October 25, 2018

The Christian in Complete Armour - Gurnall - LXXXI - Direction Twelfth continued

Required readingThe Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Direction Twelfth by commencing Branch Third and reading the First Observable.


My summary
Today we continue the twelfth direction: "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Eph. 6:19-20)

Now Gurnall looks at what is meant by 'that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.'

He will observe:
(i) the sublime nature of the gospel - it is 'a mystery';
(ii) wherein lies the work of a gospel minister - 'to make known the mystery of the gospel';
(iii) the manner how he is to perform this work - 'that I may open my mouth boldly'.

This week we start with the first observable only.

Gurnall firstly affirms that the 'mystery' is the gospel.

Then he tells us in what respects the gospel is a mystery:
(i) it is known only by divine revelation;
(ii) its truths exceed the grasp of human understanding;
(iii) in regard of the paucity of those to whom it is revealed;
(iv) in regard of the sort of men to whom it is chiefly imparted;
(v) in regard of the kind of knowledge the saints themselves have of it;
(vi) in regard of the contrary operation it hath upon the hearts of men;
(vii) in regard of those rare and strange effects it hath upon the godly.

Lastly, today, Gurnall gives us three uses of our knowledge that the gospel is mysterious:
(i) it gives us a reason why the gospel, with the great offers it makes, is so slighted and rejected by the wicked world;
(ii) it means several duties should be pressed upon on the saints (be thankful, rest not, bear with one another, long for heaven);
(iii) strangers should get knowledge of the mystery.

What grabbed me

I liked the encouragement to bear with others, if the gospel is mysterious: 'Again, bear with weaknesses in the practical part of religion. Godliness, as well as the doctrine of our faith, is a mystery. All the servants in a shop cannot work alike. Some bungle at more than other—as their parts and experience are less. All saints are not of a height. Christ hath some children in his family that are led with strings, as well as others that go strongly without such help. Some act more upon pure gospel principle—love, and a spirit of adoption; others have not yet worn off their legal fears and terrors. Some are got higher up the hill of faith, and have clearer apprehensions of their spiritual state; others are nearer the bottom, who, as the sun newly risen above the horizon, are wrapped up with many clouds of perplexing fears and doubts. In a word, some are got further out of their passions, have greater mastery over their corruptions, than other of their brethren. Pity thy weak brother, and take him by the hand for his help; but despise him not, God can make even him stand, and suffer thee to fall. Christ doth not quench the smoking flax, why should we? The weak Christian is welcome to his heavenly Father, as well as the strong; why should he not be so to his brethren? But, alas! the proverb here is too true, 'Better speak to the master than the man; the father, than the child.' Those that can be so bold with God, dare not be free with their fellowservants and brethren.'

We should pity those who are weak, not grumble against them.

Next week's reading
Continue Direction Twelfth by concluding Branch Third and reading the Second and Third Observable.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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