That Great Means of Sanctification
by Jared Waterbury. From advice to a young Christian
on the importance of aiming at an elevated standard of piety. sanctify them by your truth.
Your word is truth. John chapter 17 verse 17 The Scriptures are the great
means of sanctification. This is the charm which so much
attracts the pious heart. That heart is not insensible
to the elegance of scriptural style, nor indifferent to its
bold and beautiful imagery. But these are not the principal
attractions. The Bible is the Word of God. It convinces of sin. It stimulates
to duty. It rouses from sluggishness. It warns against danger. It unfolds the character of God. It reveals the way of salvation. It delineates the providence
of God. It presents the Lamb of God slain
for our transgressions. It communicates sweet strains
of spiritual devotion. It brings into view a bright
and eternal reward. It discloses the wounds of our
nature and offers the healing balm. In short, it embodies all
that a Christian in his pilgrimage can need. It is his only chart
through this tempestuous life. In trouble, it is his consolation. In prosperity, it is his monitor. In difficulty, it is his guide. Amid the darkness of death, and
while descending into the shadowy valley, it is the day star that
illuminates his path, makes his dying eye bright with hope, and
cheers his soul with the prospect of immortal glory. The oftener
and the more diligently you peruse the Scriptures, the more beautiful
will they appear, and the less relish you will have for light
and superficial reading. There is, in an intimate acquaintance
and in a daily meditation on the Scriptures, something sanctifying. something ennobling. A satisfaction
is felt in perusing them which no human composition can excite. You feel as if you were conversing
with God. You breathe a heavenly atmosphere. The soul is bathed in celestial
waters. It imbibes a sweetness and a
composure which shed over it unearthly attractions. to this
fountain of light and life. Let us then daily resort. Here
is the healing influence. Here is the pool of Bethesda. Here abounds consolation for
the afflicted. Here hope dwells to cheer and
to guide. Bind this precious volume about
your neck. Write it on the tablets of your
heart. It will prove to be your shield
in conflict, your guide in perplexity, your solace in adversity. If
it has been faithfully studied in this life, it will afford
themes for heavenly contemplation through eternity. We should ever
approach that sacred book with reverence. When we open the sacred
volume, we listen to the voice of God. Should we not, therefore,
give a reverential attention when Jehovah speaks? Should not
our posture be that of the deepest humility and awe? In the written
word, we have God speaking to us as to his children. Go then,
my friend, and diligently listen to the holy oracles, search the
scriptures, peruse them systematically, make them your daily and nightly
companions, and may their celestial influence be so infused into
your soul that you shall progressively lose the image of the earthly
and assume the image of the heavenly inhabitants. Depend upon it. The closer attention you give
to the Word, the more precious and interesting will it become,
and the more rapidly will you grow in grace and holiness. The Word of God should grow constantly
in your estimation, until you exclaim with David, O how I love
your law! It is sweeter to my taste than
honey and the honeycomb. you