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"Abide in Me."
John 15:4
Communion with Christ is
a certain cure for every ill.
Whether it be the wormwood of woe,
or the cloying excess of earthly delight,
close fellowship with the Lord Jesus
will take bitterness from the one, and
satiety from the other.
Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter
of secondary importance whether you live on the
mountain of honor or in the valley of humiliation.
Living near to Jesus, you are covered with the wings
of God, and underneath you are the everlasting arms.
Let nothing keep you from that hallowed
communion, which is the choice privilege
of a soul wedded to the 'well beloved'.
Do not be content with an interview now and then,
but seek always to retain His company, for only in
His presence have you either comfort or safety.
Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us
now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore.
You have a difficult road before you: see, O traveler
to heaven, that you go not without your guide.
You have to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it
not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
you have the Son of God to be your companion.
You have to storm the Jericho of your own
corruptions: attempt not the warfare until,
like Joshua, you have seen the Captain of the
Lord's host, with His sword drawn in His hand.
You are to meet the Esau of your many
temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok's
brook you have laid hold upon the angel,
and prevailed.
In every case, in every condition, you will
need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron
gates of death shall open to you.
Keep you close to your soul's Husband,
lean your head upon His bosom, ask to
be refreshed with the spiced wine of His
pomegranate, and you shall be found of
Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle,
or any such thing.
Seeing you have lived with Him, and lived in
Him here, you shall
abide with Him forever.
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