THOU WILT KEEP HIM
By Samuel Rutherford
THE BELIEVER IN SAFEKEEPING
I rejoice in the hope of the glory to be revealed; for it is no uncertain glory we look for. Our hope is not hung upon such an un- twisted thread as, ‘I imagine so,’ or ‘It is likely’; but the cable, the strong tow of our fastened anchor, is the oath and promise of Him who is eternal verity. Our salvation is fastened with God’s own hand, and with Christ’s own strength, to the strong stoup of God’s unchangeable nature, ‘I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed’ (Mal 3:6). We may play, and dance, and leap upon our worthy and immoveable Rock; the ground is sure and good, and will abide the assaults of hell and the world.
O if our faith could ride it out, against the high and proud winds and waves, when our sea seemeth all to be on fire! O how oft do I let my grips go! I am put to swimming and half sinking. I find that the devil hath the advantage of the ground in this battle, for he fighteth on known ground, in our corrupt nature. Alas! that is a friend near of kin and blood to himself, and will not fail to fall foul upon us. And hence it is that He, who saveth to the uttermost, and leadeth many sons to glory, is still righting my salvation.
O if our faith could ride it out, against the high and proud winds and waves, when our sea seemeth all to be on fire! O how oft do I let my grips go! I am put to swimming and half sinking. I find that the devil hath the advantage of the ground in this battle, for he fighteth on known ground, in our corrupt nature. Alas! that is a friend near of kin and blood to himself, and will not fail to fall foul upon us. And hence it is that He, who saveth to the uttermost, and leadeth many sons to glory, is still righting my salvation.
