Fourth Street Meeting

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This morning was gloomy. Heavy with clouds, and was threatening to rain. Come afternoon we were granted a pleasant sunny weather. 

The text for the sheep was on Luke 12:35-48. How that we should always be watching in constant readiness, having a mindset of instant accountability when we are suddenly called to stand before the Master. It reminds us, that those who are blessed, are the ones whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Christ, our Blessed Redeemer, is immeasurably gracious and bountiful to those servants who exhibit such faithfulness and vigilance, yet He is just as unsparing and severe in His judgment upon the unfaithful. Our mere profession of His name affords us no guarantee whatsoever of our standing. Many who believe themselves secure shall be utterly astonished when they are numbered amongst the unbecoming, and still greater shall be their consternation to behold the very heathen shown more clemency than themselves in their final punishment. The openly wicked, we are warned, shall meet with less severity than those who profess belief, yet utterly fail to practice the tenets of our faith. Let us, therefore, take heed and apply ourselves to true piety, lest we be found wanting in that awful hour.

His finding us ready to hear His voice, with our loins girt about and our lights burning when He comes, is what separates the true from the pretentious, the heavenly from the worldly, the listeners from the doers. An unused knowledge of Christ is the most dangerous of all possessions, for it surely adds to the severity of one's condemnation in neglecting Gospel commands, and Gospel opportunities (Luke 12:47).

It was hot and the people kept away under the shade but no sooner than I stepped up to read the word and began my public pleading did the sun hide behind some clouds, giving an opportunity for the people to come near and sit comfortably in the open. God did send more 'fish' today than we have witnessed in all the preceding weeks, a clear answer to prayer. A profound encouragement for the vast labours I have set before me in the coming months was the deep tenderness I felt in my own soul upon witnessing the simple souls listening to the good news of salvation. They appeared unto me as hapless sheep without a shepherd. May the Almighty grant that I remain a faithful steward, and that He might graciously turn the hearts of this people toward Him. That great and final Day of Reckoning alone shall reveal the true fruits of this meager toil.

I am prepared to undergo surgery tomorrow. I trust the LORD will carry me through and enable me once again to stand this coming Lord's day and fulfill the greater labor that still lay ahead.

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