Burn here the fat
of your sacrifices. Let your closet
seasons be, if possible, regular,
frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual
prayer availeth much. Have you nothing
to pray for? Let us suggest the Church,
the ministry, your own soul, your
children, your relations, your
neighbours, your country, and the cause
of God and truth throughout the world.
Let us examine ourselves on this
important matter. Do we engage with
lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the
fire of devotion burning dimly in our
hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag
heavily? If so, let us be alarmed at
this sign of decay. Let us go with
weeping, and ask for the Spirit of grace
and of supplications. Let us set apart
special seasons for extraordinary
prayer. For if this fire should be
smothered beneath the ashes of a worldly
conformity, it will dim the fire on the
family altar, and lessen our influence
both in the Church and in the world.
The text will also apply to the altar of the heart. This is a golden altar indeed. God loves to see the hearts of His people glowing towards Himself. Let us give to God our hearts, all blazing with love, and seek His grace, that the fire may never be quenched; for it will not burn if the Lord does not keep it burning. Many foes will attempt to extinguish it; but if the unseen hand behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it will blaze higher and higher. Let us use texts of Scripture as fuel for our heart's fire, they are live coals; let us attend sermons, but above all, let us be much alone with Jesus
Adopted
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