Brass Farthings and Gold in the Pocket

“//ij that hath in his pocket more store of gold than of brass farthings will at every draught brifig out more gold than farthings:’’ Of course the hand fetches out the various kinds of coins in proportion as they exist in the place from which it takes them. Now, our works are our hand, and this, by action, fetches out of us that which is in us. In a child of God there is a measure of natural evil, and a more abounding measure of grace; and so it will come to pass that, in his life, holiness will be more conspicuous than sin. His life has its failings, but much more its virtues. Peter brought out brass farthings of boasting and impetuous folly at times; but he also brought forth so much true gold that his Lord said, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona.” When he had received the Holy Ghost he brought out much more gold; but even then a farthing came out now and then, for Paul withstood him because he was to be blamed.

When the behever’s tongue also makes a dip into the pocket of the heart there may come forth some of those wretched brass farthings in the form of idle words; but much more will the gold be poured forth in edifying discourse. Paul saith that fooHsh talking is not befitting, but he commends giving of thanks; now, if somewhat of our folly has come forth in our talk, let us give heed that far more of our gratitude shall be brought out also. We ought daily to grow richer in grace, and so have more gold, and less of the baser sort.

Lord, help me to get rid of these miserable brass counters, and do thou fill up their places with the precious metal of thine own holiness and truth. Am I not thy child? Wilt thou not sily me within with that which will be fit to be brought out into my life? Oh that I might be “filled with all the fulness of God,” that my poor empty things may no more appear!