2 Samuel

[0:00] As the Lord shall be pleased to help me, I shall call your attention to a subject you will find in the second book of Samuel, chapter 18 and the 29th verse.

[0:27] And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? Second book of Samuel, chapter 18 and the 29th verse.

[0:48] I want as the Lord shall help me to say something on this subject.

[1:02] And it is a very sad subject. And it has a very solemn message for people nowadays to lay to heart.

[1:23] But especially those who desire to live the life of the righteous. You all know that Absalom was godly David's son.

[1:43] But as you read what the word of God says about him, the record of his life is very solemn.

[1:55] And it is a question made very plain of sowing and reaping. He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.

[2:12] And Absalom in his early life, and remember he was a young man still when he died.

[2:22] You find that he continually was sowing to the flesh in the life he lived.

[2:38] And one thing is very noticeable. And that is pride. Was so manifest in Absalom.

[2:51] He was good looking. There were many things about him that were attractive. But his outstanding sin as I view it, was pride.

[3:06] And it proved to be, ultimately, his downfall. And there is not only something for you and I to consider about Absalom, and his life and death, but there is something that needs to be said, concerning godly David, Absalom's father.

[3:34] And now it is very evident, that David, although he was such a godly man, he was an indulgent father.

[3:47] And it is very easy, to be an indulgent father. And it is plain, that Absalom, was an idol, in his father's eyes.

[4:05] And he did not restrain him, when he should have been restrained. And when great was his guiltiness before God and man, he even then, allowed him, to escape the consequences of his wrongdoing.

[4:26] But, in the end, Absalom found, that, pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

[4:42] Absalom was left to rise up in rebellion, against his godly father, whom God had instated on Israel's throne, and whom he designed still to reign thereon.

[4:59] Absalom sought to usurp that position, and reign in his father's stead. And he was left to gather, a multitude of Israel together, to be on his side.

[5:14] And very solemn reading, it is. And one thing in connection with it, shows you, to what lengths, Absalom, went, when, he rose up against his father, as I said, in rebellion.

[5:35] And it says here, that, after Absalom, had killed his brother, Amnon, and then fled, the time came, when, he returned.

[5:56] And it says, he came in, to the king, and bowed himself, on his face to the ground, before the king, and the king kissed him. Godly David, knew what he should be doing, because Absalom, was guilty, before God, and man.

[6:14] But, he did not rebuke him, and, Absalom, had respite. And then, he said to his godly father, Do listen.

[6:30] And it came to pass, after forty years, that Absalom said, unto the king, I pray thee, let me go, and pay my vow, which I have vowed, unto the Lord, in Hebron, for thy servant, vowed a vow, while I abode, in Gisha, in Syria, saying, If the Lord, shall bring me, again indeed, to Jerusalem, then I will serve, the Lord.

[6:59] And the king, said to him, go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. Here, Absalom, puts on the guise, of, religion, as though, he was going, to pay a vow, before God.

[7:17] But he did nothing, of the kind. And it was just, blatant hypocrisy. For the next thing is, Absalom sent spies, throughout all the tribes, of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear, the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth, in Hebron.

[7:40] And much might be, said, in amplifying, Absalom's life, as he lived it, just about, that time.

[7:52] But, you see, godly David, stepped down, from Israel's throne, through Absalom's rebellion, and fled into the wilderness, of Judea.

[8:03] And Absalom, had his, host, on his side, and David's host, went forth, under Joab, to do battle, with Absalom.

[8:18] And the outcome of it was, that Absalom, died. And now, David, when the battle, had been raging, and it was over, he was looking for news, of how the battle, had gone.

[8:37] And, Joab, sent, a messenger, named Cushai, to carry the Tawidins. And I have often, admired this, in the wording of it.

[8:53] And the king said, unto Cushai, is the young man, Absalom safe? And Cushai, answered, The enemies of my lord, the king, and all that rise up against thee, to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

[9:12] And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber, over the gate, and wept. Listen, and as he went, thus he said, O my son, O my son, my son, my son, my son, Absalom, would God, I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son.

[9:38] Here you see, godly David's heart, his fatherly heart, was rent with grief, because he knew, there was no hope, whatever, concerning, where Absalom's, spirit was, because, he had really died, without God, and, without hope.

[10:06] But this was the thing, that David was concerned about, and leaving Absalom a little while, I want to look at this question, and, work it out.

[10:19] Is the young man, Absalom, safe? But I just make this comment, and a question like this, should lead to searching of heart, among all godly fathers, and mothers.

[10:36] You see, it is a great thing, to be a godly father, a godly mother. And you can remember, many of you, as your family circle, came, and maybe, God enlarged it, giving you one child, and then another, and, when you had the first babe, that you nursed, what was your concern, then, at family worship, when that little babe, arrived, it was, that your god, might be his, or her god, too.

[11:21] Ever have you, followed that up, under your home room, and in your family circle, and in your family circle? Have you sometimes, loosened a little, like godly David did, to be indulgent?

[11:42] And it may be, allowed some things, which, if you search, the scriptures, very closely, such things, are not, to be, allowed.

[11:56] You may, be sure, that godly David, had many, searchings of heart, over the death, of Absalom. And the word of God, is very plain.

[12:10] Train off in it, train off a child, in the way, in which he should go, when he is old, he will not, depart, from it. But oh, my dear friends, it needs much grace, for godly fathers, and mothers, to do it.

[12:27] But then, I am bound to tell you this, that grace, is to be had. He giveth more grace. And, there is this word, to encourage you, in your felt need, of divine aid, to bring up your children, a right, and to set them, the example, that you desire.

[12:54] If any man, lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men, liberally, and afraideth not, and it shall be given him.

[13:07] Oh, that the Lord, would help, all godly fathers, and godly mothers, who do desire, to have matters, right in their family circle, before God, and man.

[13:22] Oh, that, he might grant you all, grace to help, in every time, of need. And if sometimes, you are cast down, and you feel discouraged, disappointed, because you do try, to set right things, before the children, God has given you, and yet, some of them, as yet, may not, heed it.

[13:50] And they give, evidence, that they are just, the subjects, of the, Adam, fall. What are you to do? Still pray.

[14:02] The word of God, encourages you, wait on the Lord, be of good courage, he shall strengthen, thine heart, wait, I say, on the Lord.

[14:14] And I have known, of quite a few instances, in my long, ministerial life, where, children, have been prayed for, right down, to the death beds, of their fathers, and mothers, with no sign, whatever, that, the prayers, were answered, but they were answered, afterwards.

[14:40] When the fathers, and mothers, all that was mortal, of them, was going back, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, and dust to dust. But now, I want to come to, this, particular, question, as it affects, people nowadays.

[15:02] And the king said, is the young man, Absalom, safe? Now, first, this is a solemn question. The word, safe, implies, there are dangers, that threaten.

[15:17] And it is a very, solemn consideration. Each one, is journeying, to an eternal goal. Heaven, or hell. There is a word, in Job, I sometimes, look at.

[15:31] And it is very, applesight. Snares, are round about thee. And life is just like that, for you, dear young people, and children, as you go about, in the world at large.

[15:48] Whether it be, in your school life, or teenage life, or, later on, snares, are round about thee. And, Satan is ever on the stretch, to undo you, and to bring to naught, if possible, all that your godly fathers, and mothers, have desired God to do, for you.

[16:17] You remember, that it says, then cometh the wicked one, and snatcheth up, the seed that was sown, ere it can take, any root, or, have any effect, in the sinner's, life, fallen by, the wayside.

[16:37] And, Satan is still, very busy, in that, line of, things. But now, this is the thing, to consider, is the young man, Absalom, safe?

[16:52] Now, the word safe, I have said, implies dangers, that threaten. Not only, in everyday life, as you, live your lives, going here, and there. But, it is a truth, for all of you, to consider, be sure, your sin, will find you out, the word of God, declares.

[17:16] And that means this, if you and I, are to be safe, in journeying, through life, then, we must be found, in a place, where, our sin, cannot find us out.

[17:35] And, is there such a place, to be found? Blessed be God, there is. Yes, a refuge, for sinners, the gospel, makes known.

[17:48] It is found, in the merits, of Jesus, alone. The weary, the tempted, the burdened, by sin, were never, exempted, from entering, therein.

[18:00] And, God has sent, down, into this world, the word, of his grace. And, that word, is to be, to poor sinners, in their felt, need of it, as a chart, to aid them, as they sail, across, life's sea.

[18:20] And, it makes plain, where the quicksands are, where the rocks, are. And, where it is safe, journeying, for those, who desire, to go, heavenward, as they journey on.

[18:38] But then, if you are to make use, of the word of God, as a chart, there is this, to be remembered. The eyes of the blind, must be opened.

[18:53] You cannot read it, to purpose and profit, until that great miracle, is wrought, for you. And, you remember, the man, in the gospel said, one thing I know, whereas I was blind, now I can see.

[19:14] That is just, what we desire, for you, young people, you dear children, as you journey on, that your eyes, may be opened, and your hearts, to receive, the word of God, in its authority, and life, and that it may, be indeed, to you, a lamp, unto your feet, a light, unto, your path.

[19:43] Godly, David said, thy word, have I hid, in my heart, that I might not, sin, against thee. you cannot, be safe, only, as you were found, in that place, where your sin, will not find you out.

[20:04] And that place, is Calvary's cross. And to be found there, and realize, an interest, in that which was done, thereon, you will be safe, for time, and eternity, too.

[20:23] As we are born, none can be safe, or ready to meet God. The word of God, is plain. The soul that sinneth, it should die.

[20:34] There is none righteous, no, not one. And God's holy law, under which you and I, were born, demands from us, perfection, righteousness, to enable us, to appear, before God, and live.

[20:54] But no sinner born, can produce, that righteousness. Righteousness, to full perfection, must be brought, lacking not, fearless of, rejection.

[21:08] Very solemn it is, when that truth, is opened up to you, godly, David said, the pains of hell, got hold upon me, I found trouble, and sorrow, then cried I, I beseech thee, O Lord, deliver, my soul.

[21:29] and there was a time, and there was a time, in his life, when he found deliverance, when he realized, to his soul's joy, there was a safe place, where he could appear, before God, and live.

[21:44] And then he said, bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not, all his benefits, who forgiveth, all thine, iniquities, who healeth, all thy, diseases.

[22:00] The dear man, felt safe, in his soul's, experience, and that is, the blessed, experience, that we, who love you, and wish you well, desire, you may know, ere you die, and if you are helped, to wait on God, concerning it, you will realize, that safety, that exists, in your soul's, experience, which will enable you, to feel, rock of ages, cleft, for me, let me hide myself, in thee.

[22:42] Following that line, of thought, ere I come to, more especially, what I want to say, think of, how the Israelites, when they came up, out of, Egyptian bondage, on the night, of the Passover, God had made, provision for them, that they should be safe, the destroying angel, was to go, throughout Egypt, and kill the first born, in every, Egyptian home, but God, designed, that the Israelites, should be safe, and so, he ordained, that every household, must have a lamb, and the lamb, was to be slain, and the blood, of that slain sacrifice, was to be sprinkled, on the lintels, of the door, and, the door, post, you see, death, had been in that home, already, with the lamb, being slain, and God said, when I see the blood,

[23:51] I will pass, over you, they were safe, yet, death, was, elsewhere, throughout, the land of Egypt, no home, women, what, there was not, one dead, the word of God, declares, I've sometimes, thought, about those families, at that time, when they were, safely, sheltered, and the destroying, angel, was, passing, over, there they were, a family circle, and they had, food to eat, but they were, sheltered, from the judgment, of God, it could not, reach, where they were, because, the blood, was sprinkled, on the, door, and that was, the hallmark, of being, safe, and sometimes, you sing, they that in the Lord, confide, and shelter in his, wounded side, shall see, all dangers, overpass, stand every storm, and live, at last, and what a word, that is, to think about, if we confess, our sins, he is faithful, and just, to forgive us, our sins, and to cleanse us, from all, unrighteousness, and oh, that blood, on the doors, in Egypt, where the Israelites, dwelt, is just, to remind us, of the blood, of Jesus Christ,

[25:35] God's son, which, cleanseth us, from, all sin, where that blood, is known, as the blood, of sprinkling, in a sinner's heart, and on his conscience, there is, blessed safety, realized, in one's, soul, safe, for time, safe, for, eternity, a jabez portion, a blessing, indeed, need, and now, I want, to look at it, from this, viewpoint, I'm going, to ask, this question, is the young man, Absalom, safe, and you, must remember, it includes, any young man, any young woman, any youth, any maid, or children, it is a question, for each one, to ponder, as grace, is given, this question, can be answered, in two ways, no, is the young man,

[26:45] Absalom, safe, no, there may be, some signs, about that young man, which make it, very plain, that he is, by no means, safe, let us look, at this negative, one, is the young man, Absalom, safe, no, if he is, disobedient, to his father, and mother, if he, turns his back, on, what they have, to say, for is good, in this life, speaking out, of their, their own, experience, if he, heeds it not, then, he is not, safe, have you, ever noticed, in the, Ten Commandments, first of all, you all know, there is, that which is, to do, with our, attitude, before God, thou, thou, thou, thou shalt, love the Lord, thy God, and that, brings us down, to remembering, the Sabbath day, and keep it, holy, and not to take, the name of the Lord, in vain, but then, when you come, to the fifth, commandment, which is, to do, with what, is our attitude, to man, what it must be, it begins, with, honor thy father, and thy mother, that thy days, may be long, in the land, which the Lord, thy God, giveth thee, and if you, fail to keep, that one, whatever, comes afterwards, you may be, guilty, of committing, but if you, should, keep that one, the fifth, it will be, a wonderful help, to you, towards keeping, the commandments, that follow, you see, if it was said, to you, the word of God, says, thou shalt not kill, you would say,

[28:57] I do not want, to do anything, like that, and other, commandments, about covetousness, and stealing, and being, unchaste, you may say, I do not want, to break, those commandments, but if you, break the fifth one, it is more, than possible, you will break, some of the others, in fact, you can break, them all, and many, a man, has been, hung on the gallows, and the first, step toward, that, unhappy end, was when, he was disobedient, to his father, and mother, the road, to ruin, the road, thus begins, down, down, like, easy, stairs, and to emphasize, that, I have written down, here, the last words, of a poor, young man, who died, on the gallows, and he said, just before, he stepped, into eternity, if I had followed, what I was taught, as a lad,

[30:05] I should not, have come, to this, is the young man, Absalom safe, if he begins, to be disobedient, to what his fathers, and mothers, have to say, for his lasting good, he is not safe, no, he is being caught, in a snare, is the young man, Absalom safe, if he hates, the things of God, if he hates, not his word, if he does not, go up, to the house of God, only as he is driven, by parental discipline, and he hates, what is attended, to there, the worship of God, the majesty of heaven, is that young man, safe, whoever he is, no, oh, it cannot be, he is still living, as he was born, an enemy to God, and godliness, such an one, cannot be safe, and if any day, he should step out of time, into eternity, in such a case, it will be without God, and without hope, you see, long ago,

[31:33] Moses said, concerning Israel, oh, that they were wise, oh, that they, understood this, oh, that they would consider, their latter end, but then young people, think youth, is the time, when, they can do, as they like, and they want, to be about, in the world, and especially, as the world is nowadays, there are thousands, of temptations, to catch their, unwary feet, is the young man, safe, if he is living, for this world only, if he has got, locked up in his heart, that he will be this, and he will do that, and some ambition, whereby, he may, climb up the ladder, and be, in the limelight, and the headlines, and be what the world, calls, popular, such a life, like that, is just equivalent, to blowing bubbles, the bubbles, have a pretty color, but there you can discern, what the colors are, they burst, and so it is, with those, who are aiming, for this world only, and are content, with the things, of the flesh, and to be after, the flesh, is the young man, safe, if his mind, is made up, do listen, we will not, have this man, to reign over us, the carnal mind, is enmity, against God, is not subject, to the law of God, and neither indeed, can be, and, if that is the attitude, of any, young man, young woman, youth or maid, and they, ponder it in their hearts, depart from us, we desire, not the knowledge of thee, or thy ways, such can never be safe, live in such a life, there is only, one thing to be said, and that is, the wicked, should be turned, into hell, and all nations, that, forget,

[34:08] God, going back, to Absalom, a moment, I said, there was a time, when David, should have dealt, very solemnly, with Absalom, in judgment, because he was guilty, before God, and man, but David, did not do that, which he should have done, to set an example, to the nation at large, and Absalom, was given respite, and now, you read in regard, to the plagues of Egypt, after two or three, plagues, when there was deliverance, it says, and when Pharaoh, saw, there was, respite, he hardened his heart, and would not take, that notice, which would have been, for his good, in those demands, that Moses, was instructed, to make, to let the children, of Israel go, and now, that might be so,

[35:09] I'm not putting any caps on, might be so, I say, with some young people, you have been warned, you have been, counseled, you have heeded it not, and there are things, that you have done, that your godly fathers, and mothers, know nothing about, and what you young people, use one of your own phrases, you think, you have got away with it, have you, be sure, your sin, will find you, out, the word of God says, but because, there is respite, and as yet, you have not been found out, to suffer the consequences, of whatever wrongdoing, it may be, you are still, hardening, your heart, or you are not safe, the thing is impossible, then there is just another thought, you may think, and again,

[36:23] I must say, I'm not putting caps on, well, I do go to chapel, my father and mother, wish me to go, and I do go, and I go to, the Sabbath school too, and, I have not, complained about it, although, I cannot say that, I like it, but still, I do go, to chapel, and to the Sabbath school, and I go, and I go, regularly, and I go, regularly, well, if that is just the attitude, that you feel, regarding it, I say, is that young man, young woman safe, who argues like that, here, here is what will answer you, in, what you have read, and heard read, many times, then, shall the kingdom of heaven, be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth, to meet the bridegroom, and five of them, were wise, and five were foolish, they that were foolish, took their lamps, and took no oil, with them, but the wise, took oil, in their vessels, with their lamps, while the bridegroom, tarried, they all slumbered, and slept, and at midnight, there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom, cometh, go ye out, to meet him, listen, then all those virgins, arose, and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish, said unto the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps, are gone out, that's just what will happen, to your lamp, you're going regularly, to chapel, and to sabbath school, and learning your texts, and gathering up that measure, of religion, as you judge it to be, when you are to the cruciotas, you will find, your lamp has gone out, because you have no oil, you see, there must be more, than just chapel going, there must be, getting in touch, with God, to worship him, to worship him, to worship him, and to get some good, for your soul, and to be profited, and instructed, in the things of God, to have an ear to ear, and a heart to receive, it is all important, to have oil, in our vessels, with the lamp, otherwise, the lamp, will just go out, and you will be left, undone before God, and man, this is the answer then, in the negative, is the young man,

[39:38] Absalom's say, no, if he behaves, in the way, I've just tried, to describe a little, no, no, oh, he needs something, to be done, his eyes to be opened, his ears to be unstopped, and a new heart, to be given, a new spirit implanted, in other words, ye must be, born again, let us look, at the other side, is the young man, Absalom's say, it could not be said, of Absalom, the answer for him, was no, but now, for other young, people, youths and maids, we will answer it, yes, if he has some good thing, in his heart, toward the Lord, do you remember,

[40:38] Abijah, in him, there is found, some good thing, toward the Lord God, of Israel, do you possess, that good thing, have you got, an aching void, within which, this world, cannot fill, and glad you would be, if you could only be, assured, that, you did possess, that good thing, O cry, we to heaven, with one loud, accord, that to us, be given, the fear, of, the Lord, if that is, how you feel, the answer, for you, is the young man, young woman, say, yes, God is at work, in his, and her, rest, and that good work, begun, he will carry on, he will complete it, in the afternoon service, we sung a hymn, and I wonder, how some of you, felt in singing it, the hymn writer, as a petition, we humbly, for thy coming, wait, seeking to know thee, as thou art, we bow, as sinners, at thy feet, and bid thee, welcome, to our heart, can you, dear young people, do that, appeal to God, enter my heart, redeemer, blessed, enter,

[42:19] O ever honored guest, not for a transient, hour alone, O come and fix, thy, lasting, throne, if that is how you feel, Jesus Christ says about you, blessed are they, which do hunger and thirst, after righteousness, for, they, shall be filled, is the young man safe, if he feels like David did, in Psalm 84, I would rather be a doorkeeper, in the house of my God, than to dwell, in the tents of wickedness, oh, that, is a good sign, if he can understand, the choice that Moses made, choosing rather, to suffer affliction, with the people of God, than to enjoy, the pleasures of sin, for, a season, the answer, to such an one, is yes, you're in a safe place, although as yet, you may not feel, as you would like to feel, that matters are right, between God and you, and the great question, is put out of question, yet, the word of God, speaks well of you, and the Lord, bless you, is the young man safe, let this be the test, if he desires, she desires then, to live inside the covers, of the word of God, if you take it, sometimes in secret places, and turn the pages, over, if so be, you may get instruction, in righteousness, and if your petition, is in doing so, lead me in thy truth, and teach me, the answer is yes, is the young man safe, yes, if he desires, to possess, at all costs, some religion, that God is the author of, if he is anxious, that his life, shall be governed, by what saith the scriptures, and if he loves, to be found, among the people of God, and his prayer, is with them numbered, may I be, now, and in, eternity, the answer is yes, the young man, the young woman, the youth, the maid, who feels like it, is safe,

[45:03] God has begun, his good work, he will finish it, then shall we know, if we follow on, to know the Lord, and there is this, this viewpoint of it, is the young man safe, yes, if sometimes, he gets a little help, and a little hope, fill in his breast, when he is found, in the attitude of worship, when he is among, the people, the people, of God, sometimes, the hymns, that you sing, become prayers, because the things, the hymn writer desires, are what, you desire, and can two walk, together, except they be, agreed, there, the answer, again, is, yes, here is another, as I come, toward the amen, is the young man safe, yes, if he longs, for the forgiveness, of sins, and that, is a very sure test, forgiveness, of sins, oh, how that shines, in the esteem, of a sinner, when he is born again, and viewing this, subject, of forgiveness, of sins,

[46:36] I was rather touched, in reading, something, which I will, read to you, I read this, many, many years ago, a good old doctor, a number of years ago, when he was dying, asked for his ledger, containing the debts, outstanding, against the people, he had attended, and he carefully, went through it, and he cancelled, those, Owen, by his poor, patients, whom he knew, would find it, difficult, to pay, he wrote, across, each account, in red ink, forgiven, he was a good man, after his death, his widow, determined, to go to law, to still claim, the debts, and when she did, the judge, told her, there was no law, in our land, that would allow her, to collect, a debt, which had been forgiven, so it is, with the forgiveness, of sins, when a poor sinner, is favored, to realize it, payment,

[47:51] God, cannot, twice demand, first, at my bleeding, surety's hand, and then, again, at, mine, oh, the forgiveness, of sins, is that, what some of you, dear young people, are after, if so be, you might be able, to appear, before God, and feel, as you want, to feel, that matters, are right, between, him, and, you, the Lord, bless you, the Savior, died, and by his blood, brought, rebel sinners, near to God, he died, to set the captives, free, and say, my soul, why not, for thee, and now, there is just, one thing more, I want to say, is the, young man, safe, here is something,

[48:53] I read, very recently, and I was, very pleased, with it, very pleased, a little while ago, Senator, Robert, Kennedy, was visiting, the Brazilians, on a mission, for the United States, Parliament, and while he was there, he wanted, to talk, with some of the Indians, who lived in a remote, part of the jungle, and he was taken, on a visit, and he asked them, a number of questions, Christians, and he said, to one, who was a Christian, but he did not know that, what is it you like, doing most, expecting him, to say, fishing, or hunting, or building, or something like that, and the answer, came back, being occupied, with God, you think that over, prayerfully, a poor Indian, a sinner born again, and what he liked, doing most, being occupied, with God, do you know, what that occupation is, to be occupied, with God, that is, not only, under Union Chapel roof, in the attitude, of worship, to come up, if so be, you can get some, good for your soul, but in your, everyday life, to look into, the word of God, and be occupied, with God, whose, holy book, it is,

[50:49] I seek, and hope, to find, a portion, from my soul, and sometimes, to turn aside, in a secret place, to draw near, to God, and be occupied, with him, in, that sweet communion, which charms, the soul, and gives, true peace, and joy, and, in everyday life, in whatever means, of grace, are afforded you, to use, oh, this is good, to be occupied, with, God, the hymn writer says, while we, in the means, are found, oh, you still have to, depend on God, to get good, therein, otherwise, there will be, just means, you want, grace, in the means, you want grace, in the means, are found, we still alone, on thee, depend, to make the gospels, joyful sound, effectual, to the, promised, end, and, and now, this is, why we preach, to you, when Union Chapel, is carried on, like it has been, for many years, why those, who love you, labor on your behalf, in the Sabbath school, to show you, what set the scriptures, that,

[52:25] God, may bring you, to know, what this, really is, in your own soul's, experience, that in your, everyday life, as you live it, you may know, the sweetness, happiness, and mercy, and blessedness, of being, occupied, with, God, the Lord, help you, to think on, these things, and bless you, Amen, Amen,