(James Smith, “The Spirit of Grace“ 1864) Play Audio! Download Audio
All that the Spirit does for us, and all that He works within us–is of grace. He graciously . . .
instructs the ignorant,
restores wanderers,
comforts the dejected,
strengthens the weak,
and sanctifies the impure.
His work is His delight; and to see us holy and happy, is His pleasure!
The Holy Spirit produces all our graces within us. He is the root, and our graces are His fruits. Hence we read, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
When His influence is put forth within us, then we . . .
believe God’s Word,
hope in His mercy,
rejoice in His goodness,
cleave to His cause,
walk in His ways,
love His truth, His people, and Himself.
Holiness is then happiness,
duties are then pleasant, and
even the cross lays light upon our shoulders.
But if the Spirit hides Himself, withdraws His influences and leaves us to ourselves; then we . . .
doubt and fear,
fret and pine,
kick and rebel,
rove from thing to thing, and
nothing will either please or satisfy us.
We often then . . .
question the past,
are wretched at present,
and dread the future.
But when He puts forth His power in us again . . .
sighs are exchanged for songs,
fears are exchanged for fortitude,
doubts are exchanged for confidence, and
murmurings are exchanged for gratitude and love.We then . . .
sink into the dust of self-abasement,
admire the forbearance and patience of God,
condemn our own conduct, and
wonder that we are out of Hell.Our wilderness is now turned into an Eden, and our desert into the garden of the Lord!
Come, Holy Spirit! Come, and produce a spring season in our souls!
Brethren, we need the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit of grace–to make us gracious and graceful Christians. Without the Spirit of grace . . .
we cannot live up to our profession;
copy the example of our beloved Master;
keep His commandments;
love one another as He has loved us;
sympathize with lost sinners as we should;
keep God’s glory in view in all that we do;
walk in high and holy fellowship with God;
meet death with peace and joy!