RESOLVED TO OBTAIN THE PROMISE.
By R. F. C.
Bro. SMITH: It is said in the word of the Lord, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.” By the assisting grace of God, I am fully resolved to do neither. In the first place, I would not despise his chastening. It is no small matter to be rebuked of him. To incur his displeasure is not a thing of trifling moment. I will not despise his chastening, but will strive to feel the full force of the rod, and humble myself before him. 2. “Nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.” This also I will try to heed. By his helping hand, I will not faint and sink down in discouragement, but will strive to renew my energy and reform in the very things in which I am lacking. I will strive to consecrate myself anew to God and his cause, seek to find my own humble place, and labor with all the strength he imparts in his blessed and glorious cause. 3. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” Thank the Lord for the encouragement! “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” It is in love then, and not in his fierce anger and hot displeasure! O, blessed Lord! I will strive to be “zealous and repent.” I will not say, “I cannot see it,” but will strive to anoint my eyes with eyesalve that I may see. O, the precious promise to the overcomer—to sit with the Lord Jesus in his throne. It is worth dying a thousand deaths to obtain. This promise is before me, and I am resolved to let no man take my crown.
R. F. C.