He both are known by the choice they make. Timothy chose learning, and knowledge; many choose stupidity, and ignorance. Which do you prefer? Timothy not only chose learning to read, but loved to read his bible. Many who can read, never look at their bibles; but choose rather some idle story book, or filthy jest. Which do you best like? He chose what was holy, what related to a holy God, and tended to make him holy too: every word of God is pure, and commands us to purify ourselves, from every filthiness of flesh and spirit. chose what was of the greatest importance; the scriptures were more worthy than all the world beside, because they point out the way to salvation. They shew what a miserable state all children are in by reason of sin, how that hell gapes wide for them and they reveal too Jesus, as the only way of escape, who says, suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. What he read there would lead him from eternal misery, up to everlasting glory. Is what you choose better than this? Do the books you read, teach you more important things? What is of so much value as the soul? what therefore is so wise of us, as to study our bibles where we learn how our souls may : be saved. As all things else are trifles, when compared with the soul; so all other books are folly, when compared with the bible. 5. He was serious. If the scriptures did not find him so, they made him so; for they are full of serious things. They utterly condemn all mischief, which is sport to a fool: all profaneness, wicked words, lies, swearing, drunkenness, sabbath breaking: all wantonness, either in your actions, your words, or even in your thoughts. Those who read their bible and attend to it, will be mended by it; and those who read it and do not regard it, will by it be condemned. By serious, I do not mean melancholy, but steady; settling to the business. before them, whatever it is, with a resolution to go through with it: circumspect; that is careful, and wary, fearful of doing wrong, and ever attentive to know the right way, and to walk in it: thoughtful; not giddy, minding play and nothing else, loving frolic more than business, more than holiness; but on the contrary, giving his thoughts most to those subjects whose importance is greatest; considering not only the present moment, but the future state; and concerned more for his soul, than his body. Now remember all this was when he was but a child, not older than yourselves. When you are told a man lifts a sack of wheat, you think it no example to you, because on account of your youth you are unable to imitate him. Were I to tell you what a great christian Paul was, you might perhaps make me the same answer: but when I propose Timothy, a child like yourselves; and shew you how he excelled in knowledge and piety; you must either resolve by God's grace to imitate him, or else stand condemned without any excuse. He had the same passions as you; he might love play as much; but he minded his best business notwithstanding. He had the same tempers to struggle with; but he did not give way to them. He had the same weaknesses to hinder him; but in spite of all he proceeded, being determined though a child, that he would know the holy scriptures; which were able to make him wise unto salvation. Secondly, Having shewn how he obtained his knowledge, I will now tell you the benefit of it. What did he get by his learning, his seriousness, his knowledge of the scriptures? 1. He was hereby kept from many sins which other children fall into. The bible is God's word; wherein he tells us what we must do to please him, and what we must not do, lest he should be angry. Those who never read their bibles are ignorant what these things are; and rather do what pleases themselves, than what pleases God : They commit many sins without knowing that they are sins, The Bible tells us too, what terrible things God will do to obstinate sinners; how he is angry with the wicked every day, and has said he will cast them when they die into hell: does not this tend to make those who know this, afraid of sin. In the Bible are many examples of good people blessed of God; and wicked peo ple punished. Chaste Joseph, was raised to be next the king of Egypt: Ruth, for her dutifulness to her mother was married to rich Boaz: but passionate Cain, became a vagabond theiving Achan, was burnt to death: lying Gehazi, became a leper, and could never be cured of his disorder: Eutychus who slept at sermon, dropt down dead; and a great number more. Timothy knowing all these things from his youth, must needs be led to avoid those sins, which he found were punished in so terrible a manner. And is it not a great advantage to be kept from sin. Every sin is a debt; and the less we run in debt the better; see ing we are not able to pay, but must be cast into prison. Every sin is poison; the less poison we take the better, for nobody likes sickness and death. Every sin is a crime, which provokes the wrath of God against us; the least stroke of his wrath will destroy us, how terrible must the greatness of it be. Every sin when repented of is as a dagger to the heart; what bitter repentance must great sinners have. Every sin unrepented of is a fresh tooth to the worm which never dies, Who can endure it? Had you not rather have God love you, than hate you; bless you, than curse you? Then read your bibles well, that you may by it be kept from sin. If you ask how shall a young man cleanse his way; the answer is, By taking heed thereto according to God's word. 2. He was hereby not only kept from sin, but trained up in holiness: and this was a great advantage, because train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Having been used to reading in his youth, he always loved it; and if he learned but one thing by every day's reading, or got but one good resolution strength |