16 NOVEMBER
Advice to those weak in the faith
‘Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.’ Malachi 3:16
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13
My chief business is at present with those who are awakened and seeking the Lord’s salvation. I would earnestly advise you to be after speaking one to another. I address myself to those who are weak in the faith. You have many complaints, fears and troubles, but is not their increase and continuance owing to your fault? If you were to mix freely with the Lord’s people you would find many helps which you now deprive yourselves of. You would find that the trials which you think peculiar to yourselves, are common to others. You would be helped by the advice and the prayers of those who know how to pity you. Many are kept by a false humility. They are deceived; there is much of self-will in it. Some are afraid of making a profession, but what a poor excuse is this—not intend, never, to make a profession! Surely you have not considered our Lord’s words in Luke 12:8 [Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God]. But perhaps you are afraid, lest after joining more publicly you should fall back and dishonour the gospel. I think a fear of bringing a reproach upon God’s ways is a good fear and a good sign—but if you are really afraid of falling back you ought rather to join with those who might be helpful to you. Do you expect to be stronger or more comfortable by yourselves?
FOR MEDITATION:
Often thy public means of grace,
But we from such assaults are freed,
Thy thirsty people’s watering place,
Can pray, and sing, and hear, and read,
The archers have beset;
And meet, and part, in peace:
Attacked them in thy house of prayer,
May we our privileges prize,
To prison dragged, or to the bar,
In their improvement make us wise,
When thus together met.
And bless us with increase.
SERMON: MALACHI 3:16–17 [4/5]
Milo 