More : "Give attention to reading" Part 5

"Give attention to reading" Part 5

Reading: -- The art of writing is an old as well as an invaluable art, though printing is a comparatively modern invention. Paul was a reader (Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12), and he exhorts Timothy, his son, to read. Right attendance to reading means --

I. Read the BEST books. The world abounds with books, most of which are rubbish, many of which are pestilent, few only are good. A good book should be --

1. Enlightening. It should brighten the firmament and widen the horizon of the soul.

2. Truthful. Whether in the form of fiction, history, or discussion, it should be true to the great realities of existence.

3. Suggestive. Every page of a good book should involve much more than it expresses, and charm the reader into fresh fields of inquiry.

4. Disciplinary. A good book is a book that aims at disciplining both the intellect and the heart. To aid the intellect to think with freedom, force, and precision, and the heart to flow with pure loves and high aspirations.

II. Read the best books in a RIGHT WAY.

1. Thoughtfully.2. Earnestly.3. Practically.

If men would "give attendance to such reading" a glorious change would come over the world, a new order of things would spring up in every department of social life. (D. Thomas.)

Experimental knowledge must be added to book knowledge: -- It is well known that the great doctors of the world, by much reading and speculation, attain unto a great height of knowledge, but seldom to sound wisdom; which hath given way to that common proverb, "The greatest clerks are not always the wisest men." It is not studying of politics that will make a man a wise councillor of state till his knowledge is joined with experience, which teacheth where the rules of state hold and where they fail. It is not book knowledge that will make a good general, a skilful pilot -- no, not so much as a cunning artizan -- till that knowledge is perfected by practice and experience. And so, surely, though a man abound never so much in literal knowledge, it will be far from making him a good Christian, unless he bring precepts into practice, and, by feeling experience, apply that he knows to his own use and spiritual advantage. (J. Spencer.)

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