November 5

Morning

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. — Isa 54:17

This day is notable in English history, for two great deliverances wrought by God for us. On this day the plot of the Papists to destroy our Houses of Parliament was discovered, 1605. And secondly, today is the anniversary of the landing of King William at Torbay, by which the hope of Popish ascendancy was quashed, and religious liberty was secured. This day ought to be celebrated, not by the worldling’s mirth but by the songs of saints. Our Puritan forefathers most devoutly made it a special time of thanksgiving. We still have a record of the annual sermons preached by the godly Matthew Henry on this day.

Our Christian sentiments, and our love of liberty, should make us regard its anniversary with holy gratitude. Let our hearts and lips exclaim, “We have heard with our ears, and our fathers have told us—the wondrous things which You did in their day, and in the olden times before them!”

Lord, You have made this nation the home of the gospel; and when the foe has risen against her—You have shielded her. Help us to offer repeated songs for repeated deliverances. Grant us more and more a hatred of the Romish Antichrist, and hasten on the day of her entire extinction. Until then, we believe the promise, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.”

Should it not be laid upon the heart of every lover of the gospel of Jesus on this day to plead for the overturning of Romish false doctrines and the extension of divine truth? Would it not be well to search our own hearts, and turn out any of the Popish lumber of self-righteousness which may lie concealed therein?

Evening

Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. — Ps 100:4

Our Lord would have all His people rich in high and happy thoughts concerning His blessed person. Jesus is not content that His brethren should think poorly of Him; it is His pleasure that His espoused ones should be delighted with His beauty. We are not to regard Him as a bare necessary, like to bread and water but as a luxurious delicacy, as a rare and ravishing delight. To this end He has revealed Himself as the “pearl of great price” in its peerless beauty, as the “bundle of myrrh” in its refreshing fragrance, as the “rose of Sharon” in its lasting perfume, as the “lily” in its spotless purity.

As a help to high thoughts of Christ, remember the estimation that those in heaven have of Him— where things are measured by the right standard. Think how God esteems the Only Begotten, His unspeakable gift to us. Consider what the angels think of Him, as they count it their highest honor to veil their faces at His feet. Consider what the blood-washed think of Him, as day without night they sing His well deserved praises.

High thoughts of Christ will enable us to act consistently with our relations towards Him. The more loftily we see Christ enthroned, and the more lowly we are when bowing before the foot of the throne—the more truly shall we be prepared to act our part towards Him.

Our Lord Jesus desires us to think well of Him—that we may submit cheerfully to His authority. High thoughts of Him increase our love. Love and esteem go together. Therefore, believer, think much of your Master’s excellencies. Study Him in His essential glory, before He took upon Himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew Him from His throne to die upon the cross! Admire Him as He conquers all the powers of hell! See Him risen, crowned, glorified! Bow before Him as the Wonderful, the Counselor, the mighty God—for only thus will your love to Him be what it should!