06.11. It Is A Staff To The Living

11. IT IS A STAFF TO THE LIVING A young man once entered an office to apply for a position and was asked for a recommendation. He opened his suitcase and began looking for one which he had brought along, and in doing so revealed his Bible, whereupon the man said, "What is that book you have there?" "A Bible," said the young man. "Do you intend to read it and live by it?" "I do, sir." "That is recommendation enough," said the employer, "the job is yours." In youth, in middle life and old age, it offers true and tried counsel for every perplexing problem. It is a refuge in the days of empty chairs and broken hearts. It is a tonic in the darkhours of doubt and difficulties. It is food in the time of poverty and depression. A light when everything else is dark and a friend when forsaken by loved ones and misunderstood by friends and acquaintances. How oft have I heard my old mother sing,

"’Tis a lamp in the wilderness of sorrow,
’Tis a light on the weary pilgrim’s way;
Leading up from earth to eternal glory,
Shining more and more unto that perfect day.
O the Bible, my precious Bible,
Gift of God, the lamp of life, my beautiful Bible.
I will cling to the dear and Holy Bible.
As I hasten to the city of our God."