The Spirit to Aid and Reprove.
By Jos. Clarke
Numerous instances in Scripture show that God, by his Spirit, warns and invites men, and entreats them to flee from the storm of wrath which impends over a guilty world. With wonderful faithfulness, the Spirit of God strives with man; at one time, showing him the sinfulness of his nature and the corruptions of his heart; at another, showing him the reward of the righteous and the fate of the unrighteous. Again it points out the way of life and the way of death; intreating him to shun the one and win the other, by every noble and lawful means. God endeavors to save the race of man; but poor, puny worms of the dust, children of Adam, cursed by sin, are bent on ruin; and the Spirit of God, after years and years of fruitless toil, gives over the deluded soul to ruin. No one can say that God has been slack or neglectful in warning men. “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.” Prov. 1: 24-26. Because he has done all that omnipotence could do for man, as a free agent; he has done this kindly, thoroughly, perseveringly, therefore, when he ceases longer to strive with man, destruction is sure. Dear people of God, let us cease to grieve the Spirit of God. Let us rise by deep repentance and humility, to perfection of life. Let us wash our garments, by obtaining a full pardon of all our sins; and let us hourly, constantly, watch, lest our garments be defiled again by sin. Thus let us cherish the good Spirit of God, instead of grieving it. Jos. Clarke.