Faint not, but be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave unto him; for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and beside him there is no other Saviour. He filleth all things with his wisdom. Sirach 24:24-25.
O my dear Saviour, grant that I may rest quietly and humbly in the avoiding all swerving and presumptuous actions which are not commended to me.
He that always covets novelties, it is a sign that he hath not as yet tasted the power of the old word of God; else he would certainly be satisfied with it. Better daily to improve in the power of godliness, than in new words, forms, and methods. To be talking always of wounds is not an apostolic method. "May the Lord quicken me by the old truths, and humble my heart evermore, so as to receive them better, in that which I have heard from the beginning." Novelty is the bane of souls, by which we are often grievously tormented and distracted. It is work enough for a meek and quiet soul to keep within the bounds of a settled mind, and effectually to centre in God. How is it possible for such as from a vain curiosity, desire to know every thing, to enjoy true rest? What have we to do with the world? What need to meddle with the business of others? What signifies all knowledge, if it does not profit our souls? Had we not better to be ignorant of some other things, than to want a paving knowledge of Christ!
O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statutes still:
O that my God would grant me grace,
To know and do his will.