The Old Book

I am sitting in our study reading a book that was published in 1853.  The book was given to us by our friend, Randy, but before I tell you about the book, let me tell you I love old books. 

I love knowing that hand after hand before me has held this book, read its pages, and considered the truths it contains.  I love the yellowed pages and the crispiness of the bindings.  I love the scroll design and the simplicity of information presented on the cover.

This book was written by John East and is entitled, "My Savior:  or Devotional Meditations in Prose and Verse on the Names and Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ."

I happened to notice this book between our chairs in our study, and being a lover of old books (I know there has to be a name for that) I had to explore this beautiful volume.  Upon reading the first few pages I found it has a beauty not just in its antiquity, in its manufacture, but also in its content.

Here is an example of what I have read:

"I shall not be filled with consternation when He cometh, whether it be 'at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning;' for I shall lift up my eyes, not upon an unknown judge, from whom I have every thing to dread, but upon a friend from whom I shall have every thing to hope, and whom I have been accustomed, with humility, yet with affectionate confidence, to call My Savior."

What an incredibly beautiful thought!  We should not feel dread as we look upon our Savior for the first time for He will not be approaching us a judge hoping to find something for which He can convict us.  No, He will be approaching us as our Advocate, our Friend and the One who gladly gave His own life as the payment for our sins.   Should any claim come against us in that day the Lord Jesus will show His nail-scarred hands and declare, "I have paid this debt for my dear friend."

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, 

Jesus Christ the Righteous:  

And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world."  

I John 2:1,2

"And one shall say unto Him, 'What are these wounds in Thine hands?' 

 Then He shall answer, 

'Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.' "  

Zechariah 13:6