"My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you." Such is the dying legacy of our blessed Lord to his sorrowing disciples, and not to them only, but unto all that should believe on him through their word. In the heart of the humble, trusting child of God, this peace flows like a river. He cannot explain it; for it passeth all understanding. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory.
O, says one, that I could find this peace. Often I find my mind is like the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Well, my dear friend, I know that God declares there is no peace to the wicked; but does he not call on you to acquaint yourself with him and be at peace? The apostle Paul makes it clear how we may become acquainted and be reconciled to God. "Being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Come then to Jesus without delay. Come, for all things are now ready. Many have come and tasted that the Lord is gracious, and still there's room. Now is the accepted time. Jesus is still waiting to be gracious, and bestow that peace that the world can neither give nor take away. How will you escape if you neglect so great salvation?
A revival has just closed in this village among the Presbyterians. They claim a number of conversions. I can have no confidence in this work as being of God, and these are some of my reasons. The people of this community have had the plain truth proclaimed faithfully, and have rejected the commandments of God as a whole, and still adhere to the traditions of men. In vain, says Jesus, do ye worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. I think they and their work are correctly described by the prophet Hosea. Chap. v, 6, 7. They shall go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself from them. They have dealt treacherously against the Lord, for they have begotten strange children. A month shall devour them with their portions. To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them. They are crying, Peace, peace, when sudden destruction is at hand. No coming of the Lord in their testimony. They ignore the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.
Dear brethren, while this spurious work is going on, let us see to it that we are coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Honest souls are doubtless watching us closely. God forbid that any should stumble over us and lose eternal life. Let us preach by an upright walk and a meek and quiet spirit. In short, bring forth much fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, &c. In this way, by making use of the means that God has placed within our reach, we shall with his blessing win honest souls to the peaceful fold of Christ.
Look where you will among the nations of the earth, and all is commotion. Europe is one vast camp. Men's hearts are failing them for fear. Civil war is threatened in our midst. But, dear brethren, we need not fear. God is our refuge, and a very present help in time of trouble. We know that beyond this scene there is rest. Jesus soon is coming. We will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Amid and above all this we can hear the sweet voice of the Saviour, Fear not, little flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Pet. iii, 14. Soon we shall sing,