2nd January
MORNING CONTEMPLATION
TOPIC: GIVE ATTENDANCE
TO READING
TEXT: 1 TIM. 4:13
''Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.''
The continuance of any kind of life, is determined by making use of proper means ordained for the purpose of its maintenance: in like manner, the sustainance of vibrant, useable, useful, and victorious christian life, comes by making use of certain means and ordinances afforded to the saints by the mercy of God, and His zeal to see the growth and thriving of His church here on earth: it is obvious that God is fully commited to the welfare of His people down here. Of all the means ordained by Him for this purpose, we shall do well, in this contemplation, to look at READING. The Christian man is renewed by knowledge; he slips or stands by what he knows; if his eyes be single and healthy, his whole body or path would be full of light--there would be no stumbling. The saints are up against the flesh, satan and the world, this trinity of this lower sphare, are witty, wise, deadly and cannot be outstripped, but by knowledge only. Whence does one fetch knowledge then? I answer: by listening and reading! When a saint set himself before a book, yea, when he consults and consorts with good books, he opens himself to the aquisition of means whereby he can carry on his battles against the devil, and that with sure victory in view. Satan would not have the saints knowledgeable, else his wiles are discovered, upon which, he is made impotent; he knows that his captives are are still within his grip because of ignorance. There is no knowing man that can be a sorrowing being; there is no knowing man that can be a perishing person; there is no knowing saint, that can be outstripped by the Devil. Ignorance whets the edge of satan's sword: but knowledge dulls the edge of his dagger. A saints that runs not after knowledge, runs into the hands and traps of the enemy. So, as ever as we would be kept safe and sound in this new and living way; as we would grow from strenght to strength; if ever we would not be spoiled of our inheritance, we must cry after knowledge: sell our garments and buy knowledge--we must read! Read good books: such that are made by sound spirit and knowing men and women! Of all books, the Bible must be the monarch over them: the scripture should be our touchstone of every book. Books that draw veil on the scripture instead of shedding light thereon, should be avoided. Virtues or vices gain entrance through the ears and eyes; grace is coveyed by books. Give attendance, therefore, to reading! Till the earth be no more, or till you are no longer in this body, give attention, desire and your all to reading!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, till thou comest? Till the earth be past and be no more? Till this tent of mine is brought down, I should stay upon reading, reading books spiritual? Help me to give my all to this ordinance and means of continuing graces in me. Deliver me from idleness and sloth! Bring on my way great and good books, that might help me to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing I might have life through his name. Amen!