What They Said

“Fourthly, Christ's work, both in the church and in the hearts of Christians, often goes backward so that it may go forward better. As seed rots in the ground in the winter time, but after comes up better, and the harder the winter the more flourishing the spring, so we learn to stand by falls, and get strength by weakness discovered  virtutis custos infirmitas (weakness is the keeper of virtue). We take deeper root by shaking. And, as torches flame brighter by moving, thus it pleases Christ, out of his freedom, in this manner to maintain his government in us.“

Richard Sibbes

(The Bruised Reed-pg 95)

“Perseverance may be defined as that continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine grace that is begun in the heart, is continued and brought to completion. It is because God never forsakes His work that believers continue to stand to the very end.”

Louis Berkhof

Your Harps, Ye Trembling Saints

Your harps, ye trembling saints,

Down from the willows take;

Loud to the praise of love divine

Bid ev'ry string awake.

Though in a foreign land,

We are not far from home;

And nearer to our house above

We ev'ry moment come.

His grace will to the end

Stronger and brighter shine;

Nor present things, nor things to come,

Shall quench the grace divine.

When we in darkness walk,

Nor feel the heav'nly flame,

Then is the time to trust our God,

And rest upon his Name.

Soon shall our doubts and fears

Subside at his control;

His lovingkindness shall break through

The midnight of the soul.

Blest is the man, O God,

That stays himself on thee:

Who wait for thy salvation, Lord,

Shall thy salvation see.

Augustus Toplady

(Hear Music Here)