p. 6 | Good Books by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1912

Good Books

By G. B. Thompson

"The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." 2 Tim. 4:13. Thus wrote the great apostle from a Roman dungeon. He felt his need of books. Even an apostle must read. He was an inspired instrument of the Lord, and had been preaching for many years, but he still wanted books. He was "Paul the aged," and the years of his usefulness seemed about ended. He was then a prisoner, sentenced to death, but he still wanted books. He had been educated at the feet of Gamaliel, but he did not stop reading and studying. He felt that books were still one of his needs. He had seen the Lord when on the way to Damascus, had been caught up to the third heaven and heard things that it was impossible for him to utter, and had a very wide experience, yet all this did not take the place of books. To grow intellectually he must read and fill his mind with useful information. Though an inspired writer himself, he was not beyond reading the writings of other men. Books and parchments seemed to weigh more in his mind than food for the outward man.

Surely the example of this mighty hero of the cross, studying and seeking for light and knowledge, when almost in the presence of the executioner, is an inspiring example for God's servants to-day to be diligent students and readers of good literature. Intellectual laziness is as great a sin as any other kind of laziness.

Paul wrote to Timothy, "Give attendance to reading." Spurgeon once said, "The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted; he who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all people: you must needs read."

While it is true that there is much literature in the world that should not be read, there are many excellent books that will impart light and information, and we should be constantly searching for the good that we may constantly improve the mind.

Takoma Park, D. C.