The Faith of George Muller of Bristol
W. J. Seaton: faith, prayer, providence, trust in God, Christian service, perseverance, God’s provision, Christian life.
This article describes George Muller’s life of faith and prayer and his trust in God to provide for the orphan children in his care. It also reminds Christians that a life of faith involves prayer, practical service, perseverance, and dependence upon the Lord. (edition 171)
Clippings of Interesting Thoughts
Various authors: Christian living, confession of sin, forgiveness, grace, Christian service, spiritual discernment, church life, obedience.
This collection gives short lessons on Christian living, including the need to confess sin, the difference between God’s grace and human merit, faithful Christian service, and the danger of seeking novelty instead of spiritual truth. (edition 171)
Teaching and Training
W. J. Seaton: Christian education, teaching, training, children, discipline, obedience, God’s Word, Christian living, spiritual growth.
This article explains that Christian teaching must be joined with Christian training. God’s Word teaches us what we should know and do, while spiritual training helps us practise that truth until it becomes part of our daily Christian life. (edition 171)
The Ladder of God’s Redeemed
W. J. Seaton: Christian life, God’s providence, grace, Christian history, faith, spiritual heritage, perseverance, service.
W. J. Seaton reflects on the links of grace between believers across the generations. He encourages Christians to remember God’s faithfulness in the past and to serve Him faithfully in their own day. (edition 172)
Remembering From Whence We Came
Dr Guthrie: humility, mercy, grace, repentance, Christian character, spiritual growth, thankfulness, Christian life.
This short reflection shows how a humble Christian remembers their former sinful condition and never forgets the mercy of God. The greater our blessings, the more we should be humbled by God’s grace. (edition 172)
Beware of Frames and Duties — Christ Alone is Sufficient
W. J. Seaton: Christ’s sufficiency, Christian assurance, sin, forgiveness, grace, faith, good works, self-righteousness, spiritual life.
This article warns Christians not to trust in their feelings, duties, or their own goodness. It points believers to the all-sufficiency of Christ, both when they feel they have done well and when they are troubled by their sins. (edition 173)
Some Final Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden
Thomas Manton / C. H. Spurgeon: Christian living, holiness, spiritual growth, sin, prayer, godliness, spiritual warfare, Christian character.
This collection of illustrations from Thomas Manton, with comments by C. H. Spurgeon, gives practical lessons for Christian living. The pictures teach the need for godliness, spiritual watchfulness, prayer, and setting the heart on heavenly things. (edition 173)
Living Before God: True Conversion and Uncompromising Holiness
C. H. Spurgeon: conversion, holiness, repentance, Christian life, obedience, godliness, spiritual watchfulness, glory of God.
Spurgeon explains that true conversion brings pardon and peace while also producing repentance, holiness, watchfulness, and obedience. The converted Christian seeks to live before God and to please Him in every part of life. (edition 173)
Refined Christianity or Rugged Discipleship?
W. J. Seaton: Christian living, discipleship, Christian witness, holiness, separation from the world, cross-bearing, spiritual health.
This article warns against making the Christian life easier and more acceptable to the world. It reminds believers that following Christ involves taking up the cross, standing for the truth, and living a faithful and holy Christian life. (edition 174)
Martin Luther: Hymnwriter of “A Mighty Fortress”
W. J. Seaton: Christian faith, trust in God, spiritual warfare, sovereign grace, Reformation, Gospel, strength in God.
This article looks at Martin Luther as a hymnwriter, especially his great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” It shows how Luther trusted in God’s strength and found confidence in the Gospel during spiritual conflict. (edition 175)
The Whole Armour of God: Trusting in His Word for the Battle
W. J. Seaton: Christian warfare, Word of God, faith, trust, spiritual warfare, whole armour of God, obedience.
This article calls Christians to trust God and use the whole armour He provides. It shows that Christ Himself used the Word of God in His battle with the devil and calls us to follow His example. (edition 176)
A Public House Bar (A Warning Poem.)
Unknown Author: sin, repentance, moral decline, alcohol.
A solemn Christian temperance poem warning that the public house is a bar to heaven and a door to sin, shame, despair, and spiritual ruin. (edition 178)
Nehemiah’s Refusal to Abandon the Work of God
W. J. Seaton: Christian Living, Christian Witness, Gospel work
Nehemiah’s resolve exposes the danger of distraction, dialogue with adversaries, and the greatness of God’s work in rebuilding Jerusalem.(edition 178)
Popular Opinion or God’s Word?
W. J. Seaton: Christian Living, doctrine, Scripture.
A biblical examination of the danger of following popular opinion above God’s Word, showing how the Pharisees rejected Christ through prejudice and tradition.(edition 180)
The Two Natures in the Christian Life Today
W. J. Seaton: Christian life, new nature, old nature, sanctification, sin, spiritual warfare, holiness, assurance, faith.
This article explains the conflict between the old and new natures in the Christian. It encourages believers to fight sin, grow in holiness, and rest in Christ’s finished work. (edition 181)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 103 (Concluded)
C. H. Spurgeon and others: Psalm 103, God’s mercy, divine compassion, forgiveness, God’s fatherly care, human frailty, praise, grace.
This study of Psalm 103 considers God’s mercy, compassion, and fatherly care for His people. It reminds us of our weakness and calls us to remember God’s goodness and bless His holy name. (edition 172)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 104
C. H. Spurgeon, Matthew Henry, John Calvin, John Gill and others: Psalm 104, creation, providence, sovereignty of God, God’s power, creation and preservation, Christ, praise, divine wisdom.
This study of Psalm 104 looks at God’s work in creation and His continual care for all His creatures. It shows His great power and wisdom and points to Christ’s power over the waters and His care for His people. (edition 173)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 104 (Concluded)
Frederick Arndt, Joseph Caryl, C. H. Spurgeon and others: Psalm 104, creation, divine providence, God’s goodness, creation and preservation, Christ the Bread of Life, praise, sovereignty of God.
This study of Psalm 104 shows how God provides for His creation and supplies all that His creatures need. It also points from earthly bread to Christ, the living Bread from heaven, and calls us to praise God for His wisdom and goodness. (edition 174)
Levitical Types
William Cowper: Levitical types, Old Testament, Christ, sacrifice, atonement, blood, Passover, scapegoat, substitution, Gospel.
This poem shows how the sacrifices and ceremonies of the Old Testament pointed forward to Christ. The Passover lamb, sacrifices, and scapegoat are pictures of Christ bearing the sins of His people and bringing salvation. (edition 174)
Christ Our Mediator
John Calvin: Christ the Mediator, incarnation, deity of Christ, humanity of Christ, reconciliation, salvation, redemption, grace.
John Calvin explains why Christ alone can be the Mediator between God and sinful people. Because He is truly God and truly man, Christ is fully able to reconcile sinners to God and secure their salvation. (edition 175)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 105
C. H. Spurgeon and others: Psalm 105, God’s faithfulness, divine providence, covenant, Joseph, Israel, redemption, praise, God’s promises.
This study of Psalm 105 traces God’s faithfulness to His people from the patriarchs through the exodus. It encourages believers to remember God’s covenant promises, recognise His providence, and respond with praise and thanksgiving. (edition 175)
The Songs of Degrees: A Help on the Pilgrim’s Journey
W. J. Seaton: Songs of Degrees, Psalms 120–134, Christian pilgrimage, prayer, holiness, spiritual journey, God’s help, Christian speech, worship.
This article introduces the Songs of Degrees as psalms for God’s people on their journey to Jerusalem. Psalm 120 teaches the pilgrim to seek God’s help, guard the tongue, and look to the Lord while journeying towards Him. (edition 175)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 105
C. H. Spurgeon: Psalm 105, divine providence, God’s sovereignty, Joseph, covenant promises, Israel, faithfulness.
This study of Psalm 105 shows how God guided His people through famine, suffering, Egypt, and the life of Joseph. It reminds us that God faithfully keeps His promises and directs all things according to His purpose. (edition 176)
Our Father which art in Heaven
Martin Luther: Lord’s Prayer, God the Father, prayer, faith, adoption, Christ, heavenly Father, obedience.
These thoughts from Martin Luther consider the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer. They encourage believers to trust God as their heavenly Father and to live by faith in His promises. (edition 176)
Ears to Hear, Hearts to Understand
Thomas Adams and John Calvin: hearing God’s Word, understanding, salvation, faith, Christ, predestination, peace, spiritual understanding.
These reflections show the importance of hearing and understanding the Word of God. Thomas Adams points us to Christ’s voice, while John Calvin urges us to desire the salvation of those around us. (edition 176)
The Means of Speaking
Thomas V. Moore: revelation, Scripture, God's Word.
Explores God’s revelation through Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian eras, showing prophecy’s progression from theophany to the written Word.(edition 179)
What Saith the Scriptures (Philemon)
Unknown Author.: forgiveness, reconciliation, gospel of grace.
A devotional overview of Paul’s epistle to Philemon, highlighting gospel grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christ-centred transformation. (edition 177)
A word about controversy
Robert Haldane: scripture, doctrine, error, contending for the truth.
A robust defence of biblical controversy, urging Christians to oppose error with clarity and courage. (edition 177)
Timely Words from the Past
Booth, Warfield, Machen: Error, liberalism, holiness, biblical faith.
Warning and exposing the dangers of liberal religion, false Christianity, and losing biblical truth in modern times. (edition 179)
The Written Word of God
W. J. Seaton: Christian Living, Holy Scriptures, wisdom.
The written Word of God reveals Christ, strengthens faith, guides believers, and supplies truth, comfort, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment.(edition 179)
Exodus 18 - Seeking God’s Way in Every Good Counsel
W. J. Seaton: Christian Living, Exodus 18, wisdom.
A biblical reflection on Exodus 18 showing that good ideas must be tested by God’s will, urging believers to follow divine wisdom in church and life. (edition 179)
Popular Opinion or God’s Word?
W. J. Seaton: Christian Living, doctrine, Scripture.
A biblical examination of the danger of following popular opinion above God’s Word, showing how the Pharisees rejected Christ through prejudice and tradition. (edition 180)
Psalm 106
Spurgeon, Trapp, Adams, Homes, Payson, Gouge, Watson, Musculus: apostasy, idolatry, divine anger, faithfulness.
Psalm 106 shows Israel’s repeated sin, forgetfulness, and God’s mercy, calling readers to humility, repentance, and gratitude. (edition 177)
Psalm 106
M. Henry, J. Hamilton, Musculus, A. Saphir: apostasy, idolatry, divine anger, faithfulness.
Psalm 106 reveals Israel’s murmuring, idolatry, and decline into apostasy, yet ends with doxology.(edition 178)
Psalm 107
C.H. Spurgeon, William Jay, William Gurnall, Joseph Irons: redemption, mercy, affliction, faith,
A rich exposition of Psalm 107 highlighting redemption, divine providence, and God’s mercy in affliction, calling believers to praise and trust His goodness.(edition 179)
Psalm 108
C.H. Spurgeon, G. Bowes, David Dickson: Scripture, faith, prayer, Christian Living.
Reflections on Psalm 108 highlighting fixed-hearted praise, Christ’s rule, God’s beloved church, and confidence in divine victory through steadfast faith and prayer. (edition 180)
Extraordinary Providences
Loraine Boettner: Divine providence, sovereignty of God, divine intervention, creation, God’s government, secondary causes.
This article explains how God controls all things through His providence. It shows that God can use ordinary events to accomplish His purposes and that nothing is outside His control. (edition 181)
Christ’s “Little Ones”
B. B. Warfield: Christ, disciples, believers, love of Christ, tenderness, protection, little ones, shepherd care.
Warfield considers the tender names Christ gives to His followers. He shows how the words “these little ones” express Christ’s deep love, care, and protection for His people. (edition 181)
Gleanings in the Psalms — Psalm 109
C. H. Spurgeon and others: Psalm 109, imprecatory psalms, divine judgment, justice, sin, repentance, enemies, vengeance.
This article considers the difficult prayers for judgment found in Psalm 109. It explains them in the light of God’s justice, the seriousness of sin, and the need to seek the repentance of sinners. (edition 181)
The Foolish Girls — Mrs Seaton’s Letter to the Boys and Girls
Mrs Seaton: parables, wise and foolish virgins, readiness, second coming, salvation, faith, obedience, Christian children.
Mrs Seaton explains the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. She teaches children that they must be ready for Christ’s coming by trusting Him for salvation and seeking to obey His Word. (edition 172)
The Winter is Over — Letter from Mrs Seaton to the Boys and Girls
Mrs Seaton: God’s creation, God’s providence, Christ, salvation, substitution, faith, gratitude, Christian children.
Mrs Seaton uses the story of a bee to teach children about God’s care and the loving work of Christ. As the bee took its sting from the child, so Christ bore the pain of death on the cross for those who believe in Him. (edition 173)
Peter Waldo — The Rich Young Man Who Followed Christ
Mrs Seaton: Peter Waldo, salvation, faith, discipleship, Bible, Gospel preaching, Waldensians, persecution, Christian witness.
Mrs Seaton tells children about Peter Waldo, a rich young man who gave up his wealth and followed Christ. He helped make the Bible known in the language of ordinary people and preached the Gospel despite severe persecution. (edition 174)
A Jar of Jam and God’s Care in Times of Great Need
Mrs Seaton: God’s providence, prayer, trust in God, provision, thanksgiving, salvation, God’s care, Christian children.
Mrs Seaton tells how a poor family discovered a forgotten half-crown in a jar of jam when they were in great need. The story teaches children to trust God’s care, give thanks for His provision, and remember His greatest gift of salvation through Christ. (edition 175)
Prepare
Mrs Seaton: preparation, Christmas, birth of Christ, second coming, salvation, faith, readiness.
Mrs Seaton uses the preparations made for Christmas to teach children about being ready for Christ. She reminds them that Jesus came as the Saviour and will come again as King, so we must be prepared to meet Him. (edition 176)
A Seaside Lesson and a Bible Truth.
Mrs Seaton: firm foundations, scripture, truth, Christ,
A story for children teaching the importance of building life on Jesus Christ, illustrated through a seaside lesson and Bible truth. (edition 177)
The Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd.
Mrs Seaton: trust, faith, believing,
Jesus as the Good Shepherd, teaching the parable of the lost sheep with love, care, and eternal salvation. (edition 178)
The Singing Bird and the Stone
Mrs Seaton: hymns, singing, kindness, trust.
How a bird's song and a hymn help boys resist temptation, teaching kindness and trusting Jesus to overcome doing wrong.(edition 179)
Do Not Delay: Look to Jesus and Be Saved
Mrs Seaton: salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, born again.
Alick, who learned not to delay coming to Jesus. (edition 180)
The Story of an Ant
Mrs Seaton: creation, God’s providence, courage, perseverance, fear, Scripture, faith.
A young boy learns courage from watching a little ant persevere during a storm. The story teaches children to trust God, who rules His creation and speaks to us through His Word. (edition 181)
A Weighty Question
Dr Loraine Boettner: salvation, repentance, forgiveness, death, judgment, conversion, mercy, preparation, eternity.
This searching question asks how we would spend our last day if we knew death was near. It warns against putting off repentance and urges us to seek forgiveness and peace with God while there is still time. (edition 172)
A Testimonial Hymn
John Newton: conversion, Christ, the cross, sin, forgiveness, grace, redemption, repentance, salvation.
John Newton’s hymn tells of his conversion as he saw Christ suffering on the cross for sinners. It moves from the guilt of sin to the wonder of forgiveness and the saving grace of Christ. (edition 172)
What is Your Hope?
J. C. Ryle: Gospel, salvation, justification, faith, Christ, grace, repentance, assurance, sin, judgment.
J. C. Ryle asks what sinners are trusting in for acceptance before God. He rejects good works, morality, church attendance, and religious profession as grounds of salvation, pointing instead to Christ and faith in Him alone. (edition 175)
Christless persons who are at ease.
Robert Murray McCheyne: salvation, repentance, eternity, faith.
Robert Murray McCheyne speaks to Christless persons who are at ease. (edition 178)
The Most Fit Book For A Wounded Conscience
John Bunyan, Martin Luther: assurance, conviction, conscience,
Why John Bunyan prized Luther’s Galatians as most fit for a wounded conscience. (edition 180)
George Muller — From Birth to New Birth
W. J. Seaton: George Muller, conversion, new birth, sovereign grace, providence, depravity, Christian biography, prayer, faith.
This account describes George Muller’s sinful early life and his remarkable conversion by the grace of God. It shows the power of sovereign grace to change a sinner and reminds us that God is able to save even the most unlikely person. (edition 172)
John Bunyan’s Four Shepherds
John Bunyan: John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian ministry, pastors, shepherds, pastoral care, spiritual guidance, perseverance, Christian pilgrimage.
Bunyan’s four shepherds, Knowledge, Experience, Watchful, and Sincere, teach Christian and Hopeful important lessons on the pilgrim journey. They show the care, instruction, warning, and guidance that should be found in faithful ministers of God’s Word. (edition 173)
Marjorie Bowes — Wife of John Knox
J. H. Alexander: John Knox, Marjorie Bowes, Scottish Reformation, Reformed faith, Christian marriage, Geneva, Calvin, persecution, godly woman.
This account tells the story of Marjorie Bowes, the wife of John Knox, during the difficult years of the Scottish Reformation. It shows her faith, courage, and steadfastness as she shared Knox’s life through persecution, exile, and service to Christ. (edition 174)
John Bunyan and the Holy Mr Gifford
Alexander Whyte: John Bunyan, John Gifford, conversion, grace, doctrine, preaching, Puritan history, Christian ministry.
Alexander Whyte tells how John Gifford was changed by God’s grace and became the minister who helped lead John Bunyan into a deeper understanding of Christ and the doctrines of grace. The article highlights the importance of sound, Scriptural, doctrinal, and evangelical preaching. (edition 176)
Church Building and Buildings for Churches
W. J. Seaton: building, church, place of worship, gospel ministry.
Reflection on how a small church found modest, fitting premises and learned wise stewardship in worship, growth, gospel usefulness. (edition 177)
Churches using non-traditional buildings
W. J. Seaton: tradition, building, church, place of worship.
Reflection on churches using non-traditional buildings, drawing lessons from the Free Church Disruption and modern mission work. (edition 178)
The Trial of Anne Askew
W. J. Seaton: faith, courage, Christian Witness.
Discover the courage of Anne Askew, the Reformation martyr who defended biblical truth before bishops, judges, and the stake with faith. (edition 180)
The Parable of the Trees
John Porteous: Christian character, spiritual fruit, grace, holiness, affliction, humility, prayer, conversion.
John Porteous uses different trees to describe different kinds of Christians in his congregation. The story shows how God uses trials, grace, and His promises to make His people fruitful. (edition 181)
Not Dismayed
Rowland Hill: angels, God's wisdom, unbelief
Rowland Hill defends the reality of angels with wit and Scripture. (edition 179)
Colourful Correspondence
Berridge, Gruber, Wilks: pastoral, marriage, hospitality.
Discover the humour and humanity in the letters where wit, hospitality, and Christian counsel shine from a bygone age. (edition 180)