Cloud of Witness

A Centuries-old Poem with a Convicting Message

An anonymous poem thought to date back to the days of Martin Luther presents a very convicting message.

“Hitherto has the Lord helped us.” by Charles Spurgeon

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying: “Hitherto has the Lord helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Trusting God’s Mercy, by Charles Spurgeon

Meditate a little on the mercy of God — tender, great, undeserved, rich, manifold, abounding, and unfailing mercy!

Answered Prayer by Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)

I asked God for strength. That I might achieve. I was made weak. That I might learn humbly to obey. Read the whole poem…

An Ever-present Help in Trouble, by Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

Psa 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed…

All must drink of the bitter cup! Jared Waterbury (1840)

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!" Psalm 46:1 "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards." The world in which we dwell is but "a valley of tears." Sin has caused these tears to flow, and every sinner must, sooner or...

Abide with Me, by James Smith, 1859

The Holy Spirit brings us as poor sinners to look to Jesus alone, as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

There is no Rock like our God! by James Smith, 1860

As creatures, we all need an object of trust, one on whom we can lean, one in whom we can confide, one to whom we may look for defense and safety. Every creature has some rock--some object of dependence and trust. For without this, there would be recklessness or...

Sanctification of the Spirit, by James Smith, 1858

Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply and thoroughly–that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us by every trial, by every affliction, by every privilege, by every comfort!

Look up! A New Year’s Motto by James Smith,1865

We are entering a new year. We shall have new toils, new trials, new temptations, and new troubles. Therefore, let us seek grace and look up!

The Christmas Story in Poetic Verse, by Alvy E. Ford (1918-2005)

Share the Christmas story with the young and young-at-heart by sharing chapters of the Bible presented in poetic words.

The Gospel with Power, by J.C. Philpot, 1844

Most men’s religion is nothing else but “a round of forms.” Some have their doings, some have their doctrines, and others have their duties.

My Shield is God Most High! by James Smith, 1859

The privileges of the godly are many and great, but this is a special one.

Sola Scriptura — Scripture Alone! by J.C. Ryle, 1816-1900

Next to praying, there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible reading.

What Did President Reagan Say About Racism, Marxism, and God?

What did President Reagan say about racism and Marxism? What vow did he confidently make on behalf of our nation? Watch now!

Glorify the Lord in the Fires of Affliction, by James Smith (1802-1862)

The fires are afflictions. And they are intended to try us, to purify us, and to endear the Lord Jesus to us.

How to Win Over Temptation, by David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

Power to not yield to temptation does not come from stuffing our minds with scripture verses, making vows, etc. From where does it come?

The Glorious Gospel of Christ! by James Smith, 1860

There is nothing more glorious than the good news that comes to those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of God is in Us, Yet We Still Sin, by Charles Spurgeon

The believer is a new creature. The Spirit of God is in him, and in all respects he is far removed from the natural man…but still a sinner.

The Surpassing Love of Christ, by Alexander Smellie, 1907

Does not His wondrous love deserve my whole soul and body–all that I have and all that I am?

“The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)

The love of God is greater far, than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. Read more.

We are saved by HOPE, by James Smith, 1862

The apostle Paul says, “We are saved by HOPE” (Romans 8:24) but not in the same sense as we are saved by faith.

My Support, by James Smith, 1859

“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the Lord was my support!” Psalm 18:18

The Consistent Christian, by William Secker, 1660

It is true that we have sin in us. That should make us sorrowful. It is true that we have a Savior for us. That should make us joyful.

Why did God permit David’s grievous sin? by Arthur Pink

David sinned grievously with Bathsheba. God could have stopped him, so why didn’t He? What can we learn from David’s sin?

Take Your Elim With You, by Alexander Smellie, 1907

In your pilgrim journey, hardship cannot be avoided. Yet, you can take your Elim with you through the great wilderness.

In Christ . . . all things have become new!”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Matthew Henry (1662-1714) Christians are new creations. They have a new heart and new nature. So great is the change which the...