by Thomas Brooks, "The
Crown and Glory of Christianity" or
"HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness," 1662
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,
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!
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm
119:97
