Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

The hope of eternal life is represented as the soul's anchor; the world
is the boisterous, dangerous sea; the Christian course the voyage; the port
everlasting felicity; and the veil, or inner road, the royal dock in which
that anchor was cast. The storms of life continue but a short time; the
anchor, hope, if fixed by faith in the eternal world, will infallibly prevent
all shipwreck; the soul may be variously tossed by various temptations,
but will not drive, because the anchor is in sure ground, and itself is
steadfast; it does not drag, and it does not break; faith, like the cable, is
the connecting medium between the ship and the anchor, or the soul and
its hope of heaven; faith sees the haven, hope desires and anticipates the
rest; faith works, and hope holds fast; and shortly the soul enters into the
haven of eternal repose.
A hope that is not rationally founded will have its expectations cut off;
and then shame and confusion will be the portion of its possessor. But our
hope is of a different kind; it is founded on the goodness and truth of
God; and our religious experience shows us that we have not misapplied
it, nor exercised it on wrong or improper objects.
MEEKNESS.—That man walks most safely who has the least
confidence in himself. True magnanimity keeps God continually in view.
He appoints it its work, and furnishes discretion and power; and its chief
excellence consists in being a resolute worker together with him. Pride
ever sinks where humility swims, for that man who abases himself God
will exalt. To know that we are dependent creatures is well; to feel it, and
to act suitably, is still better.
A proud man is peculiarly odious in the sight of God; and in the sight
of reason how absurd! A sinner, a fallen spirit—an heir of wretchedness
and corruption, proud! Proud of what? Of an indwelling devil!
Well;—such persons shall be plentifully rewarded. They shall get their
due, their whole due, and nothing but their due.