BELOVED, God hath called us by His grace and gospel, into the knowledge of Christ; into the favour of Jesus; to partake of the Spirit of His Son; to enjoy fellowship with Christ; to wear the image of Christ; and to possess and enjoy His righteousness, strength, wisdom, unsearchable riches, and eternal glory. This calling is heavenly in its origin, nature, tendency, and consummation; it is from heaven and to heaven. All believers partake of the same calling; they are called by the same voice, to the same Cross and Throne, to possess and enjoy the same title, and to claim and use the same blessings. This calling is the greatest honour that can be conferred upon a sinner; it is altogether a favour, the fruit of free and everlasting love; its enjoyment calls for gratitude and praise. Are we called with an heavenly calling? Then we should come out from the world, walk with God, imitate the Saviour, set our affections upon things above, and prepare for, and hasten to, our blessed home, our glorious inheritance. Let us make our calling and our election sure, and then sing--
As Thou wilt dispose of me Only make me one with Thee; Make me in my life express All the heights of holiness: Sweetly in my spirit prove All the depths of humble love.
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.
BELOVED, God hath called us by His grace and gospel, into the knowledge of Christ; into the favour of Jesus; to partake of the Spirit of His Son; to enjoy fellowship with Christ; to wear the image of Christ; and to possess and enjoy His righteousness, strength, wisdom, unsearchable riches, and eternal glory. This calling is heavenly in its origin, nature, tendency, and consummation; it is from heaven and to heaven. All believers partake of the same calling; they are called by the same voice, to the same Cross and Throne, to possess and enjoy the same title, and to claim and use the same blessings. This calling is the greatest honour that can be conferred upon a sinner; it is altogether a favour, the fruit of free and everlasting love; its enjoyment calls for gratitude and praise. Are we called with an heavenly calling? Then we should come out from the world, walk with God, imitate the Saviour, set our affections upon things above, and prepare for, and hasten to, our blessed home, our glorious inheritance. Let us make our calling and our election sure, and then sing--
As Thou wilt dispose of me Only make me one with Thee; Make me in my life express All the heights of holiness: Sweetly in my spirit prove All the depths of humble love.