READ THE BIBLE

"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." —Jeremiah 15:16 [KJV]

That is a sweet petition in the service of the church of England; 'Grant, O Lord, that we may not only hear, read, mark, and learn, but inwardly digest the holy scriptures.' As soon as the Lord hath fulfilled this prayer upon any poor sinner, then Jesus is the hope of his soul; he esteems the scriptures as his daily food, the doctrines of grace are the joy and rejoicing of his heart; and he will love and attend such prophets of the Lord, who have also "found God's words and have eat them."

Glory to our loving shepherd, He finds His sheep scattered and starving upon the barren mountains, He leads them to green pastures of gospel-grace and love: there they feed and lie down beside the still waters of peace and salvation. And this heightens every comfort, and improves every joy, even an inward testimony: "I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts." How happy, when minister or disciple is able, in simplicity and godly sincerity to make this appeal, "Thou hast called me." Thou, Jehovah, who rulest over the armies of angels and archangels, and all the heavenly host, Thou hast condescended to make known Thy name, Thy grace, Thy salvation to me, even wretched me. I hear Thy voice, I know Thy voice; I feel desires after Thee; my heart thinks of Thee with pleasure and delight; I find an hungering and thirsting within me, which nothing but Thy blessed self can satisfy; I am grieved when I offend Thee; only happy when Thy love and presence are enjoyed, and am concerned that I enjoy them no more. This is heaven below. Feeding upon the word of truth increases desires after Jesus, the object of faith. So also the soul becomes dead to the life of sense, the intrusions of sin, the allurements of the world, and the baits of Satan. Happy those in whom the word of Christ dwells richly in all wisdom. Happy those in whom Christ dwells in their hearts by faith. O soul, hast thou an appetite to eat thy Bible, to feed upon it, to digest it? Is it "health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones?" O then thou art blessed with the most exquisitely delicate taste. A poor sailor was lately cast away, lost his all, was almost naked. The first half crown [small monetary payment] he got he enquired where to make a purchase—of what think you? O what was dearest to his heart—a BIBLE. Blessed evidence of a Christian.

The volume of Thy Father's grace Doth all my griefs assuage. Here I behold my Saviour's face Almost in ev'ry page.

O may Thy counsels, mighty God, My roving feet command! Nor I forsake the happy road That leads to Thy right hand.

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

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