God's Love Letter

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

Psalm 119:97

The Scripture is God's love-letter to men. Here the
lamb may wade—and here the elephant may swim!

The blessed Scriptures are of infinite worth
and value! Here you may find . . .
    a remedy for every disease,
    a balm for every wound,
    a plaster for every sore,
    milk for babes,
    meat for strong men,
    comfort for the afflicted,
    support for the tempted,
    solace for the distressed,
    ease for the wearied,
    a staff to support the feeble,
    a sword to defend the weak.

The holy Scriptures are . . .
    the map of God's mercy—and man's misery,
    the touchstone of truth,
    the shop of remedies against all maladies,
    the hammer of vices,
    the treasury of virtues,
    the exposer of all sensual and worldly vanities,
    the balance of equity,
    the most perfect rule of all justice and honesty.

Ah, friends, no book befits your hands like the Bible!

The Bible is the best preacher. This book,
this preacher will preach to you . . .
    in your shops,
    in your chambers,
    in your closets,
    yes, in your own bosoms!
This book will preach to you at home and abroad;
it will preach to you in all companies; and it will
preach to you in all conditions.

By this book you shall be saved—or
By this book you shall be damned!
By this book you must live.
By this book you must die.
By this book you shall be judged in the great day!

Oh, therefore . . .
    love this book above all other books,
    prize this book above all other books,
    read this book before all other books,
    study this book more than all other books!

For he who reads much—and understands nothing,
is like him who hunts much—and catches nothing.

 ~Thomas Brooks, The Crown and Glory of Christianity, 1662

 

The Sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:24

Christ can never rest satisfied until His gracious
communion with His people here, issues in their
perfect and glorious communion with Him in heaven.

Christ is very desirous of His people's fellowship and
company.  It is a part of Christ's joy—that they should
be where He is.  Christ will not be happy alone. As a
tender father, He can enjoy nothing if His children
may not have part with Him.  Even now—He is
always with them . . .

                to eye their behavior,
                to hear their prayers,
                to guide their way,
                to protect their persons,
                to cheer their spirits, and
                to delight with His presence.

The greatest part of our happiness, which we shall
have in heaven lies in this—that then we shall be
with Christ, and have immediate communion with
Him.   O sirs! the great end of our being in heaven,
is to behold and enjoy the glory of Christ!

Certainly the glory and happiness of heaven to the
elect, will consist much in being in Christ's company,
in whom they delight so much on earth.  To follow the
Lamb wherever He goes, to enjoy Him fully, and to be
always in His presence—is the heaven of heaven, the
glory of glory!  This is the sparkling diamond in
the ring of glory!

The day is coming wherein believers shall be completely
happy in a sight of Christ's glory.  When all veils have been
laid aside—they shall be fitted for a more full fruition, and
shall visibly and immediately behold and enjoy Him!

~Thomas Brooks, excerpt from "Paradise Opened"

~Choir of King's College Sings Psalm 148