What a Poor Gospel

I'm sure some of you are aware that I just love to read the writings of Horatius Bonar who was a 19th century Scottish Presbyterian Preacher. I just can't seem to get enough of his work into my hands and I find that his simple words are wise beyond their meaning and reveal such a gentle and humble spirit that I find very edifying and comforting. See for yourself.

"God has given us this gospel not merely for the purpose of securing to us life hereafter, but of making us sure of this life even now. It is a true and sure gospel; so that he who believes it is made sure of being saved. If it could not make us sure, it would make us miserable; for to be told of such a salvation and such a glory, yet kept in doubt as to whether they are to be ours or not, must render us truly wretched. What a poor gospel it must be, which leaves the man who believes it still in doubt as whether he is a child of God, an unpardoned or a pardoned sinner! Till we have found forgiveness, we cannot be happy; we cannot serve God gladly or lovingly; but must be in sore bondage and gloom." —Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

Excerpt taken from "The Everlasting Righteousness" by Horatius Bonar first published 1874, Banner of Truth 1993, p143.