see it.  The kingdoms of this world shall yet 
Christ will ever provide for His Own Church.  Christ will take care that 
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  All is going on well, 
without an effort to press home the sermon on each heart.
become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ.                   

Allow me now to say a few words of practical application of this sermon.  
I speak to many, whom I speak to for the first time.  I speak, perhaps, 

to many whom I speak to for the last time.  Let not this service conclude 
you, angels are ready to rejoice over you, Christ is ready to receive 
1. My first word of application shall be a question.  What shall that 
question be?  How shall I approach you?  What shall I ask?  I ask you, 
whether you are a member of the one true Church of Christ?  Are you in 
Church built upon the rock.  I ask you, with all solemnity--Are you a 
what I mean.  I look far beyond the Church of England.  I speak of the 
member of that one Church of Christ?  Are you joined to the great 
Foundation?  Have you received the Holy Spirit?  Does the Spirit witness 
with your spirit, that you are one with Christ, and Christ with you?  I 
Take heed to yourselves, dear brethren, if you cannot give a satisfactory 
beseech you, in the name of God, to lay to heart this question, and to 
ponder it well.

against you, the devil claim you as his own, and you be cast away for 
answer to my inquiry.  Take heed, take heed, that you do not make 
shipwreck of faith.  Take heed, lest at last the gates of hell prevail 
2. My second word of application shall be an invitation.  I address it to 
ever.  Take heed, lest you go down to the pit from the land of Bibles, 
and in the full light of Christ's Gospel.

all who are not yet true believers.  I say to you, Come and join the one 
and be saved.  The day of decision must come some time.  Why not this 
true Church without delay.  Come and join yourselves to the Lord Jesus 
Christ in an everlasting covenant not to be forgotten.  Come to Christ 
belong.  Live like citizens of heaven.  Let your light shine before men, 
very evening?  Why not today, while it is called today?  Why not this 
very night, before the sun rises tomorrow morning?  Come to Him, whose I 
am, and whom I serve.  Come to my Master, Jesus Christ.  Come, I say, for 
all things are now ready.  Mercy is ready for you, heaven is ready for 
you.  Christ will receive you gladly, and welcome you among His children.  
Come into the ark, the flood of God's wrath will soon break upon the 
Come into the life-boat.  The old world will soon break into pieces!  Do 
earth, come into the ark and be safe.

sandbar.  The night is farspent--the waves are beginning to rise--the 
you not hear the tremblings of it?  The world is but a wreck stuck on the 
life-boat is launched, and we, the ministers of the Gospel, beseech you 
winds are rising--the storm will soon shatter the old wreck.  But the 
to come into the life-boat and be saved.
          
                    "Just as I am: without one plea,
Do you ask, How can I come, my sins are so many?  Do you ask how you 
shall come?  Hear the words of that beautiful hymn:

and tarrying for nothing.  You should come, as a hungry sinner, to be 
                   But that Thy blood was shed for me,
                   And that Thou bids me come to Thee, 
That is the way to come to Christ.  You should come, waiting for nothing, 
                         O Lamb of God I come."

3. Last of all, let me given a word of exhortation to my believing 
filled, as a poor sinner to be enriched, as a bad, undeserving sinner to 
be clothed with righteousness.  So coming, Christ would receive you.  
Jesus Christ.
"Him that comes" to Christ, He "will not cast out."  Oh! come, come to 

hearers.

time, and the full beauty of the building shall be clearly seen.
Live a holy life, my brethren.  Walk worthy of the Church to which you 
so that the world may profit by your conduct.  Let them know whose you 
men; written in such clear letters, that none can say, we do not know 
are, and whom you serve.  Be epistles of Christ, known and read of all 
whether he be a member of Christ or not.

you be ashamed of Him?  He was not ashamed of you on the cross.  He is 
Live a courageous life, my brethren.  Confess Christ before men.  
Whatever station you occupy, in that station confess Christ.  Why should 
of his uniform.  The true believer ought never to be ashamed of Christ.
ready to confess you now before His Father in heaven.  Why should you be 
ashamed of Him?  Be bold.  Be very bold.  The good soldier is not ashamed 

we should all look forward.  It is not so much the thought of going to 
Live a joyful life, my brethren.  Live like men who look for that blessed 
hope--the second coming of Jesus Christ.  This is the prospect to which 
lusts, and turn their backs on the Lord, but a good time for true 
heaven, as of heaven coming to us, that should fill our minds.  There is 
a good time coming for all the people of God--a good time for all the 
impenitent and unbelieving--a bad time for them that will serve their own 
Church of Christ--a good time for all believers--a bad time for the 
Christians.  For that good time, let us wait, and watch, and pray.
acknowledge, that in the building of Christ's Church all was well done.
          
The scaffolding will soon be taken down--the last stone will soon be 
brought out--the top-stone will be placed upon the edifice.  Yet a little 

The great master Builder will soon come himself.  A building shall be 
shown to assembled worlds, in which there shall be no imperfection.  The 
Savior and the saved shall rejoice together.  The whole universe shall 

The Glorious Gospel of Christ - James Smith (Christian devotional)

The glorious gospel of Christ!

The glorious gospel of Christ!

(James Smith, "Rills from the Rock of Ages", 1860)
"The glorious gospel of Christ!" 2 Corinthians 4:4

The gospel is a glorious revelation of divine grace — a manifestation of the purpose and good pleasure of God, to save sinners in harmony with, and to the honor of — all His divine perfections.

The gospel contains . . .
  the loftiest doctrines,
  the largest promises, and
  the freest invitations conceivable!

The gospel exhibits the Lord Jesus Christ, in . . .
  the glory of His person,
  the depth of His love,
  the vastness of His merit, and
  His infinite willingness to save the vilest sinners!

The gospel is a proclamation . . . 
  of peace by the blood-shedding of God incarnate; 
  of a full, free, and complete salvation — for all who truly believe on His name;
  of a glorious inheritance, an everlasting kingdom, and a crown of glory — as a free gift for the vilest of men! Or in other words, the gospel is the good news of pardon, peace, protection, and everlasting life — for all who are willing to receive and enjoy them!

In the gospel . . .
  God's heart is laid bare,
  the fullness of Christ is thrown open, and
  miserable souls are invited to come and be made eternally happy!

The gospel contains . . .
  God's kindest thoughts, 
  God's wisest plans, 
  God's most gracious promises, and 
  God's fullest revelation of Himself!

The gospel is . . .
  balm for sinners' wounds,
  solace for the troubled conscience, 
  and the remedy for a sin-broken heart!

The gospel is God's powerful instrument, through which He . . .
  raises the dead in sin,
  enlightens the blind mind,
  pardons the guilty,
  cleanses the filthy heart, 
  heals the sin-sick soul, and
  makes the miserable, eternally happy!

In a word, the gospel reveals . . .
  all that God can give, 
  all that man can need, and
  all that the child of God can enjoy!

Yet many spurn the gospel . . . 
 some on account of its simplicity, 
 some on account of its spirituality, 
 and some on account of its purity.

The gospel lays man in the dust — and places God on the throne! It places man as a sinner, at the sovereign disposal of God. It will yield nothing to man's pride, and pays no compliment to man's supposed goodness or abilities.

If a man is saved at all . . .
  it is of grace alone, 
  it is by Christ alone,
  it is to God's honor alone!

The gospel despises the wisdom of the world, and puts the rich and the poor, the moral and immoral, the learned and illiterate — on the same level! The pride of man cannot tolerate this!

The gospel must be experimentally known by the teaching of the Holy Spirit — before it will be loved, prized, and practiced as it ought! 

Do WE personally and experimentally know the gospel? Have we tasted its sweetness — as well as felt its power? Is it to us, more desirable than gold — even the finest gold? Is it sweeter than honey — even honey dripping from the comb?

Have we received the gospel with a demonstration of the Spirit's power? 
Has it . . .
  enlightened our judgments,
  purified our hearts, and
  corrected our lives?

Charles Spurgeon Faith's Checkbook - Never Despair

From Spurgeon's "Faith's Check Book"

Never Despair

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." (Malachi 4.2)

Fulfilled once in the first advent of our glorious Lord, and yet to have a fuller accomplishment in His second advent, this gracious word is also for daily use. Is it dark with the reader? Does the night deepen into a denser blackness? Still let us not despair: the sun will yet rise. When the night is darkest, dawn is nearest.

The sun which will arise is of no common sort. It is the Sun -- the Sun of Righteousness, whose every ray is holiness. He who comes to cheer us, comes in the way of justice as well as of mercy, comes to violate no law even to save us. Jesus as much displays the holiness of God as His love. Our deliverance, when it comes, will be safe because righteous.

Our one point of inquiry should be -- "Do we fear the name of the Lord? Do we reverence the living God and walk in His ways?" Then for us the night must be short; and when the morning cometh, all the sickness and sorrow of our soul will be over forever. Light, warmth, joy, and clearness of vision will come, and healing of every disease and distress will follow after.

Has Jesus risen upon us? Let us sit in the sun. Has He hidden His face? Let us wait for His rising. He will shine forth as surely as the sun.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2A5DC93549644D84

James Smith - O Sad Spectacle of Misery, Grief, and Woe

O sad spectacle of misery, grief, and woe!

(James Smith, "Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed" 1855)

"Jesus came to take away our sins!" 1 John 3:5

Here notice the purpose and end of His coming: "To take away our sins!"

Our sins were committed against Himself. 

They deserved His everlasting displeasure. 

They called aloud for His vengeance to awake and punish us.

He foresaw the whole of them — in all their variety, enormity, and aggravation. He knew that they would be sins against His law, His love, and His tenderest mercy — sins against light, out of bitter enmity, and perpetrated over and over again. He knew the whole amount of our vileness — and yet "Jesus came to take away our sins!" Oh, the greatness of His love!

Sin had . . .

incensed Divine justice against us, 

exposed us to Jehovah's wrath, and

brought us under the dreadful curse of His violated law.

Therefore Jesus came and took away our sins, and at the same time . . .

satisfied the claims of divine justice,

appeased the Father's wrath, 

and bore our curse Himself!

O wondrous love!

O marvelous grace!

O astonishing mercy!

But more wondrous, more marvelous, more astonishing — is Jesus Himself — who did this for us, and did it freely, without solicitation, or anything in us to induce Him to do it!

But how could Jesus take away our sins? "God made Him to be sin for us." 

He bore the weight of our sins,

He endured their merited punishment, 

and He suffered the shame they procured.

He was . . .

despised by men,

tormented by devils, 

smitten with the sword of divine justice, 

forsaken by His Father, 

mocked by His creatures, 

overwhelmed with grief, 

torn with anguish, and 

His heart was broken with reproach and agony

— all for a poor, sinning, sorrowing, Hell-deserving creature like me!

Sin lay upon Him, 

the wrath of God was endured by Him, 

the most fearful terrors surrounded Him,

Heaven, earth, and Hell, appeared as though leagued against Him!

Men grossly insulted Him, 

devils tried all in their power to destroy Him, and 

God was pleased to bruise Him, and then leave Him to languish in heart-breaking sorrow.

O sad spectacle of misery, grief, and woe!

Was there ever sorrow, like unto Your sorrow?

Was there ever love, like unto Your love?

You might have sat upon Your throne, enjoying Your own glory, happiness, and felicity forever — and have justly left us to perish in our sins, and suffer for our own transgressions! But no, you would be Jesus — you would save Your people from their sins!

You would come to take away our sins, though in so doing — justice took away Your honor, happiness, and life. You would not leave us to perish — but You would put away our sins by the sacrifice of Yourself. You have . . .

turned away Jehovah's wrath, 

cast all our sin into the depths of the sea, and 

bore our punishment in Your own body on the cruel tree!

Indeed Your love is astonishing, inconceivable, and almost too great for my weak faith to believe!

Dear Lord Jesus, You are exactly what I need — and You are all that I need. Your love will be . . .

a sufficient portion in life,

a divine cordial in death, and 

an ocean of felicity in which to bathe forever!

To see Him, love Him, and extol Him — is the Heaven of every Christian. He is . . .

sweeter than honey, 

more pleasant than the light, and 

more precious than life itself!

To know Him — is to be truly wise. 

To live upon Him — is to be happy. 

To walk with Him — is to be holy. 

To look to Him, expect from Him, and cast all our cares upon Him — is to honor Him.

https://www.facebook.com/ChristianDevotionalReadings/

THE PRESENCE OF GOD by John MacDuff

THE PRESENCE OF GOD

"In Your presence there is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:12

Even in this world, where God is dimly apprehended, how sweet to the Christian is the sense of His presence, and friendship, and love! What will it be in that world, where He is seen in open vision! The foretaste is blessed, what must be the fruition! The rays of the Divine glory are gladdening- what must be the full blaze of that Sun itself!

Believer, do you often delight to pause in your journey? Does faith love to ascend its Pisgah Mount and get a prospect of this Land of Promise? What is the grand feature and element which swallows up all the circumstantials in your future bliss? Let Patriarchs, Prophets, and Apostles, answer- It is "Your Presence." "In my flesh, I shall see God," says one. "I shall be satisfied," says another, "when I awake, with Your likeness." "They shall see His face," says a third. Amid all the glowing visions of a coming Heaven granted to John in Patmos, there is One all-glorious object that has ever a peerless and distinctive pre-eminence- God Himself!

There is no candle- Why? "For the Lord God gives them light." There is no temple- Why? "For the Lord God and the Lamb are the temple thereof." The saints dwell in holy brotherhood; but what is the mighty bond of their union; their chief joy? "He that sits on the Throne shall dwell among them." They have no longer the intervention of ordinances and means- Why? Because "the Lamb that is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and lead them to living fountains of waters." They no longer draw on the storehouse of the Promises- Why? Because "God himself shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." "No napkin," says a holy man, "but His own immediate hand, shall wipe my sinful face!" 

Reader, here is the true "Peniel," where you will "see God face to face." Here is the true "Mahanaim," where the Angels of God meet you. 

In heaven is the true communion of saints- the glorious fellowship of the Prophets- the goodly fellowship of the Apostles- the noble army of Martyrs. Yet all these will be subservient and subordinate to the first- the vision and fruition of God! Even the recognition of the death-divided (that sweet element in the believer's prospect of bliss) will pale, in comparison, into a candle-light, before this, "Glory that excels!" 

Are you among these "pure in heart," who are to "see God"? Remember the Bible's solemn warning- "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Remember its solemn admonition- "And every man that has this hope in Him, purifies himself even as He is pure." To "see God!" Oh, what preparation needed for so magnificent a contemplation! Infinite unworthiness and nothingness, to stand in the presence of Infinite Majesty, Purity, and Glory!

Can I wonder at the much discipline required, before I can be thus "presented faultless before the presence of His glory?" How will these needed furnace-fires be dimmed into nothing when viewed from the Sapphire throne! Heart and flesh may be fainting and failing; but, remembering that that same God is now "the strength of my heart," who is to be my "portion forever," I may joyfully say– "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

John MacDuff 

A.W. Pink on the Road to Destruction

"For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." Matthew 7:13

In those words our Lord advanced a reason or argument to enforce His previous exhortation. There is another gate than the "strait" one, altogether different therefrom, for it is "wide" and gives entrance into a broad way, but it leads to the bottomless pit. It is "the course of this world" (Eph. 2:2), in which all its unregenerate citizens are found. It is the path of self-will and self-gratification. It is "wide" because those in it own no restrictions. They have broken down the commandments of God which were designed to be a hedge about them. It is therefore a pleasant and easy way to the flesh, for no inquiry or diligent search has to be made in order to find it, no resolution and perseverance are called for in order to continue treading it, no self-denial has to be practiced to remain therein. A dead fish can float with the stream, but only a living one can swim against it: so the unregenerate mechanically follow this road, for there is nothing in them to resist the law of gravity. The going is smooth and easy because it is all downhill!


It is a crowded road, for "many there be which go in thereat." It is the very width of it which renders it so attractive to the carnal mind. Here there are no "quota" limitations, no barring of "aliens," no restrictions of color, caste or creed. There is plenty of room for all. Men may walk in the ways of their hearts and in the sight of their eyes, give rein to their lusts and full indulgence to their inclinations, and none shall hinder them. This broad road is thronged because all mankind are in it by nature, birth admitting them into the same; nor has anyone the slightest desire to desert it unless a miracle of grace be wrought upon him. Like Lot and his wife in Sodom every last one of us is so loath to leave the city of destruction that the Christian too had preferred to remain there and perish, unless the Lord had sent His messengers to "pluck" him as a brand from the burning. "Woe to the multitude of many people" (Isa. 17:12) says God to this densely packed road.


It is a deceptive road, for few upon it have any idea of whither it is taking them. Those upon it believe they are following the wise course, for they regard as fools those who differ from them. We are only young once, life is short, let us have a gay time while it lasts; let us eat, drink and be merry seems to them the very dictates of common sense. Ah, it is "the way which seemeth rightunto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). So sure are its travelers they are right that they conclude anyone is afflicted with "religious mania" who prefers the narrow way. Yet it is a fatal road, for it "leadeth to destruction," hopeless and eternal destruction. It conducts to the bottomless pit, the unquenchable fire, and the undying worm. It is the way of the ungodly, and Scripture expressly declares that "the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Ps. 1:6). And, my reader, that fatal way can only be abandoned by conversion, by a radical right about face, by turning from sin and self-pleasing and turning unto God and holy living.”

A.W. Pink

The Best Friend - Bishop J. C. Ryle Sermon

The Best Friend

A friend is one of the greatest blessings on earth. Tell me not of money: affection is better than gold; sympathy is better than lands. He is the poor man who has no friends.

This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys.

A real friend is scarce and rare. There are many who will eat, and drink, and laugh with us in the sunshine of prosperity. There are few who will stand by us in the days of darkness, - few who will love us when we are sick, helpless, and poor, - few, above all, who will care for our souls.

Does any reader of this paper want a real friend? I write to recommend one to your notice this day. I know of One "who sticketh closer than a brother" (Prov. 8:24). I know of One who is ready to be your friend for time and for eternity, if you will receive Him. Hear me, while I try to tell you something about Him.

The friend I want you to know is Jesus Christ. Happy is that family in which Christ has the foremost place! Happy is that person whose chief friend is Christ!

I. DO WE WANT A FRIEND IN NEED? SUCH A FRIEND IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Man is the neediest creature on God's earth, because he is a sinner. There is no need so great as that of sinners: poverty, hunger thirst, cold, sickness, all are nothing in comparison. Sinners need pardon, and they are utterly unable to provide it for themselves. They need deliverance from a guilty conscience and the fear of death, and they have no power of their own to obtain it. This need the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to relive. "He came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15).

We are all by nature poor dying creatures. From the king on his throne to the pauper in the workhouse, we are all sick of a mortal disease of the soul. Whether we know it or not, whether we feel it or not, we are all dying daily. The plague of sin is in our blood. We cannot cure ourselves: we are hourly getting worse and worse. All this the Lord Jesus undertook to remedy. He came into the world "to bring in health and cure." He came to deliver us "from the second death." He came to "abolish death, and bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel" (Jer. 33:6; Rev. 2:11; 2 Tim. 1:10).

We are all by nature imprisoned debtors. We owed God our ten-thousand talents, and had nothing to pay. We were wretched bankrupts, without hoping of discharging ourselves. We could never have freed ourselves from our load of liabilities, and were daily getting more deeply involved. All this the Lord Jesus saw, and undertook to remedy. He engaged to "ransom and redeem us." He came to "proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." He came to redeem us from the curse of the law" (Hos. 13:15; Isa. 60:1; Gal. 3:13).

We were all by nature shipwrecked and cast a way. We could never have reached the harbor of everlasting life. We were sinking the midst of the waves, shiftless, hopeless, helpless and powerless; tied and bound by the chains of our sins, foundering under the burden of our own guilt, and like to become a prey to the devil. All this the Lord Jesus saw and undertook to remedy. He came down from heaven to be our might "helper." He came to "seek and to save that which was lost;" and to "deliver us from going down into the pit" (Psa. 89:19; Luke 19:10; Job 33:24).

Could we have been saved without the Lord Jesus Christ coming down from heaven? It would have been impossible, so far as our eyes can see. The wisest men of Egypt and Greece, and Rome never found out the way to peace with God. Without the friendship of Christ, we should all have been lost for evermore in hell.

Was the Lord Jesus Christ obliged to come down to save us? Oh, no, no! It was His own free love, mercy and pity that brought Him down. He came unsought and unasked because He was gracious.

Let us think on these things. Search all history from the beginning of the world - look round the whole circle of those you know and love. You never heard of such friendship among the sons of men. There never was such a real friend in need as Jesus Christ.

II. DO YOU WANT A FRIEND IN DEED? SUCH A FRIEND IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The true extent of a man's friendship must be measured by his deeds. Tell me not what he says, and feels, and wishes. Tell me not of his words and letters. Tell me rather what he does. "Friendly is as friendly does."

The doings of the Lord Jesus Christ for man are the grand proof of His friendly feelings toward him. Never were there such acts of kindness and self-denial as those which He has performed on our behalf. He has not loved us in word only but in deed.

For our sakes He took our nature upon Him, and was born of a woman. He who was very God, and equal with the Father, laid aside for a season His glory, and took upon Him flesh and blood like our own. The almighty Creator of all things became a little babe like any of us, and experienced all our bodily weaknesses and infirmities, sin only excepted. "Though He was rich He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich" (2 Cor. 8:9).

For our sakes He lived thirty-three years in this evil world, despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. Though He was King of kings, He had nowhere to lay His head: though He was Lord of lords, He was often weary, and hungry and thirsty, and poor. "He took on Him the form of a servant, and humbled Himself" (Phil. 2:7-8).

For our sakes He suffered the most painful of all deaths, even the death of the cross. Though innocent, and without fault, He allowed Himself to be condemned, and found guilty. He who was the Prince of Life was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and poured out His soul unto death. He "died for us" (I Thess. 5:10).

Was He obliged to do this? Oh, no! He might have summoned to His help more than twelve legions of angels, and scattered His enemies with a word. He suffered voluntarily and of His own free will, to make atonement for our sins. He knew that nothing but the sacrifice of His body and blood could ever make peace between sinful man and a holy God. He laid down His life to pay the price of our redemption - He died that we might live; He suffered that we might reign; He bore shame that we might receive glory. "He suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Pet. 3:18). "He was made sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

Such friendship as this passes man's understanding. Friends who would die for those who love them, we may have heard of sometimes. But who can find a man who would lay down his life for those that hate him? Yet this is what Jesus has done for us. "God commendeth His love towards us, in that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

Ask all the tribes of mankind, from one end of the world to the other, and you will nowhere hear of a deed like this. None was ever so high and stooped down so low as Jesus the Son of God; none ever gave so costly a proof of his friendship; none ever paid so much and endured so much to do good to others. Never was there such a friend in deed as Jesus Christ!

III. DO WE WANT A MIGHTY AND POWERFUL FRIEND? SUCH A FRIEND IS JESUS CHRIST.

Power to help is that which few possess in this world. Many have will enough to do good to others, but no power. They feel for the sorrows of others, and would gladly relieve them if they could; they can weep with their friends in affliction, but are unable to take their grief away. But though man is weak, Christ is strong; though the best of our earthly friends is feeble, Christ is almighty. "All power is given unto Him in heaven and earth" (Matt. 28:18). No one can do so much for those whom He befriends as Jesus Christ. Others can befriend their bodies a little; He can befriend both body and soul. Others can do a little for them in time; He can be a friend both for time and eternity.

(a) He is able to pardon and save the very chief of sinners. He can deliver the most guilty conscience from all its burdens, and give it perfect peace with God. He can wash away the vilest stains of wickedness, and make a man whiter than snow in the sight of God. He can clothe a poor weak child of Adam in the everlasting righteousness, and give him a title to heaven that can never be overthrown. In a word, He can give anyone of us peace, hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God, if we will only trust in Him. "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

(b) He is able to convert the hardest of hearts, and create in man a new spirit. He can take the most thoughtless and ungodly people, and give them another mind by the Holy Ghost which He puts in them. He can cause old things to pass away, and all things to become new. He can make them love the things which they once hated, and hate the things which they once loved. "He can give them power to become the sons of God." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature" (John 1:12; 2 Cor. 5:17).

(c) He is able to preserve to the end all who believe in Him, and become His disciples. He can give them grace to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil, and fight a good fight at the last. He can lead them on safely in spite of every temptation, carry them home through a thousand dangers, and keep them faithful, though they stand alone and have no one to help them. "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him" (Heb. 7:25).

(d) He is able to give those that love Him the best of gifts. He can give them, in life, inward comforts, which money can never buy - peace in poverty, joy in sorrow, patience in suffering. He can give them, in death, bright hopes, which enable them to walk through the dark valley without fear. He can give them after a death a crown of glory, which does not fade away, and a reward compared to which the Queen of England has nothing to bestow.

This is power indeed! This is true greatness! This is real strength! Go and look at the poor Hindu idolater, seeking peace in vain by afflicting his body; and, after fifty years of self-imposed suffering, unable to find it. Go and look at the benighted Romanist, giving money to his priest to pray for his soul, and yet dying without comfort. Go and look at rich men, spending thousands in search of happiness, and yet always discontented and unhappy. Then turn to Jesus, and think what He can do, and is daily doing for all who trust Him. Think how He heals all the broken-hearted, comforts all the sick, cheers all the poor that trust in Him, and supplies all their daily need. The fear of man is strong, the opposition of this evil world is mighty, the lusts of the flesh rage horribly, the fear of death is terrible, the devil is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour; but Jesus is stronger than them all. Jesus can make us conquerors over all these foes. And then say whether it be not true, that there never was so might a friend as Jesus Christ.

IV. DO WE WANT A LOVING AND AFFECTIONATE FRIEND? SUCH A FRIEND IS JESUS CHRIST.

Kindness is the very essence of true friendship. Money and advice and help lose half their grace, if not given in a loving manner. What kind of love is that of the Lord Jesus toward man? It is called, "A love that passeth knowledge" (Eph. 3:19).

Love shines forth in His reception of sinners. He refuses none that come to Him for salvation, however unworthy they may be. Though their lives may have been most wicked - though their sins may be more in number than the stars of heaven - the Lord Jesus is ready to receive them, and give them pardon and peace. There is no end to His compassion; there are no bounds to His pity. He is not ashamed to befriend those whom the world casts off as hopeless. There are none too bad, too filthy, and too much diseased with sin, to be admitted into His home. He is willing to be the friend of any sinner. He has kindness and mercy and healing medicine for all. He has long proclaimed this to be His rule: "Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).

Love shines forth in His dealings with sinners, after they have believed in Him and become His friends. He is very patient with them, though their conduct is often trying and provoking. He is never tired of hearing their complaints, however often they may come to Him. He sympathizes deeply in all their sorrows. He knows what pain is; He is "acquainted with grief" (Is. 53:3). In all their afflictions He is afflicted. He never allows them to be tempted above what they are able to bear; He supplies them with daily grace for their daily conflict. Their poor services are acceptable to Him; He is as well pleased with them as a parent is with his child's endeavors to speak and walk. He has caused it to be written in His book, that "He taketh pleasure in His people," and that "He taketh pleasure in them that fear Him" (Ps. 157:11; 159:4).

There is no love on earth that can be named together with this! We love those in whom we see something that deserves our affection, or those who are our bone or our flesh; the Lord Jesus loves sinners in whom there is no good thing. We love those from whom we get some return for our affection; the Lord Jesus loves those who can do little or nothing for Him, compared to what He does for them. We love where we can give some reason for loving; the great Friend of sinners draws His reasons out of His own everlasting compassion. His love is purely disinterested, purely unselfish, purely free. Never, never was there so truly loving a friend as Jesus Christ.

V. DO WE WANT A WISE AND PRUDENT FRIEND? SUCH A FRIEND IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Man's friendship is sadly blind. He often injures those he loves by injudicious kindness; often errs in the counsel he gives; he often leads his friends into trouble by bad advice, even when he means to help them. He sometimes keeps them back from the way of life, and entangles them in the vanities of the world, when they have well-nigh escaped. The friendship of the Lord Jesus is not so. It always does us good, and never evil.

The Lord Jesus never spoils His friends by extravagant indulgence. He gives them everything that is really for their benefit; He withholds nothing from them that is really good. But He requires them to take up their cross daily and follow Him. He bids them endure hardships as good soldiers. He calls on them to fight the good fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. His people often dislike it at the time, and think it hard; but when they reach heaven, they will see it was all well done.

The Lord Jesus makes no mistakes in managing His friends' affairs. He orders all their concerns with perfect wisdom. All things happen at the right time, and in the right way. He gives them as much of sickness and as much of health, as much of poverty and as much of riches, as much of sorrow and as much of joy, as He sees their souls require. He leads them by the right way to bring them to the city of habitation. He mixes their bitterest cups like a wise physician, and takes care that they have not a drop too little or too much. His people often misunderstand His dealings; they are silly enough to fancy their course of life might have been better ordered. But in the resurrection-day they will thank God that not their will, but Christ's, was done.

Look round the world and see the harm which people are continually getting from their friends. Mark how much more ready men are to encourage one another in worldliness and levity, than to provoke to love and good works. Think how often they meet together, not for the better, but for the worse - not to quicken one another's souls in the way to heaven, but to confirm one another in the love of this present world. Alas, there are thousands who are wounded unexpectedly in the house of their friends!

And then turn to the great Friend of sinners, and see how different a thing is His friendship from that of man. Listen to Him as He walks by the way with His disciples. Mark how He comforts, reproves and exhorts with perfect wisdom. Observe how He times His visits to those He loves, as to Mary and Martha at Bethany. Hear how He converses, as He dines on the shore of the sea of Galilee: "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" (John 21:16). His company is always sanctifying. His gifts are always for our soul's good. His kindness is always wise. His fellowship is always to edification. One day of the Son of Man is better than a thousand in the society of earthly friends. One hour spent in private communion with Him is better than a year in kings' palaces. Never, never was there such a wise friend as Jesus Christ.

VI. DO WE WANT A TRIED AND PROVED FRIEND? SUCH A FRIEND IS JESUS CHRIST.

Six thousand years have passed way since the Lord Jesus began His work of befriending mankind. During that long period of time He has had many friends in this world. Millions on millions, unhappily, have refused His offers and been miserably lost forever; but thousands on thousands have enjoyed the mighty privilege of His friendship and been saved. He has had great experience.

(a) He has had friends of every rank station in life. Some of them were kings and rich men, like David and Solomon, and Hezekiah, and Job. Some of them were very poor in this world, like the shepherds of Bethlehem, and James, and John, and Andrew. But they were all alike Christ's friends.

(b) He has had friends of every age that man can pass through. Some of them never knew Him till they were advanced in years, like Manasseh and Zaccaeus, and probably the Ethiopian Eunuch. Some of them were His friends even from their earliest childhood, like Joseph, and Samuel, and Josiah, and Timothy. But they were all alike Christ's friends.

(c) He has had friends of every possible temperament and disposition. Some of them were simple plain men, like Isaac. Some of them were mighty in word and deed, like Moses. Some of them were fervent and warm-hearted, like Peter. Some of them were gentle and retiring spirits, like John. Some of them were active and stirring, like Martha. Some of them loved to sit quietly at His feet, like Mary. Some dwelt unknown among their own people, like the Shunamite. Some have gone everywhere and turned the world upside down, like Paul. But they were all alike Christ's friends.

(d) He has had friends of every condition in life. Some of them were married, and had sons and daughters, like Enoch. Some of them lived and died unmarried, like Daniel and John the Baptist. Some of them were often sick, like Lazarus and Epaphroditus. Some of them were strong to labor, like Persis, and Tryphena, and Tryphosa. Some of them were masters, like Abraham and Cornelius. Some of them were servants, like the saints in Nero's household. Some of them had bad servants, like Elisha. Some of them had bad masters, like Obadiah. Some of them had bad wives and children, like David. But they were all alike Christ's friends.

(e) He has had friends of almost every nation, and people, and tongue. He has had friends in hot countries and in cold - friends among nations highly civilized, and friends among the simplest and rudest tribes. His book of life contains the names of Greeks and Romans, of Jews and Egyptians, of bond and of free. There are to be found on its lists reserved Englishmen and cautious Scotchmen, impulsive Irishmen and fiery Welshmen, volatile Frenchmen and dignified Spaniards, refined Italians and solid Germans, rude Africans and refined Hindus, cultivated Chinese and half-savage New Zealanders. But they were all alike Christ's friends.

All these have made trial of Christ's friendship, and proved it to be good. They all found nothing wanting when they began; they all found nothing wanting as they went on. No lack, no defect, no deficiency was ever found by any one of them in Jesus Christ. Each found his own soul's wants fully supplied. Each found, every day, that in Christ there was enough and to spare. Never, never was there a friend so fully tried and proved as Jesus Christ.

VII. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, DO WE WANT AN UNFAILING FRIEND? SUCH A FRIEND IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The saddest part of all the good things of earth is their instability. Riches make themselves wings and flee away. Youth and beauty are but for a few years. Strength of body soon decays. Mind and intellect are soon exhausted. All is perishing. All is fading. All is passing away. But there is one splendid exception to this general rule, and that is the friendship of Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus is a friend who never changes. There is no fickleness about Him. Those whom He loves, He loves unto the end. Husbands have been known to forsake their wives. Parents have been known to cast off their children. Human vows and promises of faithfulness have often been forgotten. Thousands have been neglected in their poverty and old age, who were honored by all when they were rich and young. But Christ never changed His feelings towards one of His friends. He is "the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).

The Lord Jesus never goes away from His friends. There is never a parting and goodbye between Him and His people. From the time that He makes His abode in the sinner's heart, He abides in it forever. The world is full of leave-takings and departures - death and the lapse of time break up the most united family; sons go forth to make their way in life; daughters are married, and leave their father's house forever. Scattering, scattering, scattering is the yearly history of the happiest home. How many we have tearfully watched as they drove away from our doors, whose pleasant faces we have never seen again! How many we have sorrowfully followed to the grave, and then come back to a cold, silent, lonely and blank fireside! But thanks be to God, there is One who never leaves His friends! The Lord Jesus is He who has said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5).

The Lord Jesus goes with His friends wherever they go. There is no possible separation between Him and those whom He loves. There is no place or position on earth, or under the earth, that can divide them from the great Friend of their souls. When the path of duty calls them far away from home, He is their companion. When they pass through the fire and water of fierce tribulation, He is with them. When they lie down on the bed of sickness, He stands by them and makes all their trouble work for good. When they go down the valley of the shadow of death - and friends and relatives stand still and can go no further - He goes down by their side. When they awake in the unknown world of Paradise, they are still with Him. When they rise with a new body at the judgment day, they will not be alone. He will own them for His friends, and say, "They are mine: deliver them and let them go free." He will make good His own words: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20).

Look round the world, and see how failure is written on all men's schemes. Count up the partings, and separations, and disappointments, and bereavements which have happened under your own knowledge. Think what a privilege it is that there is One at least who never fails, and in whom no one was ever disappointed! Never, never was there so unfailing a friend as Jesus Christ.

* * * * * * * * * *

And now, allow me to conclude this paper with a few plain words of application. I know not who you are or in what state your soul may be, but I am sure that the words I am about to say deserve your special attention. Oh, that this paper may not find you heedless of spiritual things! Oh, that you may be able to give a few thoughts to Christ!

(1) Know then, for one thing, that I call upon you to consider solemnly whether Christ is your Friend and you are His.

There are thousands on thousands, I grieve to say, who are not Christ's friends. Baptized in His name, outward members of His church, attendants on His means of grace - all this they are, no doubt. But they are not Christ's friends. Do they hate the sins which Jesus died to put away? No. Do they love the Saviour who came into the world to save them? No. Do they delight in the word of reconciliation? No. Do they try to speak with the Friend of sinners in prayer? No. Do they seek close fellowship with Him? No. Oh reader, is this your case? How is it with you? Are you or are you not one of Christ's friends?

(2) Know, in the next place, that if you are not one Christ's friends, you are a poor, miserable being.

I write this down deliberately. I do not say it without thought. I say that if Christ be not your friend, you are a poor, miserable being. You are in the midst of a failing, sorrowful world, and you have no real source of comfort, or refuge for a time of need. You are a dying creature, and you are not ready to die. You have sins, and they are not forgiven. You are going to be judged, and you are not prepared to meet God - you could be, but you refuse to use the only Mediator and Advocate. You love the world better than Christ. You refuse the great Friend of sinners, and you have no friend in heaven to plead your cause. Yes, it is sadly true! You are a poor, miserable being. It matters nothing what your income is - without Christ's friendship, you are very poor.

(3) Know, in the third place, that if you really want a friend, Christ is willing to become your friend.

He has long wanted you to join His people, and He now invites you by my hand. He is ready to receive you, all unworthy as you may feel, and to write your name down in the list of His friends. He is ready to pardon all the past, to clothe you with righteousness, to give you His spirit, to make you His own dear child. All He asks you to do is come to Him.

He bids you come with all your sins; only acknowledging your vileness, and confessing that you are ashamed. Just as you are - waiting for nothing, unworthy of anything in yourself - Jesus bids you come and be His friend.

Oh, come and be wise! Come and be safe. Come and be happy. Come and be Christ's friend.

(4) Know, in the last place, that if Christ is your friend, you have great privileges, and ought to walk worthy of them.

Seek every day to have closer communion with Him who is your Friend, and to know more of His grace and power. True Christianity is not merely believing a certain set of dry, abstract propositions; it is to live in daily personal communication with an actual living person - Jesus the Son of God. "To me," said Paul, "to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21).

Seek every day to glorify your Lord and Savior in all your ways. "He that hath a friend should show himself friendly" (Prov 18:24); and no man surely is under such mighty obligations as the friend of Christ. Avoid everything which would grieve your Lord. Fight hard against besetting sins, against inconsistency, against backwardness to confess Him before men. Say to your soul, whenever you are tempted to that which is wrong, "Soul, soul, is this thy kindness to thy Friend?"

Think, above all, of the mercy which has been shown you, and learn to rejoice daily in your Friend! What does it matter, though your body be bowed down with disease? What does it matter, though poverty and trials be very great? What does it matter, though your earthly friends forsake you, and you are alone in the world? All this may be true; but if you are in Christ, you have a Friend - a mighty Friend, a loving Friend, a wise Friend, a Friend that never fails. Oh, think, think much upon your Friend!

Yet a little time and your Friend shall come to take you home, and you shall dwell with Him forever. Yet a little time and you shall see as you have been seen, and know as you have been known. And then you shall hear assembled worlds confess, that HE IS THE RICH AND HAPPY MAN WHO HAS HAD CHRIST FOR HIS FRIEND.