The Christian's Guide by Sylvester A. Watkins

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 3, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 46.

The Christian's Guide.

By Sylvester A. Watkins

"For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death." Ps. 48:14.

THIS text sets forth a glorious truth, one which has been tried and proved by thousands of men and women from the fall of Adam to the present time. The idea it contains is so grand, so rich in thought, and so unspeakably beautiful, that it supports, comforts, and strengthens all who appropriate it to themselves, not for a short time, but as long as truth is realized in the soul.

How often have men when traveling, whether by land or by sea, felt the need of a guide to lead them in the right path—one who will keep with them till their journey ends. So it is with the Christian, who, above all persons, requires a guide that knows the way by experience, and cannot err; for while he is a pilgrim and sojourner here, he is surrounded by innumerable dangers, hidden rocks, and quick-sands ready to engulf him the moment he leaves the beaten track.

Truly the Christian who would be his own guide through this world of sin and misery, resembles too closely the captain who would try a dangerous passage without a pilot. May that never be the case with you, dear reader. God graciously offers to guide you through this world, and to protect you from its many snares and temptations to which you would otherwise be subject; but it must be on the condition that you surrender yourself entirely to him. There must not be anything kept back. All must be straightforward and clear as the day; and the unfeigned language of your heart must be, "Lord, do with me as seemeth good in thy sight." Then God can deal with you as with a son.

What a blessed truth it is to know that He who said, "Let there be light, and there was light," is the Christian's everlasting friend. He who created these rolling orbs of light, which are seen in the far-off skies proclaiming to the listening universe the tale of their birth, he that is God from everlasting to everlasting, says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

SYLVESTER A. WATKINS.