00p PREFACE
PREFACE "Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth." John 17:17
All saving and sanctifying truth is from God. It was conceived in his heart, communicated by his Holy Spirit, and is to be found in his word. It is intended for our use, to enlighten the understanding, to quicken the affections, to regulate the will, to purify the conscience, to store the memory and to guide the life. It is as pure as the sunbeam, as pleasant as the fruits of Paradise, and as necessary as the atmosphere we breathe. To know the truth—is a great attainment. To enjoy the truth—is a high privilege. To spread the truth—is an imperative duty. God commands it, man requires it, and Christians should diligently attend to it. By the truth God works, the Christian conquers, and the sinner is turned from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God. The truth of God is invaluable—yet every one ought, every one may, possess it. Preachers proclaim it, the press publishes it, and every believer should assist to spread it. This small volume contains truth—God’s truth. Truth in a variety of forms. Truth clothed in simple language. Truth illustrated by plain figures. Truth for the head, and truth for the heart. Truth that has been tasted, handled, and felt by the writer; and is now affectionately commended to the reader. Truth suited to health and to sickness; to bright days and to dreary seasons. Truth that a man may live by, and truth that will do to die by. Here is a candle for a dark room, a lantern for a dark road, and a lamp for a dark heart. Light to work by, light to walk by, and light to suffer by.
Reader, before you turn over the pages of this book, look up and ask God for a blessing. No book will yield you spiritual profit without it. Ask the Holy Spirit to accompany what you read with his own power, savor and unction; and if your prayer is answered, you will bless God that you ever saw it. Beseech the Lord, not only to bless it to you—but to render it useful to others: to multitudes of your fellow men. In vain we write, or read, without the power of the Holy Spirit; but if favored with that, the meanest instrument is efficient—and this little book will be successful. When you have read the book—then lend it! If you can afford it, purchase a few copies to distribute among your relatives, friends, acquaintances, or neighbors. Follow the gift of every copy with much prayer, and when you pray for the book, ask the Lord in mercy to bless the author.
James Smith