The King of Books

"The Bible is the mind of God, and reveals the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. It's doctrines are holy, it's precepts are binding, it's histories are true, and it's decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to supply you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's chart. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is it's grand subject our good it's design, and the glory of God it's end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at the Judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with it's contents."
Anonymous A Christian publication for British railroad workers entitled "The King of Books" (1891)

No book has ever impacted the world like the Bible. It's the most popular and powerful book on earth and it's influence is growing stronger every day. Many spurn it, ridicule it, attack it, trash it, and even burn it. But it outlives all its critics while, at the same time, transforming the lives of all who receive its message. In good conscience, I can full recommend God's Word to your minds and hearts. I have no reservations at all. We may not fully understand every single verse, but that's only to be expected if our Book comes from an infinite mind. It contains mysteries unfathomable. Yet all we really need to know is contained within its covers. The apostle Peter said, "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature....
(2 Peter 1:3-4).

Isaac Watts, the great hymnist, was a lifelong bachelor (he once proposed to a girl but was turned down). He lives in borrowed (but elegant) quarters. He spent much of his time writing great hymns and, later, influential textbooks. And he somehow balanced the tasks of pastoring a church and producing a massive volume of published works. He once revealed the secret of his vitality and productivity in this admonition: "Abandon the secret chamber," he warned, "and the spiritual life will decay." In other words, don't miss your devotions! Read, learn, memorize, and obey God's Word every day. It is inspired by Him and therefore indispensable to us. It truly is the king of Books.
Turning Point by David Jeremiah (June issue)

Kim Ratcliffe