Extract from a Letter Written After the Crimean War
I would acknowledge the blessings of peace. Surely we should rejoice that the sword is in the scabbard again; but in all prayer or thanksgiving on these subjects, we must remember that it is in the way of overruling and not in the way of governing, that the Lord now holds the nations of the world in His hand. In Millennial days it will be otherwise. Then He will govern and not simply over-rule.
We are to submit to Powers; but to share with them, is not the calling of the church. She will sit and share power when her Lord governs.
I see more to dread from peace than from war; for the world will get further opportunities to ripen its superstitious and infidel thoughts, and prepare itself in its ecclesiastical and civil apostasies for the judgments of the Lord.
The narrow way leads to a wealthy place. Here, it is to be the girded loins (1 Peter 1:1313Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)); there, the flowing robes. Here, is to be the trimmed lamp; there, not even sun or moon needed, for the glory never sets.
A spirit of praise greatly helps to take us off from looking at ourselves. May we have it more richly.
If we loved Him as we ought, what manner of people should we be? How much those dear servants of His did and suffered for His name! And yet His love exceeds all, and the very best return we can make to that love, is to believe and rejoice in it.
The supreme place is His by right, whether He seek it in authority, or in affection; whether over the conscience, or over the heart. But not only this. The very claim, when made, is for the health of our souls, for it keeps the soul in its due condition, and tends directly and necessarily to set heaven, where He is, in our esteem and desire far above the earth, and thus sets the heart free for the journey whenever He calls.