Drinking from Muddy Fountains
By G. B. Thompson
WHILE we should “give attendance to reading,” we should also take heed as to what we read. Frequently, on the tables of Christians, we find light, trashy literature, the reading of which tends to wean the heart from prayer and the study of the Word, and to grieve the Holy Spirit. The Bible should stand first in our course of reading. Nothing else will so strengthen and expand the mind as will a prayerful study of God’s word. We should read it daily, and thus gather manna to nourish our souls. We should not fail to read publications which explain the prophecies and point out the way to holier living and deeper consecration. Besides this, there are many other good books written by men of God, where we can glean excellent and helpful thoughts. Then the whole field of literature—science, history, biography, and travel—is before us, from which works on a thousand subjects can be selected and read with profit. We need not drink from the muddy fountain of pagan authors, nor study the writings of critics- who insidiously undermine faith in the Scriptures. There is a far greater library of good, healthful books than we shall be able to read in a lifetime. Books are companions, and should be as carefully selected as should friends. Then the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher, will draw near and help us in our study.