Consider It Well & Receive Instruction

"Then I saw and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction." —Proverbs 24:3 [KJV]

Observation is the life of understanding. Experience is the joy of faith. Learning good from others' harms is true wisdom. Can we look around us among the circle of our professing acquaintance, and not see the awful effects of slothfulness in the ways of God? What supine indolence to the cause of Jesus, and careless indifference as to the health and prosperity of the soul, do we behold! A very affecting description of this the Spirit of wisdom here presents to our view: "I went by the field of the slothful," (the once seemingly growing and shining professor) "and lo, it was all grown over with thorns," (the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, has choked the word, Matthew 13:22.) "and nettles has covered the face thereof;" (the rank weeds of corrupt lusts, sensual gratifications, carnal pleasures and delights overspread the life and conduct); "the stone wall of the vineyard is broken down;" (the soul lying open and unfenced against the incursion of the beasts of prey, Satan, the men of this world, carnal company; senseless of its danger, and slothful to all means of deliverance, the poor soul composes itself with) "yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Is not this a striking, though awful likeness? Do we not almost daily behold its original? How melancholy the sight! how alarming the conduct! how dreadful the sentence! "So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth (with speed); and thy want as an armed man," (being without power thou canst not withstand it). See this, O soul! remember thy calling is to diligence. "Consider it well," (what sad effects spiritual sloth produce!) "Look upon it," (as a frame and temper of soul to be constantly dreaded, and earnestly prayed against); "receive instruction:" "For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning." To what end? To shew what has happened to others, "are ensamples to us, and for our admonition; upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."—I Corinthians 10:11, 12. The apostle speaks of "things that accompany salvation."—Hebrews 6:9. Diligence in the ways of God is one of these things; without this we cannot enjoy the full assurance of hope, that we are "followers of them who, through faith and patience, do now inherit the promises."

I love the volumes of Thy word; What light and joy these leaves afford To souls benighted and distrest! Thy precepts guide my doubtful way, Thy fear forbids my feet to stray, Thy promise leads my heart to rest.

Thy threat'nings wake my slumb'ring eyes, And warn me where my danger lies: But 'tis Thy blessed gospel, LORD, That makes my guilty conscience clean, Converts my soul, subdues my sin, And gives a free but large reward.

-William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)