To E. M., August 14, 1854.
My Dear Friend,
You have been rambling among the wonders of nature, but you find, as I have
always done, that the works of our Lord's hands, however lovely, will not do
without the love of His heart. If that spring be not open to us, it is all
as a dry and thirsty land; but when we have freedom there, then every place
is cheerful, and "December is as pleasant as May."
I see, more and more, that we live very far below our
privileges in Christ. Some say that they want to hear more of duty and
precept; but truly I find duty and precept very dry--and all condemnation
without privilege in Christ--that is oil to the wheels. And if we are
living by faith in a fulfilled law, and in the Law-fulfiller--the fruits of
righteousness will as surely flow out as effect follows cause--for those
fruits are only by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:11) Precious things are put forth
by the moon, (the Church,) as she receives by faith the precious things
brought forth by the sun, (Christ,) and in no other way. Hence we often
weary ourselves in vain, because we are looking more after the fruit than
the abiding in Him from whom alone it can come. "From Me is your
fruit found."
It has been well said, that "in a mere legal way, many
believers have toiled all their time for power over some corruptions, who,
like Peter and the rest, have caught little or nothing--because Jesus Christ
was not in the company." That, you know, is self-effort; and if any fruit
were to spring from thence, it would only be to self-pleasing and
self-praise—all "wild gourds," which bring "death in the pot!" If we want
good fruit--it must spring from the true vine. If we want plenty of fish--it
must be by casting on the right side of the ship. If we desire close
walking, holy living, much victory, communion, enjoyment--it must come by
abiding in Jesus. Hear what Himself says, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the
branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For
apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
O precious Christ-exalting, self-abasing grace of
faith--be it ours in lively exercise by the blessed Spirit's operation,
and may Christ be "all in all." It seems to me that we know nothing of His
"unsearchable riches;" and yet how we often turn to toys and trifles of
time. He is such a precious and full Christ. There is enough in Him to
occupy and satisfy all our powers in time and eternity! Oh! send out Your
light and Your truth into our hearts; let them lead us and guide us to this
Your holy hill; and when our heart is overwhelmed, lead us to this Rock,
which is higher than self!
Now, farewell! Every covenant blessing be with you and
yours. "They shall be mine--says the Lord Almighty--in that day when I make
up my jewels." We tread a thorny desert, but
"Judah's Lion guards the way,
And guides His pilgrims home!"
There we shall meet, from clog and fetter free, to behold
our Beloved without a cloud between. Having sipped of the rivers of His
pleasure below, we shall drink full draughts above--and in His love and
glory be absorbed forever and ever!
Ever most affectionately yours,
Ruth