Sermons and Biblical Studies

EVANGELISTIC STEAM. It is very suggestive that the word "breath" literally means "steam," something gentle, yet most powerful, from a warm and glowing source. "Come, O breath, and breathe" (Eze_37:9). The Holy Ghost is the breath of God, the gentle, glowing all-powerful steam of the Almighty. A preacher filled with the Holy Ghost has always … Continue reading “1060. EVANGELISTIC STEAM.”

TEMPER. A man is said to be "nettled" when he has got into a hot temper. Does that mean that the man has been seized with a moral nettle-rash, and that his whole being bristles with sharp, stingy things, so that no matter where you touch him you are sure to smart for it? Temper … Continue reading “1059. TEMPER.”

CARPET CHRISTIANS. A carpet knight is one who has been dubbed a knight, not because of his military exploits, but on account of mere court favour. He bears the name but lacks the nature of a true knight. Many in like manner are dubbed with the name Christian because of their kindly, genial character, but … Continue reading “1058. CARPET CHRISTIANS.”

A CURSE CURED BY A CURSE. There is an old legend that during a plague an angel showed to Charlemagne the root of the carline thistle as a cure for the plague. Thistles are a fruit of the curse. We do not much believe the legend that the root of that which represents a curse … Continue reading “1057. A CURSE CURED BY A CURSE.”

THE TIME IS SHORT. The time is short! If thou wouldst work for God it must be now; If thou wouldst win the garland for thy brow, Redeem the time. With His reward He comes; He tarries not; His day is near; When men least look for Him will He be here; Prepare for Him! … Continue reading “1056. THE TIME IS SHORT.”

PLANTED IN CHRIST. It is a singular and beautiful providence of God that nearly all the plants in hot climates, where the rain is scarce and the rivers few, have "tubrous roots buried far beneath the ground," so that they know not when drought cometh, and are almost independent of their outward circumstances. Such is … Continue reading “1055. PLANTED IN CHRIST.”

THE GOSPEL. When John Knox landed in Scotland from Geneva the news flew like lightning over the country. The inhabitants of Edinburgh rushed into the streets. All business was instantly given up. Mounted messengers sped everywhere shouting the joyful tidings, "John Knox is come." The whole land was moved and stirred by the inspiration of … Continue reading “1054. THE GOSPEL.”

CHANGING THE APPEARANCE. In South America some curious birds are seen with yellow feathers. The Indians have learned the art of making these birds change the colour of their feathers. They pluck them out, then inoculate the fresh wound with a secretion from the skin of a toad. The feathers which afterwards grow are of … Continue reading “1053. CHANGING THE APPEARANCE.”

DELIGHTING IN DARKNESS. A traveller in the Isthmus of Darien tells us of a tribe of Indians who have such weak eyes that they cannot endure sunshine. They sleep in the daytime, and are all alive in the night. They do what a great many in our own country do: they love the darkness rather … Continue reading “1052. DELIGHTING IN DARKNESS.”

PRAYER. Physiologists declare that "whatever hinders the blood discs in the process of exhalation causes death." It is possible for the blood not to alter its appearance and yet be dead. Whatever hinders the spirit of prayer works spiritual death. The form of prayer and the appearance of holy vitality may remain the same while … Continue reading “1051. PRAYER.”