We are absolutely dependent upon the Holy Spirit for life, light, teaching and sanctification. Without His presence, power, and operations, we are dead, dark, ignorant, and carnal. We should therefore be very careful not to grieve or dishonour Him.
We do so when we neglect, slight, or make any improper use of, God's holy word; when we indulge in hard thoughts of God, or low thoughts of the Lord Jesus; when we mind the things of the flesh, in preference to spiritual things; when we trifle with, or indulge in any sin of omission or commission; when we slight His intimations, abuse His gifts, and listen to Satan, the world, or the flesh, in preference to Him.
When He is grieved, He suspends His influence, and we find no assistance in duty; we get cold, carnal, and indifferent; we taste no sweetness in spiritual things, and the ministry of the word becomes dry and lifeless; the Bible in a sealed book; there is no power in prayer; no gratitude for mercies received; and religion becomes a task.
O grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption; but sow unto the Spirit, and ye shall reap life everlasting!
Return, O holy Dove, return, Sweet messenger of rest! I hate the sins that made Thee mourn, And drove Thee from my breast.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
We are absolutely dependent upon the Holy Spirit for life, light, teaching and sanctification. Without His presence, power, and operations, we are dead, dark, ignorant, and carnal. We should therefore be very careful not to grieve or dishonour Him.
We do so when we neglect, slight, or make any improper use of, God's holy word; when we indulge in hard thoughts of God, or low thoughts of the Lord Jesus; when we mind the things of the flesh, in preference to spiritual things; when we trifle with, or indulge in any sin of omission or commission; when we slight His intimations, abuse His gifts, and listen to Satan, the world, or the flesh, in preference to Him.
When He is grieved, He suspends His influence, and we find no assistance in duty; we get cold, carnal, and indifferent; we taste no sweetness in spiritual things, and the ministry of the word becomes dry and lifeless; the Bible in a sealed book; there is no power in prayer; no gratitude for mercies received; and religion becomes a task.
O grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption; but sow unto the Spirit, and ye shall reap life everlasting!
Return, O holy Dove, return, Sweet messenger of rest! I hate the sins that made Thee mourn, And drove Thee from my breast.