glorycloud's Diaryland Diary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- high hopes oil the wheels of motion "True hope will work the soul out of vanities, dependencies, and inordinate rejoicings of earthly hope. Job had the hope of glory before his eyes; hence he was assured that he would see his Redeemer-and this swallowed up earthly hopes. "If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, 'Thou are my confidence,' if I rejoiced because my wealth was great. . .'" (Job 31:24-25). But the dissembled hopes of glory never deaden the heart to the vain trusts and joys of earthly hopes. When these are gone, those have no estate in the other world. It is the work of hope to work the soul up to the infinite riches, pleasures, and honors that are above. Colossians 1:5 speaks of the hope that is laid up for you in heaven." But the adulterate hopes of heaven show their falseness. Hopes under gospel pretenses are fastened to perishing things, and must perish like them. It is the work of hope to succor the hearts of fainting believers, to strengthen the feeble knees, as a good daughter helps her sickly mother. When faith, the mother grace, is ready to faint hope, the daughter, lends it a supporting hand and says, "Hold out, faith. There is an expected end to corruptions and afflictions. Look, faith, look within the heavenly veil, even the Holy of Holies. Conflicts are sharp, O faith, but see your crowns. Wants are many, O faith, but see your supplies. The race of obedience is tiresome, O faith, but see your prize. Now there is sowing in tears, O faith, but see your joys. The sweet countenance of God is clouded, O faith, but see His eternal smiles. Believers are tossed with the waves of doubtings, despondencies, and sometimes despair, O faith, but see you unshaken assurance and everlasting rest." But the easy, false-hearted hopes of notional Christians can never succor their fainting faith. At best their faith was but a fancy, their confidence presumption, and, when their false faith expires, their groundless hopes are gone too. Ah, miserable self-deceivers, who wrong the faith and hope of glory in the common abused hopes of glory." pg. 75,76 Nicolas Claget 'The Abuse of God's Grace' 10:05 p.m. - 2021-10-11 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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