Words of Counsel for the Newly Converted # 2

Words of Counsel for the Newly Converted # 2

Read mostly the plainest and most practical parts - as the Psalms, the Gospels, and the Epistles - yet neglect not from time to time carefully to peruse the whole, since "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,for instruction in righteousness." "This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein - for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Joshua 1:8).

And if you would find true delight in those blessed truths which the Bible contains, be very careful to read no book that will unfit the mind for heavenly meditation. 

2. Resort continually to the throne of grace. "Pray without ceasing." "In everything by prayer and petition, let your requests be made known unto God." Come often to the mercy seat with some petitions as these: "Hold me up - and I shall be safe." "Keep me as the apple of Your eye." "Create in me a clean heart, O God!" 'Lord help me!" "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" At all times, be very earnest in prayer that God would bestow upon you the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Remember that it is by the Spirit alone, you can have any right views of sin, of the world, of the character of God, of the love of Christ. It is by the Spirit also that right feelings and dispositions can be implanted in the heart. Would you be a humble, contrite, meek, holy, loving, happy Christian - would you live for God and be ever doing Christ's work on earth - it can only be as you depend continually upon the aid of the Spirit.

Here let me add also - come regularly to the Holy Communion. Do not turn your back upon that table to which Christ Himself so lovingly invites you. You are not to wait until you are perfect, or until you imagine you have made some great progress in holiness - but Christ would have you come now. He will not reject you however unworthy you may be. All are welcome who confess their sins, and truly turn to Christ. Take and eat the bread in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

3. Be separate from the world that lies in wickedness.  Of course in some measure you must mix in the world, while you live on earth - but let it be evident that you rise above it. Ask "How far may I go, and yet be guiltless?" "How may I walk closely with God?" "How may I enjoy most of the love of Christ?" "How shall I best glorify my Father in Heaven?" Always ask, "Can I kneel down and with a good conscience ask the Lord to go with me to things of the world?" Above all, bear witness for Christ in the world by a very holy and consistent life. Resist sin in every shape and form. Guard against youthful lusts. In thought, word, and deed, be pure, and be chaste. Regard the least allusion to anything impure, as the poison of the old serpent which is death to the soul.

Keep a very tender conscience. Don't make light of little sins. Little acts of dishonesty, of selfishness, of neglect, indulged vanity, self-conceit and half-untruths - who can tell how much harm is often done by these things, and to what far greater evils they often lead?

But while you watch against sin, do not be content even with this. Be zealous in doing good. Follow Christ's footsteps. Strive to diminish the need, the suffering, the sorrow, the sin that is in the world. Wherever you may be placed, let your influence for good be felt by those with whom you have to do. "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault with great joy - to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 1:24-25).

O help us, Lord; each hour of need
Your heavenly support give,
Help us in thought, and word, and deed,
Each hour on earth we live!

O help us when our  spirits bleed
With contrite anguish sore;
And when our hearts are cold and dead,
O help us, Lord, the more!

O help us, through the prayer of faith,
More firmly to believe,
For still the more the servant has,
The more shall he receive.

O help us,l Jesus, from on high,
We know no help but Thee!
O help us so to live and die
As Yours in Heaven to be!

~George Everard~

(The End)