“Yes, but you are justified!” by John Angell James (1785-1859)

You tell me of your . . .

• poverty and many privations.  I will reply, “Yes, but then think of your justification!”
• disappointed hopes and blasted schemes.  “Yes, but you are justified!”
• change of circumstances, and the painful contrast of the present with the past.  “Yes, but you are justified!”
• friends departed, and your now desolate condition.  “Yes, but you are justified!”

Thus, to every tale of want or woe, when that tale comes from the lips of a believer in Christ, I will bring up that one sweet, soothing melody for the troubled spirit—justification by faith!

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ!” Romans 5:1

About John Angell James

John Angell James (1785-1859) an English Nonconformist clergyman and writer, began preaching at Carrs Lane Independent chapel in 1805 and was ordained in May 1806. Around 1814, he began to attract large crowds and his writings became widely circulated. Charles Haddon Spurgeon spoke often of his admiration for James and his impactful ministry. James died on October 1, 1859, and, per his wishes, was interred in a vault beneath his pulpit in Carr’s Lane Chapel. However, in 1970, during the rebuilding of Carrs Lane Church, his remains and those of his second wife were exhumed and reburied at Witton Cemetery, Birmingham, in an unmarked common grave. The legacy of John Angell James lives on through his preserved writings and wisdom quoted by preachers.