Grace sufficient

Preface

When we consider the number of books already before the public, so well calculated to lead men away from sinfulness into the peaceful walks of practical Christianity, — books written by those whose calling has been the study of Christian experience, having viewed it in all its different phases, and whose scholarship and piety have amply qualified them, for the great and good work to which they have dedicated hearts and hands, it might almost appear unnecessary to multiply words on this sacred theme; yet it has pleased God, in His love and wisdom, to train me in a school differing in some respects from those in which men usually acquire preparation to meet the smile or frown of the world, and in this trainingschool I have learned some lessons which cannot fail to prove of lasting benefit to me. All things connected with God's dealings toward me have served to impress the conviction that He is love; that while we may be insignificant, God is almighty; that though we are weak, at best, and liable to err, He makes no mistakes; and in Him is found such sufficiency of grace and power, that when even those who are "less than the least of all saints" become so related to Him that the heritage of faith is actually conferred, a shelter is raised for them amid the attacks of Satan and his allies, w T hich none of the enemies of truth can remove; and at all times, in all places, and under circumstances of every description, the soul finds a satisfying portion.

PREFACE.

I would not keep these lessons wholly to myself, for possibly there are others to whom one suggestive word may prove a blessing : souls who are praying, hoping, yearning for a surer rest than they have known; calling for help as I also called so long. Now, if at last the veil of doubt or fear or mystery is withdrawn, so that I am enabled to walk with delight where once I stumbled, recognizing the hand of God, and proving His faithfulness to shelter and defend, where formerly I knew only the distress of uncertainty, shall my whole duty have been performed if this experience is smothered within my heart, or this light kept under a bushel? I desire to run no risks; though the light may not be a great one, for the glory of the Master I shall let it "shine," for this is His command.

To such as may be critically disposed, I have but a word to say. But one object is before me ; that is the conversion of the unawakened, and the comfort and profit of believers : and if, with this object in view, anything shall be written which is offensive to the classic taste, let me ask such patient forbearance as your kindness will allow. Some statements may be made which fail to convey the truth as clearly as they should. May God forbid the infliction even of the slightest injury as the result of one misspoken word. Let me now ask the prayers of my readers, that the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, may attend this effort to glorify His name.

H. R.

Introduction

Can we enter more becomingly upon the consideration of the following chapters, dear reader, or form an acquaintance more liable to prove of mutual benefit, than by together looking to God in prayer that His blessed Holy Spirit may be given unto us, and that grace, sufficient as it is for all phases of human existence, may assist us in the impartial performance of duty wherever we may be this day? Doubtless you can already testify of His abiding presence, for you have sought and found the pearl of great price, which to you is more than the w T ealth of worlds; a supply in every time of want, a comfort amid hours of perplexity, and a joy when the avenues of earthly pleasure have been closed against you. Then have we still greater reason to unite our prayers, for the consolation is appreciated, not alone by one, but both of us; and we shall all the more cheerfully enter into the spirit of devotion.

i o INTR 01) UCTION.

How happy the thought, that though strangers, we may be one in purpose and desire at the throne of grace. I should prefer to meet you there than anywhere else; for feelings, uncomfortable, if nothing worse than that, which might possibly exist as the result of differences in opinion, are harmonized as we bow in prayer. No unkind thought or damaging prejudice may be entertained as we speak the words "our Father. ,, No Pharisaic feeling of superiority can abide with its corrupting influence, when we come into the presence of Him who "knoweth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men." We meet on a common level here, children of the same loving Parent, differing in denominational persuasion, possibly, but both children of Him whose condescending goodness extends to our race the privilege of becoming sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty.

Most thoroughly do I believe in prayer; for not only as I read the Sacred Word, which teaches us that "men ought always to pray and not to faint," but as I look within, where memory refers me, first, to many wonderful deliverances in times of trouble, when it seemed

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that no existing power could relieve, and then to the hour when the peace of God, passing understanding, came as a flood of light into my astonished soul, weary as it was from battling with its enemy, who Apollyon-like, determined to accomplish my overthrow, there is no room left for doubt, but a long halleluiah rises from my heart to Him who has brought me "out of darkness into His marvelous light. "

We should be much in prayer, for no greater source of power is known than this. We should ever live in the spirit by which it becomes natural and easy to pray without wearying, though it be not in audible words, and commune with God during hours which otherwise were laden with a weight of grief, or loneliness, or woe; looking unto Jesus while many are brooding over sorrows or disappointments of the past, which but lengthens their shadow until it darkens the present day. He, only, who has actually made the trial, understands the wonderful power of prayer: how the soul is disburdened, and how the future is encircled with a halo of light in answer to prayer !

One of the most fruitful causes of indefinite experience in the Christian church to-day, is that communion with God has come to be regarded as a matter of convenience, more than of positive necessity. Many pray but little, yet wonder why they fail to grow. But this is a duty which cannot suffer neglect without producing results of proportionate detriment to our souls' interest. Engaged though we may be in the performance of life's secular duties, which demand so much time and energy, we cannot afford to neglect this imperative duty, for our spiritual growth is vitally connected with this source of power. The soul becomes feeble in the hour of temptation, desires for holiness of life lose the intensity which characterizes the experience of him who walks hourly with God, and the world, with its distracting influences, withers and disables the heart when prayer is neglected.

Through fervent prayer the Christian receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit in all its fulness. Social meetings and the more public worship should be faithfully observed, still they are not to be regarded as substitutes for special communion with God. It is while thus engaged that " heaven comes down the soul to greet," and the Christian is raised so far above the perplexities and grievances of life in his connection with the things of time that they are bereft of power to disturb; and Christ, in all His loveliness, comes to be his joy and strength. Now we need these baptisms of power often, for without them it is impossible to flourish. As in nature, suffering and death are the invariable results of long-continued drought, and the withering foliage, blighted cornfields, and empty granaries, 'declare the destruction which rain long withheld has caused, so, where the refreshing showers of divine grace cease to bathe the soul, a similar result may always be observed. I distinctly remember the suffering occasioned for want of rain in the community where I lived a few years since. The fields were parched, the grass was burned to its very roots, leaving no indication of remaining life. A beautiful grove just opposite my window was the special object of my observation. The leaves scattered before the scorching winds of July as though terrified at the approach of some foreign destroyer; and ere the summer months had flown, that grove was shorn of its beauty, and stood as in all the nakedness and desolation of November.

And I have known Christians to become the subjects of similar change. They have faded; the freshness and beauty which rendered their early experience so hopeful, giving promise of abundant fruitage, are things of the past; there seems to be little beauty or vigor remaining; and I have asked, What is the cause of this melancholy change while the promises of God are so numerous and well adapted to every case of human want or suffering?

Could it have been trouble that overwhelmed them? I judge not, because a promise of deliverance is given for the day of trouble.* Was it that the lot in which Providence placed them proved to be so much more distressing than that of others? Granting this to be true, even in that case God's grace might have been sufficient. But it was nothing of this kind. Could you have seen more of their unrevealed lives, you would have discovered that much unfaithfulness in watching unto prayer had been the cause of their decline. Oh, I affirm, with God's word as my ground for confidence, that no visitation of suffering or trial need prove disastrous to our spiritual welfare, but instead of that, if accepted in the proper spirit, all shall contribute toward promoting the sublime consummation desired by the true children of God's love; for "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. "

But if we are to live on this spiritual plane, we shall have need of a clear and positive experience in the things of God; more so, no doubt, than is commonly known among Christians; it is so easy to permit the usual disturbances of life to frustrate the purposes of God in us. The question now is, How are we to become the possessors of this positive experience, this " wisdom that cometh from above"? and the answer, echoing down the ages from the sacred lips of Christ, and of His disciples, chosen and ordained to declare His righteous counsel, is, ask for it ! "If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it." "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. "

With the Bible abounding in such promises as these, who need remain satisfied with a Christian experience so weakly and uncertain that it threatens each day to sink into its grave? Better things are provided for the asking, and God is faithful, who will "stablish, strengthen, settle you," if with a firm purpose to do right, and to be true, you "continue instant in prayer." Under all conceivable circumstances it is necessary to maintain a prayerful disposition. As some one has expressed it, the favors with which you are blessed furnish no excuse for neglect; there is danger that your heart's affections center upon the things of earth; and the stormy course of trial is scarcely less dangerous, for the grim skeleton of despair awaits to seize his prey; so that in every case our only safety lies in looking unto God.

We exist, independent of our own volition, and may become the subjects of trial which challenges our fortitude; and all that is left for us to do is to face this trial, whether we choose to or not, whether we are prepared or unprepared to meet it. Now, if by some act of faith we may become so related to the Divine that

His strength shall ever substitute our weakness, and, virtually, become our own, abiding with us, keeping us hour by hour, and empowering us to overcome such grievances as often crush beyond recovery the unbeliever, and menace him with despair, what wonderful results shall we behold! We shall become mightier with every on-coming storm, gaze with fearless confidence at its approach, and smile at its baffled rage when it has swept us by.

There are thousands of God's own children to-day, whose countenances tell of an inward tranquillity which will abide forevermore; children who have "come up through great tribulation," and who, had it not been for unshaken confidence in God, and uninterrupted faithfulness in prayer, would long ere this have fallen by death or met a fate still worse, in becoming the subjects of mental derangement. But they

are mightier now than ever; their testimony to

•

God's all-sufficient grace has a ring to it which renders it a power wherever it is heard ; their lives, so rounded and symmetrical, having had the sharp angles of worldliness and inexperience cut away, speak still more convincingly than their tongues. They are ready to live, they are prepared to die ; and hold themselves in constant willingness for either life or death; They are "in a strait betwixt two," though "having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ."

Should we fear any earthly woe, while God is ever reminding us that His " grace is sufficient ? " or should we be unduly concerned as to what trials may overtake us ? Rather we should be content with such positions as God appoints for us, and accept them gratefully, rejoicing, meanwhile, in the privilege of suffering, if need be, as well as performing His sweet will.

Could we for a moment bridge the intervening years of labor and cross-bearing, welcome the time of our departure from these tenements of clay, and be made conscious of our souls' upward flight to glory, with Jesus and the angels coming to welcome us home, could we listen to the chorus of the redeemed host, chanting our reception as they sing that through great tribulation we had come up, having " washed our robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb," and then resume life's duties, time would not be wasted in gazing upon present afflictions, until they become so magnified as to rise like mountains before us, and exclude the richest blessings from our vision.

This little life affords no waste time in our preparation for the life to come. When our most faithful diligence has been employed in the cheerful performance of duty, no margin remains for murmuring. We should never, never murmur, for it would be an unspeakable calamity if we should at last awaken to the fact that all our lives long we had been chafing against the providence of God, who, in His kindness, had only permitted that which, if accepted in the proper spirit, would have led us out into larger life and opportunity. Since, in God's wisdom, the greatest spiritual victories are often won while prayerfully enduring tribulation, let us not shrink from any ordeal His love provides, but cheerfully step to the front and meet it like men and women.

We may derive no special comfort from being overtaken in the summer's shower, as it descends without warning or apology, drenching us through and through ; but when the clouds have parted, and vanished from the

2o INTRODUCTION.

heavens, when the thirsty land has quaffed the refreshing rain, and yielded its thank-offering in countless buds, and leaves, and blossoms, we forget the drenching, and blend our praisesongs with those of nature to Him who doeth all things well. It is thus in Gods dealings with His children. He seeks their lasting good rather than their present comfort ; and when both cannot be made compatible with His will, it becomes necessary that a sacrifice be made, either of one or the other, and as God is all-wise, ever doing what is best, the least He can deny is the comfort of this brief day.

How few among the Bible saints rose to the zenith of their spiritual strength, thus to bless a world by their example, without experimental knowledge of trial, real and severe ! Would God thus have dealt with those He loved, unless it had been necessary, and to answer the wisest purpose ? Could He have subjected Abraham to the heart-rending sorrow of preparing for the sacrifice of Isaac, if a milder test of faith would have been as well for him, and for the world to follow ? Would it not have been easy for God so to have overruled, that the trials of Job, Joseph, David, Daniel and Paul might have been less severe ? But these were instruments of God ; men of prayer, whom God could trust, and they required preparation for their life-work.

We, also, in our humbler spheres need preparation. God would use us as well as them ; for we, too, form a part of His great plan ; and since experience convinces us of the existence of more dross than ever self-examination had revealed, yet which must be taken from our natures, let us likewise hold ourselves in readiness for God's purifying process, even though it be a passage through the fiery furnace. God's love can never fail us even there ; and if we may thus best glorify His name, and serve the highest interests of those for whom we live and labor, not only should we be submissive, but recognize with gratitude the pains God takes to make us all His own.

And now, kind reader, as we have together begun this book with prayer, invoking the presence and blessing of the God we love, let us look for His fulfillment of the promise extended to any two who agree upon earth as touching whatever they shall ask. Let us expect the favor now, for it is our privilege, and having obtained it, may we so walk with God that our pathway shall become brighter and brighter " unto the perfect day."

But possibly you who scan these lines are a stranger to the love of God ; and though possessing sufficient interest in spiritual things to induce you to peruse a religious book, have never given serious thought to the subject of our consideration, nor dreamed that even for you the truth was written, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John iii., 3.

You have listened to the finest sermons, attended the most thrilling social meetings, but notwithstanding all, you are without hope and " without God in the world." What further can be done ? We desire to help you. What words shall we use, what arguments employ, that you may be induced to give this subject your thoughtful attention ?

Still looking to the dear Lord for guidance in this matter, praying that some simple thought may find its way to your heart with the message of God's love, we devote our first energy and time in an effort to remove the unseen manacles which all these years have been binding you hand and foot, lift the veil which has kept the light and warmth of spiritual life from entering and illuminating your soul, and to awaken you from the slumber, which, if left undisturbed, must terminate in death.

They tell us with dismay, of the Christian's stormy voyage, where trial, cross-bearing and temptation replace the prolonged lethargy of him who has never listened to the voice of God. But should we crave ease, when a little tossing on the billows will make us stronger men ? Shall you desire cool and pleasant bowers, where, without an effort, you may fold your arms and sink away into unconsciousness, as though there were nothing more to do, forgetting that evil spirits as well as good are hovering about you, diligent in fulfilling their mission of death, when the furnace is the purifying power you most need ? No ; the ease may be gratifying, the bowers may be beautiful, but you desire to be saved ; you have but once to live, a moment of time in which to prepare for eternity. Reason bids you seek the wisest preparation possible, though at the cost of everything you once held dear.

If God sees best to give all things that make life beautiful, they shall be yours. If He well knows that they would draw your thoughts from Him, trust Him in their refusal, for this is no less truly an evidence of His love. But whether they be given or withholden, seek God Himself with all the energy at your command ! You may live, and even prosper, while many of His favors are denied, but you cannot live without God / Existence is then undeserving of the name, for it is maintained under the divine displeasure, while conscience confirms the testimony that your whole duty is not yet performed. Convinced of this, dear reader, can you protract the delay? " To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts/'

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Chapter II. Want

Who is able to paint the pictures which force themselves before our vision, at the mere mention of this word ? Hungry eyes, and still hungrier mouths, appealing to our hospitality, present their unanswerable arguments, demanding the support which love cannot refuse. Shivering frames, but thinly clad with remnants of what could not shelter from the winter's blast if free from tatters, speak vainly to the unmoved revelers in ease and luxury, telling their pitiful story of privation and distress. Tired feet, from journeys now too long, but not yet half completed, seek rest where only mockery is given, and turn again to tread the dreary paths of hope-deferred. Hollow cheeks there are, white and ghastly, and forms so weak that even the mild breath of June, coming but to imprint the kiss of welcome, and play about these wearied ones as if to cheer their future with the hope which, in this

26 WANT.

world, can never be fulfilled, must be restrained by coverlets and blankets, lest its good-natured rudeness prove fatal to them who walk the borders of the grave. And human hearts, conscious of suffering far more acute than can possibly afflict their fleshly tabernacles, call urgently for the relief, which, while withheld, subjects them to such torture that health succumbs, and reason begins to totter, confirming our assertion that this is a world of want.

Can words too forcibly depict the failure, disappointment, captivity and anguish imposed upon humanity by disease, that merciless enemy of the race ? It cripples the body, enfeebles the intellect, takes away the opportunity for improvement, binds the hands of those who would minister to the needy, blights the hopes of youth, withers the arm and mocks the worthiest endeavors of the mature. It beclouds life's sunset, which should be clear and serene, with the melancholy shadow of enfeeblement, and only when sanctified by the Almighty can it be of any possible benefit to man.

People of intelligence and means, especially Christians, should ever be known as the avowed opposers of disease. They should labor to re-

WANT. 27 sist its first approach ; should fight it to the last ; give it battle to the death ; and strive with all the energy they can command, to annihilate this bold intruder upon their happiness and dignity. It found its birth in sin, and with sin let it be destroyed ; for in itself it is a curse, not a blesssing ; a foe, not a friend. No man, either saint or sinner (other things being equal), can do as well while burdened with it as he can without it.

Special conditions may indeed be furnished by it for " grace to abound," but grace is not dependent upon physical conditions. A mighty intellect, upheld and sustained by unbounded physical health, and consecrated to God and the good of humanity, can accomplish more for the salvation of the race than one which must constantly be held in check, lest too great exertion prove disastrous and induce an overthrow. Many, we are aware, can testify that it was not until brought low by sickness that they were led to meditate upon eternal interests and seek the God of salvation, and that 11 before they were afflicted they went astray." But there was no necessity for this straying ; it was not the fault of God, and His grace

28 WANT.

might have proved as sufficient to sustain them throughout a lifetime of uninterrupted healthfulness as it has under the actual conditions, had they been obedient to the voice of God.

Perhaps sickness even bequeathed an experience which now enables the once afflicted one to render valuable assistance to others who suffer likewise ; but if the monster were driven from the world there would be no demand for such assistance. It is generous and noble to bestow this needed sympathy and labor of love, but better would we all be if, with the equilibrium of sound judgment, which is the result of normal development, we might serve God and humanity in the absence of such physical and mental disturbance as the weaknesses, pains and distortions of disease impose upon the human race. Yet the intruder enters, notwithstanding all that we can do; and for a time at least, we must suffer from its ills, though we battle faithfully against it. Let us rejoice in overcoming grace, while with pain we lament the bitter want of comfort which everywhere appears in the form of sickness, that meets us at every turn.

Aside from loss of health, which holds its rank among the richest blessings of this ma-

WANT. 29 terial life (a fortune which the millionaire may covet, while pillowed helplessly upon his downy couch, and surrounded by every comfort that means, sympathy and love can furnish), few misfortunes are dreaded more thoroughly or universally than the loss of property. Nor is this dread unreasonable, for it is the right of him who labors faithfully to receive the just reward of his endeavor. When God declared that M in the sweat of his face " man " should eat bread," he sanctioned the acquisition of property ; not the love of it, but He gave His command that man go forth into the world, and by honorable toil, secure for himself and those depending upon him for support, a fair return for the work bestowed.

Visit, if you please, society's fairest circles, where culture, talent and luxury abound; enter the palaces of lords, and accept from them the most extravagant expressions of favor and good will; extend your search to the mightiest of earth, where the noble and valiant tell of victories won for truth, who spurn dishonor as an unpardonable crime; but you will not discover a more deserving man than is the honest laborer: the man who meets and performs life's

So WANT.

simple duties as they are presented day by day, without a murmur, content with the small gains provided by his diligence, until, by perseverance and economy, he finds himself the possessor, not merely of what is necessary, but many of life's luxuries.

This man appreciates the comforts which accumulate to bless his days. He enjoys them, and it is his privilege, for he has earned them. His rest is sweet, for he knows what labor means. Life is pleasant, for he toils not without an object; and year after year, with a bounding spirit he beholds the happy circle, where innocence, health and beauty, with sparkling eyes, and faces brim-full of sunshine, drive from his heart all sorrow that may have sought and found admittance there. This unbroken circle, as it appears in the persons of these little ones, who still have no further thought than to trust him fully for the supply of every want the father is so glad to satisfy, renders him a happy man, and promotes his success in life.

Now, to have the accumulations of his faithfulness swept away in an hour of time, to be rendered homeless in a day, to have

WANT.

those willing hands hang powerless to provide, to meet the expectant countenances of those dear ones for whom he would willingly die, if necessary, and who had never in all their days known by experience the meaning of want, as they imploringly ask for bread, is a trial hard to bear. It seems cruel; and who (unacquainted with God's love), could chide the man for wondering at the mysterious providence which had grieved his spirit and shattered his earthly prospects?

Yet how painful is the restraint in which are held the thousand willing hands of those whose highest joy would be to ease the pain, bear the burdens, share the sorrows, and minister to the requirements of the helpless and infirm, but who, to keep the wolf away from their own doors, are compelled to give time, strength and labor in the monotonous struggle for daily bread.

How the thirst for knowledge, which in this world is destined to remain unquenched, must suffer the inflammation always consequent upon following, from necessity, pursuits which are distasteful, while the whole being is consuming with a burning fever, longing to tear