A lifting up for the downcast by William Bridge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon VI (A lifting up in case of miscarriage of duties).
In this one Bridges teaches us that sometimes the discouragements of the saints is drawn from the failings and successlessness of their duties, particularly prayer.
But Bridges suggests there is no need for discouragement because:
(i) you are in the covenant of God;
(ii) Christ is somewhat in your duties;
(iii) your soul is the temple of the Holy Ghost;
(iv) God doth give by denying sometimes;
(v) what rock is there so firm or fast, but hath some seams of dirt upon it;
(vi) lack of success moves the Lord to pity;
(vii) God does hear your prayers;
(viii) lack of success teaches you to wait upon God;
(ix) you are not to lay the stress and weight of all your comfort upon duty;
(x) you must learn to leave the event and success of spiritual things to God.
Particularly liked the last point about leaving the success of your prayers to God: 'Many there are, that can leave the event and the success of their outward things unto God, but to leave the event and success of prayer, and their spiritual things unto God, this they cannot understand, and this they are utterly unacquainted with : but whatever thy gift be, cast it upon the Lord, leave the success and the event of all your spiritual things upon God : what then ? "and he will sustain thee, and thou shalt not be moved for ever." Thou art moved for the present, and thy heart is moved, and thou art much discouraged, yet do but try this way, leave the event to God. Go to prayer, go and perform thy duty leaving the event of that unto God, and the Lord that hath promised will certainly fulfil it, thou shalt be sustained, and though thou art moved for the present, thou shalt not be moved for ever.'
Pray, and then leave the matter in the hands of your Father.
Next week's reading
Read Sermon VI
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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