Words of Counsel to the Newly Converted # 2

Words of Counsel to 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, Joshua 1:8).

And if you would 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. Don't waste your time in reading foolish tales, and still less, such books as make light of sin. With little difficulty you may always find some interesting book that may give you profitable instruction, and thus prove a help instead of a hindrance to you.

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."

When you arise in the morning, lift up heart and voice in seeking the strength you require to perform the day's duties, and to meet its various temptations. When you retire to rest, forget not to confess the sins of the day, and to commit yourself into the keeping of your heavenly Father. Store your memory with the short prayers that God Himself has taught us, and offer them in the midst of your ordinary work. Come often to the mercy seat with some such 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 God, have mercy on me!"

And 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, and 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.

Therefore plead with God His own promise, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children - how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

3. Value highly the services of the sanctuary. Great are the blessings you may find in a devout and regular attendance at Divine worship. Always go desiring to meet with God, and to hear His voice - and you will not be sent away empty.Join heartily in the holy prayers and praises. Listen to the sermon that is preached with self-application. Specially mark anything that makes you feel uneasy in conscience, or anything that tells you more of the love of Christ. Then try to lift up your voice in singing the praises of God.

When you enter the Church and when you leave it, be careful to avoid all light and worldly conversations, but pray for yourself, your minister, and those who worship with you.

Here also let me add - 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. If only you trust His grace, He will not reject you however unworthy you may be. All are welcome who confess their sins, and truly turn to the Saviour. Thus coming in faith and repentance, your souls will be strengthened and refreshed. Do not imagine indeed that there is any change in the bread and wine, or that we eat the literal flesh and drink the blood of Christ, as the Church of Rome teaches. It is not thus, that our souls could be fed. Take and eat the bread of remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on Him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

The season of preparation also will be useful in recalling you to quiet thought and prayer, if you have been going astray - and in the ordinance itself Christ will draw near to you, and fix your heart on Himself.

~George Everard~

(continued with # 3)