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Christian Education
“subject to like passions as we are.” We see how they struggled through
discouragements like our own, how they fell under temptations as
we have done, and yet took heart again and conquered through the
grace of God; and beholding, we are encouraged in our striving after
righteousness. As we read of the precious experiences granted them,
of the light and love and blessing it was theirs to enjoy, and of the work
they wrought through the grace given them, the spirit that inspired
them kindles a flame of holy emulation in our hearts, and a desire to
be like them in character,—like them to walk with God.
Jesus said of the Old Testament Scriptures,—and how much more
is it true of the New,—“They are they which testify of me,” [
John 5:39
.]
the Redeemer, him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Yes,
the whole Bible tells of Christ. From the first record of creation,—“for
without him was not anything made that was made,” [
John 1:3
]—to
the closing promise, “Behold I come quickly,” we are reading of his
works and listening to his voice. If you would become acquainted with
the Saviour, study the Holy Scriptures.
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Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living
water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from
heaven. Jesus declares, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and
drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” [
John 6:53
.] And he explains
himself by saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit,
and they are life.” [
John 6:63
.] Our bodies are built up from what
we eat and drink; and as in the natural economy, so in the spiritual
economy, it is what we meditate upon that will give tone and strength
to our spiritual nature.
The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into;
it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the
ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study
now? The infinite love and mercy of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our
behalf, calls for the most serious and solemn reflection. We should
dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We
should meditate upon the mission of him who came to save his people
from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith
and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more
acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with
faith and love. They will be intelligent and fervent. There will be