Sermons and Biblical Studies

THE GOOSE NATURE. The goose has always been a name of reproach. Darwin says, "This bird deserves some notice, as hardly any other anciently domesticated bird has varied so little." It seems that centuries have not improved the goose. In this it resembles the "carnal mind"-unchanged, and unchangeable in midst of all the advances of … Continue reading “0959. THE GOOSE NATURE.”

BORN AGAIN. Spenser uses the word "misborn" in connection with those whose lives are full of evil and misfortune. Sooner or later every life will turn out an evil and a misfortune that has been born in a wrong direction-born of the flesh. The only true and effectual remedy is to be "born again"- born … Continue reading “0958. BORN AGAIN.”

AFFLICTION. Beautiful figures and statuettes are made of a fine species of unglazed porcelain called "bisque." It is so called because it has twice passed through the furnace. A double portion of the fiery trial may only be fitting as the more perfectly to bear the image of Him who is the image of the … Continue reading “0957. AFFLICTION.”

PRIVILEGE AND SUPPLY. A military officer sometimes receives what is called a "brevet," that is, a commission to take rank above that for which he receives pay. His place of honour is exalted, but his income is not increased. His responsibility is greater, but the supply is not enlarged. Thank God, there are no brevets … Continue reading “0956. PRIVILEGE AND SUPPLY.”

PARALYSING FEAR. There is a "fear which is the beginning of wisdom" (Psa_111:10)-the filial fear of God-but why should a son of God be paralysed and stupified at the sight of the enemy, like a partridge struck with stupor and so overcome with fear at the sight of a vulture, or sparrow-hawk, that it loses … Continue reading “0955. PARALYSING FEAR.”

SING OF HIS LOVE. Some of the ancient lyric poets of Germany were called "love-singers," because the subjects of their productions were generally love and beauty. Is there not room for more love-singers among the patriots of the heavenly fatherland? If the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, and our eyes feasted … Continue reading “0954. SING OF HIS LOVE.”

TEMPTATIONS. The "fishing-frog" has been named the "sea-devil," because it is supposed to allure and catch little fishes by means of worm-like appendages at its mouth. How many delusive appendages has the drink-devil dangling at its mouth? Burns’ clubs, fishing clubs, free suppers, etc. Silly men catch at these, and get devoured. The attractions of … Continue reading “0953. TEMPTATIONS.”

ONE THING I DO. "Monomania" has been defined as "madness to one subject." One subject is about enough for any one man who wishes to fathom’ and master it. Paul was a monomaniac when he said, "This one thing I do" (Php_3:13). The Christian who wishes to know nothing among men, save Jesus Christ, will … Continue reading “0952. ONE THING I DO.”

PLEASURES OF SIN. Connected with the lotus tree, in North Africa, is the fable that if strangers eat of its fruit it will make them forget their home. The fruit of the lotus tree of sin has made many forget their heavenly home. As pilgrims and strangers on the earth, beware of this lotus tree. … Continue reading “0951. PLEASURES OF SIN.”

OUT AND OUT. Amphibious animals, which have a double life, and can live equally well in sea or land, are no use for man. The amphibious religious professor, who feels equally at home in the world or the Church, who finds pleasure both in sins and sermons, is useless for God. "I would thou wert … Continue reading “0950. OUT AND OUT.”