Perhaps no where in history, is there a more striking instance of the manifest mercy and compassion of our Heavenly Father, of whom it is stated, "He willeth not the death of him that dieth, but that all should return, repent and live."(1) Even the prophet realized this, for he sought to shun proclaiming the message, fearing that in their repentance, and it being withheld, his prophecy might seem false.(2)
Equally full well did Abraham experimentally know of his mercy, when he plead with God for Sodom, until if there were but five righteous therein the city might be spared for the sake of the five, but this failing to be the case, even Lot and his believing family were rescued therefrom.(3)
The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The prayer of faith shall save the sick. The Lord hath respect unto the lowly. "The angel of the Lord encampeth around about them that fear Him and delivereth them." [Psalm 34:7]
In every family and to every individual, is there the opportunity to become truly a child of God, an humble follower of the Lamb, to become of the number for whose sake He would make bare His Almighty arm of defence, that even the unrighteous in the midst should reap the benefit thereof.
For the sake of such families, people and nations would be kept by Him whose power is unlimited and still can change men's hearts and minds, as a man turneth his water-course in his field.
The very end of man's creation, to fear God and keep His commandments, is at all times the important issue, especially when the peace of nations may seem in jeopardy, fulfilling His will, prepared to die, and yet being of that increasing number for whose sake He would plead with and show mercy unto all.
Superficiality will in no case avail, a profession will not answer, neither a form of godliness, neither works, but a new creature. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared for me. Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first that He may establish the second.
That worthy woman in ancient Nantucket, Mary Starbuck, of good parts and ability, and much in profession, at the preaching of the new birth in the demonstration of the spirit, had to exclaim,--"All that we have ever done, and all that ever we have been building, is pulled down this day, and this is the everlasting Truth." (John Richardson visits) This was the beginning of a better day, and a remarkable gathering to the Truth.
God is calling us unto holiness, He is inviting unto an experimental knowledge of himself. He is drawing us, that we may come into the inner temple, away from the outer court, which is destined to be trodden under foot, unto the personal experience, where one can truly know that--
"Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." [Psalm 119:165]
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." [Isaiah 26:3]
Then truly would all kinds of swords be beaten into plowshares, learning war no more, and
furthermore obey the exhortation,--"But I say unto you, do good to them that hate you, and pray
for them which despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father
which is in Heaven."
1. 2. 3.