The heaviness of sin a preparation for the Gospel (Quality: Very good)

[0:00] Seeking the help of the Lord, the grace of dependence upon him, we venture to the words you will find in Proverbs, chapter 12, reading from verse 25.

[0:18] Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 25.

[0:30] Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[0:50] Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[1:09] Amen. Many a proverb is recorded in this portion of God's holy word.

[1:39] A proverb was used much in the instruction of the young. Books not being plentiful and being very costly.

[1:53] It was a means of instruction whereby that was retained in the memory. Many a proverb is recorded here and many, even to this present day in the secular world, is used, which has its origins in the Eastern peoples.

[2:35] Solomon, he spake many a proverb and others gathered those proverbs as we understand in all probability from the royal library of the court and put them together.

[2:56] These are indeed written under divine inspiration. Further in this book, somewhat unique book of Scripture, we have many words spoken as concerning the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous.

[3:27] There is that counsel which is couched in these words of instruction and would to God that they were observed by mankind at large.

[3:47] We have to prove, indeed, even in our present day, the heart of man deceitful and desperately wicked and many others transgressions as recorded within these chapters, which are practiced, alas, with impunity in our present day.

[4:12] There is also a third way in which we might look at this book of Proverbs. We have it in our text.

[4:27] There is here that observing of those things by the wise man. Solomon, endued with that wisdom from on high, he observed those things which he himself entered into, those things which he saw amongst the generality of mankind.

[4:58] We have a word as such here. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[5:14] What saith Scripture in another place? Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even he shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

[5:38] Observe these things. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[5:53] We might consider it very briefly, initially as concerning that way of mankind, men, women and children, in that general sense.

[6:07] The word obviously is figurative, but it speaks in this manner of those pressures, which, and weights and burdens, which are felt in the heart of mankind, which causeth a bowing, a bringing down, grief and concern as to how events shall turn out.

[6:46] Oh, blessed that soul that can join in with those hymns that you've sung. The fictitious power of fortune I defy.

[6:59] My life's minutest circumstance is subject to his eye. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[7:20] Many of Adam's race, indeed, the whole number of Adam's sinful race, will know through life's pathway those times and seasons when pressures of outward circumstances and inward griefs will cause them even much trouble of heart and is not exempt from these things.

[7:54] for sin for sin hath entered and sin is at the root of all the troubles that come upon mankind. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop, but a good word maketh it glad.

[8:15] but a greater than Solomon is here. The word proclaimed by divine inditing reveals the path which is to be known in great measure by those that fear God.

[8:48] The living word declares in the incarnate word in this world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.

[9:08] Heaviness in the heart of man is cause and effect. The cause is sin producing heaviness trouble trouble of soul I speak of the living family of God the effect ought is to bring the sinner low in that place of need before their God for as one says few if any come to Jesus until reduced to self despair heaviness in the heart heart of man observe it and can you trace it in that spiritual way or is it not a mark in favour of those that are brought down to those places when they can do nothing nothing of themselves and further so vital so essential their eyes are up unto the

[10:32] Lord even as pressed sore by afflictions tribulations trials and temptations for indeed the truth remains man is born unto trouble even as the sparks fly upward let us then as the Lord may help us turn to the word and seek or seek that understanding one felt somewhat tried as to what might be the prophet to be found in this word there's nothing here of direction there's nothing here of consolation there's nothing here perhaps of instruction there's nothing here but that which can be observed and in observing these things there is oh surely times and seasons when the soul is lifted up when the soul is lifted up with a sense that though they are unable yet there is one and tis his word oh tis the gospel indeed as tis proclaimed and reaches the soul that maketh such an one press down with a multitude of afflictions which maketh such an one glad and rejoice in the name of their

[12:22] God heaviness in the heart of man maketh it glad so again surely this speaks of a pressure a weight a burden it has this effect it causeth the sinner to be bowed down before the Lord it affects not only those inward feelings but at times is revealed in the countenance for we read as concerning Nehemiah the king noted that his countenance was sad and inquired of him as to the cause of that heaviness did he not have to respond as concerning the condition of

[13:52] Jerusalem and the Jews that people who were so favoured of old with God's presence and gracious hell his countenance was sad his heart was cast down towards this heaviness oh let us stay a moment it may be in providential paths it may be not only as concerning the difficulties of the path but combined with it those responsibilities which are laid upon one and another in their lives these things it is so appointed so determined that it will have that effect it will bring the sinner down to that place of much heart searching before the

[15:25] Lord there's an observing of these things which is profitable though painful often and at times there can be no escaping the very truth of scripture thou hast procured this unto thyself heaviness in the heart of man maketh its doom I think it comes to mind as concerning the king in those days when the Assyrians threatened destruction upon Jerusalem a time when there was much pressure outwardly upon the people time when the king himself as he went into his closet spake in this manner a messenger had come with sore tidings the king instructed that there should be that watching for the feet of his master that should follow him shut the door he says shut the door about thee there was the spreading of the matter before the

[17:29] Lord it was a time of much heaviness in heart amongst the people the threatenings of those ungodly characters what they said as they speak of their strength has been evident against so many heathen nations was true what did them again oh watch for those steps the feet of him that cometh after the messenger have been sent now oh now watch wait heaviness in the heart of man it maketh it stoop it was a time of heaviness the matter was spread before the Lord an uncomfortable time for that people for there had been sin and they reaped the result of those sins the people the people were brought into this place heaviness in the heart of man it maketh it stoop it bringeth it down down by labor is not disappointed of

[18:58] God have he not so occasioned it in his determination to divinely instruct this people in their need of a saviour so many times we proved it so all the years providential burdens great responsibilities increasing responsibilities had that effect bringing that one oh down very very low there's no lifting up the head with pride now there's no strutting about as a proud peacock does looking upon his plumes friends it's that bringing down abject need before the Lord friends these are the spiritual ways which man himself is brought into these that fear

[20:01] God there is that good word and friends must it not be so that these things in that measure appointed shall be known and felt that there might be that reception of the precious things of the gospel I see here the law in that heaviness which he produces upon the soul of the believer I behold the gospel the good news the good word which oh so spoken so sovereignly bringeth joy and rejoicing to this downcast soul my mind reverts again as often it does to those Jews as they were found in bondage in Egypt they had been instructed to make that tale of bricks yea to fulfill those demands even the very means that provision was removed and yet they were expected still to produce that same number for their tusk masters and such is the law and we read of that people

[21:15] I believe it is in the Psalms they lie down they lie down amidst those wrecks the very things that they had to use to produce that they lie down amongst those utensils and they were dejected cast down oh how shall we do how shall we do the law cannot in any way bring belief heaviness it brings friends I say this to the glory of God now as I look back all the years I remember coming down even the road outside this house of prayer this cause of truth this place where the gospel has been proclaimed over many years I remember walking down one

[22:17] Lord's Day evening it was as if I felt it like this as if the adversary got one over the throat and said do do and live do and live that's all the law can do bring a sinner into that place of dejection oh what shall I do to be saved how can I proceed heaviness it's the working of God's spirit this way according to that measure appointed of Israel's God there is that opening up to the eye of faith that wonder of God's grace in the rich provision of his word the written and the incarnate word a good word maketh it glad heaviness in the heart of man maketh it to thy hand presseth me sore all my desire is before thee all my desire my groanings the psalmist continues are not hid from thee now it may be some secret thing

[23:43] I know not it may be something you cannot divulge even to thee nearest and dearest oh it may be something which brings you into that place wherein none but Jesus can do helpless sinners good a matter which alone the Lord can resolve a matter which is too hard for any arm or flesh heaviness we read we read I believe of Issachar one of the sons of

[24:47] Jacob bowed down under that double burden man I I sometimes see in this as if there is that ass or mule and that one laden on either side with those packs which they are caused to carry for their master a double burden we might say on either side oh think again providence providence and grace bow down heaviness and I say again it may be some secret thing cannot or you cannot divulge it it's that all which so burdened your spirit has come upon you you see no way no way of relief you cannot find any way to produce an answer to this matter heaviness snooping there's one that understands this oh there's one that understands this the

[26:17] Lord Jesus Christ he in Gethsemane he stood under that great weight of imputed sin laid upon him we see him prostrate bow down under that intolerable load the pressure of it the groanings that came forth from his holy soul and from his holy lips my God my God why has thou forsaken me the cup the cup so bitter heaviness in the heart of man he took our nature sin accepted came to be a man and die he took our nature married our nature he oh he is who walked this path in full measure heaviness in the heart of man oh consider for a moment stay and think on these things he had been with his father in the bosom of his father from all eternity one one from before time now having undertaken that tremendous work he stooped he came down he condescended to men of low estate and he for them did enter this path hence he bore the burden he carried that load with no relief for him for he must for his church's sake he the very head of the church he must endure even that darkness that heaviness that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly consider him we're enjoying to do so consider him that endured such contradiction lay the emphasis there such we said yea from

[29:34] Bethlehem at his birth even to Gethsemane in the garden to the cross such contradiction of sinners consider him against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds heaviness observe it I speak of the spiritual exercise of it then perhaps some say oh I feel this in my heart I cannot get all this matter I cannot rise above it I know not how friends where's the relief behold him we've gone to the end of the law for righteousness see him who has satisfied those demands of law oh behold behold mount zion ye are not come now unto mount zion that mount that might not be touched that burneth with fire but ye are come come unto that holy mount of zion behold behold the lamb of god heaviness in the heart of man maketh its do we might in that direction were given speak of those records of all that we see again and again how the lord so appoints these paths to bring such even to that place of utter dependence upon himself yea he will speak he will speak the word and bring us in allow exceedingly low my mind goes to joe he tremble at times even to make mention of that dear man of god and yet oh what depths of sorrow he went to what great depths heaviness in the heart of man maketh its do blow down his friends supposed friends speak against him oh yes he had his as

[31:55] David had his a hit of the lord jesus christ judas iscariot that would betray him oh such the cause much heaviness much burden much weeping before the lord dear joe miserable comfort as he had to say are ye all the lord prospered his work god's work in his soul in that time of deep affliction of great sorrow we read of his groanings oh did he stoop so low he wished he'd not even seen the light of day near come forth from his mother's womb such was the grief the burden of his soul heaviness in the heart of man it hath this effect as the sinner is brought down to that place to loathe themselves to see themselves as nothing but a mass of sin and what can they do friends to that stooping now before the great high priest of our profession is that bowing of the head

[33:21] I think of the one in the gospels one that had been subject those many devils they cast those devils cast out we find him sitting at the feet of Jesus clothed and in his right mind oh the Lord had wrought in his heart even this he brought him into that heaviness he caused him to stew yea he had spoken a word a word which brought joy in rejoicing into his heart what comfort can the gospel bring love to those that have never felt their woe much religion today express it in this way it would appear to commence upon the crest of the wave and continue in that place but that which is of the spirit of God and how little there is of it oh that we might be given grace to observe it and that the Lord would sanctify these things the troubles the afflictions the burdens of the path to our soul's eternal good

[34:50] I say how little today may we prize oh prize in chastening prize the times when the Lord may seem to hide his faith you say oh such seasons it maketh the hidings of God's faith friends it makes you stoop if you know anything of the blessings of the gospel oh that this should be occasioned grieving of God's Holy Spirit there's a tenderness now which was not there afore heaviness in the heart of man it maketh it produces this effect it maketh them stoop this one oh this one is made ready now for the reception of the blessings of the gospel I think of Peter in the prison house these things are not alone in the initial stages of the work of grace but it is a continuing work for flesh must be brought down it will seek to you sir it will seek to take that to itself which is not theirs by right

[35:59] I think of Peter in the prison do we not read the angel smote him on his side perhaps you've read that heard it maybe they've given it a second thought but does it not speak somewhat like theirs oh there's something which is heard there's something which produced weeping and yet oh yet Joseph Joseph was silent unto his brethren for a season and so it may be in the experience of your difficulties these secret things all these matters which you cannot explain these matters which have such a propensity to bring difficulties further in the path oh do I speak to one in this way is the

[37:02] Lord working in this manner in your soul cannot you see light at the end of that difficulty do you wonder what the years will produce how these things shall be I say oh trace observe the Lord bringing you down that place hell blessed sinners to the footstall of mercy Peter the angel smote him roughly bid him then all rise the chains oh the chains were removed he came forth a free man friends his son shall make you free then shall ye be free indeed heaviness in the heart of man maketh its do you see the trace in that observance even the footsteps that follow the messenger the footsteps steps of the master do you see and behold that which the

[38:21] Lord himself is speaking through these afflictions blessed be God if it be so all favour favour astonishing divine divine might be used in that context for such oh such shall surely be brought out into those wealthy places though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death said the psalmist I will fear no evil for thou art with me can God furnish a table in the wilderness was the cry of those Jews of old can it be so yet God proved proved that with him oh there was that power to turn that captivity turn those circumstances even to his own glory heaviness in the heart of man it maketh it maketh him astu it hath this effect it bringeth the sinner low it's doing business now in deep waters it's being found in those depths there's been a breaking up of those depths we hear at times back all the years those occasions when there's been a breaking up of the depths of the ocean and what havoc it has caused among the shores of those lands in the east and now think of it oh in the spiritual context we have here a breaking up of those depths the word of the lord it hath that effect in the soul oh it maketh the sinners too that proud nature is brought down they that have said and will say i will not have this man to reign over us brought down lord i come it comes to mind oh how thankful we would be for those promptings of the spirit i think oh that proud pharisee who went about even to hail men and women to prison he thought he did god service many such there are to die it is hard for thee to kick against the place now oh now he was brought to that place what wilt thou have me to do what wilt thou what wilt go thou into the city it shall be told thee there what thou shalt do bring it before the lord a good word a word of instruction there oh there the gospel is pleaded free and sovereign grace god all powerful able to deliver it may be then oh this matter

[41:52] I know not what it is I cannot surmise nor would it be profitable but I can lay before thee only as the words are given to speak in his name it may be in this matter oh you have many fears great fears as to what what will the end of these things be heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stupid but there's the other side there is the other side a good word maketh it glad maybe this evening I know not the Lord so permitted we might be unable to speak a little as concerning those good words of the gospel who are they the gospel is preached unto the poor the needy oh it may be at this time you feel yourself to have nothing can't get the words but speak somewhat like this as concerning such no water no provision and yet they're bidden to trust in the

[43:22] Lord to wait upon him that good word in due season heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop but a good word a good word that's the gospel that's the word of your God oh this will have the effect this will bring joy and rejoicing in the midst of sorrow this will bring comfort this will bring oh encouragement yea still to continue and will not God be avenged on such that cry day and night unto him I say God will be avenged he will hearken unto that cry of this destitute soul who seeth in him in Christ all that they could possibly need heaviness in the heart of man it has this effect it maketh them to observe these things we come back to that initial thought the proverbs three things oh those maxims that which is spoken there which is profitable but there is this oh there is this counsel as it were this observation and oh that we might trace it in in the path of affliction and in in that tracing oh will there not be that observance that and know something of the loving kindness of the

[44:59] Lord well broken thoughts I trust of the spirit of God oh poor sinner heaviness in the heart do you know much of it to burden your soul and spirit cause weeping day and night yet oh the good word of the gospel it is contained in holy red it is revealed by the spirit of God it is spoken at times under divine inspiration by those ministers of the gospel and it reaches you'll know his voice my sheep they know my voice and they follow me there's comfort comfort when sheep hear his voice and they rejoice as they are brought again yes even as those wandering ones into the fold to be found amongst those that join in that song of praise unto him that loved them and gave himself for them may the lord forgive all of his love and let's conclude this morning by singing number 690 to the tune

[46:42] Esley Park 705 on wings of love the savior flies and freely left his native skies to take a human birth the wise and righteous men go near his wonders see his sermons hear and think him nothing worth a remnant small of humble souls his grace mysteriously controls by sweet alluring call they hear it and his person view they learn to love and follow too and take him for that all 690 the prayer so forth save the earth

[48:15] The wise and vitesses that would rail It won't go FCBandst창 incherwire and walking to hell CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS

[49:42] CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS CHOIR SINGS Amen.

[50:44] Amen. Amen.

[51:44] Amen. Amen.

[52:16] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

[52:28] Amen. Amen. Amen. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, rest and abide with us all.

[52:48] Amen. Amen.