Precept and Example by J. C. Holbrook, D. D.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 13, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 11.

Precept and Example.

By J. C. Holbrook, D. D.

It has been sarcastically said of some ministers of the gospel, that they are like guide-boards in the highways—pointing out the true path to others, but not going in it themselves! And so the apostle Paul suggests that one may proclaim the way to Heaven, and yet never himself reach that goal. "I keep under my body," he says, "and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway." I do not suppose he meant us to understand from this that he had any serious doubts as to his good prospects for eternity, for elsewhere he manifests abundantly the full assurance of hope which he exhorted others to attain; but he knew that his salvation was to be consummated, under God, by watchfulness on his own part against temptation, and by a persistent warfare with "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life."—J. C. Holbrook, D. D.