The Golden Key! The Golden Thread!
from Octavius Winslow's, "Christ, the Alpha and Omega"
Jesus is the one great theme both of the Old
Testament and the New. The whole Bible is
designed to testify of Christ, "You search the
Scriptures because you believe they give you
eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me!"
In Christ the Messiah, in Jesus the Savior, in
the Son of God the Redeemer, all the truths
of the Bible center.
To Him all the types and shadows point!
Of Him all the prophecies give witness!
While all the glory of the Scriptures, from Genesis
to Revelation, culminates at the cross of Christ.
The Bible would be an inexplicable mystery apart
from Christ, who unfolds and explains it all.
He is the one, the golden Key which
unlocks the divine treasury of revelation!
Until He is seen, the Bible is, in a sense, a great
conundrum. But when He is found, it is a glorious
revelation; every mystery opened, every enigma
explained, every discrepancy harmonized, and every
truth and page, sentence and word, quickened with
a life and glowing with a light flowing down from
the throne of the Eternal God.
Christ is the substance of the Gospel. All....
its divine doctrines,
its holy precepts,
its gracious instructions,
its precious promises,
its glorious hopes, meet, center, and
fill up their entire compass in Jesus.
He is the Alpha and the Omega of the Bible, from the
first verse in Genesis to the last verse in Revelation.
Oh, study the Scriptures of truth with a view of learning Christ.
Do not study the Bible as a mere history.
Do not read it as a mere poem.
Do not search it as a book of science.
It is all that, but infinitely more.
The Bible is the Book of Jesus!
It is a Revelation of Christ!
Christ is the golden thread
which runs through the whole!
The Old Testament predicts the New; and
the New fulfills the Old; and so both unite
in testifying, "Truly, this is the Son of God!"
Blessed Lord Jesus! I will read and study and dig
into the Scriptures to find and learn more of You!
You, Immanuel, are the fragrance of this divine box of precious
ointment.
You are the beauteous gem sparkling in this divine cabinet.
You are the Tree of life planted in the center of this divine garden.
You are the Ocean whose stream quickens and nourishes
all who draw water out of this divine well of salvation.
The Bible is all about You!
God's love-letter
(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)
The Scripture is God's love-letter to men. Here the
lamb may wade—and here the elephant may swim!
The blessed Scriptures are of infinite worth
and value! Here you may find . . .
a remedy for every disease,
balm for every wound,
a plaster for every sore,
milk for babes,
meat for strong men,
comfort for the afflicted,
support for the tempted,
solace for the distressed,
ease for the wearied,
a staff to support the feeble,
a sword to defend the weak.
The holy Scriptures are . . .
the map of God's mercy—and man's misery,
the touchstone of truth,
the shop of remedies against all maladies,
the hammer of vices,
the treasury of virtues,
the exposer of all sensual and worldly vanities,
the balance of equity,
the most perfect rule of all justice and honesty.
Ah, friends, no book befits your hands like the Bible!
The Bible is the best preacher. This book,
this preacher will preach to you . . .
in your shops,
in your chambers,
in your closets,
yes, in your own bosoms!
This book will preach to you at home and abroad;
it will preach to you in all companies; and it will
preach to you in all conditions.
By this book you shall be saved—or
by this book you shall be damned!
By this book you must live.
By this book you must die.
By this book you shall be judged in the great day!
Oh, therefore . . .
love this book above all other books,
prize this book above all other books,
read this book before all other books,
study this book more than all other books!
For he who reads much—and understands nothing,
is like him who hunts much—and catches nothing.
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all
day long!" Psalm 119:97
A panacea
(Thomas Watson, "The Ten Commandments")
The Scripture is a golden epistle, written by
the Holy Spirit—and sent to us from heaven!
The Scripture is a spiritual looking-glass, to dress
our souls by. It shows us heart-sins, vain thoughts,
unbelief, etc. It not only shows us our spots—but
washes them away!
The Scripture is an armory, out of which we may
fetch spiritual artillery to fight against Satan. When
our Savior was tempted by the devil, He fetched
armor and weapons from Scripture: "It is written!"
The Scripture is a panacea, or universal medicine
for the soul. It gives a remedy to cure deadness of
heart, Psalm 119:50; pride, 1 Pet 5:5; and infidelity,
John 3:36. It is a garden of remedies, where we may
gather an herb or antidote, to expel the poison of sin!
The Scripture is "the only standard of conduct."
It is the only rule by which we are to square our
lives. It contains in it:
all things needful to salvation;
what duties we are to do;
what sins we are to avoid.
"When your words came, I ate them; they were my
joy and my heart's delight!" Jer. 15:16. All true solid
comfort is fetched out of the Word. The Word is a
spiritual garden, and the promises are the fragrant
flowers or spices in this garden. How should we
delight to walk among these beds of spices!
The Scripture is a sovereign elixir, or comfort,
in an hour of distress. "Your promise revives me;
it comforts me in all my troubles!" Psalm 119:50.
If we would have the Scripture effectual, let us
labor not only to have the light of it in our heads;
but its power in our hearts!
"I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might
not sin against you." Psalm 119:11. The Word, locked
up in the heart—is a preservative against sin. As one
would carry an antidote with him when he comes near
an infected place—so David carried the Word in his
heart as a sacred antidote to preserve him from
the infection of sin.
When we read the holy Scriptures—let us look up to
God for a blessing. Let us pray that God would not
only give us His Word as a rule of holiness—but His
grace as a principle of holiness! It is said, that the
alchemist can draw oil out of iron. God's Spirit can
produce grace in the most obdurate heart!
This incomparable book!
(Thomas Brooks, "Apples of Gold" 1660)
The whole of Scripture is but one entire love
letter, dispatched from the Lord Christ, to
His beloved spouse!
Oh! the mysteries, the excellencies, the glories
which are in this incomparable book! There
are none so useful, none so needful, none so
delightful, none so necessary to make you
happy and to keep you happy--as this!
Ah! the Word of the Lord is . . .
a light to guide you,
a counselor to counsel you,
a comforter to comfort you,
a staff to support you,
a sword to defend you,
a physician to cure you!
The Word is . . .
a mine to enrich you,
a robe to clothe you,
a crown to crown you.
bread to strengthen you,
wine to cheer you,
a honeycomb to feast you,
music to delight you,
a paradise to entertain you!
Oh! therefore, before all and above all:
search the Scripture,
study the Scripture,
meditate on the Scripture,
delight in the Scripture,
treasure up the Scripture!
There is . . .
no wisdom like Scripture wisdom,
no knowledge like Scripture knowledge,
no experience like Scripture experience,
no comforts like Scripture comforts,
no delights like Scripture delights,
no convictions like Scripture convictions,
no conversion like Scripture conversion!
I exhort you to a speedy, serious, diligent,
and constant study of the Scripture.
Ah! you do not know how soon . . .
your blind minds may be enlightened,
your hard hearts may be softened,
your proud spirits may be humbled,
your sinful natures may be changed,
your defiled consciences may be purged,
your distempered affections may be regulated,
and your poor souls may be saved . . .
by searching into the Scriptures,
by reading the Scripture, and
by pondering upon the Scripture.
Ah! if you do not in good earnest,
give yourself up . . .
to the reading,
to the studying,
to the pondering,
to the believing,
to the practicing,
to the applying, and
to the living up to the Scripture--
Satan will be too hard for you,
the world will be too hard for you,
your lusts will be too hard for you,
temptations will be too hard for you,
deceivers will be too hard for you,
and in the end you will be miserable!
I have much more to say to you
(J. R. Miller, "The Building of Character" 1894)
"I have much more to say to you—more than you can now bear." John 16:12
All learning is slow. This is true in proportion to the importance of the lessons. We learn some things quickly—but they are not the things which are of greatest value. Mere head-lessons are gotten more easily than heart-lessons. We may memorize the beatitudes in a few minutes—but it takes many years to learn to live them! And in spiritual and moral lessons—living is the only learning which counts. Anyone can memorize a code of ethics by heart, without much effort. But to get the faultless code wrought into conduct, disposition, spirit, and character—is the work of a lifetime!
In life-teaching, the lessons are given only as fast as they are learned. Our Master will not teach us more rapidly than we can live His lessons. It was in the midst of His most confidential talk with His disciples, that He said He had much more to say to them—more than they could now bear.
Spiritual truths can be received—only as we come to the experiences for which they are adapted. There are many of the divine promises which we can never claim, and whose blessedness we cannot realize—until we come to the points in life, for which they were specially given.
For example: "He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock." This word can mean nothing to the child playing amid the flowers, or to the young man or woman walking in sunny paths—without a care or a trial. It can be understood only by one who is in the depths of trouble. In the days of gladness, when there is no trouble, no pain—there are many of God's Words which seem to have no meaning for us. We do not need them. They are for times of sorrow—and we have no sorrow. They are lamps for the darkness—and we are not walking in darkness. They are for days of pain and loss—and we have no pain, and are called to endure no loss.
There is a large part of the Bible which can be received by us, only when we come into the places for which the words were given. There are promises for weakness—which we can never get, while we are strong. There are promises for times of danger—which we can never know, in the days when we need no protection. There are consolations for sickness whose comfort we can never get, while we are in robust health. There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways—which never can come with real meaning to us, while loving companions are by our side. There are words for old age—which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, and the heart brave.
Christ says to us then, "I have much more to say to you—more than you can now bear." We could not understand these lessons now. But by and by when we come into places of need, of sorrow, of weakness, of failure, of loneliness, of sickness, of old age—then He will tell us these other things, these long-withheld things, and they will be full of joy for our hearts!
There are beatitudes for certain conditions. "Blessed are those who mourn—for they shall be comforted." But only those who are in sorrow, can experience the blessedness of divine comfort. Thus all the treasures of the Bible are ready to open to us—the moment we have the experience which the particular grace in them is intended to supply. Hence it is that the Bible is never exhausted. Men read it over and over again, and each time they find something new in it—new promises, new comforts, new revealings of divine love. The reason is, they are growing in experience, and every new experience develops new needs, and brings them to new revealings.
Thus, as life goes on, the meaning of Christ's words come out clearer and clearer, until the child's heedless repetition of them, becomes the utterance of the faith and trust of the strong man's very soul.
This is the great law of divine revealing. We learn Christ's teaching—only as fast as we are able to bear it. So we may wait in patient faith when mysteries confront us, or when shadows lie on our pathway, confident that He who knows all—has in gentle love withheld from us for the time, the revealing we crave, because we could not yet endure the knowledge.
This heavenly light of truth
(John Angell James)
"All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The doctrines of Scripture are facts, which involve
corresponding emotions and principles of action,
and must, from their very nature, if believed, be
operative upon the heart and the life.
If the doctrines of Scripture . . .
exert no godly influence,
carry with them no practical weight,
exert no moral power,
they are not truly believed.
The doctrines of Scripture are at once . . .
the source of consolation, and
the means of sanctification.
The doctrines of Scripture . . .
come into the mind as knowledge,
produce peace and love in the heart,
and spread the beauties of holiness
over the character and conduct.
The doctrines of Scripture are light; and like the
rays of the sun, they sustain life at the root of
the vine, and produce fruit on its branches.
This heavenly light of truth gives . . .
spiritual vitality to the soul,
and holy conduct to the life.
"For our gospel came to you not simply with
words, but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and with deep conviction." 1 Thes. 1:5
"Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth."
John 17:17
A head full of froth!
(Charles Spurgeon)
"I hate vain thoughts—but I love Your law!" Psalm 119:113
Many of you know more about your magazines and novels—than what God has written! Many of you will read a novel from the beginning to the end, and what have you got? A head full of froth when you are done! But you cannot read the Bible—that solid, lasting, substantial, and satisfying food goes uneaten, locked up in the cupboard of neglect—while anything that man writes, a best-seller of the day—you greedily devour!
"Set your minds on things above—not on earthly things!" Colossians 3:2
Knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek
(Arthur Pink, "Bible Study")
"Desire the sincere milk of the Word—that you may grow thereby." 1 Peter 2:2
The Bible consists of a series of letters from the Heavenly Father, to His dear children. Then let us cherish them as such, and act accordingly. A few verses that are thoughtfully and prayerfully pondered, will advantage us far more than two or three whole chapters, merely skimmed through.
That against which we are protesting—is the God-dishonoring idea that His Word is merely a piece of literature, which may be "mastered" by a course of "study." We would warn against an undue occupation with the technical aspects of the Bible. God's blessed Word is not for dissection by the knife of cold intellectuality. It is not given for us to display our cleverness and "brilliance" upon—but to be bowed before in true humility. It is not designed for mental entertainment—but for the regulation of our daily lives!
Our motive when approaching the Word, should be to seek that which will subdue pride and bring us as supplicants to the footstool of Mercy—not to acquire that which will puff us up in our own conceit. Of what value is a knowledge of the original Hebrew and Greek—or a thorough acquaintance with the history, geography, and chronology of the Bible—if the heart is left cold and hard toward its Author!
I seriously doubt if God has called or requires us, merely to 'study' His Word. What we need to do, is FEED thereon. How much nourishment would your body derive from a study of the chemical properties of foods—or from seeking to ascertain the various sorts of soil in which they are grown—or the meaning of their Latin names? None whatever! And I am persuaded that much of the modern 'study of the Bible' is equally profitless spiritually!
By all means, "search the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11); slowly ponder each word in every verse. Pray constantly for the guidance and illumination of the Spirit, that He may open to you its Divine mysteries. Above all, beg God to write His Word more legibly and fully upon the tablets of your heart—that you may put the precepts into practice.
"Nourished up in the Words of Faith" (1 Timothy 4:6). God's Word is the only nutritive food for the soul! This is why the Holy Scriptures are given to us—that we may grow in love and reverence for them, and be more and more regulated by them. It is only by feeding on this Heavenly Manna, that strength is obtained for our pilgrim walk, for our warfare with sin and Satan, and for our service unto God and our fellows.
They are all head—but no feet!
(Thomas Watson, "The Good Practitioner")
A sermon is never rightly heard—until it is practiced.
"If you know these things, happy are you if you do
them." John 13:17
Christ does not put happiness upon knowing—but upon
doing. It is not knowledge of the points of religion—but
practice, which renders a man truly happy and blessed.
Luke 6:46, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't
do the things I say?" It is not the mere knowledge and
acceptance of the most glorious Gospel truths—which will
bring a man to heaven. If a man could fluently discourse
on all Scriptural truths, if his head were a treasury of
wisdom, an ocean of learning—yet this could not entitle
him to happiness. His knowledge might make him admired
by men—but not blessed by God. If a man knew and
believed all the doctrines of Scripture—this would not
crown him with happiness.
Knowledge is a fair garland to look upon—but it is like
Rachael. Though she was beautiful—yet being barren
she said, "Give me children or I die!" Just so, if knowledge
does not bring forth the child of obedience—it will die and
come to nothing.
I would by no means disparage knowledge. Knowledge
is the pilot to guide us in our obedience. Yet, knowledge
must usher in obedience. Knowledge may put us into the
way of happiness, but it is only practice which brings us
there! Knowledge alone, cannot make a man eternally
happy and blessed.
Knowledge alone, does not make a man better; therefore,
it cannot make him happy and blessed. Bare knowledge
has no influence; it does not leave a spiritual tincture of
holiness behind. Knowledge informs—not transforms.
Knowledge, of itself, has no power upon the heart to
make it more holy. Bare knowledge is like weak medicine,
which does not work. It does not warm the affections nor
purge the conscience; it does not fetch virtue from Christ
to dry up the bloody issue of sin.
A man may receive the light of the truth—yet not love the
truth, "They perish because they refused to love the truth
and so be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:10. The Apostle calls
it "a form of knowledge," Romans 2:20. Knowledge alone,
is but a dead form, having nothing to animate it. He who
has knowledge alone—is a spiritual stillborn! He looks like
a Christian—but has neither appetite nor motion.
Knowledge alone, makes men monsters in religion! They
are all head—but no feet! They do not walk in Christ,
Colossians 2:6. A man may have Scriptural knowledge—
and still be profane! He may have a clear head—and a
foul heart! The understanding may be illumined—when
the foot treads in unholy paths. If knowledge is divorced
from practice, and does not make a man better—then it
cannot make a man eternally happy and blessed.
If bare knowledge will save, then all who have knowledge
shall be saved. But that is not true—for then Judas would
be saved, for he had knowledge enough. Then the devil
would be saved! A man may have right knowledge, and
be no better than a devil! Hell is full of learned heads!
Knowledge alone, makes a man's case worse! Knowledge
takes away all excuse. Knowledge adds to a man's torment.
"Woe to you! I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land
of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you!" It will be
better with heathen—than with professing Christians living
in a contradiction to their knowledge. Luke 12:47, "The
servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his
duty, he refused to do it!"
Knowledge without practice, serves only as a torch to light
men to hell—the brighter the light, the hotter the fire!
Do you understand what you read?
(Charles Spurgeon)
"Do you understand what you read?" Acts 8:30
We would be abler teachers of others, and less liable to be carried about by every wind of doctrine—if we sought to have a more intelligent understanding of the Word of God. As the Holy Spirit, the Author of the Scriptures, is He who alone can enlighten us rightly to understand them, we should constantly ask His teaching, and His guidance into all truth.
When the prophet Daniel would interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream, what did he do? He set himself to earnest prayer that God would open up the vision. The apostle John, in his vision at Patmos, saw a book sealed with seven seals which none was found worthy to open, or so much as to look upon. The book was afterwards opened by the Lion of the tribe of Judah; but it is written first, "I wept much!" The tears of John, which were his liquid prayers, were, so far as he was concerned, the sacred keys by which the sealed book was opened!
Therefore, if, for your own and others' profiting, you desire to be "filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," remember that prayer is your best means of study! Like Daniel, you shall understand the dream, and the interpretation thereof—when you have sought unto God; and like John you shall see the seven seals of precious truth unloosed—after you have wept much.
Stones are not broken, except by an earnest use of the hammer; and the stone-breaker must go down on his knees. Use the hammer of diligence, and let the knee of prayer be exercised—and there is not a stony doctrine in Scripture, which is useful for you to understand, which will not fly into shivers under the exercise of prayer and faith! You may force your way through anything—with the leverage of prayer. Prayer is the lever which forces open the iron chest of sacred mystery, that we may get the treasure hidden within! So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life!
A shelf in my head?
Spurgeon, "Christ- The Power and Wisdom of God"
Before I knew the gospel I gathered up a heterogeneous
mass of all kinds of knowledge from here, there, and
everywhere-- a bit of chemistry, a bit of botany, a bit of
astronomy, and a bit of this, that, and the other.
I put them altogether, in one great confused chaos.
When I learned the gospel, I got a shelf in my head
to put every thing away upon just where it should be.
It seemed to me as if, when I had discovered Christ and him
crucified, I had got the center of the system, so that I could
see every other science revolving around in order.
From the earth, you know, the planets appear to move in a
very irregular manner- some are progressive, retrograde,
stationary, etc. But if you could get upon the sun, you would
see them marching round in their constant, uniform, circular
motion.
Likewise with human knowledge. Begin with any other
science you like, and truth will seem to be amiss.
But if you begin with the science of Christ crucified, you will
begin with the sun- you will see every other science moving
around it in complete harmony.
The greatest mind in the world will be evolved
by beginning at the right end.
The old saying is, "Go from nature up to nature's God."
But it is hard work going up hill.
The best thing is to go from nature's God down to nature;
and if you once get to nature's God, and believe him and love
him, it is surprising how easy it is to hear music in the waves,
and songs in the wild whisperings of the winds; to see God
everywhere, in the stones, in the rocks, in the rippling
brooks, and hear him everywhere, in the lowing of cattle, in
the rolling of thunder, and in the fury of tempests.
Get Christ first, put him in the right place, and you will find
him to be the wisdom of God in your own experience.
An unerring chart by which to steer
through the dangerous sea of life
(Arthur W. Pink, "The Attributes of God")
God has placed His Word in our hands for an
intensely practical purpose—namely, to direct
our walk and to regulate our deportment. The
primary purpose for which God gave the Scriptures,
is to make a practical use of them—ordering the
details of our lives by its rules and regulations
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path." (Psalm 119:105). The metaphor
used here is taken from a man walking along a
dangerous road on a dark night, in urgent need
of a lantern to show him where to walk safely
and comfortably, to avoid injury and destruction.
God, in His infinite condescension and transcendent
grace, has given us His Word for this very purpose,
so that we need not stumble along blindly, ignorant
of what pleases or displeases Him—but that we might
know His mind. That divine Word is not given to us
simply for information, but . . .
to regulate our conduct,
to enlighten our minds, and
to mold our hearts.
The Word supplies us with an unerring chart by
which to steer through the dangerous sea of
life. If we sincerely and diligently follow, it will deliver
us from disastrous rocks and submerged reefs—and
direct us safely to the heavenly harbor. That Word
has all the instructions we need for every problem,
and every trouble we may be called upon to face.
That Word has been given to us "that the man of
God may be complete, equipped for every good
work" (2 Tim. 3:17). How thankful we should
be, that God has favored us with such a Word!
This world is a dark place, and it is only as we take
heed to the Word, to the light God has given us, that
we shall be able to perceive and avoid "the broad
road which leads to destruction," and discern the
narrow way which alone "leads unto eternal life."
Our first duty, and our first aim, must be to take up
the Scriptures to ascertain what is God's revealed will
for us—what are the paths He forbids us to walk, what
are the ways pleasing in His sight.
The Scriptures are not given us, primarily, for our
intellectual gratification, nor for emotional admiration,
but for life's regulation. Nor are the precepts and
commands, the warnings and encouragements
contained therein, simply for our information. They
are to be reduced to practice, they require unqualified
obedience. He who treasures the divine precepts in his
heart, and diligently seeks to walk by their rule, will
escape those evils which destroy his fellows.
Thus the great business of the Christian, is to regulate
his life by, and conform his conduct—to the precepts of
the written Word, and the example left us by the Incarnate
Word. As he does so, and in proportion as he does so, he is
emancipated from the darkness of his natural mind,
freed from the follies of his corrupt heart,
delivered from the mad course of this world,
and escapes the snares of the devil.
Ignorant formal Christianity
(J. C. Ryle, "What Is Needed?" 1895)
I am convinced that one of our grave defects today, is a most serious diminishing of the good old custom of private reading of the Bible. Between the growth of Christian periodicals and books, I have a strong impression that Bibles are not read as much and as carefully as they were two hundred years ago.
I am well aware that there are more Bibles in Great Britain at this moment, than there ever were since the world began! There is more Bible-buying and Bible-selling, more Bible-printing and Bible-distributing, than there ever was! But all this time, I fear we are in danger of forgetting--that to have the Bible is one thing--and to read it privately ourselves quite another!
I am afraid that the Bible of many a man and woman in Great Britain is never read at all. In one house, it lies in a corner--as stiff, cold, glossy and fresh as it was, when it came from the bookseller's shop! In another house, it lies on a table, with its owner's name written in it--a silent witness against him day after day! In another house, it lies on some high shelf, neglected and dusty--to be brought down only on grand occasions, such as a birth in the family--like a heathen idol at its yearly festival. In another house, it lies deep down at the bottom of some box or drawer, among the things not wanted, and is never dragged forth into the light of day--until the arrival of sickness, or death! These things are sad and solemn. But they are true.
I am afraid that many in Great Britain who do read the Bible--yet do not read it aright. One man looks over a chapter on Sunday evening--but that is all. Another reads a chapter every day at family prayers--but that is all. A third goes a step further, and hastily reads a verse or two in private every morning, before he goes out of his house. A fourth goes further still, and reads as much as a chapter or two every day, though he does it in a great hurry, and omits reading it on the smallest inconvenience. But each and every one of these men does what he does--in a heartless, scrambling, formal kind of way. He does it coldly, as a duty. He does not do it with appetite and pleasure. He is glad when the task is over. And when the book is shut--he forgets it all! This is a sad picture. But in multitudes of cases--oh, how true!
But why do I think all this? What makes me speak so confidently? Listen to me a few moments, and I will lay before you some evidence. Neglect of the Bible, is like disease of the body--it shows itself in the face of a man's conduct. It tells its own tale. It cannot be hidden.
I fear that many neglect the Bible--because of the enormous ignorance of true religion which everywhere prevails. There are thousands of professing Christians in this country, who know literally nothing about the Gospel. They could not give you the slightest account of its distinctive doctrines. They have no more idea of the true meaning of conversion, grace, faith, justification, and sanctification--than of so many words and names written in Arabic! And can I suppose that such people search the Scriptures? I cannot suppose it. I do not believe they do!
I fear that many neglect the Bible--because of the utter indifference with which they regard false doctrine--as if it did not signify much, and was all the same thing in the long run--whether one was a Roman Catholic, or a Socinian, or a Mormonite, or a Deist, or an Agnostic. And can I suppose that such people search the Scriptures? I cannot suppose it. I do not believe they do!
I fear that many neglect the Bible--because of the readiness with which they receive false teaching. They are led astray by the first false prophet they meet with, who "comes in sheep's clothing," and has a pleasant voice, a nice manner, and a gift of eloquent speech! They swallow all that he says without inquiry, and believe him as implicitly as papists believe the Pope! And can I suppose that such people search the Scriptures? I cannot suppose it. I do not believe they do!
I declare my firm conviction, that an idle neglect of the Bible is one cause of the ignorant formal Christianity which is so widely prevalent in these latter days!
Brethren! We are drifting, drifting, drifting--and what the end will be--no man can tell.
The diamond in that ring!
(Thomas Brooks, "The Crown and Glory of Christianity,
or, HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness", 1662)
The whole Scripture is but one entire love-letter, all
written in golden letters, dispatched from the Lord
Christ to His beloved spouse on earth. In it, there
is so much to be read of . . .
the love of Christ,
the heart of Christ,
the kindness of Christ,
the grace of Christ, and
the glory of Christ,
that a holy heart cannot but love, and embrace,
and endeavor to conform to every line.
The whole word of God is a field—and Christ
is the treasure which is hidden in that field!
The whole word of God is a ring of gold—
and Christ is the diamond in that ring!
"The Scriptures point to Me!" John 5:39
The Babylonian books of the present day!
(Charles Spurgeon, "The Greatest Fight in the World")
The history of that human ignorance which calls itself "philosophy", is absolutely identical with the history of fools! If ones were to write the history of folly, he would have to give several chapters to philosophy, and those chapters would be more revealing than any others.
Beware of the Babylonian books of the present day! The truth of God is the only treasure for which we seek, and the Scripture is the only field in which we dig for it! If you keep close to the inspired book, you can suffer no harm; you are at the fountain-head of all moral and spiritual good. This is fit food for the people of God—this is the bread which nourishes the highest life.
The prayerful study of the Word is not only a means of instruction—but an act of devotion wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised, changing us into the image of Christ, of whom the Word is a mirror.
Within the Scripture, there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore. Oh, the wondrous power in the Scripture to create a heart of hope, within the ribs of despair! Amidst sharp and strong temptations, and fierce and bitter trials, the Word of the Lord has preserved us. Amidst discouragements which damped our hopes, and disappointments which wounded our hearts, our Bibles have brought us a secret, unconquerable consolation.
There is no true doctrine which has not been fruitful in good works. Payson wisely said, "If there is one fact, one doctrine, or promise in the Bible, which has produced no practical effect upon your temper or conduct—be assured that you do not truly believe it."
The "doctrines of grace" produce . . .
a fine morality,
a stern integrity,
a delicate purity,
a devout holiness,
consecration in life,
calm resignation in the hour of suffering,
joyful confidence in the article of death.
This must be a true gospel—which can produce such lives as these!
Walking Bibles
(Thomas Watson)
"Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law
and obey it with all my heart." Psalm 119:34
Determine to PRACTICE whatever you read. Christians
should be walking Bibles, living the truths written. The
Word is not only a guide to knowledge, but a guide to
obedience. A holy reading of God’s Word, results in our
fleeing from sins, and practicing the duties commanded.
"I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I
might obey Your word." Psalm 119:101
A life-giving stream for parched pilgrims!
(Arthur Pink, "The Word of Grace")
The Word and the Spirit are so intimately conjoined, that we are scarcely warranted in thinking of the one, without the other. The Word does not operate without the Spirit's agency—and the Spirit does not work apart from the Word.
It was by the Spirit's inspiration, that the Word was first given, for "holy men of God spoke, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21).
It is by the Spirit, that we are enlightened (Eph 1:17, 18), yet the Word is the means He employs.
It is by the Spirit, that we are sanctified (Rom 15:16), yet not apart from the Truth (John 17:17).
It is by the Spirit, that we are strengthened (Eph 3:16) as He causes the Word to dwell in us richly (Col 3:16).
It is by the Spirit, that we are comforted (Acts 9:31) as He applies the Divine promises to our hearts.
How appropriate, then, that the grand instrument employed by the Spirit of grace, should be termed "the Word of His grace."
The "Word of His grace" proclaims . . .
rest for the weary,
pardon to the guilty,
justification to the ungodly,
adoption to the outcast,
eternal heavenly treasures for spiritual paupers!
It is "the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind" who are to be called to the feast which free grace has spread! (Luke 14:13)
"The Word of His grace" not only instructs us where grace is to be found, and how further supplies of it are to be obtained—but it is the principal medium through which grace is actually imparted to the soul. It is a life-giving stream for parched pilgrims—as they journey through this "wilderness of sin."
As its sacred pages are reverently perused—
the mind is instructed,
the conscience is enlightened,
the affections are warmed,
and the will is moved.
As its exceeding great and precious promises are meditated upon and treasured up in the heart—new strength is imparted to the soul.
As its holy precepts are turned into earnest prayer—help is obtained for the discharge of duty.
As its timely warnings and admonitions are heeded—temptations lose their power and the snares of Satan are avoided.
As its cheering revelation of what God has prepared for those who love Him is received by faith—new hope is kindled in the heart, and the trials of life are borne with greater fortitude. And as the end of the journey is neared—death loses its terrors and the call to leave this "valley of tears" becomes more desirable.
Without "the Word of His grace" we would be mariners upon the sea of life—without chart or compass!
A sort of second edition of the written Scriptures
(Cornelius Tyree, "The Moral Power of a Pious Life" 1859)
"So that in every way they may make the teaching about
God our Savior more attractive." Titus 2:10
A conversion from depravity and sinfulness--to active godliness,
is a more sublime miracle, and a more effectual proof for the
divinity of the gospel--than was the resurrection of Lazarus!
Of all modes of teaching Christianity, 'exemplifying it' is the best.
The best commentary on the Bible that the world has ever seen
--is a holy life of growing likeness to Christ.
The most eloquent sermon in behalf of the gospel that the
world has ever heard--is a uniform, active life of piety.
The best version of the Bible which has ever been made--is a
consistent pious example. The Christian whose light thus shines,
not only correctly renders--but beautifies the sacred text. His
life and conduct are a sort of second edition of the written
Scriptures--a 'living epistle' which all can read, all understand,
and which convinces and convicts all.
We must become living, radiant likenesses of gospel truth. We
are to be living verifications of the great doctrines of the Bible.
A godly life is a powerful argument for the truth of the gospel.
"You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read
by all men." 2 Corinthians 3:2
"Be an example for the believers in your speech, your
conduct, your love, faith and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
Dig into these golden mines!
(Robert Leighton)
Let this commend the Scriptures much to our diligence
and affection--that their great theme is our Redeemer,
and redemption wrought by Him. They contain the doctrine
of His excellencies, and are the lively picture of His matchless
beauty. Were we more in them, we would daily see more of
Him in them--and so of necessity love Him more. But we
must look within them--the letter is but the case--the
spiritual sense is what we should desire to see.
We usually huddle them over, and see no further than
their outside, and therefore find so little sweetness in
them. We read them, but we don't search them as He
requires. Would we dig into these golden mines, we
would find treasures of comfort which cannot be spent,
but which would furnish us in the hardest times!
"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands
within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your
heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and
cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for
silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you
will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge
of God." Proverbs 2:1-5
Meditate, practice, pray
(Thomas Brooks, "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")
You must meditate and dwell upon what you read;
otherwise your pains and mine will be lost. The more any
man is in the contemplation of truth, the more deep and
firm impression is made upon his heart by truth. Heavenly
meditation brings out the sweetness that is in divine truths.
Not those who get most--but those who keep most, are
richest. So not those who hear most, or read most--but
those who meditate most, are most edified and enriched.
You must also practice and live out what you read. To
read much and practice nothing--is to hunt much and catch
nothing. Ah! what cause have most to sigh, that they have
heard so much, and read so much--and yet done so little!
You must also pray over what you read. Many read much,
and pray little, and therefore get little by all they read. Galen
writes of a fish called Uranoscopos, that has but one eye,
which looks continually up to heaven. When a Christian has
one eye upon his book--the other should be looking up to
heaven for a blessing upon what he reads!
Sacred nourishment
(Thomas Watson, "Comfort for the Church")
What profit is it, to have the Bible in our heads, but
not in our hearts? It is better to practice one truth,
than to know all truths.
The Lord gives us His precepts, as a physician gives
the patient his prescriptions—to take and apply. This
is the end are all God's institutes—that we may, by
practice, apply them for the purging out of sin and
bringing the soul into a more holy temper.
God gives us His Word as the mother gives the child
the breast—not only to look upon, but to draw from.
Many have gone to hell with the breast in their mouths,
because they have not drawn it, and turned the milk of
the Word into sacred nourishment.
As your Biblical knowledge widens
(John Angell James, "Christian Progress" 1853)
There are many who regard an increasing acquaintance
with the text of the Bible, as an evidence of growth in
grace.
Ask yourselves the solemn question. In proportion as
you store your minds with biblical texts and biblical
ideas--are you all the while seeking to have your
heart filled with biblical feelings, and your life with
biblical actions?
As you grow in acquaintance with the character of God--
do you reverence Him more? As your ideas brighten on the
person of Christ--do you love Him more? As you become
more acquainted with the perfection and spirituality of
God's Word--do you delight in it more? As you see more
clearly the evil of sin--do you hate it with a more intense
hatred?
As your Biblical knowledge widens, do you become . . .
more profoundly humble,
more tenderly conscientious,
more gentle,
more spiritual?
Unless this is the case, you are in a fatal mistake by
supposing that you are making progress in the divine
life, merely because you are advancing in biblical
knowledge.
We need to re-study our Bibles
(John Angell James, "The Church in Earnest")
We need to re-study our Bibles, and learn
what real Christianity is--how holy, how heavenly,
how spiritual, how loving, how morally and socially
excellent a matter it is. What separation from the
world, what devoutness, what intense earnestness,
what conscientiousness, what enlarged benevolence,
what unselfishness, what zealous activity, what
unearthliness, what seeds of celestial virtue--our
profession of godliness implies.
Having examined this, and obtained an impressive
idea of it, let us survey our own state, and ask if
we do not need, and ought not to seek, more of the
prevalence of such a piety as this, which, in fact, is
primitive Christianity.
Is our spiritual condition what it ought to be, what
it might be, what it must be--to fulfill our high
commission as the salt of the earth and the light of
the world? A Christian, acting up in some tolerable
measure to his profession, walking in the holiness
of the Gospel--is the strongest and most emphatic
testimony for God to our dark revolted world, next
to that of Christ Himself.
Academic studies
(Letters of John Newton)
Dear friend,
I truly pity those who rise early and study late—with no higher prize and prospect in view, than the obtaining of academic honors! Such pursuits will before long appear (as they really are) as vain as the foolish games of children! May the Lord impress them with the noble ambition of living to and for Him. If these scholars, who are laboring for pebbles under the semblance of goodly pearls, had a discovery of the Pearl of great price—how quickly and gladly would they lay down their admired attainments, and become fools—that they might be truly wise! Their academic studies, if taken in the aggregate, are little better than splendid trifles!
Friend, what a snare have you escaped! You would have been nothing but a scholar—had not God visited your heart and enlightened you by His grace! Now I trust you account your former academic gains, but loss—compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus. What you have attained in the way of learning, will be useful to you—if sanctified, and chiefly so by the knowledge which you have of its insufficiency to any valuable purpose in the great concerns of life—knowing God and walking with Him!
Treasure for your soul
(Henry Law, "The Raven" 1869)
Blessed are those who find their constant
pleasure-ground in the luxuries of the Bible!
They commune with the mind of God.
They listen to a heavenly voice.
They bask in rays of purest light.
They feed in wholesome pastures of refreshment.
They fear no poison from the weeds of error.
No devious path can lead their steps astray.
Wisdom from above sweetly guides them.
The Spirit, the ultimate Teacher of His people,
instructs the students. They advance safely,
happily—from grace to grace.
The lessons are as vast as the mine from which
they spring. They are as pure as the realms to
which they call. They warn of sin—its filth, its
misery, its end. They unfold Jesus—in all the
glories of His redeeming love. They exhibit
holiness—as the only road to a holy heaven.
Reader, heed a salutary admonition. Study the
Bible, as holding treasure for your soul. Study
in the earnestness of prayer. Study with eternity
outspread before you. Study with the humility of
a poor sinner before a speaking God. Study with
faith devoutly grasping every word.
Do not close the volume without inquiring . . .
Is sin more hateful to me?
Is the world more worthless in my estimation?
Is the flesh more treacherous in my sight?
Is Jesus brought nearer to my adoring soul?
Is my heart won to more entire devotedness?
Am I more resolute to live for Him, who died for me?
A gracious taste
(Arthur Pink, "The Attributes of God")
"Do not be foolish, but understand what the
Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:17
How may the Lord's guidance be expected?
In general, God directs His people by affording them,
in answer to prayer, the light of His Holy Spirit, which
enables them to understand and love the Scriptures.
The Word of God furnishes us with just principles, right
apprehensions, to govern our judgments and affections,
thereby influencing and regulating our conduct. Those
who study the Scriptures in humble dependence upon
divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness.
They are taught to make a true estimate of everything
around them and are gradually formed into a spirit of
submission to the will of God. They discover the nature
and duties of their situations and relations in life, and
the snares and temptations to which they are exposed.
The Word of God dwelling in them is . . .
a preservative from error,
a light to their feet, and
a spring of strength and consolation.
By treasuring up in his mind the doctrines, precepts,
promises, exhortations, and warnings of Scripture; and
by diligently comparing himself with the rule by which
he is to walk—the Christian grows into a habitual frame
of spiritual wisdom. He acquires a gracious taste which
enables him to judge of right and wrong with a degree of
readiness and certainty—as a musical ear judges sounds;
so that he is rarely mistaken, because he is influenced by
the love of Christ which rules in his heart, and a regard
for the glory of God. Moreover, God has promised to show
Himself strong on behalf of the one whose heart is perfect
toward Him. He does this by regulating His providences,
and causing all things to work together for his good.
Our daily walk is to be ordered by God's Word. In
proportion as it is so, we will be kept in His will and
preserved from folly and sin.
The Scriptures are sufficient
(Thomas Brooks, "A Word in Season to Suffering Saints")
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness--so
that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for
every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Scriptures are sufficient . . .
to inform the ignorant,
to confute the erroneous,
to reform the wicked, and
to guide and direct, support and comfort--the godly.
Here a lamb may wade--and here an elephant may swim!
Here is milk for babes--and meat for strong men!
Here is . . .
comfort for the afflicted, and
support for the tempted, and
ease for the troubled, and
light for the clouded, and
enlargement for the straitened, etc.
Oh,
how full of light,
how full of life,
how full of love,
how full of sweetness,
how full of goodness,
how full of righteousness,
how full of holiness, etc.,
is every chapter, and every verse in every
chapter, yes, and every line in every verse!
No human writings are comparable to Scripture:
1. for antiquity;
2. for rarity;
3. for variety;
4. for brevity;
5. for plainness;
6. for harmony;
7. for verity.
All which should greatly encourage Christians, to a
serious perusal of them. "Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97
Secretly, quietly, insidiously, plausibly
(J. C. Ryle, "Pharisees and Sadducees")
"Watch out for false prophets! They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves!" Matthew 7:15
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light!" 2 Corinthians 11:13-14
False doctrine does not meet us face to face, and proclaim that it is false. It does not blow a trumpet before it, and endeavor openly to turn us away from the truth as it is in Jesus. It does not come before us in broad day, and summon us to surrender. It approaches us secretly, quietly, insidiously, plausibly, and in such a way as to disarm our suspicion, and throw us off our guard. It is the wolf in sheep's clothing, and Satan in the garb of an angel of light—who have always proved the most dangerous foes of the church of Christ.
Let us be on our guard against the "insidiousness" of false doctrine. Like the fruit of which Eve and Adam ate—at first sight it looks pleasant and good, and a thing to be desired. "Poison" is not written upon it, and so people are not afraid. Like counterfeit coin, it is not stamped "bad." It passes for the real thing, because of the very likeness it bears to the truth.
Let us be on our guard against the "very small beginnings" of false doctrine. Every heresy began at one time, with some little departure from the truth. There is only "a little seed of error" needed to create "a great tree of heresy!" It is the little stones, which make up the mighty building. It was the little pieces of lumber, which made the great ark that carried Noah and his family over a deluged world. It is the little leaven, which infiltrated the whole lump. It is the little flaw in one link of the chain cable, which wrecks the gallant ship, and drowns the crew. It is the omission or addition of one little item in the doctor's prescription, which spoils the whole medicine, and turns it into poison!
Let us never allow a little false doctrine to ruin us, by thinking it is "but a little one," and can do us no harm.
There are three things which we never ought to trifle with:
a little poison,
a little sin, and
a little false doctrine.
Let us read the Bible regularly, daily, and with fervent prayer. Let us receive nothing, believe nothing, follow nothing—which is not in the Bible. Let our rule of faith, our touchstone of all teaching—be the written Word of God. "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20
Everything that was written in the past
(Anne Dutton's Letters on Spiritual Subjects)
I humbly think that the bondage of the children of
Israel in Egypt, under Pharaoh and his task-masters,
was typical of the cruel bondage of the people of
God in a state of nature, under the tyranny of sin
and Satan and a broken law of works.
Their deliverance from Egypt and passage through
the Red Sea were typical of our deliverance from the
power of darkness, and translation into the kingdom
of God's dear Son at our first conversion.
Their journeys through the desolate wilderness were
typical of our travels through this world of trouble.
Their Land of Promise was typical of our promised rest.
Their passage over Jordan into Canaan was typical
of our of our passing from this world of sin and sorrow
into the world of joy and glory as our everlasting rest.
"All these events happened to them as examples for
us. They were written down to warn us, on whom
the fulfillment of the ages has come." 1 Cor. 10:11
"For everything that was written in the past
was written to teach us." Romans 15:4
The Bible
(Henry Law, "Beacons of the Bible" 1869)
The Bible is the richest treasure of the world.
Without it the palace is a dark blank.
With it the humble cottage sparkles with celestial light.
It is the transcript of God's heart.
It tells, what human reason is weak to find.
It is pure truth without one shade of error.
It gives knowledge on all things
needful for time and for eternity.
It is a safe guide through life's entangled path.
It is a compass . . .
through shoals and rocks;
amid winds and waves;
to heaven's eternal rest.
The sage is ignorant without it.
The peasant learns from it salvation's road.
It is a solace for every hour.
It is a companion always ready to converse.
It cheers when other comforts fail.
It is arrayed in every charm for intellect.
It never wearies.
It is always fresh.
Its oldest truths cannot grow old.
Its readers become more wise; more holy.
Other books may puzzle and corrupt. The
Bible is from heaven, and leads to heaven.
It enters the heart with purifying grace.
The more you search the Bible, the more your
minds will wonder, and your hearts will love.
Read it as literally true. Then no human
philosophy will beguile you.
Ponder its characters. You will find on
them the intrinsic stamp of truth.
A football to be kicked from man to man
(Sword and Trowel)
Two learned doctors were angrily disputing the nature of food, and allowing their meal to lie untasted; while nearby, a simple farmer was eating heartily of that which was set before him.
Just so, the religious world is full of quibblers, critics, and debaters, who, like the doctors—argue over religious controversies, without profit either to themselves or others. Those are far happier, who imitate the farmer—and feed upon the Word of God, which is the true food of the soul.
Questioning with honesty and candor is not to be condemned, when the object is to "prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." But to treat Scripture as if it were a football to be kicked from man to man—is irreverence, if not worse!
Study the Word of God; lay hold upon it, and spend your time in feasting upon precious truth! Reader, argue, if you please—but remember that communion with the Lord Jesus gives infinitely more enjoyment than disputing can ever afford you. Eat—don't argue!
Petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions
(Charles Spurgeon)
"Be careful to devote yourself to good works." Titus 3:8
"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9
Our days are few, and are far better spent in devoting ourselves to good works, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Incessant discussion of subjects of no practical value, do a world of mischief. Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said—neither party is any the wiser! Therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge, than love! It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.
Questions upon . . .
points wherein Scripture is silent;
mysteries which belong to God alone;
prophecies of doubtful interpretation;
modes of observing mere human ceremonies
—are all foolish! Wise men will avoid them! Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions—but to avoid them altogether! If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works—we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business—to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!
There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish—which we must not avoid—but fairly and honestly answer, such as these:
Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?
Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?
What more can I do for Jesus?
Such inquiries as these, urgently demand our attention!
If we have been at all given to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to a service so much more profitable. Let us endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."
Theology itself
(An excerpt from a letter of Legh Richmond to his son)
"The teaching that promotes godliness." 1 Timothy 6:3
"The knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness." Titus 1:1
It is much easier to be a 'Bible scholar'--than a sincere Christian. It is much easier to be a 'theologian'--than a true pastor. Theology itself, important as are its themes--sinks into a mere science of literary attainments, unless accompanied by an earnest and devotional application of its principles to the soul.
You should not only study the Scriptures--but always be pondering some searching experimental book, as a bosom companion. A love of such reading--proves a useful test of pious character. There are many books about religious matters, which, after all--do not bring home vital piety to the heart.
The Christian's interpreter
(William Dyer, "The Strait Way to Heaven")
The Word of God is the Christian's rule—and the Spirit of God is the Christian's guide.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes—He will guide you into all truth." John 16:13
Most people walk by false rules:
1. Some walk by popular opinions.
2. Some walk by worldly customs.
3. Some walk by providence.
4. Some walk by conscience.
5. Some walk by their own reason.
6. Some walk by other men's examples.
7. Some walk by their own lusts.
But, oh! my dear friends, let me beseech you to walk by none of these false rules—but keep close to the Word and Spirit of God.
The Scripture is a rule outside of us—to show us where we must go; the Spirit is a guide inside of us—to enable us to walk according to the direction of that Word.
The Word of God is a compass, by which we must direct our course; the Spirit is the great pilot, who steers us in this course.
We have no eyes to see the Word—until the Spirit enlightens them.
We have no ears to hear the Word—until the Spirit opens them.
We have no hearts to obey the Word—until the Spirit bows and inclines them.
By the Word of God—we know the mind of the Spirit of God; and by the efficacy of the Spirit—we feel the power of the Word.
The Word of God shows us the way; and the Spirit of God leads us in that way which the Word points out.
The Spirit of God is able to expound the Word of God, and to make it plain to our understanding. The Holy Spirit is the Christian's interpreter; He gives the Scriptures, and He alone can reveal unto us the sense and meaning of the Scriptures.
The Word is God's counsel—to reveal the path in which we are to walk.
The Spirit is God's Counselor—who teaches us to walk in that path.
If God had not put His Spirit into our hearts, as well as His Word into our heads—we would never have arrived at the fair haven of peace.
The Scriptures reveal the very heart of God. God Almighty has, in the sacred Scriptures, as it were, manifested Himself, unfolded all His counsel to the creatures, as far as is necessary to be known for their direction and guidance to everlasting life.
He wounded the old serpent three times!
(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)
What an infinite mercy it is, that God has blessed us
with the Scriptures! The barbarous Indians have their
golden mines—but not the Scriptures, which are 'more
to be desired than much fine gold.'
Our Savior bids us 'search the Scriptures'. We must not
read these holy lines carelessly, as if they did not concern
us, or run over them hastily—but peruse them with reverence
and seriousness. The noble Bereans 'searched the Scriptures
daily.' The Scripture is the treasury of divine knowledge;
it is the rule and touchstone of truth; out of this well—we
draw the water of life.
Read the Word as a book made by God Himself. Other
books may be written by holy men—but this book is inspired
by the Holy Spirit. It is the library of the Holy Spirit!
Read the Word as the perfect rule of faith; it contains all
things essential to salvation. The Word teaches us how to please
God; and how to order our lives in the world. It instructs us in
all things that belong either to prudence or piety, and is 'able
to make us wise unto salvation.'
When you read the Word, look on it as a soul-enriching
treasury. Search it as for 'hidden treasure!' In this Word
are scattered many divine sayings—gather them up as so
many jewels! This blessed book will enrich you—it fills your
head with divine knowledge, and your heart with divine
grace! In this field, the Pearl of price is hidden! What are
all the world's riches compared to these? Islands of spices,
coasts of pearl, rocks of diamonds? These are but the riches
which reprobates may have—but the Word gives us those
riches which angels have!
Look upon the Word as a spiritual armory, out of which
you fetch all your weapons to fight against sin and Satan.
Here are weapons to fight against SIN. The Word of God is
a holy sword, which cuts asunder the lusts of the heart!
When pride begins to lift up itself, the sword of the Spirit
destroys this sin! When passion vents itself, the Word of
God, like Hercules' club, beats down this angry fury! When
lust boils, the Word of God cools that intemperate passion!
Here are weapons to fight against SATAN. When the devil
tempted Christ, He wounded the old serpent three times
with the sword of the Spirit—"It is written!" Satan soon foils
that Christian when he is unarmed, and without Scripture
weapons.
Look upon the Word as a spiritual looking-glass to dress
yourselves by! It is a mirror for the blind, 'The commands of
the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes!' In other mirrors
you may see your faces; in this mirror you may see your hearts!
This mirror of the Word clearly represents Christ. He is . . .
most precious;
altogether lovely;
a wonder of beauty;
a paradise of delight!
Look upon the Word as a shop of spiritual antidotes and
remedies. If you find yourself dead in duty—here is a medicine.
If you find your heart hard—the Word will soften and mollify it.
If you are poisoned with sin—here is an herb to expel it.
Look upon the Word as a sovereign elixir to comfort you
in distress. It comforts you against all your sins, temptations,
and afflictions. What are the promises—but divine cordials to
revive fainting souls.
A lamp for my feet
(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")
"Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may
live according to Your truth!" Psalm 86:11
Let us lead Scripture lives. Oh that the Bible might
be seen printed in our lives! Obedience is an excellent
way of commenting upon the Bible. Let the Word be
the sun-dial by which you set your life. What are we
the better for having the Scripture, if we do not direct
all our speech and actions according to it? What is a
carpenter the better for his rule about him, if he sticks
it at his back, and never makes use of it for measuring
and squaring his work? So, what are we the better for
the rule of the Word, if we do not make use of it, and
regulate our lives by it? How many swerve and deviate
from the rule!
"Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my
path." Psalm 119:105. It is not only a light to our eyes
to mend our sight—but to our feet to mend our walk.
Oh, let us lead Bible lives!
A book for the unsuccessful
(J. R. Miller, "The Beatitude for the Unsuccessful" 1892)
The Bible is indeed a book for the unsuccessful. Its sweetest messages are to those who have fallen. It is the book of love and sympathy. It is like a mother's bosom to lay one's head upon--in the time of distress or pain. Its pages teem with cheer for those who are discouraged. It sets its lamps of hope to shine in darkened chambers. It reaches out its hands of help to the fainting, and to those who have fallen. It is full of comfort for those who are in sorrow. It has its many special promises for the needy, the poor, and the bereft. It is a book for those who have failed, for the disappointed, the defeated, and the discouraged.
It is this quality in the Bible, which makes it so dear to the heart of humanity. If it were a book only for the strong, the successful, the victorious, the unfallen, those who have no sorrow, who never fail, the whole, the happy--it would not find such a welcome wherever it goes in the world. So long as there are tears and sorrows, and broken hearts, and crushed hopes, and human failures, and lives burdened and bowed down, and spirits sad and despairing--so long will the Bible be full of inspiration, light, help, and strength--for earth's weary ones.
The God of the Bible is the God of those who have not succeeded. Wherever there is a weak, stumbling Christian, unable to walk alone--to him the divine heart goes out in tender thought and sympathy; and the divine hand is extended to support him, and keep him from falling. Whenever a Christian has fallen, and lies in defeat or failure--over him bends the heavenly Father in kindly pity, to raise him up and to help him to begin again. The God of the Bible is the God of the weak, the unsheltered. Their very helplessness of His children, is their strongest plea to the divine heart.
Human guidance?
(from Winslow's, "The Fragrance of Christ's Name")
We have need to be on our watch against the powerful influence of spiritual mentors, lest, fascinated by the fame of some popular leader, we become the willing dupes of a childish superstition, or the blind followers of a fatal error.
Do not take your views of Divine truth from man; draw them primarily from God's Word. Do not study the Bible through your theological system, but let your system be taken from, and faithfully weighed with, the Bible. Our theological system must not be allowed to give its complexion to, or to be the interpreter of, revealed truth. But, on the contrary, God's Word is to suggest and mold and tint all our thoughts and opinions and systems.
We must not set the sun by our watch; but our watch by the sun. In other words, we must not attempt to make God's Word dovetail with our creed, but must test every doctrine we hold, every opinion we receive, every principle we maintain, the hope we cherish, by the unerring standard of revealed truth. This will give a Divine and proper complexion to our views.
If we receive the light of the sun through a tinted lens, the light will necessarily reflect the hue of the medium through which it passes. So, if we receive the light of God's Word through any theological system whatever, it will necessarily reflect the error and imperfection, if such there be, of that system. And thus we shall fail to receive the teaching of God as it flows pure and simple from His Word, as light flows from the sun, and as streams from the fountain.
The Bible is our rule of faith and our only and ultimate appeal. By the law and the testimony let every doctrine, and system, and hope for eternity be tried.
Do not be, then, carried away by the learning, the influence, or even the piety attaching to a popular name. Allow no human leader the mastery of your mind and conscience.
Yield yourself meekly and obediently to the authority and teaching of Christ, accepting human guidance only so far as it comes with a "thus says the Lord" as its divine endorsement.
Our only safeguard in a matter of such infinite moment as our future well being, is God's pure Word; our only secure place, the feet of the Savior. Sitting there as His lowly disciple, the Holy Spirit will lead our minds into the truth, even "the truth as it is in Jesus," as it emanates from Jesus, as it speaks of Jesus, as it strengthens our faith in, and inspires our love to, Jesus, and as it prepares us to go and be with Jesus forever.
The one, precious, all absorbing theme!
from "The Precious Things of God" by Octavius Winslow
The Word of God must ever be transcendently
precious to the believer. The Bible is, from its
commencement to its close, a record of the
Lord Jesus. Around Him the divine and glorious
Word centers; all its wondrous types, prophecies,
and facts gather. His Promise and Foreshadowing,
His holy Incarnation, Nativity, and Baptism, His
Obedience and Passion, His Death, Burial, and
Resurrection, His Ascension to heaven, His Second
Coming to judge the world, are the grand and
touching, the sublime and tender, the priceless
and precious truths interwoven with the whole
texture of the Bible, to which the Two Witnesses
of Revelation, the Old and the New Testaments
bear their harmonious and solemn testimony.
Beloved, let this be the one and chief
object in your study of the Bible-
the knowledge of Jesus.
The Bible is not a history, a book of science,
or a poem; it is a record of Christ. Study it to
know more of Him, His nature, His love, His
work. With the magnanimous Paul, "count
all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord."
Then will God's Word become increasingly
precious to your soul, and its truths unfold.
In every page you will,
trace the history of Jesus,
see the glory of Jesus,
admire the work of Jesus,
learn the love of Jesus, and
hear the voice of Jesus.
The whole volume will be redolent of His
name, and luminous with His beauty.
Oh, what is the Bible to us apart from its
revelation of a Savior! Is there not great
danger of studying it merely intellectually
and scientifically, of reveling among its
literary beauties and its grandeur, blind
to its true value, and without any desire
to know that precious Savior who died for
sinners, that Divine Redeemer who
purchased the ransom of His Church
with His own blood; that Friend who
loves us; that Brother who sympathizes
with us, that enthroned High Priest who
intercedes for us within the veil?
Do we study the "Word of Christ" spiritually
and honestly, as those whose souls hunger
and thirst for this the bread and water of life?
Do we search it diligently and earnestly as
for hidden treasure; treasure beyond all price?
Can we say with David, "O how love I your
law! it is my meditation all the day."
Do we read it with a child like mind, receive
it with a believing heart, bow to its teaching
with reverence of soul, and receive its
decisions in all questions of faith and
practice as decisive and ultimate?
In a word, do we search the Scriptures
humbly, prayerfully, depending upon the
guidance of the Spirit, to find Jesus in them?
Of these Scriptures He is the Alpha and the
Omega, the substance, the sweetness, the
glory, the one, precious, all absorbing theme.
Yes, Lord! Your word is precious to our souls,
because it reveals to us Your glory, and tells
us of Your love!
What a treasure!
from Thomas Reade's, "Christian Experience"
What a treasure is the Word of God!
Here we have....
Light, to dissipate our darkness;
Truth, to guide us amid the mazes of error;
Consolations, to gladden us in a world of misery.
The Bible is....
the Revelation of our Father's love;
the Expression of Jehovah's grace to sinners;
the Depository of heavenly blessings;
the Charter of our highest privileges;
the Religion of true Christians;
the Glory of our churches;
the Poor Man's Friend.
Everything sublime in conception, and tender in
expression, it is to be found in the sacred Scriptures.
The Eternal Jehovah has there revealed Himself as....
clothed with majesty and honor;
glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders;
of purer eyes than to behold iniquity;
in whose sight the heavens are not clean.
In the sacred Scriptures, he has manifested forth his glory,
as mighty to save; forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.
In that blessed volume, Mercy is seen to arrest the
arm of Justice, and all the tenderness of the Father
is displayed in the person of the Son.
Love breathes throughout its sacred pages.
Too many novels
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
"Of making many books there is no end." Ecclesiastes 12:12
(Sophia Smith's journal entry, 7 November 1863)
"I have done too much light reading in the past—too many novels.
Although interesting and well written, they take up too much time,
and are too absorbing. They induce a disrelish for more substantial
reading. And they also have a tendency to dissipate the mind and
take it off from more solemn things."
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk." 1 Peter 2:2-3
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Ps. 119:97
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"There are many books," said John Newton, "which I cannot sit down
to read. They are indeed good and sound—but have a great quantity
of pages, compared to their insignificant value. There are some silver
books, and a very few golden books; but I have one book worth more
than all, called the Bible—and that is a book of priceless gems!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(Gorham Abbott, "The Family at Home", 1833)
To a man who knows the value of the Word of God, it is . . .
nearer than his friends,
dearer than his life,
sweeter than his liberty,
pleasanter than his daily comforts.
"How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey
to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103
"They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are
sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." Psalm 19:10
This one book is worth more than all the other books in the world!
He who reads this book with attention, humility, prayer, and self
application, can never be ignorant of that which it chiefly concerns
him to know. "Therein are contained the words of eternal life. It
has God for its Author, salvation for its object, and truth, without
mixture of error, for its matter."
Guard against the love of light, trifling reading. At best, it wastes
the time and enfeebles the mind, and disqualifies it for the relish
of more solid subjects. By giving a false and delusive coloring to
the scenes of human life—it excites unreasonable expectations,
unfits for common duties, and produces discontent with the sober
realities of life.
Doctrine is useless!
(J. C. Ryle)
"If you know these things, you are blessed if
you do them." John 13:17
Doctrine is useless—if it is not accompanied
by a holy life. It is worse than useless; it does
positive harm. Something of the 'image of Christ'
must be seen and observed in our private life,
and habits, and character, and doings.
Is the Bible the Word of God?
(J. C. Ryle, "Inspiration" 1877)
Is the Bible the Word of God? Then mind that
you do not neglect it. Read it! Begin to read it this
very day. What greater insult to God can a man
be guilty of than to refuse to read the letter God
sends him from heaven? Oh, be sure, if you will
not read your Bible, you are in fearful danger
of losing your soul!
Is the Bible the Word of God? Then be sure
you always read it with deep reverence. Say to
your soul, whenever you open the Bible, "O my
soul, you are going to read a message from God!"
Is the Bible the Word of God? Then be sure
you never read it without fervent prayer for the
help and teaching of the Holy Spirit. Humble
prayer will throw more light on your Bible than
any commentary that ever was written. You will
not understand it unless your heart is right. You
will find it a sealed book without the teaching of
the Holy Spirit. Its contents are often "hidden
from the wise and learned, and revealed to babes."
Is the Bible the Word of God? Then let us all
resolve from this day forward to prize the Bible
more. God has given us the Bible to be a light to
guide us to everlasting life. Let us not neglect this
precious gift. Let us read it diligently, and walk in
its light.
The key which fits every lock
(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you
into all the truth." John 16:13
What a wonderful book is God's Bible--as opened
to the heart by the Spirit! Christ is the key which
fits every lock, both in the book and in the heart.
"When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to
you from the Father--the Spirit of truth who proceeds
from the Father--He will testify about Me." John 15:26
Blessed Jesus! You are the living key by which every
secret in the Word is opened, as the blessed Spirit
uses and reveals You in them.
Adorable Immanuel, Moses wrote of You, the Psalms
and prophets speak of You. Open my dull understanding
to discern You through the types and through the shadows.
Show Yourself through these lattices, and open my heart to
receive You experimentally in all. Eternity will be too short
to utter half Your praise. Oh, cause me to lisp it more
constantly and feelingly in the low notes of the wilderness!
The 'Illuminated' Bible!
From Spurgeon's, "The Holy Ghost- the Great Teacher"
Do any of you have an 'illuminated' Bible at home?
"No," says one, "I have a morocco Bible; I have a
Polyglot Bible; I have a marginal reference Bible."
Ah! that is all very well, but have you an illuminated Bible?
"Yes, I have a large family Bible with pictures in it."
There is a picture of John the Baptist baptizing Christ by
pouring water on his head, and many other nonsensical things;
but that is not what I mean: have you an illuminated Bible?
"Yes, I have a Bible with splendid engravings in it."
Yes; I know you may have; but have you an illuminated Bible?
"I don't understand what you mean by an illuminated Bible."
Well, it is the Christian man who has an illuminated Bible.
He does not buy it illuminated originally, but when he reads it
"A glory gilds the sacred page,
Majestic like the sun
Which gives a light to every page,
-It gives, but burrows none."
There is nothing like reading an illuminated Bible, beloved.
You may read the Bible to all eternity, and never learn
anything by it, unless it is illuminated by the Spirit;
and then the words shine forth like stars!
The book seems made of gold leaf; every single
letter glitters like a diamond.
Oh, it is a blessed thing to read an illuminated Bible
lit up by the radiance of the Holy Spirit!
An excellent way of commenting upon the Bible
(Thomas Watson)
"How I love Your teaching! It is my meditation
all day long." Psalm 119:97
Chrysostom compares the Scripture to a garden,
every truth is a fragrant flower, which we should
wear, not on our bosom--but in our heart!
David counted the Word "sweeter than honey
and the honeycomb". There is that in Scripture
which may breed delight. It shows us the way . . .
to riches: Deut 28:8, Prov 3:30;
to long life, Psalm 34:42;
to a kingdom, Heb 12:28.
Well then may we count those the sweetest hours
which are spent in reading the holy Scriptures; well
may we say with the prophet, "Your words were
found, and I ate them. Your words became a
delight to me and the joy of my heart."
Conform to Scripture. Let us lead Scripture lives.
Oh that the Bible might be seen printed in our
lives! Do what the Word commands. Obedience is
an excellent way of commenting upon the Bible.
"Teach me Your way, O Lord--and I will walk in Your
truth." Let the Word be the sun-dial by which you
set your life. What are we the better for having the
Scripture--if we do not direct all our speech and
actions according to it? What are we the better for
the rule of the Word--if we do not make use of it,
and regulate our lives by it? What a dishonor is it
to religion--for men to live in contradiction to
Scripture! The Word is called a "light to our feet"
It is not only a light to our eyes to mend our sight
--but to our feet to mend our walk. Oh let us lead
Bible lives!
Be thankful to God for the Scriptures. What a
mercy is it that God has not only acquainted us
what His will is, but that He has made it known
by writing! The Scripture is our pole-star to
direct us to heaven, it shows us every step we
are to take; when we go wrong--it instructs us;
when we go right--it comforts us.
Adore God's distinguishing grace, if you have
felt the power and authority of the Word upon
your conscience; if you can say as David, "Your
word has quickened me." Christian, bless God
that He has not only given you His Word to be
a rule of holiness--but His grace to be a principle
of holiness. Bless God that He has not only written
His Word, but sealed it upon your heart, and made
it effectual. Can you say it is of divine inspiration,
because you have felt it to be of lively operation?
Oh free grace! that God should send out His Word,
and heal you; that He should heal you--and not
others! That the same Scripture which to them is
a dead letter--should be to you a savor of life!
Fly to the Word of God!
from "The Preciousness of God's Word" by Octavius Winslow
As a system of 'consolation' Christianity has no equal. No other religion in the wide world touches the hidden springs of the soul, or reaches the lowest depths of human sorrow, but the religion of Christ.
When your hearts have been overwhelmed, when adversity has wrapped you within its gloomy pall, when the broken billows of grief have swollen and surged around your soul, how have you fled to the Scriptures of truth for succor and support, for guidance and comfort! Nor have you repaired to them in vain. "The God of all comfort" is He who speaks in this Word, and there is no word of comfort like that which He speaks.
The adaptation of His truth to the varied, the peculiar and personal trials and sorrows of His Church, is one of the strongest proofs of its divinity. Take to the Word of God whatever sorrow you may, go with whatever mental beclouding, with whatever spirit sadness, with whatever heart grief; whatever be its character, its complexion, its depth unsurpassed in the history of human sorrow, there is consolation and support in the Word of God for your mind.
God will not leave you in trouble, but will sustain you in it, will bring you out of, and sanctify you by it, to the endless glory and praise of His great and precious name!
Christian mourner, let me once more direct your eye too dimmed perhaps by tears to behold this divine source of true, unfailing comfort. God's Word is the book of the afflicted. Written to unfold the wondrous history of the "Man of Sorrows," it would seem to have been equally written for you, 0 child of grief! God speaks to your sad and sorrowing heart from every page of this sacred volume, with words of comfort, loving, gentle, and persuasive as a mother's. "As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you."
The Bible is the opening of the heart of God. It is God's heart unveiled, each throb inviting the mourner, the poor in spirit, the widow, the fatherless, the bereaved, the persecuted, the sufferer, yes, every child of affliction and grief to the asylum and sympathy, the protection and soothing of His heart. Oh, thank God for the comfort and consolation of the Scripture! Open it with what sorrow and burden and perplexity you may, be it the guilt of sin, the pressure of trial, or the corrodings of sorrow, it speaks to the heart such words of comfort as God only could speak.
Have you ever borne your grief to God's Word, especially to the experimental Psalms of David, and not felt that it was written for that particular sorrow? You have found your grief more accurately portrayed, your state of mind more truly described, and your case more exactly and fully met, probably in a single history, chapter, or verse, than in all the human treatises that the pen of man ever wrote.
Fly to the Word of God, then, in every sorrow! You will know more of the mind and heart of God than you, perhaps, ever learned in all the schools before. Draw, then, O child of sorrow, your consolation from God's Word. Oh, clasp this precious Word of comfort to your sorrowful heart, and exclaim, "It is mine! The Jesus of whom it speaks is mine, the salvation it reveals is mine, the promises it contains are mine, the heaven it unveils is mine, and all the consolation, comfort, and sympathy which wells up from these hidden springs, is MINE."
Beware of light reading!
from Horatius Bonar's book, "FOLLOW THE LAMB"
Beware of light reading!
Shun novels; they are the literary curse of
the age. If you are a parent, keep novels
out of the way of your children. But whether
you are a parent or not, neither read them
yourself, nor set an example of novel reading
to others. Don't let novels lie on your table,
or be seen in your hand. This light reading
has done deep injury to many a young man
and woman.
The light literature of the day is working
a world of harm; vitiating the taste of the
young, enervating their minds, unfitting
them for life's plain work, eating out their
love of the Bible, teaching them a false
morality, and creating in the soul an unreal
standard of truth, and beauty, and love.
Let your reading be always select; and
whatever you read, begin with seeking
God's blessing on it.
But see that your relish for the Bible be above
every other enjoyment, and the moment you
begin to feel greater relish for any other book,
lay it down till you have sought deliverance from
such a snare, and obtained from the Holy Spirit
an intenser relish, a keener appetite for the
Word of God.
We hold and teach
(J. C. Ryle)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is
profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for
correcting, for training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be complete,
equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
(1) We hold and teach--that the Bible is the
only rule of faith and practice; and it alone
is able to make a man wise unto salvation.
(2) We hold and teach--that we are accounted
righteous before God--only for the merit of our
Lord Jesus Christ, by faith--and not for our own
works and deservings. We maintain that in the
matter of our justification, our own goodness
and holiness have nothing whatever to do.
(3) We hold and teach--that good works, which
follow after justification, spring necessarily out
of a true and living faith. We maintain that a
living faith may be as evidently discerned, by
the good works which spring from it--as a tree
is discerned by its fruit; and that, consequently,
the man in whom no good works and holiness
can be seen--is not yet a converted man.
(4) We hold and teach--that repentance, faith,
holiness of heart and life, justification, conversion,
union with Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit--are the primary and principal things in true
religion. We maintain that other points of doctrine,
however important and valuable in their due place,
are by comparison, things of secondary importance.
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out
of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with
great patience and careful instruction." 2 Tim. 4:2
Suck out the sweetness
(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)
Meditation is a holy exercise of the mind; whereby we
bring the truths of God to remembrance—and seriously
ponder upon them and apply them to ourselves. It is a
work which cannot be done in a crowd. A Christian must
retire from the world, to have serious thinking upon God.
It is not a few transient thoughts that are quickly gone;
but a fixing and staying of the mind upon heavenly
objects.
As the bee sucks the honey from the flower—so by
meditation we suck out the sweetness of a truth.
It is not the receiving of food into the mouth, but the
digesting of it, which makes it nutritious. Just so, it is
not the receiving of the most excellent truths in the
ear, which nourishes our souls—but the digesting of
them by meditation.
Satan does what he can to hinder this duty. He is an
enemy of meditation. The devil does not care not how
much we read—so long as we do not meditate on what
we read. Reading begets knowledge—but meditation
begets devotion. "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate
on it all day long." Psalm 119:97
Holy meditation quickens the affections. The reason
why our affections are so cold to heavenly things—is
because we do not warm them at the fire of holy
meditation. As the musing on worldly objects makes
the fire of lust burn; and as the musing on injuries
makes the fire of revenge burn; just so, meditating
on the transcendent beauties of Christ, would make
our love to Christ flame forth.
Meditation has a transforming power in it. The reading
of the Word may affect us—but the meditating upon it
transforms us. Meditation stamps the impression of divine
truths upon our hearts. By meditating on God's holiness,
we grow holy. While by meditation we look upon God's
purity—we are changed into His likeness.
Meditation produces reformation. "I have considered
my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes."
Psalm 119:59. If we would spend but one quarter of
an hour every day in contemplating heavenly objects,
it would leave a mighty impression upon us!
Read as an act of worship.
(by Joel Beeke)
Read as an act of worship. Read to be elevated
into the great truths of God. Be selective about
what you read, however. Measure all your reading
against the touchstone of the Scripture. So much
of today's literature is froth. Time is too precious
to waste on nonsense. Read more for eternity than
time, more for spiritual growth than professional
advancement.
Before picking up a book, ask yourself--"Would
Christ approve of this book? Will it increase my
love for the Word of God, help me conquer sin,
offer abiding wisdom, prepare me for the life to
come? Or could I better spend time reading
another book?"
Of what value is all our knowledge of truth?
(Octavius Winslow, "Evening Thoughts")
Of what value is all our knowledge of truth . . .
if it does not lead us to Jesus;
if it does not expand our views of His glory;
if it does not conform our minds to His image;
if it does not increase our love to Him,
if it does not quicken our obedience to His commands,
if it does not quicken our zeal for His cause;
if it does not mature us, by a progressive holiness,
for the enjoyment of His beatific presence?
Extract the honey from the Word!
(Winslow, "Retirement, The School
and Discipline of Spiritual Life")
The frivolous and frothy literature of the day, of
which, alas! the press is so prolific, is exerting a
most baneful influence upon the spiritual life of
many Christian professors.
In numberless cases the exaggerated fiction;
the sensational story; the high wrought romance;
is supplanting those works contributed by the
most highly cultivated, spiritual minds.
The effect of this upon the Christianity of the
age, must be deteriorating and disastrous in
the extreme.
Hence the sickly life exhibited
by many religious professors!
The prevailing taste for this vapid, worldly
literature lowers the intellectual powers of the
mind, and impairs the spiritual powers of the soul.
What, then, is the great antidote to
this far circulating moral poison?
We unhesitatingly answer; the private and
devout study of God's word. We believe that
the Bible can only be spiritually and experimentally
understood as the student retreats from the arena
of religious controversy, into the privacy of his
chamber, and there, as upon his knees, invoking
the aid and teaching of the Holy Spirit.
It is not always in the crowd, and amid the
voices of conflicting interpreters, or even
from the pulpit, that the literal and spiritual
meaning of the Scriptures is understood; but,
when we withdraw into the privacy of the closet,
or the solitude of the sick chamber, He explains
to us, and causes us to understand, the mind of
the Spirit in the Word as at no other time and
in no other way.
And, oh! in the quietude of that separation;
in the stillness of that hour; you may have
closer communion with God; know more of
Christ and understand more of the truth,
than at any previous period of your spiritual
life! "And when they were alone, He explained
all things to His disciples."
Oh, it is thus when sequestered from man,
and only with God, we excavate the gold
and extract the honey from the Word!
Babylonian books!
by Spurgeon
To forego your Bible reading for the perusal even of good
books would soon bring a conscious descending of the soul.
If you read the 'Babylonian books' of the present day, you will
catch their spirit, and it is a foreign one, which will draw you
aside from the Lord your God.
You may also get great harm from divines in whom there is
much pretence of the Jerusalem dialect, but their speech is half
of Ashdod: these will confuse your mind and defile your faith.
It may happen that a book which is upon the whole excellent,
which has little taint about it, may do you more mischief than a
thoroughly bad one.
Be careful; for works of this kind come forth from the press
like clouds of locusts. Scarcely can you find in these days a
book which is quite free from the modern leaven, and the least
particle of it ferments until it produces the wildest error. In
reading books of the new order, though no palpable falsehood
may appear, you are conscious of a twist being given you, and
of a sinking in the tone of your spirit; therefore be on your
guard.
But with your Bible you may always feel at ease; there every
breath from every quarter brings life and health. If you keep
close to the inspired book, you can suffer no harm; say rather
you are at the fountain-head of all moral and spiritual good. This
is fit food for men of God: this is the bread which nourishes the
highest life.
Shut up!
(Thomas Reade, "Christian Experience")
They tell the prophets, "Shut up! We don't want
any more of your reports." They say, "Don't tell
us the truth. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.
Forget all this gloom. We have heard more than
enough about your 'Holy One of Israel.' We are
tired of listening to what He has to say."
Isaiah 30:10-11
O what a deluge of evil has sin brought upon
the earth!
The heart of man naturally revolts against
the faithful exposure of its enormities.
Our pride fondly shelters itself under
the 'dignity of human nature'.
We cannot bear to be told how wicked
we are, how very far gone, even as far
as possible, from original righteousness.
But the Bible is no flatterer!
It is a faithful mirror, in which we may clearly
see, (if we have eyes to see) our real state,
divested of all paint and covering.
This offends our pride.
We cannot endure the sight!
Therefore we turn away with disgust from
this Holy Book, and consider it our enemy,
because it tells us the truth.
They tell the prophets, "Shut up! We don't want
any more of your reports." They say, "Don't tell
us the truth. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.
Forget all this gloom. We have heard more than
enough about your 'Holy One of Israel.' We are
tired of listening to what He has to say."
Isaiah 30:10-11
More scarce and precious than a bar of gold!
(adapted from Octavius Winslow's, "The Redeemer,
the Revelation of the Father's Glory" October, 1844)
"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign Lord,
"when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine
of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord."
Amos 8:11
Already has this famine of the true word of God commenced!
How few, forming their ministry upon the apostolic
model, can affirm with Paul, "My speech and my
preaching are not with enticing words of man's wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power!"
How few, disdaining artificial embellishment, and
scorning the applause of men won by a vain show
of intellect and eloquence, preach that simple truth
of which Jesus is the Author, the Substance, the
Glory, the Power, and the End; purely, boldly,
faithfully, affectionately, uncompromisingly!
How few who honestly and heartily desire to lift up
their Lord and Master; themselves lost behind the
glory of His person and the splendors of His cross!
How sadly, how painfully, is the Lord Jesus Christ
kept in the background! How is His glory obscured,
His beauty veiled, His honor withheld!
"The time will come, when a faithful minister
of the Gospel will be more scarce and precious
than a bar of gold!" John Owen
"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign Lord,
"when I will send a famine on the land; not a famine
of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord."
Amos 8:11
The light, frivolous, frothy literature of the day!
(from "The Preciousness of God's Word" by Octavius Winslow)
Christian, guard against the light, frivolous,
frothy literature of the day. It will lessen your
conviction of what is true; it will depreciate the
value of what is divine; it will impair your taste
for what is spiritual; and it will bring poverty,
barrenness, and death into your soul.
God speaks to you from every paragraph and
sentence of this Holy Book. It is His voice that
we hear, His signature that we behold, His ineffable
glory, which, the more it is viewed in this bright
mirror, may the more powerfully command our
wonder and praise.
Oh that power might come down upon us from the
Spirit of truth and grace, and beams from the Sun
of righteousness break in upon our minds as we
contemplate the intrinsic glories of the Bible! Let
the truth and weight of these revelations sink
deep into your ears.
Christian, you should have a thousand fold deeper
interest in the Bible than in any other, or all other
books. This Book offers to you that which most you
need, that which is infinitely more to you than all
other things; glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.
We cannot but look upon the prevailing indifference
with which the Word of God is regarded, as one of
the evils over which we are loudly called to mourn.
You send the Bible to the ignorant and destitute,
you carry it to every cottage and waft it to every
country, and thanks to God that you do so. But to
what extent is it studied in your churches, read in
your families, taught to your children?
There is no surer evidence of living without God, than
living without intimate communion with the Bible.
The Bible is inactive, inoperative; a mere dead letter!
Winslow, "The Holy Spirit Glorifying the Redeemer"
"because our gospel came to you not simply
with words, but also with power, with the Holy
Spirit and with deep conviction." 1 Thes. 1:5
Unaccompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, the
Bible is inactive, inoperative; a mere dead letter!
Apart from the Spirit, it cannot quicken, nor sanctify,
nor comfort. It may be read constantly, and searched
deeply, and known accurately, and understood partially,
and quoted appropriately. Yet, left to its own unassisted
power, 'it comes but in word only', producing no
hallowing, no abiding, no saving results.
The best sermons!
(adapted from Spurgeon's sermon, "Christ
the Glory of His People" #826. Luke 2:32.
The best sermons are the sermons
which are most full of Christ.
A sermon without Christ....
it is an awful, a horrible thing;
it is an empty well;
it is a cloud without rain;
it is a tree twice dead, plucked by the roots.
It is an abominable thing to give men
stones for bread, and scorpions for eggs,
and yet they do so who preach not Jesus.
A sermon without Christ! As well talk of
a loaf of bread without any flour in it.
How can it feed the soul?
Men die and perish because Christ is not
there, and yet His glorious gospel is the
easiest thing to preach, and the sweetest
thing to preach; there is most variety in it,
there is more attractiveness in it than in
all the world besides!
The study of the Bible cannot save you!
The following is from Spurgeon's sermon,
"Help for Seekers of the Light" #884. Is. 59:9.
True salvation is not to be found through
the mere reception of any creed, however
true or scriptural.
Mere 'head notion' is not
the road to heaven.
"You must be born again," means a
great deal more than that you must
believe certain dogmas.
The study of the Bible cannot save you!
You must press beyond this; you must come
to the living, personal Christ, or else your
acceptance of the soundest creed cannot
avail for the salvation of your soul.
Salvation lies in Jesus only!
"You search the Scriptures because you believe
they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures
point to me! Yet you refuse to come to Me so
that I can give you this eternal life." John 5:39-40
Theological controversies and disputes
(Letters of John Newton)
Beware of engaging in theological disputes, without evident necessity, and some probable hope of usefulness. They tend to eat out the life and savor of religion, and to make the soul lean and dry.
I am not to expect others to see with my eyes! I am deeply convinced of the truth of John the Baptist's aphorism in John 3:27, "A man can receive nothing—except it be given him from Heaven." I well know, that the little measure of knowledge I have obtained in the things of God—has not been owing to my own wisdom and teachableness, but to God's goodness. Nor did I learn everything all at once—God has been pleased to exercise much patience towards me, for the past twenty-seven years—since He first gave me a desire of learning from Himself. He has graciously accommodated Himself to my weakness, borne with my mistakes, and helped me through innumerable prejudices, which, but for His mercy, would have been insuperable hindrances! I have therefore no right to be angry, impatient, or censorious to others, especially as I have still much to learn, and am so poorly influenced by what I seem to know!
I am weary of theological controversies and disputes, and desire to choose for myself, and to point out to others, Mary's part—to sit at Jesus' feet, and to hear His words. I cannot, I must not, I dare not—be contentious! Only, as a witness for God, I am ready to bear my simple testimony to what I have known of His truth, whenever I am properly called to it.
The longer I live, the more I see of the vanity and the sinfulness of our unchristian disputes! They eat up the very vitals of religion! I allow that every branch of Gospel truth is precious, that errors are abounding, and that it is our duty to bear an honest testimony to what the Lord has enabled us to find comfort in, and to instruct with meekness such as are willing to be instructed. But I cannot see that it is my duty; nay, I believe it would be my sin—to attempt to beat my notions into other people's heads!
This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?
(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of John")
"This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
John 6:60
Murmurs and complaints of this kind are very
common. It must never surprise us to hear them.
They have been, they are, they will be, as long
as the world stands.
To some Christ's sayings appear hard to understand.
To others they appear hard to believe. And to others,
harder still to obey.
It is just one of the many ways in which the natural
corruption of man shows itself. So long as the heart
is naturally . . .
proud,
worldly,
unbelieving, and
fond of self-indulgence and sin,
so long there will never be lacking people who will
say of Christian doctrines and precepts, "This is a
hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
Fallen man, in interpreting the Bible, has an
unhappy aptitude for turning food into poison.
There is a melancholic anxiety in fallen man
to put a carnal sense on Scriptural expressions,
wherever he possibly can.
He struggles hard to make religion a matter . . .
of forms and ceremonies;
of doing and performing;
of sacraments and ordinances;
of sense and of sight.
He secretly dislikes that system of Christianity
which makes the state of the heart the principal
thing.
There is a tendency in many minds to attach an
excessive importance to the outward and visible
parts of religion. They seem to think that the sum
and substance of Christianity consists in public
ceremonies and forms, in appeals to the eye and
ear, and bodily excitement.
The value of choice devotional reading
(J. R. Miller)
"Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a
light on my path." Psalm 119:105
Nothing is more helpful and practical in
Christian living—than the habit of getting
a verse or phrase of Scripture into the mind
and heart in the morning. Its influence stays
through the day, weaving itself into all the
day's thoughts and words and experiences.
Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us
to live—and a good devotional book opens
up the precious teachings which are folded
up in Scripture.
A devotional book, which takes a Scripture
text, and so opens it for us in the morning—
that all day long it helps us to live, becoming
a true lamp for our feet, and a staff to lean
upon when the way is rough—is the very best
help we can possibly have. What we need in
a devotional book which will bless our lives—
is the application of the great teachings of
Scripture—to common, daily, practical life.
A sweet power
(Cudworth, 1647)
"Speaking the truth in love." Ephes. 4:15
When we would convince men of any error by
the strength of truth, let us additionally pour
the sweet balm of love upon their heads. Truth
and love are two of the most powerful things
in the world; and when they both go together,
they cannot easily be withstood. The golden
beams of truth, and the silken cords of love,
twisted together, will draw men on with a
sweet power, whether they will or not.
Let us take heed we do not sometimes call that
'zeal for God and His gospel' which is nothing else
but our own tempestuous and stormy passion.
True zeal is a sweet, heavenly, and gentle flame,
which makes us active for God--but always within
the sphere of love. It never calls for fire from heaven
to consume those who differ a little from us. It
strives to save the soul--but hurts not the body.
True zeal is a loving thing, and makes us always
active to edification, and not to destruction.
God's promises!
from Spurgeon's sermon, "Three Precious Things" #931
"...He has given us His very great and precious promises..."
2 Peter 1:4
God's promises are precious because they tell of
exceeding great and precious things. We have
promises in the Bible which time would fail us to
repeat, which for breadth and length are immeasurable.
They deal with every great thing which the soul can need:
promises of pardoned sin,
promises of sanctification,
promises of teaching,
promises of guidance,
promises of upholding,
promises of ennobling,
promises of progress,
promises of consolation, and
promises of perfection.
In this blessed book you have....
promises of the daily bread of earth;
promises of the bread of life from heaven;
promises for time;
promises for eternity.
You have so many promises, that all the
conditions and positions of the believer are
met. I sometimes liken the promises to the
locksmith's great bunch of keys, which he brings
when you have lost the key of your treasure chest,
and cannot unlock it. He feels pretty sure that out
of all the keys upon the ring some one or other
will fit, and he tries them with patient industry.
At last! yes! that is it, he has moved the bolt,
and you can get at your treasures!
There is always a promise in the volume of
inspiration suitable to your present case.
Make the Lord's promises your delight and your
counselors, and they will befriend you at every turn.
Search the Scriptures, and you shall meet with a
promise which will be so applicable to you as to
appear to have been written after your trouble
had occurred! So exactly will it apply, that you
will be compelled to marvel at the wonderful
tenderness and suitableness of it.
As if the tailor had measured you from head to foot,
so exactly shall the garment of the promise befit you.
The promises are precious in themselves....
from their suitability to us,
from their coming from God,
from their being immutable,
from their being sure of performance, and
from their containing wrapped up within themselves
all that the children of God can ever need.
"...He has given us His very great and precious promises..."
2 Peter 1:4
Why is it there is so much
error in the Church of God?
From Winslow's, "Learning of Jesus"
The only authoritative Teacher in the Church of
God, the only true Prophet, is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why is it there is so much darkness and crudeness
in the books we read, and in the sermons we hear?
Why is it that we see so much ignorance and
obscurity in setting forth the truth of God?
Why is it there is so much
error in the Church of God?
It is because men will not sit at the feet of
Jesus and learn of Him. Men would rather learn
of their fellow men than of the 'God man'.
They prefer human writings to the Divine.
They prefer the school of man, to the school of God.
And this is one reason why there is so much
false doctrine, the teaching that causes to err,
both from the pulpit and from the press.
We may be carried away by great learning, brilliant
genius, and apparently profound piety; but if we
place ourselves at the feet of Jesus as a lowly
disciple, and there receive our views of truth, we
shall then understand those profound mysteries
of God's revealed Word, which are hidden from
the worldly wise and prudent, but revealed to
those who become learners of Christ.
"Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and you shall find rest for your souls." Matthew 9:29
The dark pit of ignorance!
The following is from Spurgeon's sermon,
"The Sinner's End" #486. Psalm 73:17,18
Lack of understanding has destroyed many.
The dark pit of ignorance
has engulfed its thousands!
Where the lack of understanding has not
sufficed to slay, it has been able seriously
to wound.
Lack of understanding upon doctrinal truth,
providential dealing, or inward experience
has often caused the people of God a vast
amount of perplexity and sorrow, much of
which they might have avoided had they been
more careful to consider and understand the
ways of the Lord.
Private devotions!
The following is from Spurgeon's sermon,
"A Song at the Well-head" No. 776. Num. 21:16-18
You are retired for your private devotions; you
have opened the Bible, and you begin to read.
Now, do not be satisfied with merely reading
through a chapter. Some people thoughtlessly
read through two or three chapters- stupid
people for doing such a thing!
It is always better to read a little and digest
it, than it is to read much and then think you
have done a good thing by merely reading the
letter of the word.
For you might as well read the alphabet
backwards and forwards, as read a chapter
of Scripture, unless you meditate upon it,
and seek to comprehend its meaning.
Merely to read words is nothing: the letter kills.
The business of the believer with his Bible
open is to pray, "Lord, give me the meaning
and spirit of your word, while it lies open
before me; apply your word with power to
my soul, threatening or promise, doctrine
or precept, whatever it may be; lead me
into the soul and marrow of your word."
Also, it is not the form of prayer, but the spirit
of prayer that shall truly benefit your souls.
That prayer has not benefited you,
which is not the prayer of the soul.
You have need to say, "Lord, give me the
spirit of prayer; now help me to feel my
need deeply, to perceive your promises
clearly, and to exercise faith upon them."
In your private devotions, strive after vital
godliness, real soul-work, the life-giving
operation of the Spirit of God in your hearts.
Heads & Legs!
from Spurgeon's sermon, "Faith Versus Sight" No. 677.
2 Cor. 5:7. "We walk by faith..."
Oh! I wish that some Christians would pay a
little attention to their legs, instead of paying
it all to their heads!
When children's heads grow too fast it is a sign of
disease, and they get the rickets, or water on the brain.
So, there are some very sound brethren, who seem
to me to have got some kind of disease, and when
they try to walk, they straightway make a tumble
of it, because they have paid so much attention to
perplexing doctrinal views, instead of looking, as
they ought to have done, to the practical part of
Christianity.
By all means let us have doctrine, but by all means
let us have precept too. By all means let us have
inward experience, but by all means let us also have
outward "holiness, without which no man can see the Lord."
Thus Says the Lord!
from Spurgeon’s sermon, “Thus Says the Lord” Ezekiel 11:5
“Thus says the Lord” is the only authority in God’s Church.
The faintest whisper of Jehovah's voice should fill us with
solemn awe, and command the deepest obedience of our souls.
Brethren, how careful should we be that we do not set up in
God’s church anything in opposition to his Word, that we do
not permit the teachings of a creature to usurp the honor due
to the Lord alone.
“Thus says antiquity.”
“Thus says authority.”
“Thus says learning.”
“Thus says experience.”
-these are but idol-gods which defile the church of God!
Be it yours and mine as bold warriors to dash them in pieces
without mercy, seeing that they usurp the place of the Word of God.
“Thus says the Lord,” -this is the motto of our standard;
the war-cry of our spiritual conflict; the sword with which
we hope yet to smite through the loins of the mighty who
rise up against God’s truth.
“Thus says the Lord God.” This is the trowel, and this the
hammer of God’s builders; this the trumpet of his watchmen
and the sword of his warriors.
Woe to the man who comes in any other name!
If we, or an angel from heaven, shall preach unto you anything but
a “Thus says the Lord,” no matter what our character or standing,
give no heed to us, but cleave unto the truth as it is in Jesus.
To the law and to the testimony, if we speak not according
to this word, it is because there is no light in us.
That test which we demand to be exercised upon others we
cheerfully consent to be exercised upon ourselves, praying
that we may have grace to forsake our errors as we would
have other men forsake theirs.
We will listen to the opinions of great men with the respect
which they deserve as men, but having so done, we deny that
we have anything to do with these men as authorities in the
Church of God, for there nothing has any authority, but
“Thus says the Lord of hosts.”
Yes, if you shall bring us the concurrent consent of all tradition-
if you shall quote precedents venerable with fifteen, sixteen, or
seventeen centuries of antiquity, we burn the whole as so much
worthless lumber, unless you put your finger upon the passage
of Holy Writ which warrants the matter to be of God.
To the true Church of God the only question is this, is there
“Thus says the Lord” for it? And if divine authority be not
forthcoming, faithful men thrust forth the intruder as the cunning
craftiness of men.
Let us use much of Scripture, much of the pure silver
of sacred revelation, and no human alloy.
“What is the chaff to the wheat, says the Lord?”
Many sorrows shall be to those who dare to dash themselves
against the thick bosses of Jehovah's buckler by opposing his
“Thus says the Lord.” Upon whomsoever this stone shall fall
it shall grind him to powder, and whosoever shall fall upon it shall
be broken to his own lasting damage.
O! my brethren, I would that we trembled and stood more in awe
of God’s Word. I fear that many treat the things of God as
though they were merely matters of opinion, but remember that
opinion cannot govern in God’s house.
God’s Word, not man’s opinion, claims your allegiance.
O for a stern integrity that will hold the Word and will never
depart from it, come what may.
How to understand Scripture!
from Spurgeon’s sermon, "The Golden Key of Prayer"
(This gem is primarily for anyone who teaches the bible)
John saw a book in the right hand of him that
sat on the throne -- a book sealed with seven
seals which none was found worthy to open or
to look thereon. What did John do? The book
was by-and-by opened by the Lion of the Tribe
of Judah, who had prevailed to open the book;
but it is written first before the book was opened,
"I wept much." Yes, and the tears of John which
were his liquid prayers, were, as far as he was
concerned, the sacred keys by which the folded
book was opened.
Brethren in the ministry, you who are teachers in
the Sunday school, and all of you who are learners
in the college of Christ Jesus, I beg you remember
that prayer is your best means of study!
like Daniel you shall understand the dream, and the
interpretation thereof, when you have sought unto
God; and like John you shall see the seven seals of
precious truth unloosed, after that you have wept much.
"Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up the voice
for understanding; if you do you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hid treasures; then shall you
understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge
of God."
Stones are not broken, except by an earnest use of the
hammer; and the stone breaker usually goes down on
his knees. Use the hammer of diligence, and let the
knee of prayer be exercised, too, and there is not a
stony doctrine in Scripture which is useful for you
to understand, which will not fly into shivers under
the exercise of prayer and faith.
To have prayed well is to have studied well.
You may force your way through anything
with the leverage of prayer.
Thoughts and reasoning may be like the steel wedges
which may open a way into truth; but prayer is the lever
which forces open the iron chest of sacred mystery,
that we may get the treasure that is hidden therein for
those who can force their way to reach it.
Take care that you work with the mighty tool
of prayer, and nothing can stand against you.
Sound theologians!
from Spurgeon’s, "Plain Words with the Careless"
No. 778 Luke 8:28.
A man may know a great deal about true
religion, and yet be a total stranger to it.
He may know that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God, and yet he may be possessed of a devil.
Mere knowledge does nothing for us but puff us up.
We may know, and know, and know, and so
increase our responsibility, without bringing
us at all into a state of salvation.
Beware of resting in head-knowledge.
Beware of relying upon orthodoxy,
for without love to Christ, with all your
correctness of doctrine, you will be a
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
It is well to be sound in the faith,
but the soundness must be in the
heart as well as in the head.
There is as ready a way to destruction by the road
of orthodoxy as by the paths of heterodoxy.
Hell has thousands in it who were never heretics.
Remember that the devils "believe and tremble."
There are no sounder theologians than devils,
and yet their conduct is not affected by
what they believe, and consequently they still
remain at enmity to the Most High God. A mere
head-believer is on a par therefore with fallen
angels, and he will have his portion with them
forever unless grace shall change his heart.
Biblical knowledge
"Reader, remember this: if your biblical knowledge
does not now affect your heart, it will at last, with
a witness, afflict your heart.
If it does not now endear Christ to you, it will at
last provoke Christ the more against you.
If it does not make all the things of Christ to be
very precious in your eyes, it will at last make
you the more vile in Christ's eyes."
-Thomas Brooks
Darkness of ignorance,
dungeons of falsehood, and
chains of superstition!
from Spurgeon’s,"WHAT GOD CANNOT DO!"
Truth once reigned supreme upon our globe, and
then earth was Paradise. Man knew no sorrow
while he was ignorant of falsehood.
The Father of Lies invaded the garden of bliss,
and with one foul lie he blighted Eden into a
wilderness, and made man a traitor to his God.
Cunningly he handled the glittering falsehood
and made it dazzle in the woman's eyes- “God
knows that in the day you eat thereof, then your
eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil.”
Proud ambition rode upon that lie as a conqueror
in his chariot, and the city of Mansoul opened its
gates to welcome the fascinating enemy.
As it was a lie which first subjugated the world to Satan's
influences, so it is by lies that he secures his throne.
Among the heathen his kingdom is quiet and secure,
because the minds of the people are deluded with a
false mythology. The domains of Mohammed and the
Pope are equally the kingdom of Satan, and his reign
is undisturbed, for human merit, priestly efficacy,
and a thousand other deceptions buttress his throne.
The darkness of ignorance, the dungeons of falsehood,
and the chains of superstition, are the main reliance of that
monster who oppresses all the nations with his infernal tyranny!
Divine guidance
(John Newton's Letters)
In general, God guides and directs His people, by affording
them, in answer to prayer, the light of His Holy Spirit, who
enables them to understand and to love the Scriptures.
The word of God furnishes us with just principles, and right
apprehensions, to regulate our judgments and affections, and
thereby to influence and direct our conduct. Those who study
the Scriptures, in a humble dependence upon Divine teaching,
are taught to make a true estimate of everything around them,
and are gradually formed into a spirit of submission to the will
of God. They thereby discover the nature and duties of their
several situations and relations in life, and the snares and
temptations to which they are exposed.
The word of God dwelling richly in them, is a preservative from
error, a light to their feet, and a spring of strength and consolation.
By treasuring up the doctrines, precepts, promises, examples, and
exhortations of Scripture, in their minds, and daily comparing
themselves with the rule by which they walk, they grow into a
habitual frame of spiritual wisdom, and acquire a gracious taste,
which enables them to judge of right and wrong with a degree of
readiness and certainty, as a musical ear judges of sounds. And
they are seldom mistaken, because they are influenced by the
love of Christ, which rules in their hearts, and a regard to the
glory of God, which is the great object they have in view.
The Lord, whom they serve, does not disappoint their expectations.
He leads them by a right way, preserves them from a thousand snares,
and satisfies them that He is and will be their guide even unto death.
GOD'S WORD
by Spurgeon
"He sends forth his commandment upon earth:
His word runs very swiftly" (Psalm 147:15).
No language ever stirs the deeps of my nature like the Word of
God, and none produces such a profound calm within my spirit.
As no other voice can,
it melts me to tears,
it humbles me in the dust,
it fires me with enthusiasm,
it fills me with pleasure,
it elevates me to holiness.
Every faculty of my being owns the power of the sacred Word.
It sweetens my memory,
it brightens my hope,
it stimulates my imagination,
it directs my judgment,
it commands my will, and
it cheers my heart.
The word of man charms me for the time,
but I outlive and outgrow its power.
It is altogether the reverse with the Word of the King of kings;
it rules me more sovereignly, more practically, more habitually,
more completely every day. Its power is for all seasons--for
sickness and for health, for solitude and for company, for
personal emergencies and for public assemblies.
I had sooner have the Word of God at my back than all the
armies and navies of all the great powers, aye, than all the
forces of nature; for the Word of the Lord is the source of
all the power in the universe, and within it there is an infinite
supply in reserve.
Pure, unalloyed, perfect truth!
The Bible is a vein of pure gold, unalloyed
by quartz or any earthly substance.
This is a star without a speck,
a sun with a blot,
a light without darkness,
a moon without it's paleness,
and a glory without a dimness.
O Bible! It cannot be said of any other book that it is
perfect and pure, but of the Bible we can declare that all
wisdom is gathered up in it without a particle of folly.
This is the judge that ends the strife where wit and reason fail.
This is the Book untainted by any error,
but is pure, unalloyed, perfect truth.
-Spurgeon
Bow to the Word
by Don Fortner
I bow to the Word of God.
There are many good creeds, confessions, and catechisms
written by men, clearly setting forth the gospel of the grace
of God; but I do not pin my faith to the writings of any man,
or any group of men, no matter how much I may admire them.
The Word of God alone is my rule of faith and practice.
I bow my will and my reason, my experience and my feelings,
to the Word of God. I do not understand all that is written
in the Scriptures; but I believe it all.
I bow to the authority of Holy Scripture.
I do so unreservedly.
Let men call it bigotry, ignorance, or whatever they may,
I am not even open to the consideration of any thought,
idea, or evidence which contradicts the Book of God.
Are you hungry?
from Spurgeon's sermon, "BREAD FOR THE HUNGRY"
We should come to hear the Word, like baby birds in the nest--
when the mother-bird comes with the worm, they are all
stretching their necks to see which one shall get the food,
for they are all hungry and want it.
And so should hearers be ready to get hold of the Word,
not wanting that we should force it down their throats, but
waiting there, opening their mouths wide that they may be filled,
receiving the Word in the love of it, taking in the Word as the
thirsty earth drinks in the rain of heaven.
Hungry souls love the Word.
Perhaps the 'speaker' may not always put it as they may like to
hear it, but as long as it is God's Word, it is enough for them.
They are like people who are sitting at the reading of a will--
the lawyer may have a squeaking voice, perhaps, or he
mispronounces the words, but what does that matter?
They are listening to see what is left to them.
So is it with God's people. It is not the preacher,
but the 'preacher's God' that these hungry ones look to.
Why, if you were very poor, and some benevolent neighbor
should send you a loaf of bread by a man who had a club foot,
you would not look at the foot, you would look at the bread.
And so is it with the hearers of the Word-- they know if they
wait until they get a perfect preacher, they will get no preacher
at all, but they are willing to take the man, imperfections and all,
provided he brings the Master's bread.
And though he be but a lad, and can bring but a few barley
loaves and fishes, yet since the Master multiplies the provision,
there is enough for all, and they feed to the full.
SO MY THEOLOGICAL FRIEND...
Spurgeon, "Inexcusable Irreverence And Ingratitude"
Knowledge is of no use if it does not lead to holy practice!
So my theological friend over there,
who knows so much that he can split hairs over doctrines-
it does not matter what you think, or what you know,
unless it leads you to glorify God, and to be thankful.
No, your knowledge may be a millstone about your neck to
sink you down to eternal woe, unless your knowledge is
turned to holy practice.
The Scriptures point to Me!
(Octavius Winslow, "Morning Thoughts")
"But the Scriptures point to Me!" John 5:39
Search the Scriptures, my reader, with a
view of seeing and knowing more of your
Redeemer, compared with whom nothing
else is worth knowing or making known.
Love your Bible, because it testifies of Jesus;
because it unfolds a great Savior, an almighty
Redeemer; because it reveals the glory of a
sin pardoning God, in the person of Jesus Christ.
Aim to unravel Jesus in the types, to grasp
Him amid the shadows, to trace Him through
the predictions of the prophet, the records of
the evangelist, and the letters of the apostles.
All speak of, and all lead to, Jesus!
DON'T ARGUE!
by Spurgeon
"To treat revelation as if it were a football to be
kicked from man to man is irreverence."
Two educated doctors are angrily discussing the nature of
food, and allowing their meal to lie untasted, while a simple
countryman is eating as heartily as he can of that which is set
before him. The religious world is full of faultfinders, critics,
and skeptics, who, like the doctors, fight over Christianity
without profit either to themselves or others; and those are far
happier who imitate the farmer and feed upon the Word of
God, which is the true food of the soul. Luther's prayer was,
"From nice questions the Lord deliver us."
Questioning with honesty and candor is not to be condemned,
when the object is to "Test everything. Hold on to the good;"
but to treat revelation as if it were a football to be kicked from
man to man is irreverence, if not worse.
Seek the true faith, by all manner of means, but do not spend a
whole life in finding it, lest you be like a workman who wastes
the whole day in looking for his tools. Hear the true Word of
God; lay hold of it, and spend your days not in raising hard
questions, but in feasting upon precious truth.
It is, no doubt, very important to settle the point of "General or
Particular Redemption;" but for unconverted men, the chief
matter is to look to the Redeemer on the cross with the eye of
faith. Election is a doctrine about which there is much
discussion, but he who has made his election sure, finds
it a very sweet morsel. Final perseverance has been fought
about in all time; but he who by grace continues to rest in Jesus
to the end, knows the true enjoyment of it.
Reader, argue, if you please, but remember that believing in
the Lord Jesus gives infinitely more enjoyment than disputing
can ever afford you. If you are unsaved, your only business is
with the great command, "Believe!" and even if you have
passed from death to life, it is better to commune with Jesus
than to discuss doubtful questions. When Melancthon's
mother asked him what she must believe amidst so many
disputes, he, knowing her to be trusting to Jesus in a simple-
hearted manner, replied, "Go on, mother, to believe and pray
as you have done, and do not trouble yourself about
controversy." So say we to all troubled souls, "Rest in the
Lord, and wait patiently for Him."
1 Tim. 1:4-6 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless
genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's
work--which is by faith. The goal of this command is love,
which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a
sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and
turned to meaningless talk.
1 Tim. 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an
unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words
that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
2 Tim. 2:14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them
before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value,
and only ruins those who listen.
2 Tim. 2:23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid
arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and
arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are
unprofitable and useless.
Bible study by itself will not produce spiritual maturity.
In fact, it will produce carnality if it isn't applied and practiced.
-Getz
Read Your Bible
by Spurgeon
You know more about your ledgers than your Bible; you
know more about your magazines and novels than what God
has written; many of you will read a novel from the beginning
to the end, and what have you got? A mouthful of foam when
you are done. But you cannot read the Bible; that solid,
lasting, substantial, and satisfying food goes uneaten, locked up
in the cupboard of neglect; while anything that a man writes, a
best seller of the day, is greedily devoured.
"I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have
treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."
Job 23:12
Truth!
A sacred regard to the authority of God ought to lead us
to reject an error, however old, sanctioned by whatever
authority, or however generally practiced.
Spurgeon
A master in theology...
He who understands the mystery of incarnation and
of substitution, is a master in Scriptural theology.
-Spurgeon
The Key to Bible study...
-Spurgeon, "Christ Our Passover"
The more you read the Bible, and the more you meditate
upon it, the more you will be astonished with it.
He who is but a casual reader of the Bible, does not know
the height, the depth, the length and breadth of the mighty
meanings contained in its pages.
There are certain times when I discover a new vein of
thought, and I put my hand to my head and say in
astonishment, "Oh, it is wonderful I never saw this before in
the Scriptures."
You will find the Scriptures enlarge as you enter them; the
more you study them the less you will appear to know of
them, for they widen out as we approach them.
Especially will you find this the case with the 'typical' parts of
God's Word. Most of the historical books were intended to
be types either of dispensations, or experiences, or offices of
Jesus Christ.
Study the Bible with this as a key.
One of the most interesting points of the Scriptures
is their constant tendency to display Christ.
Suck the honey out of it!
Spurgeon's sermon, "The Minstrel"
It is wonderful the effect of a single verse of Scripture
when the Spirit of God applies it to the soul.
What power would come upon the soul,
if we would grasp a single line of Scripture
and suck the honey out of it till our soul
is filled with sweetness.
Theological studies?
By Spurgeon
If the time spent over "obscure theological propositions"
were given to a mission in the dim alley near the man's house,
more benefit would come to the man and more glory to God.
I do not see the propriety of allowing such studies to override
the commonplace activities of practical godliness.
Theological studies, unattended by active service in spreading
the gospel among men, well deserves rebuke.
Cease to meddle with matters that are concealed,
and be satisfied to know the things that are clearly revealed.
Bible reading...
by Thomas Brooks--
"Remember that it is not hasty reading,
but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths,
that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul.
It is not the mere touching of the flower by the bee that gathers
honey, but her abiding for a time on the flower that draws out the
sweet.
It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most, that will
prove to be the choicest, sweetest, wisest, and strongest Christian."
The best books...
by Spurgeon
The best books of men are soon exhausted--
they are cisterns, and not springing fountains.
You enjoy them very much at the first acquaintance,
and you think you could hear them a hundred times over-
but you could not- you soon find them wearisome.
Very speedily a man eats too much honey:
even children at length are cloyed with sweets.
All human books grow stale after a time-
but with the Word of God the desire to study it increases,
while the more you know of it the less you think you know.
The Book grows upon you: as you dive into its depths
you have a fuller perception of the infinity which remains
to be explored. You are still sighing to enjoy more of that
which it is your bliss to taste.
The Talking Book...
Spurgeon's, "The Talking Book"
The Bible sanctifies and moulds the mind into the image of Christ.
You cannot expect to grow in grace if you do not read the Scriptures.
If you are not familiar with the word, you cannot
expect to become like Him that spoke it.
Oh, be much with the holy word of God, and you will be holy.
Be much with the silly novels of the day,
and the foolish trifles of the hour,
and you will degenerate into vapid wasters of your time.
But be much with the solid teachings of God's word,
and you will become solid and substantial men and women:
drink them in, and feed upon them, and they shall produce
in you a Christ-likeness, at which the world shall stand astonished.
Prayerful study...
Is there anything like the Word of God
when the open book finds open hearts?
The prayerful study of the Word is an act of devotion
wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised,
changing us into the image of Him of whom the Word is a mirror.
-Spurgeon from "The Greatest Fight in the World"
A little secret...
Spurgeon, "The Holy Ghost, the Great Teacher"
Let me tell you a little secret- whenever you cannot
understand a text, open your Bible, bend your knee,
and pray over that text; and if it does not split into
atoms and open itself, try again.
If prayer does not explain it, it is one of the things
God did not intend you to know, and you may be content
to be ignorant of it.
Prayer is the key that opens the cabinets of mystery.
Prayer and faith are sacred picklocks that can open secrets,
and obtain great treasures.
There is no college for holy education like that of the blessed
Spirit, for he is an ever-present tutor, to whom we have only to
bend the knee, and he is at our side, the great expositor of truth.
Reading the Bible
by J.C. Ryle
1. READ THE BIBLE WITH AN EARNEST DESIRE TO
UNDERSTAND IT.
Do not be content to just read the words of Scripture.
Seek to grasp the message they contain.
2. READ THE SCRIPTURES WITH A SIMPLE,
CHILDLIKE FAITH & HUMILITY.
Believe what God reveals.
Reason must bow to God's revelation.
3. READ THE WORD WITH A SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE
AND SELF-APPLICATION.
Apply what God says to yourself and obey His will in all things.
4. READ THE HOLY SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY.
We quickly lose the nourishment and strength of yesterday's
bread.
We must feed our souls daily upon the manna God has given us.
5. READ THE WHOLE BIBLE AND READ IT IN AN ORDERLY WAY.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable."
I know of no better way to read the Bible than to start at the
beginning and read straight through to the end, a portion every
day, comparing Scripture with Scripture.
6. READ THE WORD OF GOD FAIRLY AND HONESTLY.
As a general rule, any passage of Scripture means what
it appears to mean.
Interpret every passage in this simple manner, in its context.
7. READ THE BIBLE WITH CHRIST CONSTANTLY IN VIEW.
The whole Book is about Him.
Look for Him on every page.
He is there.
If you fail to see Him there, you need to read that page again.
God's books!
From Spurgeon's sermon, "Substitution"
A BOOK is the expression of the thoughts of the writer.
The book of 'nature' is an expression of the thoughts of God.
We have God's 'terrible' thoughts in the thunder and lightning;
God's 'loving' thoughts in the sunshine and the balmy breeze;
God's 'bounteous, prudent, careful' thoughts in the
waving harvest and in the ripening meadow.
We have God's 'brilliant' thoughts in the wondrous scenes
which are beheld from mountain-top and valley;
and we have God's 'most sweet and pleasant' thoughts
of beauty in the little flowers that blossom at our feet.
Now, God's book of 'grace' is just like his book of nature;
it is his thoughts written out.
This great book, the Bible, this most precious volume is the heart
of God made legible; it is the gold of God's love, beaten out into
gold leaf, so that therewith our thoughts might be plated, and we
also might have golden, good, and holy thoughts concerning him.
Jelly-fish Christianity
(J. C. Ryle, "One Blood")
One plague of our age is the widespread dislike
to sound doctrine. In the place of it, the idol of
the day is a kind of jelly-fish Christianity--a
Christianity without bone, or muscle, or sinew--
without any distinct teaching about the atonement
or the work of the Spirit, or justification, or the
way of peace with God--a vague, foggy, misty
Christianity, of which the only watchwords seem
to be, "You must be liberal and kind. You must
condemn no man's doctrinal views. You must
think everybody is right, and nobody is wrong."
The best commentator!
From Spurgeon's sermon, "LET US PRAY"
"But it is good for me to draw near to God." -Psalm 73:28
In this psalm, poor Asaph had been greatly troubled--
He had been trying to untie that Gordion knot concerning the
righteousness of a providence which permits the wicked to
flourish and the godly to be tried; and because he could not
untie that knot, he tried to cut it, but he cut his own fingers
in the act, and became greatly troubled.
He could not understand how it was that God could be just,
and yet give riches to the wicked, while his own people were
in poverty. At last Asaph understood it all, for he went
into the house of his God, and there he understood the latter
end of the wicked. And he says -- looking back upon his
discovery of a clue to this great labyrinth --
"It is good for me to draw near to God."
Prayer explains mysteries!
If you would understand the Word of God in its knotty points,
if you would comprehend the mystery of the gospel of Christ,
remember, Christ's scholars must study upon their knees.
Depend upon it, that the best commentator upon the Word
of God is its author, the Holy Spirit- and if you would
know the meaning, you must go to him in prayer!
John Bunyan says that he never forgot the divinity he taught,
because it was burnt into him when he was on his knees.
That is the way to learn the gospel.
If you learn it upon your knees you will never unlearn it.
That which 'men' teach you, men can unteach you-- if I am merely
convinced by reason, a better reasoner may deceive me. If I
merely hold my doctrinal opinions because they seem 'to me' to
be correct, I may be led to think differently another day.
But if 'God' has taught them to me -- he who is himself pure
truth -- I have not learned amiss, but I have so learned that
I shall never unlearn, nor shall I forget.
Behold, believer, you are this day in a labyrinth-- whenever you
come to a turning place, where there is a road to the right or to
the left, if you would know which way to go, fall on your knees,
then go on. And when you come to the next turning place, on
your knees again, and so proceed again.
The one clue to the whole labyrinth of 'providence',
and of 'doctrinal opinion', is to be found in that
one hallowed exercise -- prayer.
Continue much in prayer, and neither Satan
nor the world shall much deceive you.
Behold- before you the sacred ark of truth.
But where is the key?
It hangs upon the silver nail of prayer!
Go reach it down, unlock the casket, and be rich!
"The truths that I know best I have learned
on my knees. I never know a thing well, till
it is burned into my heart by prayer."
-John Bunyan
Useless doctrine?
Doctrine is useless if it is not accompanied by a holy life.
It is worse than useless; it does positive harm.
Something of 'the image of Christ' must be seen
and observed by others in our private life, and
habits, and character, and doings.
--J.C. Ryle
The Key!
"Christ is the key which unlocks the golden
doors into the temple of Divine truth."
A. W. Pink
"Let us never forget that truth, distorted and exaggerated,
can become the mother of the most dangerous heresies."
J.C. Ryle
Never, never neglect the Word of God.
The Word will make your heart rich with truth, rich with
understanding, and then your conversation, when it flows from
your mouth, will be like your heart-- rich, soothing, and sweet.
Make your heart full of rich, generous love, and then the stream
that flows from your hand will be just as rich and generous as
your heart.
Above all, get Jesus to live in your heart, and then out of your
heart shall flow rivers of living water, more rich, more satisfying
than the water of the well of Sychar of which Jacob drank. Oh!
go, Christian, to the great mine of riches, and cry to the Holy
Spirit to make your heart rich unto salvation. So shall your life
and conversations be a boon to your fellow man; and when they
see you, your face will be like an angel of God. Wise men will
stand up when they see you, and men will give you reverence.
-Spurgeon
The Righteous Aren't Always As Bold As A Lion. Lol
10 years ago
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