Books and letters written in a proper spirit, may, if the Lord
is pleased to smile upon them, have their use. Indeed, the
truths essential to the peace of our souls are so simple, and may be reduced to
so few heads, that while each of them singly may furnish a volume drawn out at
length, they may all be comprised in small compass.
But an awakened mind which thirsts after the Savior, and seeks
wisdom by reading and praying over the Scripture, has little occasion for a
library of human writings. The Bible is the fountain from whence every
stream that deserves our notice is drawn; and, though we may occasionally pay
some attention to the streams—we have personally an equal right with
others to apply immediately to the fountain-head, and draw the water of
life for ourselves! The purest streams are not wholly freed from the
tinge of the soil through which they run; a mixture of human infirmity is
inseparable from the best human composition. But in the fountain—the
truth is unmixed!
A Bible Christian, therefore, will see much to approve in a
variety of forms and parties; the providence of God may lead or fix him
in a more immediate connection with some one of them, but his spirit and
affection will not be confined within these narrow enclosures. He insensibly
borrows and unites with which is excellent in each, perhaps without knowing how
far he agrees with them, because he finds all in the written Word of God.
[John Newton]
✞✞✞
Jeremiah 15:16 ... Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
Psalm 119:15-16 ... I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Romans 10:17 ... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ❤
