“Be Ye Ready”
In commencing a new year, the question arises, Are we ready for what it may bring forth? As the events which it may unfold are as yet shrouded in mystery, it is well to be prepared for the unknown path lying before us.
First, “Be ready to give a reason for the hope which is in you with meekness and fear.” It is well to have one’s credentials clear for heaven; to be assured of being right; to know that one’s hope is well-gounded, being based on covenant truth, sure promises, the everlasting Gospel, the finished work of Jesus Christ; that the hope arises from the operation of the Holy Spirit, He having sealed one an heir of heaven, “begotten us again to a lively hope”; given us a hope which maketh not ashamed, a good hope through grace. Such a hope is as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, and enters that which is within the veil. If such a hope is ours we shall not be afraid to speak of it, to own its worth and praise Him from whom it springs.
Second, “Be ready to follow your Lord.” “Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison and to death,” said the valiant Peter. True he had not yet learnt his weakness, but he meant what he said. How many there are, however, known to every Pastor, who ought to follow their Lord in baptism, yet are not ready. They wait year after year for some sign which they will never receive until they have taken the step they should have taken long ago. They pray to be guided and are not ready to be led. They want a Scripture to confirm them and yet ignore its plain teaching. They want more faith, they say; a clearer evidence. Let such use their faith, go forward, and they will find that it will grow stronger by exercise.
Third, “Be ready to engage in service for the Lord.” What noble words are those of David’s men: “Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint” (2 Sam. 15:15). This should be the spirit of all who have been saved by matchless grace and redeeming blood. They are now with all their powers under bonds to Christ, who has purchased them. Alas, how few recognise His claims upon them and are ready to serve Him. The writer had occasion not long since to write to a young man concerning a very important step in life. The answer came back prompt, concise: “I am ready.” Count the costs, dear reader; be decided, go forward, never think of turning back. Wherever duty calls be not thou wanting there. He whom we serve never shrank from any toil for us; shall we shrink from service for Him? I am ready to preach the gospel at Rome, said the apostle, though Rome was the seat of Caesar. If the Lord appoints a place, it is not for us to choose or withdraw. Oh, for the fire-touched lips and the ready cry, “Here am I, send me, Lord.”
Fourthly, “Be ready to exchange worlds.” We may do so this year. “Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” Oh, to be found at our post when He comes, faithful to His calling, our loins girded, lamps burning. The shadows are now lengthening with some of us; the day is far spent; soon the midnight cry, “Go ye out to meet Him,” will be heard. Let us picture the great apostle of the Gentles. Prison walls cannot confine his soul; the martyr’s death cannot daunt his spirit, as he soars with lofty faith and courage. Listen to his death song, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”
Edwin White (1846-?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. His first pastorate was with the church meeting at Orphington (1877-1879). After two years, the communion question cropped up, the majority of members deciding to throw the Table open. He forthwith resigned his office. His second pastorate was with the church meeting at Clare, Suffolk (1881-1887). After six years of blessed ministry, he resigned the office due to health reasons. His third pastorate was with the church meeting at Woolwich, Enon Chapel (1891-1919). In 1911 was elected president of the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches.
