IN presenting to the Christian reader the following little work on "The Life and Times of David, Bing of Israel," I feel that there is but little demand for prefatory remarks.
Many, I am aware, whose judgment and conscience I deeply respect, disapprove of human writings on subjects connected with Sacred Scripture; and, no doubt, where such writings usurp the place of Scripture in the mind, the effect is most pernicious. But where this is not the case, I believe the Lord may make a book or tract the means of much real profit to the soul.
Were the Church, as it ought to be, gathered together in the power of the Holy Ghost, and all the members working effectually in their respective places in the body, there would be little need for such an imperfect instrumentality. But in the present scattered and divided state of Christians, when we are, of necessity, deprived of much of the viva voce instructions of our brethren, it is a mercy to receive their ministrations, even though it be only by means of "paper and ink.”
If we cannot have what we would, it is well to enjoy and profit by what we can; and in all things, whether we minister, or are ministered to, may we set the Lord before us, and seek to act with a single eye to His glory. This will give everyone his proper sphere of action.
The present is a time of great diversity of judgment and conflict of opinion. Many simple souls know not what to think, or what to do. Various and discordant sounds fall upon the ear, and the sheep are scattered, up and down in fear and uncertainty. Still, however, the circumcised ear may discern the Shepherd's voice, and this gives peace in the midst of the terrible confusion.
The history of the last few years may well teach us the difficult lesson of ceasing from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and looking simply up to God: could we but learn this, our path, for the time to come, would be safer and happier.
May the Lord bless His own word!
C. H. M.