Grace upon Grace

Let us know that outside of Christ there is no grace. There cannot be a beam without the sun; there cannot be a river without a spring; there cannot be a good work without the spring of good works, which is Christ. Also, let us be sure in every action to be poor in spirit. When we have any temptation to resist, any trouble to bear, or any duty to perform, let us empty ourselves. No grace is stronger than humility. No man is weaker than a proud man. For a proud man rests on nothing, yet a humble man who empties himself, he stands upon the Rock. Let us empty ourselves, as the prophet said to the widow; 'Bring empty vessels now, and we will have oil enough' (2 Kings 4:3). There is enough in Christ; but first we must empty ourselves by humility, and then there will be fullness in him. 'Of his fullness we receive grace upon grace’ (John 1:16). Let us, as much as we can, empty ourselves of ourselves and stir up the spirit of faith. Go to Christ. If we do but touch him by faith we will have a spring of graces in us answerable to the graces in him (Matt. 9:20).
Come what will, if we be in Christ, either we will be freed from troubles, or we will have grace to bear them. Either we will have that we want, or we will have contentment without it. Is it not better to have grace without the thing? Is it not better to have a glorious Spirit resting on us? Did not the Spirit of glory rest on Paul? Could not God have freed Paul from prison? (Phil. 1:12-14). Yes, but then where would be the demonstration of a contented spirit, of a heavenly mind? Where would be the example of a Christian bearing the cross comfortably? Will we then be afraid of any condition? No! Get the Spirit of God; get the understanding of Christ, get the promises and privileges by him, then let God cast us into whatever condition he will, and we will be safe and well.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Art of Contentment, Works, vol. 5, p. 191-93
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