Grace Gems

[nChrist]

Death is a change of employment

(Brooks, "A Believer's Last Day, His Best Day")

A valiant Roman emperor's motto was, "No fight--no pay!"
Just so, I say, "No fight--no crown! No fight--no heaven!"

A believer's last day is his best day! Death is a
change of employment. The work of a believer
in this world, lies in . . .
  praying,
  groaning,
  sighing,
  mourning,
  wrestling,
  fighting, etc.

The truth is, the whole life of a believer is a
continual warfare. Believers have to deal with . . .
  subtle enemies,
  malicious enemies,
  vigilant enemies,
  untiring enemies!
They have to deal with such enemies as threw down . . .
  Adam in paradise--the most innocent man in the world,
  Moses--the meekest man in the world,
  Job--the patientest man in the world,
  Joshua--the most courageous man in the world,
  Paul--the best apostle in the world, etc.

A Christian's life is a warfare. He is continually a-fighting with
lusts and corruptions within, and with devils and men abroad!

Death is a change of employment. It changes our hard service,
our mourning, wrestling, and fighting--for rejoicing and singing
hallelujahs to the Almighty! No longer prayers—but praises!
No longer fighting and wrestling—but dancing and triumphing!
Can a believing soul look upon this glorious change, and not say,
"Surely better is the day of my death, than the day of my birth!"

Death's shroud wipes away all tears from the believer's eyes!

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[nChrist]

The Lord's gentle usher

(Thomas Brooks, "A Heavenly Cordial" 1665)

Our life in this world is made up . . .
  of troubles and trials,
  of calamities and miseries,
  of crosses and losses,
  of reproaches and disgraces.

Death frees the Christian from all these things.
It wipes away all tears from his eyes, it turns . . .
  his miseries into mercies,
  his crosses into crowns, and
  his earthly hell into a glorious heaven!

When a godly man dies--he shall never more
be haunted, tempted and buffeted by Satan!

"Death," says one, "which was before the devil's
sergeant to drag us to hell; has now become the
Lord's gentle usher to conduct us to heaven!"

For a saint to die, is for a saint to be eternally happy.
Death is but the entrance into glorious life. That is not
death but life--which joins the dying man to Christ!
Death will blow the bud of grace into the flower of
glory!

Death is not the death of the man--but the death of
his sin. When a believer dies--his sin dies with him.
As death came in by sin--so sin goes out by death.
Death kills sin--which bred it.

The Persians had a certain day in the year wherein
they killed all serpents and venomous creatures. Such
a day as that, will the day of death be to every believer.
All his serpentine and venomous sins will be forever
destroyed! Then he shall never again . . .
  be proud,
  nor passionate,
  nor unbelieving,
  nor worldly,
  nor neglectful of duty,
  nor grieve the Holy Spirit,
  nor wound his conscience,
  nor break peace with God!

When death takes away a godly man, it takes him away
from his sins! And as death rids the believer of all his
sins--so it will rid him of all his sorrows. Death cures all
diseases, the aching head and the unbelieving heart.

Death does for a godly person, that which all ordinances
could never do, and which all their duties could never do,
and which all their graces could never do. It immediately
frees them from . . .
  all their sins,
  all their sorrows,
  all their tears,
  all their temptations,
  all their oppressions,
  all their oppositions,
  all their vexations!

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[nChrist]

A rare grace

(Thomas Brooks, "The Legacy of a Dying Mother")

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the
 greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:4

Humility is a rare grace. Whoever is little in his
own account--is always great in God's esteem.
A humble person looks upon himself . . .
  as "not worthy of the least mercies," with Jacob, Gen. 32:10;
  as "dust and ashes," with Abraham, Gen. 18:27; and
  as "a poor worm," with David, Psalm 22:6; and
  as "less than the least of all saints," with Paul, Eph. 3:8.

The more high in spiritual worth a person is--the more
humble in heart that person is. God delights to pour
grace into humble hearts. Humility makes a person . . .
  peaceable among brethren,
  fruitful in well-doing,
  cheerful in suffering,
  constant in holy walking,
  precious in the eyes of God.

Be humble Christians. As ever you would be holy
--be humble. Humility is of the essence of the "new
creature." He is not a Christian--who is not humble.

The more grace--the more humble. Those who have
been most high in spiritual worth--have always been
most humble in heart. Humility does not only entitle
to happiness--but to the highest degree of happiness.
Humility is that Jacob's ladder--which reaches from
earth to heaven.

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward
 one another, because God opposes the proud but
 gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

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[nChrist]

How do I mortify the flesh?

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

The flesh is a bosom traitor; it is like the Trojan horse
within the walls, which does all the mischief. The flesh
is a sly enemy--it kills by embracing. The embraces of
the flesh are like the ivy embracing the oak; which sucks
out the strength of it for its own leaves and berries. So the
flesh by its soft embraces, sucks out of the heart all good.

The pampering of the flesh, is the quenching of God's Spirit.
The flesh chokes and stifles holy motions--the flesh sides with
Satan. There is a party within us, which will not pray, which will
not believe. The flesh inclines us more to believe a temptation
than a promise. The flesh is so near to us, its counsels are more
attractive. There is no chain of adamant which binds so tightly
--as the chain of lust.

In the best of saints, do what they can, sin will fasten its
roots in them, and spring out sometimes with inordinate
desires. There is always something which needs mortifying.
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly
nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and
greed, which is idolatry." Colossians 3:5.

How do I mortify the flesh?

1. Withdraw the fuel that may make lust burn. Avoid
all temptations. Take heed of that which nourishes sin.
Those who pray that they may not be led into temptation
--must not lead themselves into temptation.

2. Fight against fleshly lusts with spiritual weapons
--faith and prayer. The best way to combat with sin is--upon
our knees. Beg strength from Christ. Samson's strength lay in
his hair; our strength lies in our head--Christ. This is a mystery
to the major part of the world--who gratify the flesh rather
than mortify it.

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[nChrist]

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.

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[nChrist]

It makes men so filthy!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

It is a part of our Christian profession--to fight
under Christ's banner--against the world.

The world is a flattering enemy. It shows its golden
apple. It is given to some--as  a snare. Take heed of
being drowned in the world's luscious delights!

It must be a strong brain that can bear heady wine.
He had need have a great deal of wisdom and grace,
who knows how to maintain a great estate. Riches
often send up intoxicating fumes, which make men's
heads giddy with pride. It is hard to climb up the hill
of God--with too many golden weights!

The world shows its two breasts of pleasure and profit
--and many fall asleep with the breast in their mouth!

The world never kisses us--except with an intent
to betray us.

The world is a silken halter.

The world is no friend to grace; it chokes our love
to heavenly things--the earth puts out the fire.

Naturally we love the world. Too many are wedded
to their money--they live together as man and wife.

O let us take heed of being entangled in this pleasing
snare! Many who have escaped the rock of scandalous
sins--yet have sunk in the world's golden quicksands!

The sin is not in using the world--but in loving it.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is
not in him." 1 John 2:15

Believers are called out of the world. "They are not
of the world, even as I am not of it." John 17:16.
They are in the world--but not of it. A true saint is
crucified in his affections, to the world, Galat. 6:14.
He is dead to the honors and pleasures of it. What
delight does a dead man take in pictures or music?

Jesus Christ gave Himself "to redeem us from this
present evil world." Galatians 1:4

Living fish swim against the stream. We must swim
against the world, else we shall be carried down the
stream, and fall into the dead sea of hell!

The world is DECEITFUL. Our Savior calls it, "The
deceitfulness of riches." Matthew 13:22. The world
promises happiness--but gives weariness. It promises
us Rachel--but gives us bleary-eyed Leah! The world
promises to satisfy our desires--but only increases
them. The world gives poisoned pills--but wraps
them in sugar!

The world is POLLUTING. "Religion that God our Father
accepts as pure and faultless is this: . . . to keep oneself
from being polluted by the world." It is called filthy lucre
--because it makes men so filthy!

Men will damn themselves to get the world. Ahab would
have Naboth's vineyard, though he swam to it in blood.

The world is PERISHING. "The world and its desires pass
away." The world is like a flower--which withers while we
are smelling it!

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[nChrist]

One of you is a devil!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith;
 test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in
 you--unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2 Corinthians 13:5

Self-examination is a necessary--but difficult work.

Self-examination is the setting up a court in conscience and
keeping a register there, that by strict scrutiny a man may
know how things stand between God and his own soul. By
a serious scrutiny of our hearts, we come to know to what
prince we belong--whether to the Prince of Peace, or the
prince of darkness.

Self-searching is a heart-anatomy. As a surgeon, when he
makes a dissection in the body, discovers the inward parts,
the heart, liver, and arteries--just so, a Christian anatomizes
himself.

Sentimentality and public opinion are false rules to go by.
We must judge the state of souls by the light of Scripture.

Many have foolish, presumptuous hopes. They fancy their
state to be good; and while they weigh themselves in the
balance of presumption, they pass the test.

Many take their salvation on trust. The foolish virgins thought
they had oil in their lamps, the same as the wise. How confident
are some of salvation--yet never examine their title to Heaven.

Many rest in the good opinions of others. How vain is this!
Alas, one may be gold and pearl in the eye of others--yet God
may judge him to be reprobate silver! Others may think him a
saint--and God may write him down in His black-book! Judas
was looked upon by the rest of the Apostles as a true believer
--yet he was a traitor! "Then Jesus replied--Have I not chosen
you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" John 6:70

Others can but see the outward behavior--but they cannot
tell what evil is in the heart. Fair streams may run on the
top of a river--but vermin may lay at the bottom!

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[nChrist]

We must either leap over them, or tread upon them!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

"A man's enemies will be the members of his own household.
 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not
 worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more
 than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take
 his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me." Matt. 10:36-38

Take heed of the snare in your family! It is one of the
Devil's great subtleties--to hinder us from piety by our
nearest relations--and to shoot us with our own rib!

He tempted Adam by his wife. Who would have suspected
the Devil there? He tempted Job by his wife, "Are you still
holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" Job 2:9
Thus would the Devil have cooled Job's love for God; but
the shield of his faith quenched this fiery dart!

Take heed of such tempters! It is better to go to Heaven
with their hatred--than to Hell with their love! If our
dearest friends and family lie in our way to Heaven--we
must either leap over them, or tread upon them!

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[nChrist]

The rat gets into his belly and eats his entrails

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

Take heed of a slothful, lazy disposition. A slothful
person would gladly have Heaven--but is loathe to
take it by storm. Sloth is the soul's sleep. Many,
instead of working out salvation, sleep away salvation!
Such as will not labor, must be put at last to beg. They
must beg, as Dives in hell--for one drop of water!

God never made Heaven as a hive for drones!

Sloth is a disease apt to grow upon men--shake it off!

A sluggish ship is a prey to the pirate.
A sluggish soul is a prey to Satan!

When the crocodile sleeps with his mouth open--the
rat gets into his belly and eats his entrails. Just
so, while men are asleep in sloth--the Devil enters
and devours them!

Our sleeping time is Satan's tempting time!

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[nChrist]

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!

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[nChrist]

Not whom he may bite--but devour!

(Thomas Watson, "The Christian Soldier" 1669)

We read in Scripture of Satan's snares and darts;
he hurts more by his snares than by his darts!

Satan opposes us both by open violence, and secret
treachery.

1. Satan opposes by open violence--so he is called
the Red Dragon. He labors to storm the castle of the
heart; he stirs up passion, lust and revenge. These are
called "fiery darts," Ephes. 6:16, because they often set
the soul on fire. Satan in regard to his fierceness, is
called a lion, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy
the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour!" 1 Peter 5:8. Not whom he
may bite--but devour!

2. Satan opposes by secret treachery--so he is
called the Old Serpent. What he cannot do by force,
he will endeavor to do by fraud. Satan has several
subtle devices in tempting:

Satan suits his temptations to the temper of
the individual. Satan studies our dispositions, and
lays suitable baits. He knew Achan's s covetous heart,
and tempted him with a wedge of gold. He tempts
the youthful man with lust.

Satan tempts to sin gradually. He steals into into
the heart by degrees. He is at first, more modest.
He did not say to Eve at first, "Eat the apple!" No!
but he goes more subtly to work. He puts forth a
question, "Has God said? Surely Eve, you are mistaken;
the bountiful God never intended to debar one of the
best trees of the garden. Has God said? Surely, either
God did not say it; or if He did, He never really intended
it." Thus by degrees he wrought her to distrust God, and
then she took of the fruit and ate. Oh, take heed of
Satan's first motions to sin, which seem more modest.
He is first a fox, and then a lion.

Satan tempts to evil in lawful things. It was lawful
for Noah to eat the fruit of the grape; but he took too
much, and so sinned. Excess turns that which is good--
into evil. Eating and drinking may turn to intemperance.
Industry in one's calling, when excessive, becomes
covetousness. Satan draws men to an immoderate love
of the creature, and then makes them sin in that which
they love--as Agrippina poisoned her husband Claudius,
in that food which he loved most.

Satan puts men upon doing good, out of evil ends.
If he cannot hurt them by scandalous actions--he will by
virtuous actions. Thus he tempts some to espouse religion
out of ulterior motives. He tempts others to give to charity,
for applause, that others may see their good works.

"Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one!" Ephesians 6:16. We
must resist the devil by faith. Faith is a wise, intelligent
grace. Faith can see a hook under the bait! Faith keeps
the castle of the heart, so that it does not yield. Faith beats
back the temptation. Faith holds the promise in one hand,
and Christ in the other. The promise encourages faith, and
Christ strengthens it; so faith beats the enemy out of the field!

We overcome Satan upon our knees! A Christian by prayer
fetches in auxiliary forces from Heaven. In all temptations, go
to God by prayer. "Lord, teach me to use every piece of the
spiritual armor--how to hold the shield, how to wear the helmet,
how to use the sword of the Spirit. Lord, strengthen me in the
battle; let me rather die a conqueror--than be taken prisoner,
and led captive by Satan!"

Remember that Christ has given Satan his death-wound
upon the cross. He has bruised the head of the old Serpent!
He is a chained enemy, and a conquered enemy; therefore
do not fear him. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!"
James 4:7. "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under
your feet!" Romans 16:20.

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[nChrist]

Instructions for daily conduct

(Mason's Select Remains)

"For you know what instructions we gave you by
 the authority of the Lord Jesus." 1 Thessal. 4:2

1. Make the word of God the rule of all you do.

2. Whatever you do, do it in the strength of Christ.
Without Christ, you can do nothing. Of yourself, you
cannot even think a good thought; but you may do
all things, through Christ strengthening you. Nature
is a dry root--no gracious actions spring from it. Grace
depends on continual supplies from Christ--as of sap
from the root. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power
of His might, and then nothing shall be too hard for
you. All things are possible to him who believes and
relies upon Christ's power.

3. As we are to act by the power of Christ, so we are
to present our services for acceptance in the name of
Christ. The best we can do--needs His intercession,
blood, and merits--to render it acceptable to God. In
the Lord alone--we have righteousness and strength.

4. Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Selfishness is the natural idolatry of the human heart.
The design and tendency of piety is to take the heart
off self--and set it upon God. That duty which does
not begin and end with God is no part of godliness.
Self must be cast down--and God alone exalted.

5. To spend every day well,
  let your waking thoughts be with God;
  let your fervent prayers ascend in the name of Christ;
  let the Word of God be your counselor;
  let the fear of God be always before your eyes.
In all your actions, let integrity and uprightness preserve
you. Set a watch over your lips, and a guard upon your
spirit, that you be not provoked to anger, nor speak
unadvisedly with your lips.

6. At night, review the actions of the day. Give to God
the glory of what has been good; take shame to yourself
for what has been evil. Review the dispensations of God's
providences--and consider their special meaning and
application. Acknowledge the mercies of God received
through the day. Submit to the afflictions laid upon you.
Commit yourselves afresh to the mercy and protection
of God, through Jesus Christ--that you may be preserved
through the slumbers of the night, and be permitted to
wake in peace--whether it be in earth or heaven.

By these points let every action be examined--
   By whose rule have I acted?
   In whose strength have I acted?
   In whose name have I acted?
   For whose glory have I acted?
   What faith, humility, self-denial, love to God
   and Christ, have there been in my actions?

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[nChrist]

Communion with God

(Thomas Brooks, "Hypocrites Detected, Anatomized,
 Impeached, Arraigned and Condemned" 1650)

Communion with God is . . .
  the life of all your graces;
  the sweetener of all providences and mercies;
  the strengthener of your hearts and hands;
  the soul of your comforts;
  the crown of your souls.

Nothing can compare with communion with God--
  to fence you against temptations,
  to sweeten all afflictions, and
  to make you own God, and stand for God,
and cleave to God--in the face of all troubles
and oppositions. Communion with God makes
bitter things--sweet; and massive things--light.

A man high in communion with God, is a man too big
for temptations to conquer--or troubles to subdue!
Those who have but little communion with God, are
usually as soon conquered as tempted--as soon
vanquished as assaulted.

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[nChrist]

The Christian's strength

(Thomas Watson, "The One Thing Necessary")

"I can do all things through Christ who
 strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Always labor in the strength of Christ. Never go
to work alone. Samson's strength lay in his hair.
The Christian's strength lies in Christ.

When you are . . .
  to do any duty,
  to resist any temptation,
  to subdue any lust,
set upon it in the strength of Christ!

Some go out against sin, in the strength of their
resolutions and vows--and they are soon foiled.
Do as Samson did--he first cried to God for help
and then having taken hold of the pillars, he pulled
down the house upon the Philistines! Likewise, only
when we engage Christ in the work, can we bring
down the house upon the head of our lusts!

Prayer beats the weapon out of the devil's hand
--and gets the blessing out of God's hand!

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[nChrist]

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

____________________

From Grace Gems:
Very Old - But Beautiful and Timeless Treasures.
Everything is FREE and Public Domain.
FREE E-mail Subscription:
http://www.gracegems.org/
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