Books…books…books…

I've always thought this quote of Baxter's very thought-provoking (odd, perhaps, for someone who loves books, designs books, edits books…)

It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make one wise, but the well-reading of a few, could they be sure to have the best...
— Richard Baxter

Prayer…

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
—Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The dawn of heaven breaks

Just wanted to recommend a little book I worked on this year for Evangelical Press called The dawn of heaven breaks: Anticipating eternity by Sharon James (ISBN 9780852346419). It is a wonderful anthology of hymns, Bible verses and other writings on the theme of heaven. It is a great thing to give a believer, old or young, going through an illness, bereavement, struggles or even facing death.

I'll give you a little taste here from page 4-5 from Richard Baxter:

The Saints’ Everlasting Rest

How often do you think about heaven? One of the greatest pastors in church history, Richard Baxter (1615-1691) urged all Christians to set aside time each day to meditate on heaven. His first book was published in 1650, entitled The Saints’ Everlasting Rest. In it, he urged his readers to get alone, and think, and read, and pray:

Go away into a private place, at a convenient time, and put aside other distractions. Look up towards heaven. Remember that your everlasting rest is there. Meditate on its wonder and reality. Rise from sense to faith, by comparing heavenly with earthly joys, until you are transformed from a forgetful sinner, and a lover of the world, to an ardent lover of God. Meditate on heaven until you are changed from a fearful coward to a resolved Christian. Meditate until your unfruitful sadness is turned to joy. Meditate until your heart is weaned away from earth to heaven, until you are taken up with the delight of walking with God.

You will be as one who stands on the top of a high mountain looking down on the world below: fields, woods, cities and towns will seem like little spots. In fact that is how insignificant all earthly things will now appear! The most powerful rulers will seem as grasshoppers; the busy, contentious, covetous world, will be like a heap of ants. You will not fear the threats of men. You will not be attracted by the honours of the world. Temptations will lose their strong appeal. Afflictions will seem less grievous. Every mercy will be more greatly appreciated. And, by God’s grace, it is for you to choose whether you live this blessed life or not!

~ Richard Baxter ~

Helpful blog...

Check out David Robinson's very helpful look at Psalm 88. If you, or someone you know, suffers from depression, he has some good words to share.

Thomas Watson on Romans 8:28

I acquired a little book recently called A divine cordial by Thomas Watson (more recently published in the Banner of Truth Puritan paperback series as All things for good). I had read little of Watson prior to this but what a treasure this book is. Perhaps it is just that God provides just what we need at the time when we are able to receive it, I don't know. Anyhow, this book has been just a real encouragement.

It is written in a very Puritan style, with many points and divisions, in places more like a sermon outline it seems, but what deep truths I have found, seemingly in every paragraph. Full of pith and depth, Watson explores and mines Romans 8:28 like someone seeking to glean every last nugget out of a gold deposit.

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Here are a few points from Chapter One on how the best things work for good to the godly:

• God's power works for good in supporting us in trouble. Underneath are the everlasting arms (Deut. 33:27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? Jonah in the whale's belly? The three Hebrews in the furnace? Only the power of God. Is it not strange to see a bruised reed grow and flourish? How is a weak Christian able, not only to endure affliction, but to rejoice in it? He is upheld by the arms of the Almighty. My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

• The goodness of God works for good to the godly. God's goodness is a means to make us good. The goodness of God leadeth to repentance (Rom. 2:4). The goodness of God is a spiritual sunbeam to melt the heart into tears. Oh, says the soul, has God been so good to me? ...

• The promises are notes of God's hand; is it not good to have security? ... They are called precious promises (1 Peter 1:4). They are as cordials to the soul that is ready to faint...
... Are we in great trouble? There is a promise that works for our good, I will be with him in trouble (Ps. 91:15). God does not bring His people into troubles, and leave them there. He will stand by them; He will hold their heads and hearts when they are fainting. And there is another promise, He is their strength in the time of trouble (Ps. 37:39). "Oh," says the soul, "I shall faint in the day of trial." But God will be the strength of our hearts; He will join His forces with us. Either He will make His hand lighter, or our faith stronger.

•... the mercies of God work for good... Lord, why is it that notwithstanding all my unworthiness, a fresh tide of mercy comes in every day?... The mercies of God have a melting influence upon the soul; they dissolve it in love to God.