God’s Way Is Perfect

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” Psalm 19:8

There is a kind of order wherein God Himself is generally pleased to use these means in bringing a sinner to salvation. One goes senselessly on in his own way. God comes upon him unaware—by an awakening sermon or conversation, an awful providence, or a stroke of His Convincing Spirit without any outward means. Having now a desire to flee from the wrath of God, he purposely goes to hear how it may be done. If he finds a preacher who speaks to the heart, he is amazed and begins searching the Scriptures.

The more he hears and reads, the more convinced he is, the more he meditates day and night. By these means, the arrows of convition sink deeper into his soul. He begins to talk of the things of God and to pray to Him, scarce knowing what to say. Perhaps it is only in “groans which cannot be uttered,” perhaps doubting whether the high and lofty God will regard such a sinner as he. Se he goes to pray those who know God, in the congregation. He observes others partaking of the Lord’s Supper. He thinks, “Christ has said, ‘Do this!’ How is it that I do not? I am too great a sinner; I am not worthy.”

He struggles awhile, finally breaking through ; and so he continues in God’s way: in hearing, reading, meditating, praying, and partaking of the Lord’s Supper; till, in the manner that pleases Him, God speaks, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”