July 20 AM

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Tim. 3:9.

From a seeming zeal and regard to the ark of God, when it shook, and as he thought was in danger of falling, Uzzah put forth his hand to save it. It seems a very rational act, but it argued distrust of God's power to preserve what was for his glory and honor; therefore the Lord highly resented it.

If the displeasure of Jehovah was thus displayed in regard to the type of the covenant, how jealous is the Lord of hosts of his own glory, contained in the truths of the everlasting covenant, laid up in the sacred ark, Jesus, for all his people! If a trembling ark, touched by an officious hand, was death; one should fear and tremble to attack the revealed truths of God's everlasting love to his people, power to preserve them, and grace to enable them to persevere in the faith unto eternal glory. Human efforts often spring from unbelieving hearts. The hand of nature is often stretched forth to assist when it only counteracts divine purposes. Carnal reason ever opposeth the mystery of the gospel, but faith is supported by God's truths. The conscience can only be purified by Jesus' blood. This mystery of faith is only known to enlightened minds. To hold by it, and to hold it fast in the conscience, is the life and joy of our souls. So the Holy Spirit maintains vital, living union between Jesus and his members. So love is excited to him. A life of dependence maintained on him. A throne of grace is delightful to such. Sin becomes more and more hateful in their sight, and the fruits of righteousness are increased to God's glory. O, this is an amazing mystery of our faith! That we, who are guilty sinners in ourselves, yet are in Christ pure and free from all sin; unrighteous in ourselves, yet in Jesus clothed with perfect righteousness; filthy and polluted by nature and practice, but in Jesus, all fair, without spot, beautiful and comely in God's sight. In ourselves, no right to God's love, no title to his inheritance; but in Jesus our right is clear, our title legal, our enjoyment of it infallibly certain. Hold fast this mystery of faith: all thy peace and comfort depend on it. Thus, disciple, fix thy steady eye on Jesus; daily view the promises in him; look constantly for the Spirit's power through him. So shalt thou have "the answer of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus." 1 Pet. 3:21. "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually." Psalm 119:117.

Why does your face, ye humble souls,

Those mournful colours wear?

What doubts are these that waste your faith,

And nourish your despair?

Awake our hearts, adore the grace

That buries all our faults,

And pard'ning blood, that swells above

Our follies and our thoughts.