When the sun shines, the ice melts. When the Sun of righteousness once shines
with beams of grace upon the soul, then it melts in mercy and tenderness.
Mercifulness is a melting disposition whereby we lay to heart the miseries of others, and are instrumental for their good. We must chiefly be merciful to the SOULS of others. Indeed soul-mercy is the chief of mercies. The soul is the most precious thing; it is a rich diamond set in a ring of clay. Had we seen that madman in the gospel cutting himself with stones it would have moved our pity (Mark 5:5.) To see a sinner stabbing himself and having his hands imbrued in his own blood, should cause us to sincerely pity him.
That is a cruel mercy; when we see men go on in sin, and we let them alone. And that is a merciful cruelty, when we are sharp against men's sins and will not let them go to hell quietly.
Mercifulness is a melting disposition whereby we lay to heart the miseries of others, and are instrumental for their good. We must chiefly be merciful to the SOULS of others. Indeed soul-mercy is the chief of mercies. The soul is the most precious thing; it is a rich diamond set in a ring of clay. Had we seen that madman in the gospel cutting himself with stones it would have moved our pity (Mark 5:5.) To see a sinner stabbing himself and having his hands imbrued in his own blood, should cause us to sincerely pity him.
That is a cruel mercy; when we see men go on in sin, and we let them alone. And that is a merciful cruelty, when we are sharp against men's sins and will not let them go to hell quietly.
The surgeon cuts and lances the flesh but it is in order to a cure. They are
healing wounds. So when we lance men's consciences and let out the
blood of sin, we exercise spiritual surgery. This is showing
mercy.
If a man had fallen into the fire, though you hurt him a little in pulling
him out, he would be thankful and take it as a kindness. Some men, when
we tell them of sin say, 'O, you are unloving!' No! it is showing mercy.
If a man's house were on fire, and another should see it and not tell him of
it, for fear of waking him would not this be cruelty? When we see others
sleeping in their sin, and the fire of God's wrath ready to burn them up and
we are silent; is not this cruelty?
They are unmerciful ministers who, instead of breaking the bread
of life fill their people's heads with airy speculations and notions!
Some ministers endeavor only to be admired. They go into the pulpit
only to amuse the people. Such ministers give poison to their
people in a golden cup! They are the devil's ambassadors, who ride up and
down, and with Satan compass the earth to deceive and devour souls!
[Thomas Watson]
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Ezekiel 3:18 ... When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Matthew 5:7 ... Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Acts 20:29-31 ... For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Acts 20:29-31 ... For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Jude 1:23 ... And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. ❤
