"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." [Philippians 1:29]
Reader! do not overlook that precious verse, and the doctrine contained in it, that it is given to the Church, in behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe on him, but also, if needful, to suffer for his sake. Yes! faith and fortitude are the LORD'S gifts, and not our graces. When a child of GOD believes to the salvation of his soul, the strength of that faith, and all the parts of that faith, are from the LORD. It is blessed to believe, blessed to be firm in that belief: blessed to believe always. But the largest portions of faith are all the LORD'S gifts. And wherein no man's faith differs from another, the diligent measures of grace are His, who is both the Author, and Finisher of faith. So that the strong in faith, when taught of GOD, in the exercise of it, will always rejoice in the great object of faith, the LORD JESUS; and not in themselves, from the fruits and effects of it. Oh! for grace both to believe in CHRIST; and, if needs be, to suffer for his sake.
Reader! do not overlook that precious verse, and the doctrine contained in it, that it is given to the Church, in behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe on him, but also, if needful, to suffer for his sake. Yes! faith and fortitude are the LORD'S gifts, and not our graces. When a child of GOD believes to the salvation of his soul, the strength of that faith, and all the parts of that faith, are from the LORD. It is blessed to believe, blessed to be firm in that belief: blessed to believe always. But the largest portions of faith are all the LORD'S gifts. And wherein no man's faith differs from another, the diligent measures of grace are His, who is both the Author, and Finisher of faith. So that the strong in faith, when taught of GOD, in the exercise of it, will always rejoice in the great object of faith, the LORD JESUS; and not in themselves, from the fruits and effects of it. Oh! for grace both to believe in CHRIST; and, if needs be, to suffer for his sake.
