I needed no monkish rules then

Back to Man's religion & God's religion

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A man may have a consistent profession of religion—have a sound, well ordered creed—be a member of a Christian church—attend to all ordinances and duties—seek to frame his life according to God's word—have his family prayer, and private prayer—be a good husband, father, and friend—be liberal and kind to God's cause and people—and yet with all this bear no fruit God-wards. What is all this but pitiful self-holiness?

Real gospel fruit is only produced by the word of God's grace falling into the heart, watering and softening it. Without this there is not one gracious feeling, not one spiritual desire, not one tender thought, not one heavenly affection. We have tried, perhaps, to make ourselves holy. We have watched our eyes, our ears, our tongues—have read so many chapters every day out of God's word—continued so long upon our knees—and so tried to work a kind of holiness into our own souls.

Many years ago, I used to try to pray for the better part of an hour—and I am ashamed to say, I have been glad to hear the clock strike. What was this but a monkish, self-imposed rule, to please God by the length of my prayers? But when the Lord was pleased to touch my conscience with His finger, He gave me a remarkable spirit of grace and supplication—I needed no monkish rules then.