By R.C. Chapman
“Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)
I am troubled and ashamed, as this warning strikes the ear, this precious warning voice of my Beloved! Alas! My neglected spirit, what has it not cost me! When I should have been watching my affections with all jealousy of love to my Lord, I have been hindered with much serving; I have been of a doubtful mind; and keeping the heart with all diligence has been forgotten.
How much of the proud Pharisee cleaves to me still, who washes the outside of the cup and the platter, heedless of that which is within! (Matthew 23:25; Luke 11:39)
O my soul! Are you not ashamed! Think to yourself, that, as Jesus is the church’s Husband, so it is the greatest duty of the bride, the Lamb’s wife, to give Him her heart! Watch therefore, against those things which take from Him of your love. Your husband, who His own self bore your sins in His own body on the tree, is now in heaven to present you to the Father: so you are holy and blameless before Him in love! Do not refrain, therefore, to search for those little foxes, those subtle sins that cheat you with a flattering smile, those foxes that have their holes in the depths of the heart.
Jesus Himself, is the light to show you these little enemies that do you so grievous trouble. Beware, I charge you, of descending without His lamp into the dark caverns. You will only be bewildered there, unless Jesus goes with you: You will be terrified, instead of humbled; confounded, instead of instructed. Therefore, let Jesus be wisdom to you in the blood of His cross, that precious blood, which blotted out all your iniquities, will bring to light your hidden evils! By its sprinkling, you will discern the humble cloak of pride, you will see how the heart can be puffed up with wind, and feed upon the east wind of empty thoughts, instead of Christ! You will see the guilt of neglecting the whispers of the Lord’s love, through self sufficiency in your dealing with little matters without the help and fellowship of your Lord, of ungentle behavior toward brothers, and of the lack of tenderness toward the ungodly.
These things, and other numberless things, you will perceive and hate; and if the tender grapes of your inward grace and comfort have suffered loss, and Jesus has withdrawn Himself, you will justify Him and say: Lord, my heart sins have grieved You, and in all Your correction You are holy and full of love.
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Mercy Triumphs! 